John H. Havalo 1926-2020
STRUTHERS — John H. Havalo, 93, a lifelong resident of Struthers, died Friday morning, July 3, 2020, at Addison Healthcare Center in Masury, where he was receiving physical therapy.
John was born July 17, 1926, in Struthers, the son of the late Wasyl and Julia Pendel Havalo.
He graduated from Struthers High School. After high school, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving on the USS Kemper County (LST 854) as a seaman first class during World War II. John earned the Asiatic Pacific Medal with two stars, the Victory Medal, the American Area Medal and the Philippine Liberation with one star.
After the war, John returned to Struthers and was a machinist for Sharon Steel in Pennsylvania for 40 years, retiring in 1991, as a central spares supervisor.
John was a member of Christ Our Savior Parish at St. Nicholas Catholic Church.
During his free time, John enjoyed doing home repairs, carpentry and spending time with his family.
In his younger years, John enjoyed watching and playing baseball. He enjoyed attending the sporting events of his grandsons, Michael and Daniel, and was their No. 1 fan.
John is survived by two sons, John G (Jackie) Havalo of Hubbard and Ronald K. Havalo of Struthers; two grandsons, Michael J. Havalo of North Jackson and Daniel C. (Jessica) Havalo of Poland; and three great-grandchildren, Faith, Jonathan and Ella Havalo.
Besides his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, the former Elizabeth Ann Tarajcak, whom he married on Aug. 26, 1950, and who died May 20, 2008; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary (Joseph) Baron, Nellie (Victor) Vasvari and Margaret (Daniel) Cuzic.
Calling hours for family and friends will be held from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, 2020, at Davidson-Becker Funeral Home, 11 Spring St., Struthers. Due to COVID-19, the six-foot rule will be honored, and we ask that all guests, whose health allows, wear a mask. For the safety of everyone, we politely ask that visitors not staying for the service do not linger after seeing the Havalo family.
A prayer service will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at the Great Hall of Christ Our Savior Parish at St. Nicholas Church, 764 Fifth St., Struthers at 10:30 a.m., with the Rev. Martin Celuch officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that material tributes take the form of contributions to Christ Our Savior Parish at St. Nicholas Church, 764 Fifth St., Struthers, OH 44471, in memory of John.
Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com.
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