John Anthony Lent
1936-2026
Drexel Hill
John Anthony Lent, 89, of Drexel Hill, died peacefully Saturday, May 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He is the son of the late John and Rose Marano Lent of East Millsboro.
John received his bachelor of science in 1958 and master of science in 1960 from Ohio University. Also, John received his PhD from the University of Iowa. He later became an instructor of English as an assistant professor and appointed director of public relations at West Virginia University.
John studied abroad as a Fulbright Scholar in the Philippines. He also studied in Malaysia and in Guadalajara, Mexico. In 1974 he became an associate professor at Temple University and in 1976 he was promoted to a tenured professor of communications.
Dr. Lent published 91 books and many journals; his love of comic art led him to become a pioneer in his field. He will be sorely missed by so many.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Ying Xu; two daughters Laura Barrett, Andrea “Andi” Murta; two sons, John V. Lent, Shahnon (Katie O’Brien) Lent; stepson, Xian (Lin) Liu; his grandchildren, Lacey Rea (Charlie) Murphy, Nathan, Haley and Ryan Barrett, Michael (Maura) Murta, Alex (Bridget) Murta and Yi Lui; great-grandchildren, Alanis Rose, Luke David, Ava Mackenzie, Wesley Dean Murta; his sister, Roseanna (John) Kozup; and many cousins and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Katrina Lent; great- grandson, Dean Michael Murta; brother, Russ Lent; and sister, Mary Ann Furlong.
Relatives and friends attended a celebration of life at the Ruffenach Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The MLD Foundation in honor of his daughter, Lisa Katrina Lent. Those unable to donate, please do an act of kindness in John’s memory.