John F. Southerton

John F. (Jack) Southerton, 89, of Honesdale, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, at Ellen Memorial Health Care Center.

John shared a loving marriage of nearly 68 years with his wife, Joyce (Dickhut) Southerton. They would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on April 12th.

Born on July 20, 1936 in Honesdale where he was raised, John was the son of the late Jerome and Margaret (Martin) Southerton. He attended Honesdale Catholic School before proudly serving his country in the United States Marine Corps.

John was deeply involved in his community throughout his life. He was a member of the Honesdale Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Honesdale Golf Club, and Bucks Cove Rod and Gun Club, where he also served as President. A passionate sports enthusiast, John dedicated many years to coaching youth athletics. He coached Biddy Basketball for 20 years and played a key role in organizing and coaching girls’ Missy Basketball. He also managed the Honesdale Eagles Teener League baseball team.

In addition to his beloved wife, John is survived by his children: John Southerton and his wife Debra, Jeffrey Southerton and his wife Susan, Lisa Bryant and her husband Kevin, and Kelly Hocker and her husband Eric. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, his sister Diane Simmons, and his sister- and brother-in-law, Christine and Harold Derrick.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Joseph Jerome Southerton; his brother Gerald Southerton and his wife Joan (Arnold); his brother-in-law Gary Simmons; and his sister Carol Korb and her husband Fred.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Hessling Murray Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale. A blessing service will be held at 6 pm.

A Christian burial and celebration of life will be held on June 12th at 10 am in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Honesdale.