John A. Despot, 94, Lakemont, passed away unexpectedly Monday, December 14, 2015, at his home. He was born May 16, 1921, in Ganister, son of John and Barbara (Zupancic) Despot, and was raised by his mother and stepfather, John Shuta. He married Helen Domovich on July 26, 1952, in Huntingdon, and she passed away August 20, 2011, after having shared 59 years of marriage.
Surviving are two sons: Stephen and wife, Cheryl, and David A. (Mary Coho), all of Lakemont; two grandchildren: Stephanie Strittmatter and husband, John, and Jonathan and wife, Lindsey; two great-grandsons: Jackson and Jace Strittmatter; a sister-in-law, Margaret Shuta of Hollidaysburg; and a brother-in-law, Stephen Domovich of Annandale, N.J.
He was preceded in death by three brothers: Frank Despot and Steven and Joseph Shuta.
John served in the U.S. Army during WWII with the 554th Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion at the Panama Canal. He retired from SKF after more than 25 years of service and prior to that had worked for 18 years at East Altoona Roundhouse with the Pennsylvania Railroad.
John was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Lakemont, and volunteered with building maintenance at the church for many years. He was a volunteer at St. John’s School and Church, where he especially enjoyed the children, and he also enjoyed gardening. He was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus, Star of the Sea Council.
Friends will be received from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.Wednesday at Sorge Funeral Home Inc., Hollidaysburg, where a vigil service will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 17, 2015, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Lakemont, Monsignor Michael A. Becker as celebrant. Entombment will be at Calvary Mausoleum, followed by military honors accorded by the Blair County Veterans Honor Guard.
Memorials may be given to St. John the Evangelist Church or Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries, 998 Logan Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602. |