John A. Palya
Uniontown, Pa.
John A. Palya, 90, of Uniontown, passed on Thursday, October 24, 2019.
He was born June 25, 1929, in Uniontown, a son of the late Joseph and Mary Palya. He was the beloved husband of 69 years to Ann (Kikta) Palya; father of Kathy (Ron) Conchilla, Diane (Bob) Luzanski and John (Donna) Palya; grandfather of Ryan (Christina) Conchilla, Candace (Jason) Miller, Brian Luzanski; great-grandfather of Delaney and Landon Miller and Colton and Grace Conchilla; brother of the late Vincent, Paul, Joe and Raymond Palya and Mary Mangosh; and his uncle, Frank Palya and aunt, Sister Julianna Palya.
John was a self employed truck driver. He was a member of St. Mary’s (Nativity) Roman Catholic Church in Uniontown. John was a humble and selfless man who loved spending time with his family more than anything. He began his life growing up and working on his family’s farm in Uniontown. From there, John married his bride Ann Kikta Palya, and had three children he cherished. John and Ann went on to be happily married for 69 years and were blessed with three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
John’s hobbies included many things, including driving his MACK truck, polka music, cars, playing the accordion and watching his Pittsburgh Steelers. Above all, having his family together for holidays, parties and gatherings is what put the biggest smile on his face. He was surrounded by family and friends on his 90th birthday this past summer. When we think about him, the words that come to mind are hard working, caring, loving, humorous, faithful and a true family man. These are just a few words that come to mind but it’s impossible to summarize how great a man he was in words. He will be greatly missed and we will cherish the memories we had with him.
Friends will be received at STEPHEN R. HAKY FUNERAL HOME Sunday from 2 to 8 p.m.. Monday Prayers of Transfer at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s (Nativity) Roman Catholic Church, Mt. Vernon Avenue, Uniontown. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s (Nativity) Cemetery, Uniontown. The Lazarus Ministry will conduct the Parish wake service Sunday at 6:30 p.m. in the funeral home. Tributes welcome at www.hakyfuneralhome.com