John Thomas Carl

John had just celebrated his 56th birthday on February 21, and if you knew him, he would’ve told you, “getting old sucks.” That was John. Always quick with a joke, always catching you off guard with something that would make you laugh when you didn’t even expect it.

He proudly served in the United States Army when he was younger, and he carried that same strength with him his entire life. He later made his home in New Bern, North Carolina, a place he truly loved, working at CarolinaEast Medical Center and building a life full of simple joys, laughter, and the people who meant everything to him.

John spent a good part of his life dedicated to service through the Masonic Lodge in Valley View, Pennsylvania, where he served as Worshipful Master, a role he held with pride and commitment.

John loved deeply. He stepped into Tanya’s life and loved her four boys like they were his own, and they loved him right back. He showed up for them, stood by them, and became someone they could count on no matter what. To them, he wasn’t just part of the family, he was their bonus dad.

To Tanya, he was her world. Her soulmate. Her joy. The person she did life with. They shared a love built on laughter, partnership, and everyday moments that meant everything. They went on adventures almost every weekend, made memories wherever they went, and found happiness in the little things, especially when they were together.

John loved collecting rocks, seashells, and coins. He could find meaning and excitement in the smallest things, and he loved being near the water. The beach was one of his favorite places, and so was just being out exploring, seeing where the day would take him.

He was also an avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and that was something he shared closely with Tanya’s son. They watched every single game together, never missing one. John had an Eagles shrine on the wall, a neon game-day light he lit before kickoff, and even a championship tattoo to prove just how serious he was about his team. One of the moments he cherished most was getting to attend a game together this past year, a memory that will be held onto forever.

He could also make the meanest cinnamon buns in New Bern. When he and Tanya owned the Surfside Baking Company, people lined up for them. It was just one more way John brought people together and made life a little sweeter.

He was known for his sense of humor. John could make anyone laugh, and usually when they needed it most. He didn’t try to be funny, it just came naturally. That was part of his gift.

He was also known for his strength. If you asked him how he was doing, even when something wasn’t right, he’d look at you and say, “strong like bull.” That’s who he was. Tough, selfless, and never one to complain.

John passed suddenly, leaving behind a space that can never be filled.

John was preceded in death by his father, Walter Carl; his grandparents, William and Mabel Carl, and John and Elinore Kleeman; and his mother’s late husband, Mance Carroll.

John is survived by his soulmate and fiancé, Tanya Herb of New Bern, North Carolina; his stepsons Brandon Herb of New Bern, North Carolina, Conner Herb of Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania and his wife, Ryleigh Herb, Austin Herb of New Bern, North Carolina, and Kaiden Herb of New Bern, North Carolina; his mother, Elizabeth Carroll of Pine Grove, Pennsylvania; his sisters Amy Breckinridge of Lykens, Pennsylvania, Greta Halle and her husband Gildas of Santa Barbara, California, Sara Reynolds and her husband Kenneth of Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, and Sheila Witmer and her husband Larry Jr. of Northumberland, Pennsylvania; along with many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved cat, Prince Bogie, and his beloved grand puppy, Sugar.

He was one of a kind. He was deeply loved. And he will never be replaced.

A celebration of John’s life will be announced at a later time.