Lansdale Fire Victim Was U.S. Marine, Purple Heart Recipient

LANSDALE, PA — U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart winner John Garchinsky was the victim of the fatal Lansdale fire on Andover Road last week, friends and family said.

The 65-year-old served in Lebanon and around the world. One of the few items left untouched by the destructive blaze in front of his house was a white statue of a soldier, kneeling down beside a cross.

Garchinsky was a popular and widely loved member of his community.

"He did so much for others and I hope his legacy lives on," wrote administrators of the Facebook group "R.I.P. John Garchinsky."

They said that Garchinsky, known to neighborhood kids as Mr. John, treated everyone in the neighborhood as his family. He frequently walked his dog around the blocks and was also known as an animal lover.

"(He was) such a kind soul," the administrators of the group added.

How To Help Victims Of Tragic Lansdale Fire That Left 1 Dead, Many Homeless

The fire marshal is continuing to investigate the cause of the blaze, which occurred last Friday, July 31 on the 800 block of Andover Road.

Officers first arriving found heavy fire coming from two attached homes, with reports of victims trapped inside. All escaped save for one, authorities said.

Crews were able to bring the blaze under control by 7:44 a.m. Significant damage was caused to at least four homes. The displaced families are being assisted by the American Red Cross.