John S. Skocik Jr.
John S. Skocik Jr., age 83, of Uniontown, Pennsylvania died on Sunday, July 22, 2018.
He was born in Uniontown, Pa., July 4, 1935, son of the late John and Mary (Check) Skocik
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his first wife Mary Catherine (Kollar) Skocik; a brother Andrew F. Skocik.
He graduated from Georges High School, Class of 1952, and then enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served his country during the Korean War as a Radio Operator aboard many ships including the U.S.S. Delta and the U.S.S. New Jersey.
After finishing his service, he completed his undergraduate studies at California University of Pennsylvania, earned a Master’s Degree in Mathematics at West Virginia University where, upon graduation, he was immediately offered a faculty teaching position at WVU that he held for seven years.
He later accepted a faculty position as an Associate Professor with the Department of Mathematics at California University of Pennsylvania where he taught for 32 years until his retirement. He loved mathematics, and he loved being a teacher.
Family and friends were very important to him.
He was an avid golfer, be it annual Myrtle Beach trips with his colleagues from Cal U or playing some rounds with “the Crew” from Kolencik’s Service Station, where he’d be having coffee just about every morning before he grabbed lunch at Roy’s Pub.
He loved going on hunting and fishing trips, excursions he particularly shared with his five brothers.
He was a season ticket holder for WVU football for nearly 40 years, a passionate fan of the team.
More than anything, he loved his family, in particular his grand children, and just being in their company gave him more happiness and contentment than anything else.
John was a member of Saint Mary (Nativity) Roman Catholic Church in Uniontown, Pa.
He was a Lifetime Member of many local veterans’ organizations, including General George C. Marshall AMVETS Post 103, Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Catholic War Veterans, and the American Legion Post 51 where he served as Commander from 1979-1980.
He was also a 4th Degree member of The Knights of Columbus and a member of the Elks Lodge 370.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Nancy A. (Tautkus) Skocik; their children and grandchildren: son, John Paul Skocik, wife Jessica and grand son Jack of New York City, New York; son, Michael P. Skocik, wife Katie, grandson Rowan and granddaughter Olive Rose of Mount Lebanon, Pa.; brothers: Raymond Skocik and wife Doris, Joseph Skocik, Michael Skocik, and Jerry Skocik and wife Rita; several nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received at STEPHEN R. HAKY FUNERAL HOME, INC., 603 North Gallatin Avenue Extension, Uniontown, Pa., today, July 26, 2018 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and until 9:15 a.m. on Friday, July 27, 2018 when Prayers of Transfer will be said.
The Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 a.m. in Saint Mary (Nativity) Roman Catholic Church, 61 North Mount Vernon Avenue, Uniontown, Pa.
Interment will be held at Mount Saint Macrina Cemetery where Military Rite and Honors will be accorded by the General George C. Marshall AMVETS Post 103.
Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Vincent De Paul in Uniontown and the Uniontown YMCA.
Parish Wake Service led by the Lazarus Ministry will be held in the funeral home today at 3:00 p.m.
The Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Wake Service will be held in the funeral home today at 7:00 p.m.
Your personal written tributes and memories are welcomed and encouraged at www. hakyfuneralhome.com