John R. Anderson

John Anderson's story began in Sayre, PA, on May 6, 1944. His mother, Agnes, had her hands full with John and his three brothers— Harold (Andy), Robert (Bob), and Charles (Chuck)—alongside their father, Harold. With 4 boys with 17 years total age difference, it's fair to say they had a lively and energetic home. 

A proud member of Sayre Area High School’s class of 1962, John went on to graduate with honors from Mansfield University with a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree focused in Mathematics. Never one to shy away from a challenge and always intellectually curious, he later added two master’s degrees—in Education and Computer Science—keeping life interesting when it risked becoming too predictable. 

John met his future wife, Joyce Shook, on a blind date. His Aunt Thelma arranged for John to meet Joyce, a nursing student. John had just started teaching when he began dating Joyce. Their loving and adventurous marriage spanned 54 years. Their daughter, Robyn, joined the adventure 12 years into their marriage. As soon as John learned Robyn’s adoption was confirmed, he rushed to the store to buy everything he could think a baby might need. John was thrilled to gain a son when Robyn married Luke Bartal. John was an ardent supporter of Luke when he decided to enlist in the U.S. Navy in his late 20s. John, the devoted father to Robyn, when Luke spent almost 5 months in Boot Camp and A-school, never left Robyn’s and her baby boy’s side. No surprise, John brought the same excitement to the arrival of his two grandsons, Anderson and Christian. John was often MIA and would “run off” with Anderson, enjoying the bond that can only exist between grandfather and grandson. 

As a math teacher at Athens Area High School, he became known for challenging students to reach their full potential—whether they recognized the value of his guidance at the time or not. He saw possibilities in students that they—or others—might have overlooked. After 11 dedicated years in the classroom, he transitioned to IBM as a Computer Systems Analyst, where he put his second master’s degree to good use. Over his 13 years with IBM, he excelled in his role, yet he could never step away from his calling as a teacher. He continued to share his expertise, teaching advanced math concepts to his colleagues. To those fortunate enough to know him well, John was more than a teacher—he was a mentor, a problem-solver, and, above all, a kind soul who made the world a better place in his own unique way. 

Beyond the high school classroom, he taught at the community college level and guided many toward their GEDs, believing in second chances and brighter futures. He was a community servant and gave his time and energy to anyone who asked for help. 

John was deeply devoted to his church, where he served faithfully for many years as Treasurer and a vestry member. He was a constant presence at church events, whether assisting with the annual bazaar, helping the organist with music at a moment’s notice, or performing quiet acts of service for those in need. His commitment to his faith and his community was unwavering, often going beyond what others ever saw or knew. 

He was a member of all of the social clubs in Sayre: the Ukrainian Club (e.g., the Ukki Club), the Sons of Italy, the Moose, the Elks Club, and possibly others. He supported an organization that worked to renovate the Sayre Theatre. You could never get a hold of him, but you could always find him. 

John held many titles: brother, husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. To each, he gave the kind of care and attention that can only come from someone who truly believed in making time for others. 

Funeral and burial services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 30 at The Church of the Redeemer, 201 S. Wilbur Ave., Sayre PA, with visitation hours starting at 10:00 am until the hour of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Sayre Area High School and the Athens Area High School Math Education Fund in John’s name