John E. Verhaaren, of East Rockhill Twp., PA, passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at Grand View Hospital, West Rockhill Twp., PA.  He was 83.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Walter and Mary Elizabeth (McAleer) Verhaaren.  A 1956 graduate of North Catholic High School, Philadelphia, he attained his Bachelor of Arts degree from LaSalle University, Philadelphia, in 1961 and, later, his Master's Degree from Drexel University, Philadelphia.

A proud United States Army Veteran of the Vietnam War, he was stationed in Italy and was assigned to assist the Chaplains.

Mr. Verhaaren was employed as a librarian with the Philadelphia Library System, Philadelphia, for over 30 years until retiring in the late 1990's.

He was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, Sellersville, PA, where he served as a Church Usher.

Mr. Verhaaren was a member of the Knights of Columbus Monsignor Michael Long Council No. 14731, Sellersville, and the Nase-Kraft American Legion Post No. 255, Sellersville. An avid reader, Philadelphia Phillies fan, nature enthusiast and fisherman, he held a lifetime Pennsylvania fishing license.  He also loved music, watching classic movies, and going out to dinner.  He also had a great interest in studying and speaking German and French.  He will be remembered as "always a gentleman".

He will be missed by his sister, MaryJane Hickey and her husband William; a nephew, William M. Hickey and his wife Gladys, and their son; and two nieces, Jacqueline Schwab and her husband James, and their three children, and Juliann Hickey and her husband Clay.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 445 N. Main Street, Sellersville, PA, where family and friends may call from 9:00 to 10:00 AM.  Interment will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Philadelphia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Agnes Catholic Church, 445 N. Main Street, Sellersville, PA  18960.

Arrangements are by the Suess-Gahman Funeral Home, 606 Arch Street, Perkasie, PA