John Gendek, a Hatfield, Pennsylvania native and student-athlete, passed away this week at an untimely age of 15 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
According to the GoFundMe page, John Gendek underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor on September 13, 2024.
Unfortunately, additional masses were later found in his brain, and he was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a form of terminal brain cancer.
Since his diagnosis, John underwent 30 rounds of proton radiation and six months of chemotherapy; however, despite his courageous battle and multiple treatments, the cancer returned and did not respond to new therapies, ultimately claiming his life.
John Gendek touched the lives of many with his amazing athletic skills —excelling in multiple sports, including baseball and football —and his kind, brave nature.
Gendek, a talented 15-year-old baseball player, was a beloved member of the Lansdale Catholic High School baseball team and the Bucks County Generals 12U Black squad.
Known for his left-handed batting and pitching skills, John impressed many with his dedication, recording a fastball velocity of 65 mph and displaying strong athletic potential across multiple games, winning several honorable titles.
The untimely death of John Gendek has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and loved ones.
Many of his loved ones are paying tribute to the late John Gendek and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
John Gendek is Survived By His Parents, Thomas ‘Tom’ and Lisa, Siblings, and The Entire Family
John Gendek was not just an amazing athlete but also a great son to his parents, Thomas ‘Tom’ and Lisa Gendek, who stood by his side as his constant supporters throughout his battle with cancer.
While Tom and Lisa haven’t released any statement regarding the untimely death of their beloved son, they often share pictures of John Gendek on social media, expressing their love and pride for him.
Furthermore, John followed in his father, Tom Gendek’s, footsteps in baseball.
His father, Tom Gendek, has been serving as the head baseball coach of the North Penn Baseball Association since 2014. He also instilled in John the love and passion for baseball and guided him in his baseball journey.
In addition to being an outstanding coach, Tom has also been serving as the Senior Project Construction Manager at PECO, an Exelon Company in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, since 2022.
Before that, Thomas ‘Tom’ served as lead electrical superintendent at Allied Power and as Electrical Superintendent at CB&I.
Talking about his mother, Lisa Pop Gendek has been serving as a Claims Paralegal at UHS in King of Prussia, PA, since February 2025. Prior to that, she served as risk management coordinator at UHS for over a year.
Lisa also served as the administrative team support at Merck for over a year and as a senior paralegal at Benstead Mabon & Mitsch P.C. for over 18 years. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies from Bucks County Community College.
In addition to his parents, Tom and Lisa Gendek, John Gendek is survived by his two siblings, brother Thomas and sister Ashley, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and the entire family.
John Gendek’s contribution to the Hatfield, Pennsylvania, community as an athlete and his brave battle with cancer will always be remembered.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- John Gendek’s family will soon provide details about his funeral and memorial services.
- His elder brother, Thomas Gendek, is also an athlete and plays for the boys’ varsity basketball team at Lansdale Catholic High School.
