John J. (Jack) Hoover

Hoover, John J. (Jack), 91, Richland Township, went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 3, 2011 at Memorial Medical Center. He was born on October 22, 1919 in Johnstown, son of the late, John L. and Hettie (Callihan) Hoover. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his loving wife, of 68 years, Marian G. (Strong) Hoover, May 1, 2010; sister, Helen Shaffer, and a brother, Ronald Hoover. He is survived by sons, James L., married to the former Linda Bell, Pittsburgh, and Larry L. Hoover, Westmont; daughter, Linda J., wife of Robert Novak, Jr., Nanty Glo; grandchildren, Kelley (Mark) Heckathorne, Coraopolis, James "Jimmy" Hoover, Irwin, Matthew "Matt" Novak, Nanty Glo , Tyler (Jen) Novak, Twin Rocks, and Katelyn (Ron) Grados, Beaverdale; great-grandchildren, Grant and Wyatt Hoover, Olivia and Joslin Heckathorne, Hailey and Marshall Novak, and Emily Grados; sister, Bettie Roddy, Gloucester, Va.; sister-in-law, Beverly Hoover, Johnstown, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Jack was a 1939 graduate of Johnstown High School, then started in Bethlehem Steel's apprentice school and retired 38 years later as an electrical foreman/supervisor in the Gautier Division's electrical department, where he gained much respect from his superiors and employees working with him. He was a 65 year member of Oakland United Methodist Church, where he was married and served in many capacities, including trustee and steward. Jack was one of many church members and community volunteers who built the current church building, including doing much of the electrical work himself. He was a life member of Arbutus Park Manor Auxiliary. Jack enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, camping, motor home traveling around the U.S., family gatherings, woodworking, and was known to be able to fix almost anything. He helped build their home of 58 years in the Arbutus Park neighborhood. He was known by family and friends to be a gentle, God-loving soul, with a great sense of humor, and was loved by all who knew him. Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. on Monday at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, and from 12:30 P.M. until time of service at 1:30 P.M. on Tuesday at Oakland United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Randy Bain officiating. Interment will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to either Oakland United Methodist Church, 1504 Bedford St., Johnstown, P.A. 15902 or to Arbutus Park Manor, 207 Ottawa Street, Johnstown, PA 15904 in memory of Jack. Online condolences may be posted to www. wharrisfuneralhome.com .