John Wesley Rohrbach Sr., 83, of Robesonia, PA, entered eternal rest on February 12, 2025, at Berks Heim. Born in Reading, PA, on December 3, 1941, he was 1 of 18 children of the late Merrill M. Rohrbach Sr. and Ella (Hinkle) Rohrbach. In addition to his parents, John was welcomed into heaven by 12 of his siblings: Merrill Jr., Arthur, Glenn, Harold, Gene, Howard, LaVerne, Ronald, Larry, Dennis Rohrbach, Gloria Helm, and Eileen Dussinger. Growing up in a house that full, John learned 2 things early on: how to work hard, and how to cherish family above all else.
John dedicated 37 years as a hot mill operator at Carpenter Technology, showing up every day with a strong work ethic and a determination to provide for his family.
But there was much more to him than just his job—John was a man of many passions, some of which required elbow grease, and others that required a good pair of dancing shoes. He found joy in woodworking, could outshine anyone with his car-waxing skills (seriously, that car gleamed), and in his younger days, spent plenty of time at Gold’s Gym lifting weights.
If there was music playing, John was moving. He and his beloved wife, Linda, spent their younger years tearing up the dance floor at Lincoln Park Fire Company, a passion for dancing they proudly passed down to their children and grandchildren. As the saying went, “The Rohrbach's were the first on the dance floor and the last to leave.”
Weekends were for adventure—piling the family into the car for a trip or a drive to nowhere in particular, just enjoying the ride. A social butterfly, John never missed a chance to visit friends, swap stories, and brighten someone’s day. His quick wit and easy charm made him unforgettable, and to know him was to love him.
And let’s not forget—he was the biggest John Denver fan to ever walk the earth. He had a special way of making sure everyone around him knew it, too. If you were in the car with him, there was a good chance you’d be treated to a John Denver singalong, whether you were ready for it or not—just ask Linda.
Above all, John was a devoted husband, a loving father, and an incredible grandfather and great-grandfather. His family was his pride and joy, and he worked tirelessly to give them a life full of love and laughter.
His spirit will live on through his wife of 63 years, Linda G. (Steiner) Rohrbach; his daughter, Susan Schweitzer (Eric); and his son, John W. Rohrbach Jr. He is also survived by his brothers, Robert Rohrbach (Maryann) and Terry Rohrbach (Natalie); and his sisters, Joyce Burkey (Steve), Shirley Petery, and Vicki Periandi (Ralph). John was a proud grandfather to Erika Bechdel (Adam), Kyle Schweitzer (Katie), Raquel Rohrbach, and Viktor Rohrbach, as well as a beloved great-grandfather to Scarlett and Addison Bechdel and Abigail and Eloise Schweitzer. He also leaves behind a large, loving extended family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will forever cherish his memory.
John embraced life with joy and had a way of making the world brighter just by being in it. His legacy will live on in the familiar chords of a John Denver song, the gleam of a perfectly waxed car, and the first bold steps onto an empty dance floor. He was truly one of a kind—may he rest in eternal peace.
The family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, March 10, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Auman's Inc., 390 W. Neversink Rd., Reading, PA 19606, followed by a prayer service promptly commencing in the funeral home at 11:00 AM, with Pastor Bruce Osterhout officiating. Graveside committal will immediately follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park, Reiffton.
