John J. Kuzmiak, ll

 Kuzmiak, John J. ll, Esq., 77, of Johnstown. Died Jan. 28, 2021, at Conemaugh Medical Center. Born October 9, 1943, in Johnstown.  Son of the late John J. and Mary (Kormanik) Kuzmiak.  Also preceded in death by sister, Carol Marie Pascua and nephew Kai.  Survived by wife of 51 years, Grace N. (Stevens); children, Tina Marie (Brian) Wolford, and Johnny (Nicole) Kuzmiak; grandchildren, Lexi Jo and Broc Wolford, Quinn Marie, Kash, Kobin, and Carter Kuzmiak.  Brother of Rose Marie Tracy and Charles Thomas (Brenda) Kuzmiak.  Also survived by Uncle Michael Kuzmiak, and cousins, Michael “Tyke” Mastovich, Stephen Mastovich, Ronald Gritzer, Nancy Kuzmiak, Skip Kormanik, and Loretta Hanft.  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and best buddy, Max Pavlovich. 1961 graduate of Richland High School where he played football. Graduated from West Virginia University where he played football and was in the 1964 Liberty Bowl.  He graduated from the University of Tennessee with his law degree.  John also served in the US Navy and is a Vietnam War veteran.  He was a boxing heavy weight champion in the Navy. John has been a lawyer in Johnstown serving in many capacities at the Cambria County Courthouse.  He was the solicitor for Sankertown Borough and both Greater Johnstown and Conemaugh Valley School Districts. John was proud law partner for many years of Attorney Thomas Kalinyak. Member of Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 364, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4200, and The American Legion Post 0849.  He also belonged to the Knights of Columbus, Geistown-Richland Lion’s Club, the Union Social Club, Cambria County Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, and The Pennsylvania School Board Association. John never went anywhere in town without running into someone that knew him.  He will be remembered for his annual Labor Day Crabfest and Mardi Gras parties.  He had a great love for his family and cherished spending time with them and bragging about his grandchildren.  He enjoyed watching their baseball, soccer, and softball games, and listening to them play the piano.  One of John’s greatest qualities was his loyalty.  His family and friends will remember who he was to them and hold their own special memories of him in their hearts. Friends received 2-4 and 6-8 pm Tuesday at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, where Parastas will be held at 7 pm. Prayers will begin at 9:15 am Wednesday at the funeral home and follow with Funeral Liturgy at 10 am at Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church, Conemaugh. Rev. Dr. Robert F. Oravetz, Pastor. Committal with military rites at Church Cemetery. (Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com)