John Francis Bachman

John Francis Bachman, a man of discipline, service, and entrepreneurial passion, passed away peacefully at home on January 12, 2026, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born in Sydney, Australia, in 1945, John moved to the United States as a young child, growing up in Saint Joseph, Missouri, and then Torrance, California, where his parents shared their home with 60+ foster children over the years.

His life was defined early on by his service in the United States Navy. A proud Yeoman, John qualified for the rigorous demands of submarine duty, serving aboard the USS Grouper and the USS Cobbler out of Groton, Connecticut.

Following his honorable discharge, John graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and embarked on a successful corporate career. Through dedication and a sharp professional mind, he rose to the position of Vice President at Colonial Electric Supply.

You would often find John with one or more of his four sons on the local ballfields. Many will remember him coaching a team to a hard-earned Little League Championship title, one of his very fondest and proudest memories. Baseball remained a game very close to his heart; he followed the Phillies avidly.

Upon retirement, John turned a lifelong passion into a second career in professional numismatics. As the co-founder of the Trevose Coin Show, he became a pillar of the collecting community. He was widely respected for his knowledge, his integrity, and the significant contributions he made to the field, leaving a lasting mark on the community he loved.

The last 25+ years of John’s life were immensely enriched by the family he built with his wife, Katharine Adelberger (Hollinger). He found great joy and purpose in his role as a stepfather and grandfather, taking immense pride in the lives and accomplishments of his stepchildren and their families.

John was preceded in death by his father, Francis Bachman; his mother, Ada Bachman; his brother, Robert Bachman; and his sister, Judith Szantyr.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Katharine; his sons John Jr., Thomas, Robert, and James; his stepchildren, Adam (Michelle) Hollinger, Thomas (Alesha) Hollinger, and Karen (Timothy) Huller; his brother-in-law John Szantyr; and his 15 grandchildren, who brought him great happiness. He is also survived by a niece and three nephews.

Services will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge National Historical Park (Rt. 23) to honor John’s memory and the impact he had on those closest to him. Visitation will be 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM. Mass will be at 11:30 AM with interment to directly follow.