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John H. Sponseller, Jr., 85, of Hanover, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at Homewood at Plum Creek. He was the loving husband of Rachel "Rae" K. (Smith) Sponseller for over 54 years.  Johnny and Rae lived a rich life filled with love, joy, adventure, hard work, family and friends. They owned and operated a successful dance studio together, where they built a cherished, unique family that spanned generations and brought them endless joy.  They sang in the church choir, enjoyed extensive travel on land and at sea, loved attending the theater, and never met a pitch game they didn't like.  Their family, children and grandchildren were central in their life together.

Born September 4, 1937 in Gardners, PA, John was the third of four children born to the late John H. Sponseller, Sr. and Anna (Cole) Sponseller.  He was also preceded in death by his older brother, Vernon Sponseller and younger sister, Betty Roth.  His older sister, Jeanette Dubroff, currently lives in Albuquerque, NM.

John attended Hanover High School until 1954, when (with his mother's permission) he enlisted in the United States Navy.  He served his country honorably as an original crew member/plank owner on the supercarrier USS Forrestal, as well as aboard the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid. After four years in the Navy, John joined the Hanover Police Department, serving his community from 1961 to 1965.   He then began his career at P. H. Glatfelter, where he often worked seven days a week.  He retired in 1999, after 34 years on the job. From 1977-1987, Johnny and Rae owned the building that housed Sponseller's Studio, requiring hours of extra time and energy, which he gave selflessly. After retirement, he enjoyed working on wood crafts, exercising at the YMCA, and became an avid cyclist.

In addition to his wife and sister, John is survived by many people who loved him dearly.  An ever-present, loving force in his life is his daughter Lori M. Berkheimer and her husband Kevin J. of Hanover.  Daughter Kimberly (Sponseller, born to Darlene Mummert) Keough and her husband Matthew, live in Alexandria, VA, and their children, twins Savannah and Nathan and twins Natalie and William, all attend college. Fresh Air daughter, Francise DeJesus of Taneytown, MD, and her children, Anthony, Antoine, Tianna Rae, and several grandchildren are all loving members of John's extended family. Sue and Dick Trimmer of Hanover, complete the circle of cherished family, including their daughters and families; Kris (Trimmer) and Andy Peterman and children Ansley and Connor, of Gettysburg, and Tracey (Trimmer) and Tim Coppersmith and children Grace and Lily, of Hanover.

The service to celebrate John's life will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at Hanover First Church of God, 600 Fairview Dr, with Pastor Dan Thomas officiating.  The viewing for immediate family begins at 0930, open viewing and time to share memories with the family begins at 1000, and the Celebration of Life service begins at 1100. Burial will be in St. Paul's (Dubs) Union Church Cemetery, 1958 Dubs Church Rd, Hanover. Immediately following burial, everyone is invited back to the Hanover First Church of God's Fellowship Hall for lunch and continued celebration of John's life.

For those desiring, in lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made in John's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, at www.act.alz.org/donate or sent to 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

To share memories of John H. Sponseller, Jr. and view a video tribute, please visit www.wetzelfuneralhome.com.