John F. Masarik

John F. Masarik, 92, of Natrona Heights, passed away Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at his home. He was born October 12, 1924, in Natrona Heights to the late Joseph and Mary Talda Masarik. John was a 1943 graduate of Har-Brack High School and a 1951 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Masters degree in Education. He was a veteran of WWII serving for three years under General Patton in the 3rd Army, 76th Division, Combat infantry, 304 Regiment. John was the recipient of many military awards, the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, two Campaign Stars and the Combat Infantry Badge. He retired after 36 years as an educator working during his career at Freeport Area High School, Winfield Area High School, South Butler Area High School and Highlands High School. During his years as an educator John also coached football and basketball for Knoch High School and swimming at Highlands High School. John was also the manager of Sylvan Park, Inc. a Recreational Complex from 1965 until 2014. He also founded and organized the AK Valley Swim Club League in 1967 and served as it's President for 10 years. John was a member of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament R.C. Parish, Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Natrona Heights American Legion Post 48, in Natrona, the D.A.V. and AARP. He enjoyed traveling, camping, hunting, fishing, gardening and spending winter's in Key Largo, Florida. John is survived by his wife, Melissa Jane (Vantine) Masarik; children, John F. Masarik, of Homestead, Florida, Michael J. (Chris) Masarik, of Fawn Township, Kimberly A, (Corky) Wagner, of Key Largo, Florida and Mary E. Capoccioni, of Superior, Colorado; 10 grandchildren, Joshua, Jamaica, Jennifer, Cody, John III, Michael II, Nicole, Nathan, Cole and Jarrod; 2 great grandchildren, Jesa and Jack; brother, Lawrence L. (Mary Ann) Masarik, of Frazer Township; and by his sister, Martha Mason, of Natrona Heights. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert J., Joseph and August Masarik; and by his sisters, Valeria Mitchell, Sophia Kramarik and Mary Ann Misutka.
Friends will be received on Thursday from 6-8 PM and on Friday from 2-4, 6-8 PM in the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., 1522 Carlisle St., Natrona Heights 724-224-8688, where a blessing service will be held on Saturday at 8:30 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 9:00 AM in Most Blessed Sacrament Church with the Rev. Aaron Kriss as celebrant. Burial with full military honor's accorded by the Vandergrift Veteran Honor Guard will be in Mt. Airy Cemetery, Natrona Heights. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of John may be made to the Highlands Community Education Foundation, P.O. Box 288, Natrona Heights, Pa. 15065. To send an on line condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.