John T. Grohal

John T. Grohal, 90, of Norvelt, PA died November 23, 2015 at the Oak Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Greensburg, PA. He was born December 21, 1924 in Marguerite, PA, a son of the late Simon Grohal and Eva Mehalic Grohal. Throughout his life, John displayed the qualities of faith, fortitude, determination, compassion, and humility. He was the cornerstone of his family, a beloved husband and father. He was a longtime member of Saint Florian’s Catholic Church in United, PA. John was an avid sports fan, particularly valuing the spirit of competition, teamwork and good sportsmanship. In his youth, he was a very good baseball player and was nicknamed “Arky” by his friends, after Arky Vaughan, the Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop of the 1930’s and early 1940’s. Before entering military service, he attended Hurst High School, Mount Pleasant Township, PA. John was a decorated combat veteran of World War II, having served in the 534th Amphibian Tractor Battalion of the United States Army. He served his country with honor and distinction. For his service which was primarily in the Pacific Theater of war, he was recognized with numerous honors, awards, and medals, most notably the Presidential Unit Citation for the amphibious assaults and victories in the Battles of Saipan and Tinian. After the war, he returned to civilian life, married and raised a family. He worked briefly as a coal miner and then was employed as a steelworker for almost 40 years. He retired from the Latrobe Steel Company in 1987 with 36 years of service. He was a member of the United Steelworkers of America and the American Legion Post #446, Mount Pleasant, PA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Jeanne Marie in 1997. John was the last surviving member of his immediate family, being preceded by his brother Simon, his sisters Anne, Veronica, and Catherine as well as three infant sisters in death. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 69 years, Clare (Marhefka). Along with his wife Clare, John is survived by his six sons; William (Philomena) of Mount Pleasant, John A. of Greensburg, Timothy (Norreen) of Greensburg, Frederick of Greensburg, Robert (Peggy) of Arlington, VA, and Steven (Kennette) of Derry. He is also survived by his grandchildren Lucille (Mike) Urban, Eve (Jeff) Yelinek, Lucas Grohal, and Alexander Grohal, his great-grandchildren Carter and Noah Urban as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and other relatives. Visitation will be in JAY A. HOFFER FUNERAL HOME, 2245 Mt. Pleasant Rd, Norvelt, PA 15674 on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. There will be no visitation on Thanksgiving Day. A funeral mass will be held at St. Florian’s Roman Catholic Church on Friday, November 27, 2015 at 10 AM with transfer prayers at 9:15 in the funeral home, followed by interment with military honors accorded at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Latrobe, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John's name to Wounded Warriors Family Support, 920 S 107th Ave, Suite 250, Omaha, NE 68114 or a charity of your choice. The family would like to express gratitude to the staffs at the Oak Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, The Rehabilitation and Nursing Center at Greater Pittsburgh, and Excela Health, particularly the Wound Care Center and Hospice. Love is Eternal!