John "Punkin" Blaniar, Sr., 96, formerly of Ford City, went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, August 29, 2020, at Back to Basics Personal Care Home in Dayton.
John "Punkin" was born on January 29, 1924, in Ford City, to the late Frank Sr., and Teckla "Tillie" Blaniar.
John was formerly a member of the Appleby Manor Presbyterian Church in Ford City. Her served in the Army during World War II in the European Theater of Operation. He was employed at Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corporation in Leechburg, for 35 years, and was a past member of the Ford Cliff Volunteer Fire Department.
Punkin loved his family above all. He also loved the outdoors, especially deer hunting in Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Wyoming. His favorite fishing streams were Buffalo Creek and Tionesta Creek. Camping in Cook Forest was high on his list. He also had a great time chatting on the C.B. radio where he was known as "Orange Punkin".
Survivors include his sister, Rose Paris of Niles, OH; children, John Blaniar Jr., and his wife, Nancy, of Indiana, PA, Belinda Faith of Ford City, Keith Blaniar and his wife, Susan, of Ford City; grandchildren, Michelle Schmidt of Apollo, Ashley Malone of Parker, CO, Mallory Kerr of Indiana, PA, Dr. Dennis Faith of Malvern, PA, Maria Hivner of Gibsonia, Alyssa White of Butler, Constance Blaniar of Pittsburgh, and Jeannette Blaniar of Ford City; and ten great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Goldie J. Blaniar in 2008; brothers, Steve Blaniar, Charles Blaniar, and Paul Blaniar; half-brothers, Frank Blaniar Jr., and Andrew Blaniar; half-sisters, Mary Brink, Irene Vojtilla, and Wilma Blaniar; stepbrothers, Mike Krochta and Peter Krochta; stepsister, Anna Prazenica; and a son-in-law, Tim Faith.
Visitation will be on Thursday, from 9 a.m., until the time of services at 11 a.m., in the Welch Funeral Home, 1032 Fourth Ave., Ford City. Interment will follow in Lawn Haven Burial Estates. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Back to Basics Personal Care Home, 215 Slaughterhouse Rd., Dayton, PA 16222, where Punkin was loved and received excellent care. To share memories and condolences, please visit www.welchfh.com.
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