John Onufer Jr

John Onufer Jr., 93, of North Charleroi, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at the Hallsworth House, Monessen, PA. Born Dec. 28, 1921 in North Charleroi, he was the son of John and Anna Kushnick Onufer Sr. Mr. Onufer was a member of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Charleroi and was employed by Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel as a gauger for 42 years before his retirement in 1982. He served in the U.S. Naval Amphibious Forces during WWII and made beach landings in Sicily, Salerno, Anzio, and Normandy before serving in the Pacific Theater until the war ended. Mr. Onufer was awarded 5 Bronze Stars for the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign, 1 Bronze Star for the Asiatic Pacific Theater, WWII Victory Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, and an award from the French government for the Normandy Invasion. Mr. Onufer was honorably discharged with a rank of Chief Boatswain Mate. A veteran, he was a member of the Charleroi Lodge #615 F & A.M., Veterans of Foreign Wars, and life member of Disabled American Veterans and the AMVETS. Mr. Onufer was devoted to his family and friends and truly enjoyed holiday celebrations and spending time at the family camper during the summer months. Other favorite pastimes included hunting with his dog Rocky, fishing, and tending to his garden. Left to cherish the many memories are his 4 daughters, Sandra Timko (John) of Rostraver Township, Gloria Bizick (Rick) of Canonsburg, Karen Niro (Joe) of Rostraver Township, Bonnie Brand (Paul) of Carroll Township, former wife Sophie Onufer, brother Anthony Onufer of Camp Hill, and 11 grandchildren: Johnny (fiancAC., Jessica Yuhasz), Jordan (Becky) & Jessalyn Timko; Richard, Brendan & Briana Bizick; Joelle, Jocelyn & Jillian Niro; Sophia & Amelia Brand, & numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Catherine Hega and brothers, William, Michael & Nicholas. Family and friends will be received Sunday from 6 to 8 PM and Monday 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at the Melenyzer Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Inc. 825 Fallowfield Ave., Charleroi. Parastas will be at 6 PM on Monday . Prayers will be recited at 9:30 AM on Tuesday April 14, 2015 at the funeral home followed by Funeral Services at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Charleroi at 10 AM with Rev. Gregory Petersen officiating and Rev. Samuel Smolcic concelebrating. Interment will follow in Monongahela Cemetery.