Gibsonia - In this unprecedented dark and frightening time in our country, a very special bright light has gone out for the family and friends of John "Jack" Wislotsky. At the age of 87, John who was formerly a longtime resident of Kulpmont, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at St. Barnabas Nursing Home in Gibsonia.

Born in Kulpmont on October 15, 1932, he was the son of the late Andrew and Anna (Bogush) Wislotsky.

John was a graduate of Kulpmont High School and then went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Navy. His passion, commitment and sense of duty were evident, whenever he spoke of his military time and experiences.  After his Naval career ended, John continued training to become a very skilled, talented and much sought after Electrician and worked alongside of his father and brother, Tom.

August 13, 1960 was a day that John would always refer to as one of the most important days of his life because that is the day that he married the love of his life, Irene Herko. They became husband and wife in Saint Peter & Paul's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Mount Carmel.  Both John and Irene felt their greatest accomplishment in life is their Susan, the wonderful daughter they shared.  Together, with their child, they created a love-filled, happy home and life.  The doors to the Wislotsky house were always open to their family and cherished friends and neighbors.  John was happiest when he was enjoying a delicious meal, prepared by his wife, at a table surrounded by loved ones.  Outside in the comfort of his backyard patio, he regaled his guests with colorful life stories and anecdotes and conversations about politics, sports, and whatever topics that interested those he held dear.  In the later years of his life, after a significant physical health challenge limited his speech, those who love and adore John came to realize what his beloved grandson Nicholas so lovingly stated, he did not need words.  John's facial expressions and gestures spoke a thousand words for him and his warm embrace and smile stayed with you long after you left his company.

For 58 years John and Irene lived a beautiful life and enjoyed a marriage that couples strive for, one filled with love, respect and endless commitment and passion for one another. In recent years they moved to Western Pennsylvania to be near their daughter, Susan and her husband, John and their family.  Together they all enjoyed a new chapter in life and shared endless precious moments that will be cherished for a lifetime.  John's beautiful, devoted bride preceded him in death on December 16, 2018.  His smile was never the same after his beloved Irene left his side.

In addition to his wife, daughter and family, one of John's greatest passions was shooting.  Throughout the years he earned many accolades for his favorite sport, and will be remembered as a skilled marksman. John regularly spent his free time going to sportsman clubs; winning many notable awards including being the PA State Champion in 1972 and 1975.

John was also a member of Saint Peter & Paul's Ukrainian Church in Mount Carmel, the IBEW and was a lifetime member of the NRA, VFW and American Legion.

John is survived by his loving and devoted daughter, Susan Hawkins and husband, John of Cranberry Township; one grandson, Nicholas Hawkins; a step grandson, Kyle Hawkins; a step granddaughter, Morgan Hawkins; a brother, Thomas Wislotsky and wife, Jacqueline of Kulpmont; a sister, Nadia Kopcho of Fairless Hills; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Rachilla and husband, Eddie of NJ; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents and wife, John was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Ronald Kopcho.

FUNERAL NOTICE

John Wislotsky, 87, Gibsonia - Divine Liturgy will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being cared for by C.J. Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 1053 Chestnut Street, Kulpmont, PA 17834, John W. Minnig, Supervisor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts are sent to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH  45250-0301. Condolences for the family may be sent directly to Susan Hawkins, 701 Truth Lane, Cranberry Township, PA 16066 or please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com