John Charles Effinger, aged 88, passed away peacefully on December 13 surrounded by family.  He was the son of Andrew Francis Joseph and Dorothy (nee Coppock) Effinger.

Born in Philadelphia on March 31, 1936, he attended St Mary's grade school and Roman Catholic High School.  After graduation, he entered the Navy Reserves as a sonar operator.  Always working in the railroad system, he started with the Pennsylvania Railroad as a laborer in the roundhouse and by the time he retired after 42 years, he was working for SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority) as an electrician.  He was a member of the American Legion and IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers).

On June 20, 1964, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann Erdwein.  They celebrated 60 blessed years together this past June.

John was a many faceted man.  He was reserved and liked quiet and order.  As a young man, he liked riding horses around the parks in Philadelphia.  As he got older, he liked mowing the grass and growing plants.  His hobbies included wood working and puttering in his garage.  But he was also known as quite a dancer, doing the jitterbug to the sounds of the big bands of the day.  He loved playing with babies and telling dad jokes to anyone who got near him.  He had a quirky sense of humor and a ready smile for children. He was also a man of justice and common sense.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

John was also a man of great faith.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus at St John the Baptist in New Haven.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Andrew, Francis, Albert, and sisters Anna, Rose, and Agnes.

John is survived by his devoted wife; and four daughters, AnnMarie Alderman (Blaine), Mary Harding, Joanne Mosley (Andrew), and Francine Rickert (Anthony); his ten grandchildren Emily, Benjamin, Abby, Christian, Devon, Nathaniel, Caitlin, Samantha, Jonathan, and Simon; and his nine great grandchildren, Adrian, Hudson, Killian, Sullivan, Juliet, Dean, Henry, Eloise, and Evelyn.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in John's name to the Safe Haven Baby Boxes (www.shbb.org) or to EWTN (www.ewtn.com).