John “Jack” D. Ashner, 86, of Whitehall, died Feb. 12, 2024. He was the husband of Grace (Visnosky) Ashner for 65 years.

Born in Palmerton, he was a son of the late Pearl Blose Ashner Whiteman and Donald Ashner.

He was a 1955 graduate of Palmerton High School and a 1970 graduate of Muhlenberg College.

He was in the U.S. Navy for three years aboard the USS Borie, followed by active reserve service. He earned the rank of 1st class petty officer during eight years of service.

He worked for two years at Baker Chemical Company and for more than 37 years at Bell Telephone Laboratories, Western Electric and Alcatel-Lucent, from which he retired in 1999 as a senior engineer. While at Bell Labs, he authored and co-authored many technical papers including several published in technical journals.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Catasauqua, where he was a council member, usher and money counter.

He was a past master of Porter Lodge 284, Catasauqua, and a past high priest of Catasauqua Royal Arch Chapter 278, serving both in various capacities. He was a life member of Lehigh No. 1, Lehighton, and of Fullerton and West Catasauqua Fire Company No 1. He was a member of and was on the honor guard at Northampton Catholic War Veterans Post 454. He was an honorary plank owner of the USS Waldron Alumni Association and was a member of the Tin Can Soldiers.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Suzanne Rutkowski with James; a son, Michael with Jeff; two granddaughters, Jennifer Sopak with Harold and Amber Rutkowski; a great-grandson, Hunter Sopak; a brother, Gregory Whiteman; a sister, Linda Bottcher with Robert; a sister-in-law, Margo; nieces; and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son, John Jr.; and a brother, Ronald.

Contributions may be made to the church, 122 Union St., Catasauqua, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements were made by Reichel Funeral Home Inc., Northampton.