1937-2025
John Robert Anderson, 88, of DuBois, PA, passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2025, while a patient at Penn Highlands DuBois. John was born on May 17, 1937, to the late John Freeman and Ruth (Kidd) Anderson in Sykesville, PA. John proudly served with the United States Army Reserves. John married the love of his life, Velma “Katie” Kathryn Peace on July 22, 1955, in Reynoldsville; Katie preceded him in passing on April 25, 2024. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in DuBois.
John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather—a man whose life was defined by faith, family, and integrity. His love for the Lord was simple yet unwavering, and his devotion to those he loved never faltered. He will be remembered not only for his hard work and perseverance but also for the humor that stayed with him until his very last breath.
From a young age, he had a passion for automobiles and the open road. That love never faded. As a vocational mechanic, he turned his skill into a career, but for him, cars were more than work—they were a passion he shared with his younger brother Tom, spending countless hours together in the garage working on cars and motorcycles.
As a child, he worked on a farm and later married a farm girl. In time, he fulfilled his dream of owning his own farm, where he found peace and satisfaction in plowing fields and mowing hay. He enjoyed spending time with his family, road trips, hunting, and dogs. But above all, his greatest joy was spending time with his beloved wife of nearly 69 years. In her final years, when her health declined, he cared for her tirelessly, never giving up hope, and ensuring she could remain in the comfort of her own home.
He lived by example—teaching responsibility, hard work, and perseverance through his actions. His life was a testament to love, faith, and dedication, leaving an enduring legacy for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
John is survived by three daughters: Melinda Riss (Andrew) of Reynoldsville, PA, Carlene Abdo (Bashar) of Raleigh, NC, and Kathy Del Giudice (Frank) New London, NH; eleven grandchildren: Chelsey Hill of England, Claire Eng of Charlottesville, VA, Chloe Smith of Lynchburg, VA, Drew Dickens of Melbourne, FL, Christian Riss of Lynchburg, VA, Fiona Riss of Reynoldsville, PA, Zayna Johnson of Raleigh, NC, Sofia Brown of Atlanta, GA, William Del Giudice of New London, NH, Margo Del Giudice of New London, NH, and Luke Del Giudice of New London, NH; nine great-grandchildren: Rosalie Hill, Albert Hill, Dustin Wright, Aleah Wright, Barrett Smith, Beau Smith, Leo Johnson, Callum Johnson, and Robin Eng. In addition to his parents and wife, John is preceded in passing by one brother: Tom Anderson.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Snyder – d’Argy Funeral Home, 206 E. Main Street, Reynoldsville, PA 15851. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the DuBois Christian Schools scholarship fund, 197 Eastern Avenue, DuBois, PA 15801. Interment will take place at Paradise Cemetery, Henderson Twp., Jefferson Co., PA. Online condolences and other information may be found by visiting www.dargyfh.com
