John F. McKiernan, 79, of Emmaus, died Oct. 21, 2013, in his home after a courageous battle with myleofibrosis. Born and raised in South Boston, he was the oldest son of John F. and Elsie McKiernan.

He was an Air Force veteran and served during the Korean War. He was a champion swimmer in the Air Force and taught electronics.

After achieving success at an early age in the electrical business, he joined Joel Spira at Lutron Electronics in 1973. As vice chairman of the board, he helped propel Lutron to be the leader of the electrical switch industry by establishing a worldwide sales philosophy. He traveled over the entire globe to put Lutron on the map.

Over his career, he served as chairman and executive committee member of the Electrification Council in Washington, D.C., executive committee member of the board of National Lighting Bureau, chairman of the board for the American Lighting Association, as well as many other prestigious positions in the lighting industry.

He was the recipient of the Manufacturer of The Year award from the Electrical Manufacturers Representative Association, the Pillar of the Year Award from the ALA, and most recently was awarded the high honor of being inducted into the American Lighting Association Hall of Fame.

He was an avid golfer and a member of Lehigh and Saucon Valley Country Clubs.

He was the patriarch of a wonderful, close-knit family and truly lived a life that mattered and affected many people, in immeasurable ways.

He is survived by three children, Debbie Stevens, of Downingtown, Marcia Kennet, of Macungie and John E., of Macungie; dear friend, Patricia Panzarella; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; former wife, Donna; two brothers, Brian and Brad; two sisters, Judy Wilkens, Ruth Schroeder; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Elsie Mullins.

Memorial contributions may be made to the MPN Research Foundation at www.mpnresearchfoundation.org, or St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1040 Flexer Ave., Allentown, 18103.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Oct. 26 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Allentown. Calling hours will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, 16th and Hamilton Sts., Allentown and 9 to 10 a.m. Oct. 26 at the church. Arrangements were made by the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown.