Obituary of John J. Saudarg, Sr.

John J. Saudarg, Sr. “The Deacon” age 95, of Aston, PA, formerly of South Philadelphia, PA, died peacefully on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at home surrounded by his loving family.  John was a graduate of Simon Gratz High School, Class of 1949.

John worked at General Electric as a switch operator.  He was affectionately known as “The Deacon” for his leadership and enduring impact on his fellow workers. John is a highly respected founder of a groundbreaking alcohol and drug recovery program that has transformed countless lives. He was the UE Local #119 Representative and Treasurer.

John was a respected board member for several organizations; Delaware County Sewer Authority, the Board of Directors with United Way of Philadelphia, where he was a poster boy and founding member of Penns Port Association of Philadelphia.

John was a Past District Governor of Lions International in 1992-1993. A longtime member of the Aston Lions Club, where he served as President and Board of Directors. John was also involved in Beacon Lodge Camp for the Blind and received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award. He was a 65 year member of the Patton Lodge #859 and St. John’s Lodge #115 F&AM.

Mr. Saudarg was a member of the Green Ridge Fire Company, where he served as Fire Police.  He was a devoted member of Mt. Hope United Methodist Church, where he was active in the food bank, and he would travel to Lancaster monthly to supply the eggs.

Son of the late Frank and Viola (Thesing) Saudarg; Husband of 51 years to the late Alda (Neiswender) Saudarg, Predeceased by his 5 siblings

Survivors:

Daughters: Alda Lizzi (David) Gail Saudarg, Linda Reed (Steve)

Grandchildren: David (Natalie), Michael (Tiffany), Paul (Tara) Alda (Zac) and Steven

Great-Grandchildren: Anna, Michael, Ryan, Zander, Molly, Vincent and Paul

Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Visitation: Saturday, June 7th after 9:00AM at Mt. Hope United Methodist Church, 4020 Concord Rd., Aston, PA 19014.

Lions Service will be held at 10:30AM.

Funeral Service: Saturday, June 7th at 11:00AM at the Church.

Interment with Masonic Service:  Mt. Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: PA Lions Beacon Lodge Camp, 114-PA-103, Mt. Union, PA 17066 and/or  Shriners Children’s Hospital, 3551 N. Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19140