John Belichak Jr.

Belichak – John Jr., 91, East Taylor Township, went to be with the Lord on April 14, 2017 at Windber Hospice. Born on June 3, 1925 in Johnstown, PA, son of John Sr. and Elizabeth (Mindyas) Belichak. Preceded in death by his parents; brother, Michael; sister, Pauline Felix, and nephew, Michael Belichak. He is survived by his loving daughters, Patricia McCullough, and special companion, Ron Cardone, both of Windber; Jean, wife of William Sobecky, Johnstown; and Judy, wife of Robert Hite, Annandale, VA; grandchildren, Corey Kusher, married to Hannah Deaton-Kusher, Charlotte, NC; Ken Kusher, married to the former Barb Tomayko, Johnstown; John Minnick, married to Erica Treusch-Minnick, Beaver, PA; Alexis, wife of Travis Kovalovsky, Chicora, PA; and Stephanie Frank, Annandale, VA; great grandchildren, John Hollis and Grayson Kusher, and Ryan, Jacob, and Alexandra Minnick; brother, Frank, Johnstown; sister-in-law, Olga Belichak, Johnstown; brother-in-law, George Felix, Johnstown; Donna (Hamel) Cintula, Fort Wayne, IN, who was like another daughter, unselfishly giving of her heart and time. Also, survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and his beloved fur child, Sammy the cat. John was a US Army Veteran, serving during WWII. He was a member of Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church, and was also a member of the Park Hill American Legion, Post #970 for over 50 years. John retired from Bethlehem Steel after 37 years of service as a crane operator. Throughout his adult life, John enjoyed fishing, tinkering around his house and taking pride in his beautiful yard. He had the gift of hospitality, always making family and friends welcome and was an amazing cook. John supplied all that he met with Werther’s candy, just to see them smile. He gave willingly and generously from his heart and made time for anyone who needed him. Until his knees could no longer support his frail body, John continued to kneel every night to pray for his family, friends, and neighbors, mentioning each one by name. John lived his life as a man of faith and led by example. His legacy is integrity, honesty, and humility. John was a hardworking man with a great sense of humor and strong work ethic. His daughters would like to thank his dear friends, Gene and Mary Lou Gully, who supplied him with homemade preserves and homemade wine; Tony Zanghi, who faithfully cleared winter snow from his driveway; the Walkers and the Gerbers, who all shared a place in his heart; to Jeannie (Pyshnik) Oparnico, who checked in on him frequently, planting a kiss on his cheek and bringing a smile to his face; and to Sunny Roach, who is part of our extended family, who came from Mountlake Terrace, Washington, to offer support and encouragement. And, special thanks to “Punxsutawney” Phil, for delivering meals on wheels and interacting with him; to the amazing Windber Hospice staff and their many volunteers, especially David Zindash, for his tender touch during massage therapy; and to Dad’s special angel, Rachel Allen, for the soothing gift of music. We celebrate his life. He has entered the gates of Heaven with thanksgiving and praise. Friends will be received from 3-7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Baker-Harris Funeral Chapel, Conemaugh, where Parastas will be held at 6:30 p.m. Brief prayers will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday followed by Funeral Liturgy at 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church. Rev. Dr. Robert F. Oravetz. Committal will be at Grandview Cemetery with military rites conducted by Menoher Post #155 VFW Ritual Team. Contributions may be directed to his family in memory of John. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.