John J. Takac

John J. Takac, 84, of Greensburg, died Monday, December 2, 2024, in his home with his wife and daughters by his side.  He was born July 10, 1940, a son of the late John and Ann Takac.  He is survived by his best friend, companion, and wife of 58 years, Marilyn Takac; daughters, Kim Ziolkowski (Ron), Kristin Coleman (David), and Kelly Ament (Doug); grandchildren, Morgan, Zac, Jacob, Nick, Allie, Cade, and Nichole; and siblings, Ron Takac (Ruth), Nancy Allen (Tim), Rick Takac (Kathryn), and Andrea Verbanic (Eric).

John was born in Connellsville, grew up in Uniontown, and graduated from the former North Union High School and West Virginia University.  After graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy and was accepted into the officer candidate program.  He was commissioned as an Ensign and served on board a destroyer out of Norfolk, VA for two years.  He then served one year at the Naval Amphibious Base in Little Creek, VA. 

After his discharge from the Navy, John and Marilyn were married and began their incredible 58 years together, raising their kids, spending treasured time with family, vacationing 20 winters in Naples, Florida, and making lifelong friends and memories along the way. 

John was employed by the Elliott Company in Jeannette and spent 34 years in various financial and manufacturing positions.  He made many friends at work and enjoyed their company long after his retirement, whether at lunches, dinners, golf, or just sitting around drinking beer. 

John is a longtime member of Our Lady of Grace Parish, Greensburg where he served on the Financial Council and as a Eucharistic Lay Minister with Marilyn to the RNC Rehab Facility for many years.  He also frequently helped at the Lenton fish fries and landscaping projects on the church grounds. 

One of the greatest joys in John’s life was spending time with his family and grandkids.  Over the years they shared many wonderful memories including playing countless games of Scat, golf rounds, vacations, school and sporting events, graduations, and mostly just hanging out imparting his infinite “words of wisdom.” 

John always said he received many blessings in life and would like to be remembered as a friend who enjoyed others’ company and friendship.  He was very thankful for his family and their closeness.  He was a peaceful man of simple means. 

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM Thursday at the LEO M. BACHA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 516 Stanton Street, Greensburg.  A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 AM Friday in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 1011 Mount Pleasant Rd., Greensburg.  Everyone please go directly to the church.  Private interment in Hillview Cemetery.  If you so desire, donations may be made to the Westmoreland County Food Bank.  www.bachafh.com

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