John Robert Schreyer

John Robert Schreyer, age 84, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2022 in Westminster, MD. He is survived by his wife, Joanne, his sons, Christopher (Colleen) and Joseph (Andrea), his five grandchildren: Nathaniel, Mackenzie, John, Maryn, and Lauren Schreyer, his siblings Frank (Marion) Schreyer, William Schreyer, Joanne Olejasz, Augusta Smith, Clara White, and Mary (Keith) Bonenberger, and many nieces and nephews.

John’s life was defined by an outstanding work ethic, dedication to family, and service to God. He was born on December 17, 1937 in Johnstown, PA, the 6th of 9 children of the late Augusta (nee Kloss) and William Schreyer. John was industrious as a young boy, rising early on summer mornings to pick blueberries to sell door-to-door and working the shoe counter at the local roller-skating rink owned by his family in Wheeling, WV. John graduated from Wheeling Central Catholic High School in 1956, where he was a star running back. He joined the Air Force immediately after high school and served honorably for 11 years. Ever the hard worker, he completed his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland while stationed in Germany. Later in life, John finished his master’s degree from Central Michigan University while working full-time.

Following his military service, John began a long and distinguished career working for the Department of Defense. John married Johanna “Joanne” Bridget Cullen on September 26th, 1970: together they settled in Catonsville, MD and raised two sons. His work required frequent travel and he visited many foreign countries over the years. John and Joanne were active parishioners at St. Mark Church, where John served as an usher until 2019. After he formally retired in his mid-70s, he kept himself busy consulting part-time on government contracts and taking a more active role at church- attending daily mass and opening and closing the church most days.

In his spare time, John enjoyed tending his garden and outsmarting the local deer and squirrel populations, as well as offering treats from his candy drawer to visiting family and friends (especially grandchildren). He will be missed by so many who were granted the gift of knowing him as either a loving husband, a supportive father, an adoring Pop-Pop, a caring brother, or a kind and deeply generous friend.

Family and friends may gather at the Candle Light Funeral Home, 1835 Frederick Road Catonsville, MD 21228 on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at 10:00 am at St. Mark Catholic Church, 37 Melvin Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228. Burial will follow at Crest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 2150 Mt. View Road, Marriottsville, MD 21104. A repast will follow

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