John W. Tellep, age 65, of Clifford Township, PA., died early Monday morning, December 31, 2007 at the Mercy Hospice Inpatient Unit, Scranton, PA., after a courageous battle with Leukemia. His wife of 31 years is the former Constance Sarnowski. Born July 10, 1942 in Carbondale, PA., he was the son of the late John S. Tellep and Adella (Romeika) Tellep Rivenburg. He graduated from the first Mountain View High School class in 1960 and also earned a degree from a drafting technical school in Wilkes-Barre, PA. He was a United States Army veteran and retired after 22 years as a United States Defense Contract Administrator in Quality Control. He was a 50 year member of the Clifford Township Volunteer Fire Company where he served as local representative in the Susquehanna County Fire Federation. He also had various jobs such as ordering and cooking for the annual fire company picnic and was a sponsor with the fire company for the Boy Scouts. He was a member of Elkview Country Club, Eastern Amputee Golf Association, DAV, Tall Timbers Hunting Club in Pike County and the Clifford Community Alliance. He organized and designed the Clifford Township Veteran Memorial located at the Municipal Building. He was a former EMT serving with the Clifford Township Volunteer Ambulance. He was an avid golfer and gardner who enjoyed hunting, cooking and most of all spending time with his family. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by one sister: Darlene husband Lawrence Wenz of Monroe, NY.; three nieces: Andrea Jennifer Wenz of Monroe, NY. and Jennifer Gerardi of Clarks Summit, PA.; one nephew: Robert A. Sarnowski of Lehighton, PA.; two grand nieces and two grand nephews. The funeral was held Saturday, January 5, 2008 at 8:45 AM from the Shifler-Parise Funeral Home Cremation Services, Dundaff Main Streets, Clifford, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am in St. Pius X Church, Route 106, Royal, PA., celebrated by Monsignor Joseph G. Quinn, pastor. Interment, Willow View Cemetery, Clifford. Pallbearers: Robert A. Sarnowski, Robert J. Sarnowski, Frank Gerardi, Jerry Romeika, John Washburn and Peter DeFazio. Honor Guard was provided by the Clifford and Greenfield Township Fire Companies Friends called Friday, January 4, 2008 from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to the Clifford Township Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 10, Clifford, PA. 18413 or the donors favorite charity. The following was written by a family member after Jack's funeral: A WAKE AND AN AWAKENING.... It was a crisp sunny winter morning with the snow covered ground. We're coming into small town America, Clifford by name, where the only traffic light is needed to control traffic on the one lane bridge. It is a normal funeral routine prior to the procession from the funeral home to the church. But it felt different when the volunteer fire company (VFC) entered as a group and individually said goodbye to their comrade Jack. He was one of them for 50 of his 65 years. This connection to me represented the highlight of today's farewell. While we sat in the car awaiting the ride to the chapel, I noticed the beautiful old fire truck standing by draped with black bunting. Now the pallbearers bring the coffin to it and respectfully place it on the back for a ride. When all the cars are ready, it leads the long parade to the chapel a few miles away. I noted along the way how bystanders stop and bow their heads, remove their hats or salute as we slowly pass by. A chestnut brown horse stares at us motionlessly, his head hanging over the guardrail. He was so still I thought he wasn't real except that smoky air was puffing from his nostrils. The chapel was simple dignity, the service the same, Msgr. Quinn showed his mastery of the moment by making the routine feel special. Readings and words expressed by close family members were heartfelt and appreciated by those who listened. The following trip to his final resting place was highlighted by another VFC tribute. After the final turn onto a narrow two lane road to the cemetery, there was a salute outlined by two huge cranes crossed high across the road with an American flag hanging in the middle. The fire engine hearse stopped directly underneath and 20 or so comrades lined on both sides slowly saluted in unison. His final resting place is located where he belongs in the heart of where he lived, contributed and celebrated his life. The short walk from our cars to the gravesite allowed us to enjoy the still crisp air and sunlight sky. As we gathered near the tent for the final words of comfort, the fire engine radio crackled with a message: Attention all units, attention all units......calling Jack Tellep...(pause)...calling Jack Tellep...(pause)...final call for Jack Tellep....(long pause)....may you rest in peace! Epilogue: JT is exactly the man who made our country the great nation it is today. My hope is that there is enough commitment and sense of purpose in others to keep it going. When I travel I often enjoy taking the back roads through our towns and villages similar to Clifford. This day reaffirmed to me how special they are. Thank you, Jack.