We are heartbroken by the passing of Jack Laser– a young volunteer, intern and friend to many here at MOW. We are grateful for the time, talents, laughter and charm that he shared with us. We hold his family and loved ones close in our thoughts as they navigate this profound loss. Jack’s obituary is available here: https://www.thegroffs.com/obituaries/jack-laser/#!/Obituary In lieu of flowers, Jack’s family asks for donations in his memory be made to Meals on Wheels of Lancaster: https://mealsonwheelsoflancaster.org/donate/
We are honored to share the following tributes from both our current Executive Director, Feleen Nancarvis, and former director, Kevin Ressler. Read on to learn more about Jack and his legacy here at Meals on Wheels.
A Tribute to Jack by Kevin Ressler, former director
“When High School aged students come to volunteer at Meals on Wheels for a school or organization related purpose (merit badge, school project, community service hours, etc) there’s a common look of being lost and a bit out of place. It makes sense, here these 15-18 year old kids show up with a paper in hand that they need to get signed and they encounter a whole bunch of grandparent aged folks, adults with disabilities, and staff running around with little time for chit chat. It is intimidating!
Jack Laser was no different. I remember his first day when he came to me and I sat with him in the office and asked him to explain why he was here and what his personal motivation was for choosing to spend time at Meals on Wheels. He was reserved, almost shy, but carried a quiet confidence and charm. I don’t remember his answer, it was a formality I did to make sure there was some level of actual interest within the individual that helped me place if they would be a kitchen volunteer, a delivery volunteer, a special projects volunteer, or multiple categories.
Jack was going to be a multiple categories volunteer. That’s what I remember about my first impression of Jack. And multiple projects volunteer he became! In fact, Jack’s mother told me that one of the things he was most proud of was his time at Meals on Wheels and being the only high schooler with his own route. Well, let me tell you that he was more than that!
Jack Laser lit up the room! He was funny, not a bit shy, and had this charming wry smile that disarmed any and everyone. When the older ladies would invite him to play cards, he would hop right in there. And when the older ladies said it was time to get back to work, he didn’t tarry. Young Jack was very popular with those older ladies! And, the older men also liked Jack and to ask what he was studying or what he was planning to do with his life. Jack made you want to be friends with him.
He did so with our staff, as well. Jack wasn’t just a route deliverer and kitchen volunteer. We put him to work on social media, and donor management. He became an official intern. He came on his own, and sometimes with his mother, but Jack Laser was his own man at Meals on Wheels. He was no longer there for the purpose of getting a paper signed, we had signed that long prior and his obligation was to serving his community of and through Meals on Wheels.
I will remember Jack in this way. Jack was eager to help, quick to make those around him comfortable with his humor, and he was bright. He was a kind person, selfless to a level uncommon amongst the high school kids who we were blessed to work with…and that means he stood out for being selfless amongst kids who stood out for being selfless. His character, compassion, and efforts let us trust more young kids to be interns and to have the reins loosened. Jack taught us a good bit about not knowing who was walking in the door when they had a paper to sign and what they could become.
I know that Jack’s nearly two years with Meals on Wheels in various roles was important to him. I hope he knew just how important he was to all the folks he built relationships with at Meals on Wheels of Lancaster. He is already and will continue to be missed.”
Kevin Ressler
Former Executive Director
Meals on Wheels of Lancaster
A Tribute to Jack by Feleen Nancarvis, current Executive Director
Jack was not only a volunteer and an intern but a friend to many of us here, and he left a meaningful and lasting impression during his time with our organization. I remember him distinctly when I was the Interim Volunteer Coordinator. He served with us at a time of growth and transition– when we opened our afternoon kitchen shift, when we introduced a new labeling system, when new volunteer scheduling systems were introduced, and when we launched our first parking lot distribution at our Manheim Pike location during the pandemic. On top of it, he helped to compile survey data and to clean up some of our databases—and so, so, so much more. He was a vital part of each development at that time.
As you know, he delivered his own route in Lancaster City’s Northeast Neighborhood (Route 15), driving hundreds of miles to ensure that older adults and individuals in need received not only nutritious meals, but a friendly face and meaningful connection. He was always ready in a pinch to hit the road– except, of course, when he was on the grill at Joe’s Famous Wings or golfing with the Conestoga Valley Golf Team (we kept their golf schedule in our office specifically so that we could coordinate around it—I still have a copy). He was particularly fond of our client, Elaine. I remember he would update me on her health or any change of condition in the home. It escapes me now but I think he may have known her outside of his MOW capacity– they knew each other well. He cared so deeply.
He also volunteered in our kitchen– playing cards with the seniors who loved to joke and tease him (many of the older women were very fond of him). We worked alongside a number of partner organizations that support individuals with disabilities. One of those volunteers had built a special relationship with Jack– he stopped into my office this morning specifically to share a copy of Jack’s obituary and some of his fond memories of scooping fruit and making sandwiches together and, of course, play cards. He made a donation in his memory. These are precious moments.
There are number of community members who have been making donations in Jack’s memory. Thank you for honoring his legacy by supporting our mission in such a meaningful way. I will, at a later date, compile some information for the family related to these donations but for now simply wanted to share how deeply responsive our community has been.
I am immensely grateful to have played a role in Jack’s life and have been forever moved by his character and spirit. I am deeply heartbroken to hear of his passing and send my thoughts to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Feleen Nancarvis
Executive Director
Meals on Wheels of Lancaster
Below are photos of Jack taken during his internship at Meals on Wheels in 2019.
