John was born in the Germantown section of Philadelphia during the Depression.  He was the youngest of 3 children of Betty and Bob Lonsdale. John attended Germantown High School and played on the championship soccer team. He was also a member of the Boy’s Club. In his youth, he drove across the US to race cars with his friends.  His passion for cars never waned.

In 1957, he married his wife, Sandy, with whom he had a loving and happy marriage until her death last year.  He was hired by Philadelphia Electric Company as a lineman. He spent his 35-year career at PECO, ending it at the subsidiary PJM as a manager.  His fifteen minutes of fame came during the 1977 black out in New York City, as a PECO representative on TV.

In 1965, he and his wife moved to Plymouth Township, where they raised five children.  His wife was active at Epiphany of Our Lord Church. His children all attended Epiphany then graduated from Plymouth Whitemarsh High School.

John was a devoted husband, fun-loving father, uncle and grandparent.  He was always the life of the party. He was a wonderful neighbor and popular with the kids on the block. His nickname Jake, and all the words which rhyme with it, became part of his legacy.

After John retired, he and his wife moved to Trooper.  His wife became an active member of Visitation BVM Church.  John worked part-time at Wynn Volvo/VW as a driver, where he was highly regarded.

The last four years John lived in Eagleville, with his daughter, Sandy and later, grandson Ryan.

Predeceased by his wife, Sandra M. Hutcheson Lonsdale, he is survived by his children; Sandra Dunne, Bonnie Derro (John), James Lonsdale (Bryan), Judith Lonsdale (Beth), and Robert Lonsdale (Henry).  Also survived by 7 grandchildren, Rebekah, Erika (Shane), Justin (Sarah), Alex, Ryan, Katie and Erin (Tucker), 7 great-grandchildren, Elisabeth, Annacatherine, Juliana, Natalie, Lucia, Mac and Knox, and 1 sister, Phyllis Stille.  He was predeceased by his brother, William Lonsdale.

He died peacefully at home with his family.

Due to the current COVID-19 Pandemic, A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.  Arrangements are under the direction of Wade Funeral Home, Bristol Borough.