John P. Vitez

John P. Vitez, 83, of Richland Township, passed away at his home on February 19, 2020.  He was born on September 2, 1936 in Windber, PA. He was a son of the late Andrew and Julia (Stevens) Vitez. John attended Richland High School and went on to work for many years as a meat cutter at various grocery stores including Red Top, Thorofare, Riverside, Bi-Lo and Giant Eagle from where he retired. He was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church. John had been an avid golfer most of his life and a long-time member of the Windber Country Club. He made his first hole-in-one at 78 years of age.  He also pitched horseshoes with the Conemaugh PNA and was a member of the Geistown VFW.  He greatly enjoyed fishing with his grandkids, building jigsaw puzzles and going on the casino bus trips. He loved his family and friends dearly and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Sarah “Sally” (Sisk) Vitez, sister, Julia Vitez, nephew, Michael Vitez, nephew, John Grieco Jr, brother-in-law, John Grieco and sister-in-law, Mary Lou (Berkstresser) Vitez. He is survived by his son, Mark and daughter-in-law, Laura (Stake) Vitez of Salix and grandchildren, Craig Vitez, Corey Vitez and Katie Vitez; daughter, Debbie wife of Bryan Jolley, Burbank, CA and grandchildren, Alex Jolley and Luke Jolley; brother, Andrew Vitez, Winston Salem, NC, sisters, Irene Grieco and Edith Vitez both of Windber as well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 A.M. on Tuesday at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Geistown, Fr. David S. Peles, Pastor. The family suggests memorial contributions to Conemaugh Hospice or St. Benedict parish Helping Hands in memory of John P. Vitez. The family is being served by Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland. Online condolences may be posted at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.