John (Jack) Edward Behrle, 74, of Haverford, Penn. and Chilmark, died unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep on August 11.
He was on Martha’s Vineyard, his happy place, where he spent the last day of his life doing what he loved most: the regular 15-mile bike ride, sunning and swimming at Lucy Vincent, his favorite beach and then entertaining his extended family for a lobster dinner at home.
He was born in Yeadon, Penn., the eldest of five, to the late Edward Behrle and Janet (Fielding) Behrle. He was a 1963 graduate of Upper Darby High School and a 1967 graduate of the University of Virginia, receiving a bachelor of art’s degree in economics.
Following graduation, he served in the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1969 as a photojournalist for the Stars and Stripes newspaper. Following his service, he married Anita Swartz, now Behrle Phillips, and fathered two sons, Joshua Edward and Benjamin Fielding. During this time, he worked for material handling corporations in various capacities.
He married Wendy Carolyn Wolf in 1998, and enjoyed a fabulous, loving partnership for 22 years. He was national accounts manager for Caterpillar Industrial until his retirement in 2005.
In his spare time, he combined two of his favorite activities – skiing and travel – with his membership in O.F.O.S. (Old Farts on Skis) and the Main Line Ski Club, a suburban Philadelphia-based club. Jack was responsible for organizing trips including nine to various European ski locations, two to Lake Powell, Utah and one to Athens, the Greek islands and Istanbul.
He was passionate about Martha’s Vineyard where he and Wendy spent extended periods of time over the last 22 years, graciously hosting numerous friends and family members. He also enjoyed cars, motorcycles, scrapple and email exchanges with close friends.
He is survived by his wife, Wendy C. Wolf; his children, Joshua and Ronnieann O’Donnell Behrle of East Norriton, Penn., Benjamin Fielding Behrle of Denver, Colo.; stepson Adam Wolf Axler and Hannah Copperman of Washington, D.C.; and grandson Sterling Rowan Behrle.
He is also survived by his siblings, Stephen and Paige Evak Behrle of Newtown Square, Penn, Patricia and James Gorman of Villanova, Penn., Peggy and Bruce Scott of East Petersburg, Penn., and Edward Behrle, Jr. of Media, Penn.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
A Zoom celebration of cife will be held on Thursday, September 10 on what would have been his 75th birthday. Contributions in his memory can be made to Island Grown Initiative, a local food sustainability nonprofit where he volunteered at P.O. Box 622, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 or online at igimv.org.
Cards of condolence may be sent to Wendy C. Wolf, Box 788, Chilmark, MA 02535.
