John "Jack" Charles Haubrich Jr.

John Charles Haubrich, Jr. “Jack,” of Franklin, died August 8th, 2023, after a brief period of declining health. 

Jack was born on February 20th, 1934 in Jeannette, PA, to Anna and John Haubrich Sr.  He joined the Army, and was stationed at Fort Devens until his father died suddenly and he was honorably discharged.  

He returned home to the girl he’d fallen in love with the moment he laid eyes on her.  Dorothy Mae Weaver became Mrs. John Haubrich Jr. on January 22nd, 1955 and proudly held that title for 63 years, until her death in 2021.  Jack lit up when Dot walked into a room; she was the love of his life and together they were, and will remain, the heart and soul of the family they created.  

Jack and Dot moved to the Franklin area soon after they were married and he worked at the Glass Container Corporation in Reno as a mouldmaker.  An entrepreneur at heart, Jack also owned and operated J & D Propane Service, packaged and sold caramel corn and peanuts at the races, and, along with his son John, designed a plate to keep motorcycle kickstands from sinking into hot pavement.  His favorite job, though, was driving school bus after retiring from Glass Containers.  During his time at Lepley’s he was honored by Valley Grove School District for heroism, as he kept a bus full of students safe in the face of a tragic accident.

Jack had many hobbies and was involved in the community.  He was a member of the Rocky Grove Volunteer Fire Department, where for a time he managed the kitchen during bingo and fish dinners. He and Dot also enjoyed going to the Fireman’s convention for many years. As a member of the Oil City Cycle Club, he and Dot enjoyed weekend rides with the group and helping with the bicycle rodeo.  They also enjoyed several long rides to visit family in Florida and San Diego.

He was an avid softball player in his younger years, and later was an umpire for men’s softball at Miller Sibley and high schools.  These officiating skills were put to good use at home, too, during back yard games where his kids, grandkids, and family friends competed at a level that rivaled any PIAA game.  He also enjoyed the races and was a flagman at Tri City Speedway for a number of years.  Jack was an excellent pool shooter and loved a good game of poker and a round of golf.

In more recent years, “Pappy” Jack could mostly be found at home.  He spent hours on his tractor, mowing the yard (that was regularly used for those intense softball, kickball, and volleyball games).  He tended his garden and always had a haul of fruits and vegetables to share with anyone who stopped by.  He loved to sit on the back porch and watch the birds, the bears, the grandkids and great grandkids–whatever happened to wander onto the property and find the same sense of peace there that he did.  Usually he had a crossword puzzle and a cup of coffee–that had to be made just so—which his children raced to be the one to make and deliver to him.

Jack and his family were looking forward to a “Nifty at 90” write up this coming February, and while nobody was ready to say goodbye, we do take comfort in the knowledge that he is now back with Dot, which has always been his favorite place to be.  

He was also preceded in death by his son, John Haubrich III, son-in-law Donald Wightman, and great-grandson Christopher Crossley.  Parents and step-father Al Valdesalice, brothers Richard (Jean) Haubrich and William Valdesalice, and sister Laura Rain are also predeceased.

The children he was so proud of–Pam Wightman of Franklin; Nick (Ellen) Haubrich of Pensacola, FL; Anita (Jeff) Poling of Berea, KY; Wendy (Mike) McKain of Cranberry will sadly miss their Poppy.  He will also be missed by grandchildren John (Erica) Haubrich IV, Todd Haubrich, Jacqui (Stan) Redenz, Pete Shrock, Nick (Lyndsey) Haubrich Jr., Heather (Darren) Halliman, Nicole (Patrick) Crossley, Melanie (Brent) Loverti, Jessica (Brandon) Moore, and Jeff (Ayla) Poling Jr.  Pappy Jack is survived by many great-grandchildren, as well: Berlin and Lucy Haubrich; Gabriel and Fiona Redenz; Nate, Alyssa, and Peyton Crossley; Haley Kinney, Rylan Howard, and Ford Moore; Lena Poling. Baby Poling and Baby Loverti, due in the coming months, will learn about Pappy Jack through pictures and memories shared by his family who cherished him.

Also surviving is a sister Donna Valetti, daughter-in-law Brenda Conser; and many in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Jack had many sides to him, and his softer side was not always on display—but those who knew him best, who were touched by his generosity and concern—felt it and continue to feel it. Per Jack’s wishes, there will be no viewing.  On Friday evening, August 18^th, family, friends, and neighbors will celebrate his life and legacy on his beloved property, sharing stories, memories, food and drink around a fire and strengthening bonds that exist only because of the love of Jack and Dot Haubrich.  Memorial donations can be made to Jamie’s Kids or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 West Park St. Franklin.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.HuffGuthrie.com.