John A. Strazza

On Monday, November 23, 2020, John A. Strazza, Jr., age 94, passed away peacefully in his sleep. John was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Ruth Strazza, and his first wife, Dorothy Strazza (the mother of his children); and his sister, Evelyn Strazza. John is survived by his brother, Leonard Strazza; his children Sandra (Joseph) Loy, Cynthia (Joseph) Matthews; and his grandchildren Kaitlyn and Shane Loy, Jessica (Jake) Sturm, and Ryan Matthews. John was faith-filled and a lifelong Catholic. As a young man, John knew he wanted to defend his country and bravely enlisted. As a proud World War II veteran, John honorably served in the US Army's 101st Airborne Division, in the Battle of the Bulge, and was an original member of the HQ 99th ARCOM. As a member of the U.S. Army reserve, John was the supervisor of the Greensburg maintenance shop. John attained the rank of Sergeant-Major during his 40 years of service. John was a master mechanic who was well-known for his mechanical mind; he could fix anything. He was fascinated with aircraft and earned an airplane mechanic license from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. John could tell a story so incredibly well that listeners were made to feel like they were actually there...in the story; a true gift that will be sorely missed. John was an avid dog lover and a serious traveler; he and his dog traveled across the country in a motor home. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Germaine Church, 7003 Baptist Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102 on Friday at 10 AM; please adhere to CDC guidelines. Due to COVID-19, visitation and burial will be private. Interment Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider having a mass said in John's memory or a donating to World Vision. Arrangements entrusted to WM. SLATER & SONS, INC., Mt. Washington (412-381-3345). www.slaterfuneral.com