John Emershaw

Born in the gorgeous swirling leaves of a 1924 September, to the small town of Swoyersville, Pennsylvania, John Emershaw was a husband, brother. father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Affectionately known as "Peapaw" and "Poppers", he passed away on September 6th, 2018 at the Delaware Veteran's Home in Milford, DE. John lived a full and good life. He was raised in Pennsylvania, and as a young man, he was drafted into the Air Force during WWII where he was a right blister gunner. John's military legacy lives on as he was featured in the book,  Mission to Tokyo, which details his squad's mission into the heart of Japan during WWII. John was a man with charisma, charm, and humor. He touched the lives of all who knew him. His greatest gift to his family was his gift of presence. He was always there to guide you or help, cracking a joke along the way. He will always be remembered as a man who stood up for his family and showed love and compassion to those in need. He loved Johnny Carson and Jay Leno, discussing politics, and being a devout Catholic. He also loved blueberry muffins, really most food in general -- nothing brought a smile to his face more than a hearty family meal with his loved ones. John's hatred of squirrels was legendary, and it is amazing the species endured his outrage. John enjoyed the simple pleasures in life: riding his bike, crabbing on the pier near his home in Lewes, DE., getting ice cream or going to a buffet (with or without a bomb squad present), as well as flying kites with snot rags attached. However, John's most beloved thing was to watch the Baltimore Orioles. A lifelong fan, he never missed a game if he could help it, and even watched the games, which he lovingly recorded, during the winter months to sate his love of the sport and to exasperate his loved ones who also had to endure winter reruns of O's games. John is survived by his children, John D. Emershaw, Jacqueline Emershaw Sterbach, Cheryl Emershaw, and Judith Emershaw Gray. Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Agnes Emershaw, granddaughter, Jessica Ford and other loved ones. John leaves behind his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom feel the loss keenly and will certainly hold a space for him in their hearts forever. May he rest in peace now and always and never miss a day at the Lord's table for supper.   

A mass of christian burial will be celebrated at St.Clare Catholic Church on Saturday at 10 am. Visiting hours will be held at the Connelly Funeral Home of Essex, 300 Mace Avenue on Friday from 3-5 and 7-9 pm. Interment at Holly Hill Memorial Gardens.

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