John Stuart Falconer

John Stuart Falconer, 102, of Lancaster, passed on peacefully July 2, 2017 at his home. His cherished wife of 65 years, the former Isabel Groff Raub, died in 2005. Born in St. Louis, MO. on December 29, 1914, he was the son of the late John Rutherford Falconer and Alice Cary Price Falconer. John grew up in Anchorage, KY where he was active in various Boy Scout organizations, ultimately achieving Eagle Scout honors. He graduated from Purdue University with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1935. While at Purdue, he became a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and served as chapter president in his senior year. He was a Life Member of the fraternity. Upon graduation, John began his career at Armstrong Cork Co. During a tenure lasting 45 years, he served in various sales and administrative assignments in Birmingham and Atlanta where, in 1958, he was named Manager of Armstrong Contracting Supply Corporation. During World War II, following an honorable discharge from his commission as 1st Lieutenant, Field Artillery, he served as Priorities Manager for all of Armstrong's capital equipment and wartime construction needs. He was subsequently promoted to National Accounts Representative in Chicago, and in 1965 he returned to the parent company in Lancaster as Assistant to the President until his retirement in 1980. John was active in his community wherever his career took him. In the Lancaster area, he was President of the Lancaster Area Manufacturers Association, General Chairman of the 1974 United Way Campaign, Director of the Lancaster Boys Club and member of the Advisory Committee of the Junior Achievement organization. A 32nd degree Mason, he belonged to Lancaster Lodge No. 43 F&AM, the Lancaster Lodge of Perfection, the Harrisburg Scottish Rite Consistory and Zembo Shrine. John belonged to St. James Episcopal Church and was a member of the Life Vestry. He served as Senior Warden for three different Rectors. He was also a long time member of the Hamilton Club and Lancaster Country Club. His hobbies included golf, bridge, flower-gardening, and model trains. Regarded as the “ultimate gentleman”, John was devoted to family, friends and community. He is remembered as a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Surviving are two sons: John S., husband of Carol Weeks of Carrollton, Texas, David P. of Lancaster, three daughters: Cary Driver of Winston-Salem, NC, Edith R., wife of Frederic P. Skinner, M.D. of Fleming Island, Fla. and Isabel F., wife of Thomas S. Buzby of Lebanon, Pa, five grandchildren: John S. Falconer, III (Laura Lee Clark) with one child Ana; Edith Wachtel (Mark) with two children Fletcher and Finn; Cary Marcantonio (Canio) with two children Elizabeth and William; Frederic P. Skinner (Soheila Zekri) with two children Frederic III and Alia; and Cary Falconer Skinner (Gerald T. Conrad) with two children John and Elizabeth. Also, surviving are two nieces, Alice Cary Brown (Lyons) and Elizabeth Owen (Douglas), daughters of the late Alice Cary Falconer Farmer. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. Please omit flowers. If desired, memorial contributions may be sent to Lancaster Hospice and Community Care, St. James Episcopal Church and Pennsylvania Dutch Council, Scouts of America, Lancaster. .