John R. Pressler, Jr., of Bellefonte, PA, born October 31, 1950; concluded his earthly journey on June 6th, 2024 at UPMC Altoona surrounded by his loving family. He was the only son of the late John R. Pressler, Sr. and Chloe Mildred Shehan.  On June 28th, 1969, he married Dorothy "Dot" Tibbens who preceded him in death on January 13, 2003 after 33 years of marriage.

John is survived by his daughter, Sandra D. Pressler and his grandson, Brennan R. Pressler.

He is also survived by sister, Marjorie Foster; sister-in-law, Myla Edwards and husband, Butch Edwards; brother-in-law, Daniel Tibbens and wife, Tonia Tibbens; nieces and nephews, Donnie Foster, Ronda Foster, Steve (Kim) Foster, John (Doris) Foster, Miacarla (Bill) Wilson, David  L. Edwards, Dan Tibbens, Raven Crader, Tom Tibbens, and numerous great nieces and nephews; extended family, Joe and Cindy Capparella (Tessa), Toni Weidman (Ellie), Josh and Stephanie Chalk (Kobi and Haidyn), Chris and Jody Emel (Joshua and Lindsey), Tim and Kristen Harvey, and he was grand-dad to Isaiah, Haley, Timmy, Zoey, Elijah, Zachary, and Malachi.  John considered his friends family and the list of extended family could go on and on.

Also surviving is his beloved and equally cantankerous cat, Skye, who provided comfort and companionship throughout the past several years.

John was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Bill and Martha Tibbens; brothers-in-law, Donald Foster Sr., Billie Tibbens Jr., and Tom Tibbens.

John graduated from Bellefonte Area High School where he also attended the Centre County Vo-Tech.

John served on active duty in the US Army from March 1970 to November of 1971.  From August 1970 through 1971 he served in Vietnam as an Armor Recon Specialist with the 3/5 Cav. He served in the US Army Reserves in Fort Lewis, Washington from November of 1971 to March of 1976.  He then served in the US Army Reserves in State College, Pennsylvania from 1976 until 1993.  His awards and decorations include certificates of appreciation, the national defense service medal, Republic of Vietnam campaign medal, a good conduct medal, and an Army Reserve component achievement medal, 2nd award.

He was employed by the State College Area School District for 23 years, where he was involved with AFSCME Council 13.  After his retirement from the School District he drove tractor-trailer for Transport America, and triaxle for Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., and Espy Transport.  John was always willing and ready to lend a hand any way he could.

John was a member of the VFW.  He was a former member of The Pleasant Gap Area Lions Club. His hobbies included bowling (he bowled leagues at Bellefonte Lanes for many years), visiting casinos, visiting with family and friends, hunting, fishing, bingo, watching older Western films on television, and he was an avid fan of car shows.

He frequently traveled. Some of his recent adventures include Lake Champlain Vermont, Niagara Falls, Delaware Seashore, going to play bingo in Salamanca, and Arlington National Cemetery where he participated in an Army wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier.

John valued time with loved ones more than anything else. He truly enjoyed the daily gatherings on his porch with his neighborhood friends, especially Don and Jack.  John loved to talk and reminisce.  He loved a good story, or joke.  No matter where he went he always found a friend (even if they were a stranger a minute ago).  Even when traveling out of state he would run into people that he knew and strike up a conversation.  We are going to miss his presence more than is even imaginable. His fast thinking, snappy comebacks, and ability to make us laugh will be especially missed.

Special thanks to the amazing staff of James E. Van Zandt Medical Center- CLC5 for their unwavering support, dedication, and care.

Friends will be received from 12:00pm to 1:00 PM on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at Haky/Georgiana Centre County Funeral Home 1034 Benner Pike, State College, PA 16801 with a graveside service officiated by Pastor Bo King, immediately following at 1:00 PM at Centre County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in John's memory may be made to The James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center, Voluntary Service Program, 2907 Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Second floor, Altoona, PA 16602, or online at https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online/

An online guestbook may be signed and condolences left for the family at www.hakygeorgianafh.com