John Brampton Koelle, a longtime resident of Swarthmore, PA, died peacefully on his 97th birthday surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Koelle was born and raised in Philadelphia.  He served in WWII and Korea and retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Captain in 1958. He continued to work for many years as a civilian. He was a graduate of Swarthmore College where he obtained his B.S. in Electrical Engineering.  He worked as an engineer for Mohawk Data Science and Univac in Blue Bell.

John was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Swarthmore.  He volunteered weekly at the Food Pantry at St. Mary's in Chester, PA, was a driver for FISH, and helped elderly people to their doctors' appointments.

Mr. Koelle enjoyed reading and classical music.  He was a member of the Sherlock Holmes Society of Philadelphia and Sons of the Copper Beeches.  As a certified diver, he had an interest in oceanology and underwater photography.

He was preceded in death by his son Richard Koelle of Media, PA and daughter Susan Koelle of San Diego, CA.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Barbara ( née Shryock); his daughter, Katherine Koelle of Oakland, CA; 2 grandchildren Spencer Brampton Koelle of Philadelphia and Lucy Bousquet Koelle of Media; as well as his nephews Peter B. Koelle, Esq., Bill Koelle, and Jonathan Koelle.

Mr. Koelle's memorial service will be at 4 pm on Friday, May 4th at Trinity Episcopal Church (301 N. Chester Rd., Swarthmore, PA 19081).

Arrangements: Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home
15 E. Fourth St., Media, PA 19063
www.haganfuneralhome.com