John M. Hatala 1936-2020
POLAND — John M. “Jack” Hatala, 84, of Poland, died unexpectedly Friday afternoon, Oct. 23, 2020, at St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital.
Jack was born Feb. 23, 1936, in Youngstown, a son of John and Mary Holecko Hatala and had been a lifelong area resident.
He attended grade school at St. Matthias and finished in 1950. He attended Woodrow Wilson High School and graduated in 1954.
Jack was an Army veteran serving in the 12th Cavalry Division stationed at Fort Polk in Louisiana.
He had been a store manager for Loblaw-National Tea Company and had advanced to the produce buyer for all of the company stores. When the company left the area, he worked for Shop and Save in New Brighton, Pa.
Jack was a longtime parishioner of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in New Middletown. He was a former member of the Eagles in Brookville, Pa., and Youngstown, a member of the Croatian Club in Bessemer, Pa., and had been a charter member of the All Saints Council No. 5371 Knights of Columbus.
An avid outdoorsman, Jack enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his grandkids. He also enjoyed barbequing and relaxing on the porch at his hunting camp. He had a passion for gardening and was also a longtime fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He looked forward to his monthly breakfast meetings with the members of the class of 1950 from St. Matthias and the social events throughout the year.
Besides his wife of 63 years, the former Patricia Ann Hassey, whom he married Oct. 5, 1957, he leaves his son, John Hatala of Columbiana; three daughters, Debbie (Bruce) Kowal of Poland, Cheryl (Tom) Fabian of Arizona and Karen (Ben) Chaszeyka of New Springfield; his brother, Deacon Ray (Susan) Hatala of Poland; eight grandchildren, Michael (Jennifer) Hatala, Sara and Benny Chaszeyka, Monica (Robert) Koby, Thomas (Alexis) Fabian, Allison Kowal, Karlie (Conner) McDermott and Randy (Erin) Hatala; and six great-grandchildren.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, John Wayne Hatala.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, at St. Paul the Apostle Church in New Middletown with the Rev. Stephen Zeigler officiating. Friends may call from 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the Mass at the church.
Arrangements are by the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland.
Condolences may be sent to www.beckerobits.com.
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