John C. Hamzik 1935-2025

He was born July 6, 1935, in Windber, Pa., son of George and Mary Wargo Hamzik.

John enlisted and served in the United States Army from June 1954 to June 1957, during the Korean War, serving with the 201st Infantry Regiment as specialist third class at Fort William D. Davis in the Panama Canal Zone, and carried a strong sense of duty throughout his life.

In 1958, John began his long career in skilled trades at Ford Motor Company in Cleveland, where he earned his journeyman’s card as a tool and die maker.

On July 18, 1959, John married Frances Sirianni (also of Windber, Pa.).

After 11 years at Ford, John took a job at General Motors Fisher Body Division Stamping Plant in Lordstown, where he continued his trade for the next 30 years, with the family settling in the Cornersburg area of Boardman.

John enjoyed collecting Hot Wheels cars and had quite an extensive collection, and followed NASCAR with enthusiasm. He attended several races over the years with his dear Frannie. He was a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pittsburgh Pirates. John also loved a good polka as well as country music, which brought joy to his days, and he also took pride in working on cars.

John’s grandchildren were the light of his life. He enjoyed spending time with them and attending their many school functions over the years, and watching them grow into young adults. John may have come across as gruff on the outside, but he was a very generous man with a big sweet tooth and an even bigger heart. He will surely be missed.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Frances Sirianni Hamzik; his parents, George and Mary Wargo Hamzik; his sister, Ann Hamzik; and his brothers, George and Thomas Hamzik.

He is remembered by his son, John A. (Elizabeth) Hamzik, along with their children, Elijah, Delia and Eden, all of Lancaster, Pa. His daughter, Christine Baker (Casey Slivka) of Boardman, with whom he made his home, also survives him. Christine’s sons, Levi of Columbus and Eric of Indianapolis, mourn his passing as well. He is also survived by his sister, Marie Bruner of Strongsville (wife of the late Joseph Bruner); sister-in-law, Barbara Hamzik of Chandler, Arizona (wife of the late George Hamzik); and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Omni West Assisted Living, especially Chris, Monica, Ty and Beth; Ellie at Akeso Hospice; and everyone at Hospice of the Valley Hospice House for their care, support and respect for John.

Calling hours will be 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, at Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home, 3100 Canfield Road, Youngstown. A visitation will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, at the funeral home, followed by an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Christine Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown.

Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, 248 S. Belle Vista Ave., Youngstown.

Donations can be made to the Dementia Society of America, dementiasociety.org. Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home handled all of the arrangements for the family.

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