John Peter Jones

The world lost a ray of light on Thursday, October 13, 2022, with the passing of John Peter Jones, 21, of complications due to type 1 diabetes.  Born in Allentown to Peter W. Jones, Jr., and Elizabeth (McCormack) Jones, John Peter was a graduate of Liberty High School, class of 2020, and a junior at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, where he was pursuing a degree in finance with the intent to go to law school, and was on the Dean’s List. 

Outgoing but humble, John Peter was a life-long swimmer whose career began with the Bethlehem Stars Swim Team at the Bethlehem YMCA at the age of three, and continued at LHS under the direction of his beloved coach and mentor, Reik Foust.  He rose to Captain and famously led the team in their “R!” cheer.  Over the years, between the Y and Northwest Swim Club, he was a well-loved instructor, coach, and trusted lifeguard.

After playing for St. Anne’s CYO basketball, track and field, and football teams, as well as the Bethlehem Raiders youth football club, he continued his athletics at Northeast Middle School as a member of the soccer and football teams.  In addition to his sports, John Peter was a member of the Northeast Choir, Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra, and World Percussion where he won several Outstanding Musician awards for both chorus and percussion.  He so contributed to the Northeast culture that in 2016 he was awarded the Principal’s Northeast P.R.O.U.D. Award – “Mr. Northeast!”

At Liberty, John Peter continued his active contributions and made countless friends.  As well as competing on the cross-country team and the track team as a pole vaulter, he was a member of the Grenadier Band, 1st Company, Pep Band, and Orchestra, playing both violin and percussion and serving on the Band Senate.  A dedicated student with a quick wit to accompany his intelligence, he was inducted into the National Honors Society.

John loved teaching, and provided swimming lessons to the kids in the community, quickly becoming a role-model.  Among his other talents, he was an avid baker and enjoyed creating whimsical artisanal cakes.  

Above all, John Peter was unique, as evidenced by his quirky collection of colorful socks (his favorite color was red).  A friend called him a “serial lover,” and John was so centered that, as an adult, he was not hesitant to hug his father or hold his mother’s hand.  His vibrant personality and joyous outlook on life made everyone smile; he always brought light into any dark room. Reflecting his generous nature, he loved helping his mother with the children in her daycare.  He was gentle and sincere, but he had a dry and sly sense of humor -- people were never sure when he was joking! -- and thrust himself passionately into every aspect of his life, small or large.  

Survivors: In addition to his parents Peter and Elizabeth Jones, he will be remembered by his brothers Joshua and Jacob; godparents Ann Zsido and Dave Bertram; aunt, Cathleen McCormack; uncles, Russ McCormack (Joani), Ed McCormack, Lou Zsido, and Damon Jones (Antonette); cousins Marques, Zack, Tracy, Shane, Zoe, DJ, and Dominic, as well as many great aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. 

Services: A Celebration of John Peter’s life and legacy will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018, where the family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 10 A.M. with the service following at 12 P.M. in the funeral home. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John Peter’s name to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), 200 Vesey Street, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10281 (jdrf.org). 

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