John C. ("Jack") Widmer

Jack Widmer, 65, lifelong resident of Lower Burrell, died at home in the presence of his family on Friday, November 17, 2023. Born John Charles Widmer in New Kensington to the late Charles (Dutch) Widmer and Marie (Prengaman) Widmer, Jack grew up in Lower Burrell and was a 1976 graduate of Burrell High School. Following four years of service in the United States Coast Guard, Jack returned to his hometown where he ultimately began a 27-year career as a rural letter carrier for the US Postal Service, retiring in 2018.

A true “Jack-of-all-trades”, there wasn’t a topic with which Jack wasn’t familiar. On any given weekday, Jack enjoyed beating the contestants and his wife and sons at Jeopardy. Jack took up many hobbies in his lifetime including hunting with his brothers, travelling with his wife, and drinking a beer.  He and his wife Sheryl loved seeking out secluded beaches in Puerto Rico for snorkeling and surf fishing. Those who knew Jack knew of his great, dry sense of humor, his incredible patience, and his attitude of never taking things too seriously. He often could be found with a beer in his hand. There wasn’t a day in his life that he didn’t think about his mother, Marie, for whom he cared in her later years. Also, Jack enjoyed beer, but only in a proper glass.

Jack is survived by his wife Sheryl Haley, sons Brian (Devan) Haley and Andy Widmer (Becca Hoffman), and grandson Bud James Haley.  Jack is also survived by his beloved brother David L. Widmer (Patti), nieces Sandra (Matthew) McCool, Leah Widmer (Jim McManigle), Tami (Mark) Frink, as well as nephew Brian (Angy) Widmer.  Finally, Jack will be dearly missed by his sisters-in-law Karen Reynolds and Marsha Widmer, brother-in-law Tom Haley, and lifelong friends Mike Bush, George Ellison, and Terry Anderson, as well as neighbors, friends, and co-workers.

Jack was preceded in death by his brother Michael Paul Widmer and special sister-in-law Linda (McGinnis) Widmer. Jack will be cremated with ashes scattered off Carlos Rosario Beach on the island of Culebra, Puerto Rico.

A celebration of Jack’s life held with friends and family is forthcoming.  We’ll let you know.

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