John Patrick Brislin, 15, of Emmaus, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He was the beloved son of Dr. Kenneth J. Brislin and Megan (Devine) Brislin of Emmaus.
John had the purest and gentlest soul, a quiet humor, and a heart of remarkable strength. Though shy, he was deeply devoted to his family and to all those he loved. John cherished summers in Ocean City, New Jersey, and spending time on the dock at Harvey’s Lake, PA. He loved his dogs, loved school, and appreciated comfort, beauty, and the simplest joys in life. John held himself—and those around him—to high standards, always leading with kindness and integrity. He was a member of St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church in Allentown. The world was a brighter place with John in it.
On behalf of the Brislin family, heartfelt thanks are extended to the nurses, physicians, therapists, community leaders, educators, friends, and family who supported John and his family throughout this journey and helped him shine so brightly.
Survivors: In addition to his parents, John is survived by his siblings, Braden J. Brislin, Kathryn “Kate” A. Brislin, and Charles T. Brislin, all at home; his maternal grandparents, John Joseph “Jack” and Ann Theresa Devine of Wilmington, DE; many aunts, uncles, and 22 cousins. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Thomas Vincent and Irene Natalie Brislin.
Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at St. Thomas More Church, 1040 Flexer Avenue, Allentown. Family and friends may pay their respects from 6:00–8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the Heintzelman-Stephens Funeral Home, P.C., 274 N. Krocks Road, Allentown, and from 10:00–11:00 a.m. Thursday in the church. Interment will follow the Mass at Resurrection Cemetery, Wescosville. www.heintzelmanstephens.com
Contributions: In lieu of flowers, please consider volunteering your time or donating to Camelot for Children, 2354 W. Emaus Ave., Allentown, PA 18103; Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley, 3500 Winchester Road, Suite 203, Allentown, PA 18104; or Ridge Crest – Lifepath, Inc., 5 Lifemark Drive, Sellersville, PA 18960.