As the light of a new day was dawning in the early morning hours of May 22, 2026, the life of John James Blue was drawing to a close. He had grown tired of fighting and finally surrendered in his battle of multiple health issues. 

        Born on November 3, 1949, John was the only beloved and cherished son of his mother Margaret Coyle Blue and step son of John (Cisco) Susko. He was husband to Andrea, dad to Allyson and Kristin, grampa to Julia, Gabi, and Nicky, and father-in-law to Gleidison. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren.       

        Most, though, knew him affectionately as “Doc,” or “Dr. John”, a beloved child & adolescent Clinical Psychologist in the Berks, Lehigh, and Montgomery County communities. Yet, he held many other titles in his lifetime—1950’s newsboy on the Wildwood Boardwalk chanting “Get Your Philadelphia Daily News” on hot summer mornings, musician *bassist*, founding member of Coco and its reunion group, Coco-the Grandfathers of Funk, huge foodie, connoisseur of pizza and cheese hoagies, reader extraordinaire, collector of books, golf clubs, and antiques, music lover of all genres, but especially 1970s funk, annual Santa Claus cosplayer, occasional Jerry Garcia doppelgänger, and so much more. 

        John was a 1968 Holy Name High School graduate, going on to earn bachelor and master degrees from Kutztown University, with his education culminating in a Psy.D from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He was a veteran of the Air Force, serving during the Vietnam War. 

        John was an intellect but also an eccentric. It was rare if he wasn’t obsessing over or researching some new theory or topic. He was a man of extremes, sometimes excess. He was generous, a big tipper, rarely letting another pick up the check. John bragged about his 85-inch big screen TV, on which he discovered the joy of streaming services, in his words, “the best gift” he could have been given. He loved scary movies introducing his daughters to them at a very young age, fostering their love of the horror genre to this day. Saturday night was reserved for Svengoolie on MeTV and holidays were for Twilight Zone marathons. He had friends from all walks of life, races, ethnicities, and ages, with many being part of his life for decades. Even his daughter’s friends, Bridget and Melissa, became like family to him. He spoiled the many beloved pets he had throughout the years, most recently his “attack” cat, Noodles.

        John loved going out to eat and if you were with him, forget dieting! He knew a flea or farmer’s market for every day of the week, with a favorite being the Green Dragon and still mourning the loss of Zern’s. He loved talking shop, philosophizing, and telling stories.  Taking joy rides and road trips, whether spontaneous or planned, to anywhere, but especially to Wildwood and Cape May, where he could devour a few slices of Mack’s, were a passion. Most recently, he grew to love bingo while a resident of the Manor of Market Square, where he would send those who called bingo by accident to the “penalty box.” 

        John was predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Andrea (Simcik) Blue in 2018. He is survived by: his daughters, Allyson, of Philadelphia, wife of Gleidison Batista, and Kristin Blue, of Reading; his three grandchildren: Julia Garro, fiancé of Daniel Woodbury, and Gabriella and Nicholas Batista, all of Philadelphia; his cherished cat, Noodles, and his “class act” granddog Bobo. 

        His daughters wish to offer unending gratitude to the many people who helped care for John over these last few years. Specifically, the care teams at the Berks County VA Clinic, Lebanon VA Medical Clinic, Reading Hospital, Lehigh Valley Hospital, Laureldale Nursing Home, Manor at Market Square, and various home health care agencies, in addition to many compassionate individuals who took the time to offer assistance. 

        Visitation will take place on Saturday May 30th, 2026, from 9-11AM at Klee Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 1 East Lancaster Avenue, Shillington, with a prayer service beginning at 11:00 AM, with Rev. Samuel Yeboah, Holy Rosary RC Church presiding.  Interment with military honors will be at Gethsemane Cemetery following the prayer service.

        In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to any of the following organizations in John’s name: Animal Rescue League of Berks County, K9s for Warriors, Save the Music Foundation, US Kids Golf Foundation, Helping Harvest, or any organization you feel best honors John’s memory. www.kleefuneralhome.com

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