John August Mengel

John A. Mengel (“Pop”), one of our Greatest Generation, of Mount Holly passed away on May 30, 2026 at his home. While he did not live forever (the goal post kept moving!) he was well into his 102nd year. Born in 1923 he was the son of Robert W. Mengel and Clara A. Mengel (Schoelkopf.) He grew up in Reading with his seven siblings on what he referred to as the “wrong side of the tracks.” Childhood saw many challenges due to the Great Depression but also overflowed with adventure and lots of love. He ran with a crowd of fun-loving hooligans, each with their own unique nicknames (think Little Rascals!) The stories he could tell were un-ending. At 18 he joined the US Marine Corps. His brothers also enlisted in various branches of the military, and all were deployed overseas, leaving parents with none of their boys at home, yet all came home, some physically wounded, others with mental scars of war. He served in the South Pacific. After returning from the War, he enrolled in Kutztown University under the GI bill, where he was pre-law. He met his wife, to whom he was married 72 years, after she dropped a dead frog on him in biology class. He followed her to Mount Holly and began his career in teaching after he discovered more passion for being a positive force in the lives of children than he did pursuing law. He obtained his Masters from Temple taking night classes while teaching full time and raising a family as he was a very “hands on” parent. His career and years of public service span decades. He was a teacher, an administrator and retired as Superintendent of the Mount Holly public school system. He did a Fulbright scholarship to India, which had deep impacts on his life. Giving back and being of service was a great honor for him. He was selfless and lived by example putting others first and striving to leave things better than they were. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and family, camping trips in a VW bus, gardening, woodwork and crafts, traveling abroad, reading, exercising and sharing stories and wisdom. His faith in God, humanity and the belief that goodness will always prevail served as a beacon for those who knew him. He is predeceased by parents, and all siblings save his baby sister, Nancy Strunk of Wyomissing, PA; daughter, Jill Harker (& John Harker) of Mount Holly, NJ; and, grandson, Nicholas Spennato of Mount Holly, NJ. He is survived by daughters Clarene Spennato (Daniel Chaneske) of Merchantville, NJ and June Mengel (Jeffrey Hollinger) of Strasburg, PA; and, a son John (Jack) Mengel, Jr (Gail) of Garden Ridge, TX; 7 Grandchildren: Nicole Spennato of Mount Holly, Lisa Garron of Leesburg, FL and Jennifer Lato (Jeffrey) of Mount Holly; Angela Mengel (Jason England) of Round Rock, TX, John A Mengel III (Reina) of Helotes, TX; David (Libby) Mengel of Chagrin Falls, OH and Mark Mengel of Seattle, WA. Also, surviving are 8 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren: Amber Anaya (Analisia Anaya & Emilia Rodriguez), Joel Anaya, Ryker England, Myla, Harlow and Blake Mengel, Ellie and Jace Mengel. Funeral Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church,125 Garden Street, Mount Holly, N.J. on Wednesday June 10 at 10:30 a.m., with burial to follow at 1 PM at BGWCD Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery. A drop in will follow at O’Connor’s. Family and friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. If desired contributions may be made in memory of John to the charity of your choice.

John August Mengel

September 11, 1923 - May 31, 2026