John Hauser

John Henry Hauser age 71, of Millcreek was suddenly taken from our midst on January 4th, 2019, from natural causes at St. Vincent Hospital.
John was born on March 24, 1947, in Erie, PA to Henry and Julia Hauser. His educational history included primary education at St. John the Baptist, secondary education at Academy High School and a four-year technical tool/die apprenticeship at Anson Tool. John’s superb mechanical skills provided the bulk of his livelihood, with several decades of employment at Swanson Erie, and a decade of service at General Electric.
As for John’s life, passions included a natural love of outdoor activities. John was an expert downhill skier, accomplished boater (the Villa) and a superlative walleye/steelhead fisherman. In the 1970’s, John operated a Lake Erie charter boat, part time, after obtaining his Captain’s credentials from the U.S. Coast Guard. Naturally inquisitive, John was an avid reader across a wide range of disciplines, easily meeting the definition of a lifelong learner.
Talents included property restoration and management, landscape design, auto repair, master gardening and self-developed skill sets in carpentry, plumbing and electrical trades. One of John’s loves was hosting summer fish fry picnics at his suburban home.
Philanthropy was a natural part of John’s essence. Our beloved, John, was always willing to volunteer his time and talents to those in need. Asking for assistance was not a prerequisite. John epitomized generosity and modeled it to his children.
This unique man possessed the patience of Job, embraced challenges and was fearless in living life on his own terms. Consistent words of encouragement, perpetual optimism, a friendly smile with a big hug and a warm persona endeared John to all who knew him.
As for character, John reveled in his role as a family man. His family, and an extensive network of friends, were the focus of his life. He was an attentive son to his elderly parents, as well as a loving husband and devoted father. John enjoyed his tenure as a Eucharist Minister at St. Jude the Apostle church.
The term “Renaissance Man” is defined as “a man of many talents”. John easily met this definition by the weight of evidence. This remarkable man of boundless energy was the Hauser family’s default “go to” guy, our anchor and our pillar. John epitomized the ideal combination of handy man and wise man.
John was predeceased by his father, Henry, his wife Judy and son John Jr.
Our beloved, John, is survived by his mother, Julia, wife Rebecca, daughter Jacqueline Davisson (Donna), daughter Dr. Jennifer Kohut (Aubrey) and son Joseph (Kassi). Also surviving are siblings David (Mary Ann), Dr. Joseph, and Dr. Julie Hauser (Matthew). Five grandchildren also survive: Christopher, Breanna, Joseph, Jude and Jameson.
Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 W. 26th Street (at Powell Ave) on Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and are invited to attend a prayer service there on Thursday at 10:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Jude the Apostle Church 2801 W. 6th Street, Erie, PA 16505. Private burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network, one of the many charitable organizations he so lovingly supported. John will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. The depth of our loss has yet to be fathomed.
Send condolences at www.burtonfuneralhome.com