John T. Alshefski

John T. Alshefski, 90, of Muhlenberg Township, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Berks Heim.

He was the beloved husband of Joyce (Souchack) Alshefski, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage. Together, they built a life centered on family, friendship, faith, travel, and a genuine love of people.

Born in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, John was the son of the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Tragus) Alshefski. He was the youngest of five children and grew up in a hardworking coal-mining family. His father spent 39 years working in the mines and passed away when John was just eleven years old. His mother was an extraordinary woman who, in addition to raising her family, edited the Lithuanian newspaper in Shenandoah and could read and write five languages. After her husband's death, she worked three jobs to support John and the family.

Those early experiences shaped John for the rest of his life. He developed an unwavering work ethic, a deep appreciation for family, and a belief that perseverance and determination could overcome almost any obstacle.

John proudly served his country in the United States Army after graduating from Villanova University. Both institutions held a special place in his heart throughout his life. He was also an avid Villanova basketball fan, holding season tickets for many years.

John went on to enjoy a long and distinguished career with CNA Insurance, spanning nearly four decades. Beginning in underwriting and auditing, he held numerous positions of increasing responsibility and eventually built and managed a large regional services organization. He was known as a strong leader who believed that success came from surrounding yourself with talented people. His philosophy was simple: "Surround yourself with strength." He was proud of the many people he mentored throughout his career and of the teams he helped build.

John was also a devoted member of Holy Guardian Angels RCC, where he served as an usher for many years. He believed strongly in giving back to his community and was a member of the Muhlenberg Rotary Club for more than 40 years. Rotary was an important part of John's life, providing both an opportunity to serve his community and a source of many lasting friendships. He served as president three times and on the board for many years, attended numerous district conferences, and was honored twice with the Paul Harris Award. John valued the friendships he developed through Rotary and was proud to be part of an organization dedicated to service and helping others.

Outside of work and community service, John had many passions. He loved hiking, fishing, and traveling. He coached Little League baseball and girls' softball and guided the Boy Scouts on multiple 50-mile hikes along the Appalachian Trail. He and Joyce traveled extensively together after retirement and enjoyed numerous cruises and countless adventures along the way.

John also had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh and joke with family and friends. He had a way of making people feel comfortable and could turn even an ordinary moment into something memorable. He was an avid reader of newspapers and, whenever traveling, made a point of reading the local paper-especially the classifieds, which he believed told you a great deal about the local economy and the people who lived there.

One of John's favorite observations was that "the world is full of givers and takers. Which are you?" It was a simple question, but it reflected the way John tried to live his own life. He was a giver-to his family, his friends, his community, and the many people he mentored throughout his career.

But above all else, John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and soon-to-be great-grandfather. His family was his greatest source of pride and joy. He was present for countless games, concerts, school events, celebrations, and milestones, and he took tremendous pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; his daughter, Lisa O'Brien (William J.) of Charlotte, NC; and his son, John Glenn Alshefski (Erin) of Chester Springs.

He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Lindsay McCusker (Ryan) of West Chester, Leanne Elphick (Sam) of Newtown, Heidi Paradis of Chester Springs, and Karlie, Sean, and Katelyn O'Brien, all of Charlotte. He was also eagerly anticipating the arrival of two great-granddaughters early next year.

John lived a remarkable 90 years. He came from humble beginnings in a small Pennsylvania coal-mining town and built a life defined by hard work, faith, family, friendship, and service. He never forgot where he came from or the people who helped him along the way.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his siblings, Ray, Edmund, and Joseph Alshefski, and Evelyn Holoneck.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 21, at 11:30 a.m at Holy Guardian Angels Church, 3121 Kutztown Rd., Reading, PA 19605. A viewing will be held at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the start of Mass. Interment with military honors will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

Kuhn Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. 5153 Kutztown Rd., Temple, PA 19560, is honored to serve the Alshefski family. Condolences may be recorded at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.