John Francis Eichman, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully in his Erie home on May 26th at the age of 84. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Edith (Joan) Eichman whom he loved dearly, sisters, brother, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

To have the love and support of a family is gift. John Eichman had the good fortune of having four. John's first family began October 5th, 1938 in Mahanoy City, Pa where he was born the son of Lillian and George Eichman. He also spent much of his time with his grandfather John Thompson and Uncle Jim Thompson. He was the great, great grandson of the first Burgess/Mayor of Mahanoy City, also a John Eichman. He spent many of his childhood days roaming the woods, swimming in creeks, and picking wild blueberries with his many cousins and friends. He was quick to tell a story of his childhood, his father's love of a good brawl and the mischief he'd get in. His beautiful mother Lillian passed away when John was just 11. He is survived by his sisters Georgiane Martin of Texas whom he affectionately called "Red", sister Ida Eck and brother-in-law Harry Eck of Maryland, a younger brother Edward (Eddie) Eichman, and sister-in-law Kim. He was preceded in death by his older brother George, brother-in-law Robert Martin and niece Rachael Lee Van Der Eerden. He knew everyone in town, and everyone knew him. In his own words as a young man, he "ran the streets and raised hell" with his buddies Leon Mack and Frank Marlow, and even spent a night or two in jail, which were some of his favorite tales to tell.

In his early 20s he started his own family. He is survived by his former wife, Mary Eichman, daughter, Christina Eichman (Toronto), daughter and son-in-law Cathy (whom he referred to as Mariah) and Tim Muldoon, (Dallas, PA), his son, and daughter in law, John and Alexia Eichman (Acton, MA), grandchildren, Emmalyssa Eichman, Cassidy, Rylee (whom he liked to call O'Flynn) and Jacy Muldoon, Cole, Lyra, Eowynn, Siona and John Eichman. He was preceded in death by his infant son, John Henry Eichman. During a career at Firestone, he moved from New Jersey, to Maryland, to Virginia, to PA, to California then to Ohio. When his father became ill he left Firestone to be closer to him, started a business and made a new home in Forty Fort, PA. Here he made lifelong friends, became president of the Forty Fort Flyers Football league, started a new career as a corrections officer, saw his three children graduate from high school and then college, divorced and married again, beginning family 3.

John is survived by his devoted wife Edith (Joan) Eichman and her family that he loved as his own. Ellen Moore and wife, Shelly Mcallister, Lori Faulls, (Virginia) Tara and husband Patrick Carrara(Erie), Kristin (who he insisted on calling Christian) Devies and husband James Devies(Erie), grandchildren Britnee Faulls Boyd, Ethan Faulls, Andrea Carrara Schnopp, Mitch Carrara, Izabelle, Zander, Alivia, and Lulu (which he called Louie) Devies, great grandchildren, Ashton Twitty, Olive Faulls and Caleb Schnopp. Joan and John travelled the world exploring over 70 countries and having incredible adventures. They also lived in Wilkes Barre, Arizona, Delaware and lastly, Erie PA, so they could be close to family. They were able to spend their days within a few miles of their youngest grandchildren and their home was filled with love, laughter and little ones. John was a beloved grandfather, Pop Pop, husband, father, uncle and friend.

John had a big personality. He was charming, funny and fiercely loyal. His loyalty inspired lifelong friendships, who became family. This family included close friends and former neighbors, Tom and Judy Shock. His "prison buddies", corrections officers, Bobby Brezinski, Al Yakus, and Billy Davis who preceded him in death, Al Dalon (whom he called Mother Dalon), Chuck Marhelski, Captain Charlie Coleman and Michael Park, who John always called "Mikey Parks" still got together at least once a year, 25 years after retiring. He remained in touch for 45 years with his friend from Firestone, Fred Gosher (who preceded him in death) and his wife Barbara. Even his Mahanoy City "hell raiser" buddies stayed in touch after leaving 60 years ago. If you were lucky enough to be in one of his familys, you knew you had someone in your corner, someone you could always count on. He was a fan of Johnny Cash, Westerns, chocolate covered pretzels, his recliner, his duck & squirrel friends, guys night at the casino, bragging about his loved ones, changing people's names to whatever he felt like calling them, and a good prank. He often said he lived "a great life" and he did. He will be greatly missed.

Friends and family may call Saturday June 8, 2024 at the Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. 300 West Center Street Mahanoy City PA from 9 to 11 am

A funeral service will be held at 11 am with Rev Fred Crawford officiating.

Burial will take place afterwards in the German Protestant Cemetery Mahanoy City, just off Morea Road.