John Sayre Obituary

John Joseph Sayre of Langhorne, Pennsylvania passed away at home with his loving family by his side on September 9, 2023. John was 91 years old and was born at home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the son of the late William J. and Anna J. Sayre(Janiec). While attending Langhorne Middletown High School John met the love of his life, and his future wife Lillian M. Sayre (Irwin). John and Lillian loved each other so much they attempted to get married three separate times, finally succeeded by tying the knot on Bastille Day, 1952 in Belair, MD. John's lifetime love, Lillian was called to the Lord in 2016. At Lillian's passing the teenagers that fell in love in high school had been married for 64 years. Together John and Lillian forged a lifetime of memories, making their home in Langhorne for 60 years, previously living in Levittown and Virginia Beach, VA. Ballroom dancing, traveling, and genealogy were favorite pastimes for the couple. John and Lillian particularly enjoyed taking cruises as well as visiting the New Jersey shore, Ireland and the United Kingdom. John was a proud veteran of the US Navy serving on aircraft carriers, most notably CV-43, USS Coral Sea(Air Group 8). John enjoyed talking about the various Mediterranean cruises he had been deployed on during his time in the navy. John worked for thirty plus years at US Steel in Fairless Hills and upon his retirement worked with Educational Testing Service for another ten years. He finally retired altogether to focus on Lillian and her health concerns and to spend more time together in their later years. Another passion of John's was his house and lawn. He was the consummate lawn care specialist. He continued to mow his own lawn with a push mower up through his 90th year. Finally after his 91st birthday he purchased a zero-turn mower so that he could continue to manage and care for his immaculate lawn. He was diligent about the upkeep of his house and always made sure it was tidy, neat, with nothing out of order. John would never hesitate to visit JB Dawson's in Langhorne to get a good steak dinner. Many times you could find him in booth 42 with a smile on his face. John loved to hear from his grandchildren and great grandchildren who referred to him as "Poppy" or "Grandpop". He collected artwork or pictures sent to him and happily displayed them around his house. A children's book was written by Julie, one of his granddaughters entitled "The Great Poppy" that documented in a humorous manner John's life and loves, notably Lillian. John is survived by his three loving children and their spouses, Lisabeth A. Powelson(Sayre) and Dr. Robert Powelson, Ronald M. Sayre and Paula C. Sayre(Freiler), and Brian G. Sayre and Jill E. Sayre(Magaw). John is also survived by his seven grandchildren Amy Patrick(Powelson) and Derek Patrick, Julie Tennent(Powelson) and Rev. Andrew Tennent, Zachary Sayre and Korin Sayre(Kinmonth), Bronwyn Sayre, Lily Sayre, Audrey Sayre, and Rory Sayre. John was also blessed with four great grandchildren Luna Tennent, Reid Patrick, Esther Tennent, and Colton Sayre. John will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. Relatives and friends are invited to John's Life Celebration Visitation on Saturday, September 16th from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm at St. James Episcopal Church, 330 S. Bellevue Ave. , Langhorne, PA 19047 with his funeral service to follow at 3:00 pm. Inurnment at St. James Episcopal Church. Family services entrusted under the care of Dunn-Givnish Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family is suggesting donations in John's memory be sent to St. James Episcopal Church (Hymnal/Prayer Book Fund); 330 S. Bellevue Ave. , Langhorne, PA 19047 or a charity of your choice.