Hastings, PA - John E. Bem, 77, of Hastings, passed away on July 2, 2025. Born on August 22, 1947, to the late Stanley J. and Anna (Schall) Bem, Sr.

Preceded in death by his parents; infant sisters, Patricia Annand Theresa Ann Bem; brothers-in-law, Ken Kirk and James Eckenrode; sister-in-law, Louise (Sharbaugh) Bem; and niece Karen (Kirk) Clapper. Survived by sisters, Mary Kirk and Agnes Eckenrode; brother, Stanley Bem, Jr.; nieces and nephews, Donald (Sally) Kirk, Michele Kirk (Joseph Gelormino), Kevin (Mary) Kirk, Eugene (Marina) Bem, David (Evelyn) Bem, Michael (Susan) Bem; nephew-in-law, Herbert Clapper; and great nieces and nephews.

John graduated from Bishop Carroll High school in 1965. He earned a B.S. degree in

Chemistry from St. Francis in Loretto and a Master of Education degree in Chemistry

from IUP. John taught Chemistry and Physics at Cambria Heights for 30 years. He was

one of the first 100 in the nation to receive National Certification in Chemistry.

John was a life member of St. Bernard Church. He was involved in the Holy Name Society, being an usher, chairman of parish council, a part of the board of trustees, secretary and treasurer of the cemetery association, and charter member of the financial council and parish festival committee.

John was a registered P.I.A.A football official. He was secretary-treasurer from 1982 to 1997 and assistant rules interpreter from 1992 to 2005. He was honored to officiate many interdistrict football playoff games and in 1994 officiated P.I.A.A Single A Football State Championship Game. In 2002 he was recognized for 35 outstanding years of service to District 6.

John was also highly involved with Hastings Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, he joined in 1970 and became a Fire Police in 1973. He held a variety of offices from secretary to treasurer. He was a part of Volunteer Firemen's Association of Cambria County and Vicinity, where he held a variety of important positions from 1973 until 2011. He became an elected delegate for the Central District Volunteer Firemen's Association in 1973. He received that honor of the Leroy C. Focht Award for Outstanding Service to Central District "Firefighter of the Year". He was also highly involved and held a variety of offices in the Western Pennsylvania Firemen's Association as well as the Firemen's Association of the State of Pennsylvania.

Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 8:00 on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Easly-Hindman Funeral Home, 333 Beaver St., Hastings, PA 16646. Additional viewing time will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 10:00 until the start of mass at 11:00 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 148 7th Ave., Hastings, PA 16646.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in John's honor to the Hastings Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 or to St. Bernard's Catholic Church.

Easly-Hindman Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., "Exclusive Provider of Veterans and Family Memorial Care." Condolences may be made at HindmanFuneralHomes.com.