Obituary

John E. Bem, 77, of Hastings, passed away on July 2, 2025. Born on August 22, 1947, to the late Stanley J. and Anna (Schall) Bem, Sr.

Preceded in death by his parents; infant sisters, Patricia Annand Theresa Ann Bem; brothers-in-law, Ken Kirk and James Eckenrode; sister-in-law, Louise (Sharbaugh) Bem; and niece Karen (Kirk) Clapper. Survived by sisters, Mary Kirk and Agnes Eckenrode; brother, Stanley Bem, Jr.; nieces and nephews, Donald (Sally) Kirk, Michele Kirk (Joseph Gelormino), Kevin (Mary) Kirk, Eugene (Marina) Bem, David (Evelyn) Bem, Michael (Susan) Bem; nephew-in-law, Herbert Clapper; and great nieces and nephews.

John graduated from Bishop Carroll High School where he was a part of National Honors Society and was a 2 year letterman in football. He went on to graduate from St. Francis University in 1969 with a degree in Chemistry. He received his Master’s in Education in Chemistry from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1973.

John was an advanced chemistry and physics teacher at Cambria Heights High School from 1969 until 1999. He served as the Science Department Head from 1995 until 1999. He continued to teach as a substitute teacher at both Cambria Heights, Harmony Area High School, and Penn Cambria. He received a variety of teaching honors such as National Certification in Chemistry by the National Science Teacher Association (1988), Great Teacher Recognition Award from St. Vincent College (1990), Distinguished Teacher of Honors Student Award presented by Penn State University (1992), named to Who’s Who Among American Teachers (1994), and Distinguished Physics Teacher honors from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (1995). John was also a part of a variety of professional organizations.

John was highly involved in his community serving as Secretary-Treasurer of Hastings Civic Association from 1973 until 1989, Director of Hastings Civic Association from 1989 until 1999, Director of Hastings Area Industrial Association from 1994 until 2006, member of Hastings Centennial Committee in 1989, Secretary and Editor of the Hastings History Book in 1989, and was a Chairman for the Quasquicentennial (125^th) Boro Celebration.

John was involved with the Miners Medical Center as well. He served as Director and Board Member (1995 to 2017), Chairman of Building and Grounds Committee (2000-2001), Member of Finance Committee and at times acting Chairman (1995-2007), Member of Strategic Planning (2008-2011), and Chairman of the Joint Conference Committee (2008-2011).

John was a life member of St. Bernard Church. He was involved in the Holy Name Society, an usher, chairman of parish council, a part of the board of trustees of the cemetery association serving as secretary and assistant treasurer, and charter member of the financial council and parish festival committee.

John was a registered P.I.A.A football official. He was secretary-treasurer from 1982 to 1997 and assistant rules interpreter from 1992 to 2005. He was honored to officiate many interdistrict football playoff games and in 1994 officiated the P.I.A.A Single A Football State Championship Game. In 2002 he was recognized by the State P.I.A.A Organization for 35 years of officiating games. In the same year he began a new position as District 6 Officials Evaluator.

John was also highly involved with Hastings Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, where he joined in 1970. He held offices such as secretary and treasurer. He was a part of Volunteer Firemen’s Association of Cambria County and Vicinity, where he held a variety of important positions from 1973 until 2011. He became an elected delegate for the Central District Volunteer Firemen’s Association in 1973. In 1980, he was honored as the Leroy C. Focht Award for Outstanding Service to Central District “Firefighter of the Year”. He was also highly involved and held a variety of offices in the Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association as well as the Firemen’s Association of the State of Pennsylvania.

Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 8:00 on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Easly-Hindman Funeral Home, 333 Beaver St., Hastings, PA 16646. Additional viewing time will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 10:00 until the start of mass at 11:00 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 148 7^th Ave., Hastings, PA 16646.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in John’s honor to the Hastings Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 or to St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.

Easly-Hindman Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., “Exclusive Provider of Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” Condolences may be made at HindmanFuneralHomes.com.