Jack R. Brommer, Sr., died January 31, 2026. Born August 5, 1949, in Columbia Hospital, he was the ninth and youngest child of the late William and Esther (Schmook) Brommer. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Rose M. (Foehlinger) and his siblings Esther, Margaret, Janet, Wilma, William, Mary Lou, and Joanne.
A 1968 graduate of Columbia High School, Jack proudly served his country in the United States Navy with the rank of 3rd Class Petty Office where he learned his lifelong trade as an electrician. Except for his time in military service, Jack spent his entire life in Columbia where he served the community as a founding member of the former Columbia Community Ambulance, as Chief of the former Vigilant Fire Company, and where he raised his family with his wife. Until his retirement in 2009, he was the Superintendent of Electrical Maintenance at Alcoa in Lancaster, where he had worked for 37 years. He spent his retirement briefly working for the Columbia School District, enjoying his time with grandchildren, and volunteering for Columbia Meals on Wheels. He could be seen monitoring the Susquehanna River at the Columbia Riverpark most days.
He married Rose Foehlinger on April 25, 1970 and spent 50 years never failing to bring her flowers, hold her hand, open her car door, and kiss her goodbye when he left the house. He worked proudly and diligently at times taking a second job at Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, to provide his children with a home where they were never in want, the benefits of a Catholic Education, and an annual vacation to Ocean City, Maryland.
He was a member of the Moose, Wrightsville American Legion, and the South Fairview Rod and Gun Club where he enjoyed many years of hunting and camaraderie.
His family church was Saint John Lutheran Church, Columbia, where he was baptized and raised in the Christian faith, serving that community as a member of the church council and a Communion server at the Saturday evening service. Later in life he was received into the Catholic Church by his son, joining his wife at Saint Peter Church, Columbia.
Jack leaves as his legacy three children who were formed by his virtue of service to others: Jack R. Brommer, Jr. and his wife Julie, Jill R. Bryant and her husband Kevin, and Rev. Joshua R. Brommer. To the next generation, his grandchildren, he has left memories of being celebrated and loved: Elizabeth, Brittany, Lauren, Kevin, Katy, and Sophia. He will also be fondly remembered by his sister Linda Cramer, numerous nieces and nephews, cherished friends, and everyone at Hinkle’s Restaurant and Columbia Family Restaurant. In his last years Jack was blessed by a friendship with Deb Landers.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Peter Catholic Church, 121 S. Second St. Columbia PA 17512. Burial will follow with full military honors in St. Peter Catholic Cemetery. There will be no viewing before Mass, however family and friends may call upon the Brommer family at Kraft Funeral Home, Inc. 519 Walnut St. Columbia PA 17512 on Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., with a prayer service taking place at 7:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Columbia Fire Department.
