John Tamalavage Obituary


April 14, 2013

John James Tamalavage, 59, of Pottsville, formerly of Mechanicsburg, died Sunday at home.

Born in Pottsville, Dec. 9, 1953, he was a son of the late John J. and Mildred M. Zerdy Tamalavage, New Philadelphia and Mechanicsburg.

A graduate of Mechanicsburg High School and HACC, he received a bachelor's degree in accounting from Penn State University.

He retired as an audit specialist from Bureau of Financial Operations of the Commonwealth of PA Department of Public Welfare.

An avid reader of world history, periodicals and online newspapers, he regularly contributed and published blog comments to the New York Times and Reuters on global political and financial issues.

He enjoyed traveling, cinema, scuba diving, crabbing, the ocean, beach and fitness activities and the family tradition of extensive tomato gardening.

He was a member of the Stone Harbor Wetlands Institute, Friends of Gettysburg, a NOAA storm-tracker volunteer and Penn State Alumni Association.

His loving smile, light-hearted humor and incredible generosity will be treasured by those who knew him.

Surviving are his wife, Rita M. Shevokas Tamalavage; and daughter, Anne Elizabeth Tamalavage; a sister, Judith (John) Remiszewski, Duluth, Ga.; an aunt, Catherine Cowley Fridrich; nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mechanicsburg, where there will be a visitation at 10 a.m. The Rev. Louis P. Ogden will be the celebrant. Interment will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Mechanicsburg. Memorial contributions may be made to Penn State University, Department of Geo Sciences, 503 Deike Building, University Park, PA 16802. To sign the onlilne guest book visit www.malpezzifuneralhome.com. Malpezzi Funeral Home, Mechanicsburg, is in charge of arrangements.

Published by Republican & Herald on Apr. 16, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Tamalavage

Not sure what to say?





I miss John, and think about what a great cook he was!

Ron Webber

Friend

April 10, 2020

Rita and Annie, I am so very, very sorry for your loss. I wish I could make your pain go away. Bernadette

April 27, 2013

John and I shared years of travel and friendship...the very best and .....of times.....an epic. Thank you for it all!

Ron Webber

April 24, 2013

Dear Rita & Annie
We are so shocked. & sad to hear of your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you in this difficult time. Take care
Luv
Arvindar,Harwinder & Preet

April 23, 2013

Rita and Annie:
It is with a heavy heart that I learned of the sudden passing of John from Ann Marie. Know that both of you are in our prayers and thoughts and if there is anything we can do please ask. We will talk soon and PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF during this difficult time.
Joanne Haag

Joanne Haag

April 22, 2013

Rita and Annie, I am so sorry to hear of the sad loss of your husband and father. He was such a gentleman when I met him and I hope that the wonderful memories that you have will help the ache in your heart. My prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Sallie Romberger Badger

April 21, 2013

Dear Rita and Annie: it is with great sadness we offer our condolences to you. Though we did not know John well, we liked speaking with him. Annie- it was so clear that you were the apple of his eye and he could not be more proud to have you grow into the person you are. God bless you both and let you find peace and strength in the memories you have of your loving husband and caring father.

Lisa, Craig, Brianna, Dustin and Dakota McClure

April 21, 2013

Annie and Rita.
Your father/husband sounds like the kind of man who I would very much have enjoyed getting to know. I send hugs to you both -- big ones. Just know that we're all feeling the love and the grief here at Pond Lab.

Sam Richards

April 19, 2013

John's first comic book was Avengers # 2, which he bought off the rack near his grandfather's home in New Philadelphia at a time when not one adult in a million had ever heard of Marvel comics. His favorite character was Thor; he loved Tales of Asgard and admired the rugged heroism of the Norse gods, shadowed and annealed always by Ragnarok. As boys, we engaged in epic adventures in the fields of tall grass, mazes of corn, and finally dense forests that seemed to stretch forever beyond Filbert Street School. When, at 14, I recommended to him The Lord of the Rings, he read the entire trilogy in a week...then started over and read it again. With Ronnie Webber and Tony Brown, he was a mighty young man lifting weights in my basement; at 18, he benchpressed 300 lbs, a feat few NFL linemen could have matched in 1972. We call our childhood the formative years, but we tend to forget what that means and how true it is. John was forged in the heroic mold, and he carried the best qualities of the hero - loyalty, devotion, courage - into his adult life. Goodbye, old friend.

Edward Miller

April 19, 2013

Dear Rita and Annie,

We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Kim (Carey) Blum, Matt Blum, Lauren Blum and Tara Blum

Kim Blum

April 17, 2013

Annie. God bless you and your family. Stay strong and know he is with the Lord looking down on you, may that be the strength to guide and motivate you. We are here for you today, tomorrow, and everyday.

We love you! Ryan, Lisa, and kids

Woods family

April 16, 2013

Dear Rita and daughter, My heart is so sad hearing the news of the passing of your beloved husband. Words can't express how I feel. You two did so much together and went on great adventures.We work hard to get this point in our lives and then,sad things happen like this. I know I can't ease your pain but try to hold on to the precious and beautiful times you had together.Keep those memories close to your heart and Dear John will be ever so near. If there is anything I can do for you,please,call and I'll be there to help comfort you. May the Lord help you and your family through this time in your lives and Dear John,"Rest in Peace." You are in my thoughts and prayers. Bless each and eveyone of you.Love,Carol Raczka

Carol Raczka

April 16, 2013

Rita and Annie,
So sorry to read of John's passing. May our dear Lord bless you and give you strength for what is ahead.

Lori Rutecky

April 16, 2013

Our deepest sympathy, Rita. You and yours are in our prayers

Michael Alice Edward Joseph Kell

April 16, 2013

Rita, I am sorry for your loss. May the Lord comfort you, your daughter, and the entire family. John rest in peace.

Thom Kupchinsky

April 16, 2013

Rita and Annie,
So sorry for your loss - your family is in our prayers. You now have a special angel watching over you who will be forever in your hearts.

Paula Tretter

April 16, 2013

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