John M. Steadle

Obituary Tribute for John M. Steadle, 92, of Sayre, PA 

John M. Steadle, 92, of Sayre, PA, passed peacefully into his heavenly home on December 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 8, 1932, in Plainsville, PA, he was the son of the late John and Mayetta Thompson Steadle. 

After graduating from Plains High School, John enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he was a military police officer stationed in London, England, and later at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL. Following his military service, John joined Ingersoll Rand in Athens, PA, and pursued his education in mechanical engineering. John was a skilled innovator and received multiple patents for pneumatic impact tools and machinery. John and family transferred to Livonia, MI, where he was manager of engineering. In 1969, John transferred to Ingersoll Rand in Dusseldorf, Germany where he served as plant manager. In 1972, John and wife Lois purchased a subcontract manufacturing business, Fisher Machine & Tool Corporation, in Athens, PA.  

John was a committed family man and community advocate. He served on the board of directors for Citizens and Northern Bank, Penn York Opportunities and the Athens Area School District. John belonged to multiple organizations, including the Athens American Legion, Sayre Elks, Masons, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and Rotary International of Athens and Dusseldorf, Germany. He was named a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. John was a member of the Litchfield United Methodist Church. 

Spending time with his devoted wife, Lois, and his family brought John the greatest joy. He also enjoyed traveling, fishing, hunting, water-skiing, golfing, and working in the yard. 

John is survived by the love of his life, Lois Gowan Steadle. The couple were approaching their 70th wedding anniversary on July 2, 2025. John is also survived by his daughter, Deb Gutierrez and son-in-law George Gutierrez of Waverly, NY and son, Glenn Steadle of Athens, PA. John is also survived by his brother-in-law, Larry Gowan, grandchildren, Eric (Sarah) Gutierrez, Jessica Gutierrez, Tyler Gutierrez, and Dylan (Emily) Gutierrez, and great-grandchildren, Gabriella, Michaela, Noah, Adam, and Caroline Gutierrez. John is also fondly remembered by his God-daughter Peggy (Leo) Fedor, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

Memorial contributions can be sent to Penn York Opportunities, 101 South Main St., Athens, PA 18810. Penn York Opportunities is a non-profit creating opportunities for all people, regardless of their abilities, focusing on community involvement, personal achievement, lifelong learning, and employment.  Services include behavioral support, transportation to medical appointments, supported living services, and respite services for caregivers. 

A private memorial service will be held in the spring of 2025 at Tioga Point Cemetery, officiated by Reverend Jon Austin. Arrangements are being handled by Lowery-Urban Funeral Home.

Condolences may be shared, and the e-guestbook signed at www.loweryfuneralhome.com. 

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