EIGHTY FOUR, Pa. – It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude that we remember and honor the life of John Northrop, former Chairman and longtime supporter of the Washington County Community Foundation.
A cherished member of our community, John touched many lives through his kindness, generosity, and steady commitment to service. He believed strongly that being a “part of the community” meant being involved in charitable giving and service, a value reflected throughout his life and leadership.
Through John’s involvement, countless charitable organizations and community activities have received generous support from the Northrop Family either directly or through the Observer Publishing Company and its employees.
In 2002, John Northrop and William B. Northrop, Sr. were honored as WCCF’s Philanthropists of the Year. In 2018, the award was renamed the Northrop Family Excellence Award for Community Philanthropy in recognition of the family’s longstanding support of the Washington County community during their 116 years of ownership of the Observer-Reporter and Observer Publishing Company.
At the direction of the Northrop Family, the paper has covered the local non-profit community extensively: running news articles on programs, fundraising efforts, and awards, as well as donating advertising space. The WCCF consistently received extraordinary coverage throughout its decades-long relationship with the Observer-Reporter.
John and his family were also instrumental in the creation of the Washington County Community Foundation. Through generous operational support in the Foundation’s early years, John helped position WCCF for long-term stability and success.
Additionally, John and Rose Northrop are members of the Foundation’s Family of Founders and Golden Oak Guild.
To celebrate John’s lasting philanthropic legacy, the family has requested that memorial donations be directed to the Northrop Family Fund.