East Petersburg – John L. Politis, 75, of East Petersburg, formerly of Elysburg, passed away on February 15, 2025, at Neffsville Nursing and Rehabilitation in Lancaster.

He was born in Ashland on November 1, 1949, the son of the late John W. and Rose T. (Silvano) Politis.

He attended the former St. Paul's Church in Atlas where he served as an altar boy. He was a Boy Scout and attained the rank of Eagle Scout.

John graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes High School graduating in 1967. He attended Penn State University graduating with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. He enlisted in the Army in 1972 where he served four years. He attended the US Army Field Artillery and Officer Candidate School where he became a commissioned officer. During his military career, he received many certifications of recognition including a Marksman Badge, Sharpshooter Badge, and the Army Commendation Medal for acts of heroism or meritorious service.

John continued his education while in the army receiving two master's degrees in electrical engineering and systems management. He served as Aide-de-Camp to the Deputy Commanding General of the US Army Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, NJ. He was honorably discharged in 1976 as a 1st Lieutenant.

John went on to a successful career in various national security agencies including the NSA and Naval Research Laboratory. He also co-founded a hi-tech startup company working on crypto technology for the military. He held a top-secret security clearance.

In 1998 he left the security technology world for academia, holding a director position at Bucknell University, Virginia Tech University, and Luzerne Community College, Shamokin branch before retirement. While at Virginia Tech, he was a member of the outreach to establish a business center at Kathmandu University, Nepal.

John was a member of the Catholic Faith and the American Legion, Atlas. He enjoyed spending time in the woods, cutting down trees, and creating unique projects from wood for his family.

John was married to the former Mary C. Gabos from 1973 till her passing in 1999. John married Kathy (Morgan) Strauss in May 2004 on the Virginia Tech Campus.

John is survived by his wife, Kathy Politis of Petersburg; two daughters, Sharon Miller and husband, James of Dayton, OH, and Lisa Young and husband, Jarrod of Dayton, OH; and a son, John D. Politis of Jenkintown; two step-daughters, Jennifer Balladares and husband, Jaime of Coral Springs, FL and Dawn Butt and husband, Rick of East Petersburg; thirteen grandchildren; three sisters, Barbara Waddell of WV, Chris Stametz of Overlook, Ann Marie Pipa of Harrisburg; as well and niece, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. with Father Andrew Stahmer officiating in the Church of the Holy Angels, 855 Scott Street, Kulpmont. Burial will follow in All Saints Cemetery, Elysburg. Viewing will be held in the Church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011. Arrangements are in the care of C J Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 27 N Vine St., Mt. Carmel, C J Lucas IV, Supervisor. To send condolences to the family please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com