John Jay Libhart, Jr.

John J. (Jack) Libhart Jr., a longtime flooring specialist who proudly wore a shag carpet on his upper lip, passed away on May 28, 2025, after a wall-to-wall life of joy and love. He lived most of his life in Chester County before he succumbed following a recent diagnosis of cancer.

Born in Philadelphia on Sept. 21, 1948, he was the son of John J. and Florence (Chambers) Libhart. He spent the first 12 years of his life in the Westbrook Park section of Clifton Heights, growing up with his younger brother, Gary, and their two cousins, Janet (George) Chew and Suzanne (George) Leopold, who lived next door.

“The four of us kids were as close as family could be,” said Gary.

The Libharts moved to Newtown Square as Jack reached junior high. He was a 1966 graduate of Marple Newtown High School and Ursinus University in 1970. 

After college, he took a job at Sears in St. Davids, where he became close with co-workers who became lifelong friends. Together, they shared a summer house in Avalon and made an annual trek to Vermont for skiing.

It was at Sears where Jack met Brenda Russell of Downingtown in 1985. The two would become life partners, building their lives together with family and friends. As they grew close, Jack found himself drafted into service as the official dishwasher at Russell family Thanksgiving dinners. In recent years, he took a hand in providing care for his mother, who passed away in 2016, and Brenda’s mother, who passed away in 2024.

Jack and Brenda married two days before his death, repeating their vows at his bedside before tearful family members who gathered in person and online to witness their commitment before God.

In addition to his time at Sears, Jack’s career in retailing included a stint at Avalon Flooring USA. Family and friends, especially, knew to consult him first for advice on anything involving carpets. Padding, shag, color, nap, underlayment, plush, materials, cleaning – Jack knew it all, and he was happy to share his knowledge.

Even more than flooring expertise, though, he was known for a bushy brown mustache that he wore during almost his entire adult lifetime, present fashion notwithstanding. Somehow, it accentuated a jawline that often was set askew by a wry, tongue-in-cheek sense of humor.

A fan of music of all kinds, Jack spent hours and hours outdoors. Whether it was behind a lawn mower in his backyard, golfing at a public course or on a pair of skis with friends at Hogback Ski Club of Reading, Jack enjoyed the sunshine and fresh air.

He and Brenda shared a pop-up camper and could often be found in campgrounds throughout the region.

A member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, Jack was deployed during rescue operations in the wake of Hurricane Agnes in 1972.

In addition to his wife, Jack is survived by his brother, Gary W. Libhart (Nyla) of Florida. 

Family and friends are invited to a Visitation at 10:00 AM and a memorial service held on May 31st at New Hope Christian Church in Broomall, Pa. Memorial donations in Jack’s name can be made to Fiorenza’s Food For Friends at its website, F4service.org or PO Box 89, Downingtown, PA 19335.