John Eric Backman Jr.

John E. Backman, 85, of Bridgeton, NJ, passed away on July 26, 2021 in Vineland, New Jersey while being close to his son. John was the son of Leah (Roupp) & John Backman. He was married on December 14, 1963 to Rae Thompson (deceased). He is survived by his two sisters Jane Allen and Dorothy Norman (Earnest). John had two children, Modena Souza (deceased) (Paul) and James Backman (Jennifer). He has six grandchildren; Ammbrose, Dain, Ena, Leah, Kyra, and Jenna; and nine great grandchildren.

John was a graduate from Blossburg High School in 1954, and then entered the Army in 1955 in the Field Artillery. He was a combat veteran of the Vietnam War and earned the rank of Sargent Major. John's military awards include the Bronze Star, two Meritorious Service medals, three Commendation medals the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. He retired from active duty in 1979.

After retiring from the Army, John earned his  Bachelor's degree from Mansfield State College in 1983, and his Master's degree in Public Administration from Marywood College in 1987.  John worked for the Tioga County Human Services Agency for 12 years in administration. He was on the Tri-county transportation authority Board (EMTA) and the State's Welfare Board in Tioga County.

John was an active citizen in Blossburg. John was sworn in as the Mayor of Blossburg in 1999 and served for 15 years. He was a volunteer with the Blossburg fire and ambulance department in the 1980's. He was a member of several organizations including the VFW and local Masons.

Family and friends will be received at Freeberg Funeral Home, Blossburg, Saturday, August 14^th from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 12:30 p.m. with full Military Honors.

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