John E. Brinker Sr., age 87, longtime Edinboro resident, died Monday, October 25, 2021 at UPMC Hamot, Erie. Born on October 29, 1933 in Franklin, PA, he was a son of the late Eugene Brinker and Ida Wright Brinker.

John grew up in Franklin and met his sweetheart, Marjorie Rose DeMaison, whom he married April 26, 1952. Their early years of marriage were lean with “not even two nickels to rub together”, but through hard work and devotion they raised a large family and led a fulfilling and successful life. Starting out as a common laborer, John had a 35-year career with PennDot retiring as a civil engineer without any formal education. One of his proudest accomplishments was being involved in the construction of Interstate 79 to I90. John and Marjorie were also quite the entrepreneurs, owning and operating several different businesses. After moving to Edinboro in 1959, they themselves built the Cloverleaf Motel and operated it from 1960 until their retirement in 2009. Over the years, they also operated a general contracting business, the first garbage hauling business in Edinboro, and Brinker’s Mobil Gas Station.
After retiring, John and Marjorie traveled the United States in their motorhome making many friends from coast to coast. Many enjoyable winters were spent on the Gulf Coast of Florida in Punta Gorda.
In his spare time, John liked to work with his hands, whittling, building or repairing something. He enjoyed cars, and his last two projects were a ’74 Cadillac convertible and a ’78 Ford truck. John also loved his time with his daughters and many grandchildren. He was a founding member of the original Moose Lodge of Edinboro, a lifetime member of the Elks Club and Engineers’ Association, and last but not least, the 3:00 p.m. B.S. Club of Edinboro.
Those that preceded him in death include his wife Marjorie Rose DeMaison Brinker who died March 30, 2011; son, John E. Brinker Jr.; granddaughter, Rochelle Brinker; and brother Roland Brinker and sister Arvilla Karns.
Family members that remain to mourn his loss include five children: Rose Marie Scouten and husband Bruce of McKean, Melinda Hockenberry and husband Scott of Venango, Lisa Brinker of Edinboro, Roger Brinker and wife Annette of McKean, and Michael Brinker and wife Debbie of Edinboro; also many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild; a brother DeWayne Brinker of Franklin, and sister-in-law Marilyn Brinker of Grove City; numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home of Edinboro, 306 Erie Street, on Thursday, October 28th from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in McKean, PA at 11:00 a.m. on Friday morning with Rev. John Jacquel as celebrant. Interment will be in St. Hippolyte Cemetery in Frenchtown, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Edinboro Area Historical Society, PO Box 18, Edinboro, PA 16412.
So very sorry for your loss as just found out. Rest in peace John.
To all the Brinker family: The Culbertson family sends their condolences to you on the death of a special man, John. We lost Ed Cubby on January 14, 2021. They will be going over old PennDot stories together. You are all in our prayers. God Bless everyone of you. Love Ruthie
Dear Megan and family, We are so sorry to hear about your Grandfather. Uncle Jared worked with your Papa for many years. Especially out on the Southern Tier and 79. So many great stories Jared would come home with showed what a great, fun and caring man your Papa was. Sending prayers and loving thoughts to you and your family
John and I always enjoyed being with John. He and Margorie always made you feel at home. I know his death is a special loss…. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Rose and family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Your father sounded like he was a wonderful family man. You and your family will be in my prayers for peace and comfort in the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy,
Denise Borsuk
I grew up with Mike and Rodger had a lot of fun running around Edinboro, when we got in trouble , Mr Brinker was a strong figure to deal with , we got corrected now . Condolences to family and friends. Paul Curley
Dear Brinker family
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your father John he will be sadly
missed by all especially by
Elgin & Estella
Ontario, Canada
Many fond memories of our families getting together.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers
Heaven opened its arms and welcomed your Dad home. Rejoice for he is with his soul mate again. We are here to support you as your dad has always done. Sending love, prayers, and hugs to you all.
RIP John Brinker. I want to give my deepest sym to the family of John Brinker. You will be miss by family friends, cousins.