John Lambert Kaiser

John Lambert Kaiser passed away peacefully of natural causes on Friday morning, February 28, 2025, at the age of 86. He died at home in Lansing, NY, with his family near. 

John was born in Philadelphia, PA on May 23, 1938. His parents were Karl Christmas Kaiser and Jane Wood Lambert. He earned a business degree at Lehigh University. He met Lida Eleanor Barker at a ski club party and they got married on June 25, 1966, in Aliquippa, PA.

He worked for Sears and Roebuck in his early career, and then he and Lida bought the Hamilton Club in Morris Run, PA in 1970. John served as bartender, bookkeeper, grounds tender, and chief joke teller at the Club throughout the 45 years they operated it. More than just a private dinner club, the Hamilton Club became a home away from home for its many friends and members. John and Lida opened their doors and hearts to many friends, travelers, and foreign exchange students from all over the world. John also worked in home weatherization, owned and operated the Mansfield Agway, worked for Partners In Progress providing career opportunities for adults with disabilities, drove school bus, and tutored seniors in computer skills at Penn Tech in Wellsboro. Helping others was a central focus of his many careers, and he particularly liked serving the community via the Mansfield Rotary Club, Mansfield Lion’s Club, and being a board member at the Blossburg Library.

John loved good times. He had several campers, primarily for travelling to Pennsylvania’s many fine bluegrass festivals, such as Smoked Country Jam and Stony Fork Music Fest. He passionately accompanied the bands with rhythm instruments, particularly the spoons. He was also a joke teller extraordinaire, and always had a way to bring a smile to peoples’ faces. Sometimes they were audience appropriate, but usually not. He will be remembered for his joy, humor, generosity, and huge capacity for shenanigans. He will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his wife Lida. He is survived by sisters Susan and Sally, sons Ian and Kiernan, and grandchildren Nell, Wren, Morgan, Tula, and Sullivan.

There will be no service. A celebration of life will be held in Mansfield, PA in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John can be made to the Blossburg Memorial Library at 307 Main Street, Blossburg, PA 16912.

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