John Pierce Gradwell Jr.

John Pierce Gradwell Jr. , 76, of Gordon passed away suddenly on Tuesday, February 4th at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville surrounded by his family.

Born in Frackville, he was a son of the late John Pierce Gradwell Sr. and Grace Edwards Gradwell. He was also preceded in death by his brother Ronald "Tic" Gradwell.

He was employed as a mechanic and repairman for Hidden Valley Golf Course, where he performed maintenance on Auburn golf carts and equipment until his retirement.

John was an Air Force Veteran having served during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1972. He was a past fire chief for the Citizens Fire Co. #1, Gordon from 1979 to 2004 and was a life member. He was also a member of the Ashland American Legion Post 434 and the Ashland Masonic Lodge #294. He was a founding member of the Little Pine Acre Lodge in English Center, PA.

John was a lifelong collector and avid enthusiast of Lionel Trains and also enjoyed fishing and hunting.

John is survived by his wife of 49 years, Margaret "Peggy" Gradwell, Gordon; his daughter, Nicole Anthony and her husband George, Frackville; his son, John Pierce Gradwell III and his wife Bethany, Elysburg; his three grandchildren: George Anthony Jr. and his wife Hannah; Nick Anthony and Grace Anthony; also survived by many nieces, nephews and grandpuppies.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 12th from the Citizen's Fire Co., located at E Plane St & W Otto St, Gordon. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing at the Citizen's Fire Co., Gordon on Wednesday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Interment with military honors will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made, in John's memory, to the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation – The Pierce Gradwell Memorial Fund, 216 S. Centre St., Pottsville PA 17901.

Sign the guest book, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com

Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., 501 W. Washington St. Frackville, is in charge of arrangements.