John B. Etheridge

John B. Etheridge, 86, of Meadville and Lakeland, FL, passed away Thursday, February 17, 2022 at UPMC Hamot, Erie.

He was born March 6, 1935 in Meadville, a son of the late Norman M. and Betty R. Smallenberger Etheridge.  He married Constance L. Coulter July 30, 1955 and she preceded him in death February 25, 2014.

John was a graduate of Meadville High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956 as a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division.  He was owner and operator of Etheridge Electric Company for 25 years.  He subsequently worked as the assistant chapter manager for the National Electrical Contractors Association covering the Erie, PA and Jamestown, NY territory from 1990 until retirement in 2011.

John was a former member of the Meadville Country Club and member of the Iroquois Club, Meadville Medical Center Board of Corporators, 65 year member of the Masonic Lodge, Zem Zem Shrine Temple, Erie, IBEW Local 712, and various other organizations throughout the years.

He was an avid boater and golfer, licensed pilot, and especially loved spending time with his family.

Survivors include three daughters, Gaye Holt (Reginald) of Lakeland, FL, Marcy LaVine (Keith) of Jacksonville, FL, and Lisa Bailey (Scott) of Meadville; nine grandchildren, Kyle Wilkes, Weston Wilkes, Nichole Popovics, Ryan Katulich, Dr. Lauren Cost, Michael LaVine, Austin Bailey, Drew Bailey, and Abbey Bailey; twelve great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of John’s Life will be held in the spring of 2022.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Home Instead Charities (for improving the lives of aging adults) at www.homeinsteadcharities.org

The arrangements have been entrusted to the ROBERT W. WAID FUNERAL HOME, 581 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE where memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net