John T. Carl

John Thomas Carl

April 3, 2026

John Thomas Carl, 56, of New Bern, N.C., formerly of Spring Glen, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 3, 2026.

John had just celebrated his 56th birthday on February 21, and if you knew him, he would've told you, gettingoldsucks. That was John. Always quick with a joke, always catching you off guard with something that would make you laugh when you didn't even expect it and usually when you needed it most. He was known for his sense of humor. He didn't try to be funny, it just came naturally. This was part of his gift.

He proudly served in the United States Army when he was younger, and he carried that same strength with him his entire life. He later made his home in New Bern, N.C., a place he truly loved, working at Carolina East Medical Center and building a life full of simple joys, laughter, and the people who meant everything to him.

John spent a good part of his life dedicated to service through the Masonic Lodge in Valley View, PA, where he served as Worshipful Master, a role he held with pride and commitment.

John loved collecting rocks, seashells, and coins. He could find meaning and excitement in the smallest things, and he loved being near the water. The beach was one of his favorite places, and so was just being out exploring, seeing where the day would take him. He was also an avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and never missed a game.

He could also make the meanest cinnamon buns in New Bern. When he and Tanya owned the Surfside Baking Company, people lined up for them. It was just one more way John brought people together and made life a little sweeter.

John was preceded in death by his father, Walter Carl; his grandparents, William and Mabel Carl, and John and Elinore Kleeman; and his mother's late husband, Mance Carroll.

John is survived by his soulmate and fiancé, Tanya Herb of New Bern, N.C. and her 4 sons, Brandon, Conner, Austin, and Kaiden; his mother, Elizabeth Kleeman Carroll of Pine Grove; his sisters, Amy Breckinridge of Lykens, Greta and husband Gildas Halle of Santa Barbara, CA, Sara and husband Kenneth Reynolds of Pine Grove, and Sheila and husband Larry Witmer Jr. of Northumberland; along with many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved cat, Prince Bogie and his beloved grand puppy, Sugar.

He was one of a kind, deeply loved and will never be replaced.

Memorial Services with Military services will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 3:30 P.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove with Pastor Barry Spatz officiating. Interment will follow in the Most Blessed Trinity Cemetery, Tremont.

You may send condolences online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com

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