John R. Szczesny
Mr. John R. Szczesny, 91, formerly of New Kensington, passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2008 at The Amber House, Mt. Pleasant, Pa. where he had resided for the past three years. He was born December 18, 1916 in Natrona, Pa., to Stanley and Sophie (Gorney) Szczesny. A life long resident of New Kensington, he was employed at Allegheny Industries in Brackenridge as an overhead crane man until his retirement in 1982.
He was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and was a member of the choir until 2005. He enjoyed bowling with the M.O.R.A. Club and going to the movies. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and also a member of the VFW and Knights of Columbus. He was an Army Veteran of WWII serving as a corporal with the 11th Battalion 4th Regiment.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Anna C. (Yabczanka) Szczesny, four infant children, his parents Stanley & Sophie Szczesny, brother Ted, sisters Violet and Emily, and son-in-law James Leasure.
He is survived by his daughter Joan Leasure; son Fr. John S. Szczesny, grandsons: C.J. (Denise) Schreckengost of Sanford N.C., and Richard (Suzanne) Schreckengost of Winter Garden, Fla.; 8 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, sisters: Pearl (Stanley) Mackowski, Mary (Bruno) Kearns, brother Edmond (Harriet) Szczesny; sister-in-law Ginny Szczesny and several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. today, September 28 at the RUSIEWICZ OF ARNOLD FUNERAL HOME. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, September 29 at St. Mary Czestochowa Church, 857 Kenneth Ave., New Kensington with his son, Father John S. Szczesny as main celebrant.
Burial with military honors by the Vandergrift Joint Veterans will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Lower Burrell, Pa.