John "Pen" Ambler

John "Pen" Ambler, 81, also known as the Bridger, of Roaring Spring, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, January 14th at Maybrook Hills Health and Rehab Center.

He was born in Williamsport, son of the late Jesse Paul and Margaret (Magee) Ambler.  Pen married Patricia A. Romagnino with whom he shared 36 years of marriage.

Also surviving are three step-daughters:  Jeanne Elms and husband Jerry of Franklin, TN, Ann Marie Franco and husband Scott of Hollidaysburg, Kathleen DeLange and fiance Jesus M. Casanova "Chivi" of Altoona; a step-son, Michael Kuhn and wife Sharen of Hollidaysburg; fourteen grandchildren, and a brother, Thomas E. and wife, Suzanne P. of Naperville, IL.

Pen was a graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School, class of 1953; and Grove City College with a Bachelors of Science degree in Education.  He retired with 18 years of service  from the Blair County Office of Mental Health and Retardation; was self-employed with The Shepards Guide; prior to that he worked on survey corps with RMB Engineers in northern Indiana.  He had been a teacher in Michigan City, IN; and he also worked for the Department of Public Assistance.

Pen founded the Blair County Rock and Mineral Club; he belonged to Friends of Mineralogy, and collected rocks and minerals for more than 50 years.

He attended Center City Church, Altoona, as well as First United Methodist Church, Hollidaysburg.

Pen always took the time to help others and if there was ever a 'need' in the MH&R office, he would see that the need was met.

Friends will be received 4-6 pm Thursday, January 18, 2018 at Sorge Funeral Home, Inc. Hollidaysburg, immediately followed by a 6pm funeral service, Pastor Jim Kilmartin and the Rev. Dr. John Godissart, officiating.  Interment will be in New Canoe Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Center City Church, 801 Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA  16602 or the Bailey House, 119 Washington Street, Harrisburg, PA  17104.