Obituary
John Robert Johovic “Chief” passed away on March 13th, 2024, in Ormond Beach, Florida, after a prolonged illness. His loving wife was by his side when he passed.
John was born September 6, 1944, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to his parents, Theresa Ann Szigeta, and John William Johovic who preceded him in death. John’s son, John Robert Johovic the Second, died at the age of 17, as the result of a tragic car crash.
The “Chief” served in the U.S. Navy for more than 32 years. He was aboard the USS Galveston CLG3, a guided missile cruise ship, during the Vietnam War, where he made many friendships that lasted a lifetime. One of those shipmates, Arnie Uhlman, visited him every year, and the two spent many hours sharing old war stories and laughing about their misadventures on and off the ship. John was proud of his time in the service, as a CeeBee and later as a Naval Reservist. He was especially proud of all the men he served with.
John was a fun-loving, boisterous guy, who never met a stranger. He was a man’s man – tough as nails, but with a heart of gold. He filled a room with his presence. He adored his wife, children, grandchildren and his two sisters. He was a family man above all else. He was a master carpenter who loved his work and loved his life. He enjoyed shooting pool and playing poker with the guys at the club house in the Gardens of New Britain, where he is missed.
John is survived by his wife Darlene, his daughter Tracy and her spouse Randy Richardson of Camden, Delaware; grandchildren John, Mathew, Kara and Lexi; his stepdaughters Cheryl and son Jake; Lisa and spouse Steve Tse, residing in Texas, and their children Rick, Shayna, Michael and Hayden. He is further survived by two sisters; Sandra Peiralinni of North Carolina and Helen Ann Gearhart and husband Al Gearhart of Imperial, Pennsylvania.
John wished to be cremated and buried next to his wife in a family plot in Rodman, New York. A celebration of life will be held in Rodman at the Rodman Fire Hall, with a graveside service to follow on Sunday, June 30th, 2024 at 1:00 pm. All who wish to attend are welcome.
Leave a reply