JOHN P. BERDY

YOUNGSTOWN – John P. Berdy, 88, of the city’s southside, passed away unexpectedly Friday afternoon, Aug. 26, 2011, at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown.

John was born Feb. 25, 1923, in Carbon, Pa., a son of the late Paul and Anna Solonyna Berdy, and came to this area as a young man in 1947.

He was a graduate of Bessemer High School, served with the U.S. Army in the 4th Armored Division during World War II, and was awarded the Purple Heart.

John was a steelworker for over 30 years for U.S. Steel, Ohio Works, retiring as a foreman when the mill closed. He then worked for a time at Mahoning National Bank.

He was a member of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Youngstown, where he was a pyrohy worker. John was also a member of the Chatterbox Club, was a former member of the VFW, and enjoyed fishing, golfing, gardening, and fixing things. Most of all, he thoroughly enjoyed the time he spent with his family and friends.

Mr. Berdy leaves his beloved wife of 64 years, Helen Gancarcik Berdy, whom he married Aug. 20, 1947; four daughters, Betty (Al) Smail of Spearfish, S.D., Kathy (Bob) Hartenstein of Fort Wayne, Ind., JoAnn (Bob) Berry of Vienna, and Nancy (Fred) Raia of Santa Clara, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Tracy, Matt, Heath, Jeremy, Danielle, Daniel, and Breanna; seven great-grandchildren, Landon, Emma, Robert, Selah, Elliana, Lily, and Hannah; two sisters, Ann Kutchel of New Middletown and Tassie Blazinic of Poland; and his two beloved dogs, Ginger and Zoie.

John will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Two brothers, Paul and Michael Berdy, and two sisters, Mary Olinik and Catherine Kodash, are deceased.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 29, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown, where a prayer service will be held at 6 p.m.

Funeral services will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home, and continue at 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church, 526 W. Rayen Ave., Youngstown.

Interment with military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to view this obituary and to send condolences online to Mr. Berdy’s family.