John William Denvir

04/30/1938 - 12/23/2014

Passed away on December 23, 2014. John was born on April 30, 1938 in Connellsville Pennsylvania. He grew up in Connellsville, attending Immaculate Conception grammar school and high school where he played varsity basketball. He challenged himself to try out for football at the University of Colorado as a walk-on in the spring. He was able to earn a position and full-ride scholarship where he played on a championship team. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in History and married the love of his life Patricia. John played a year of professional football for the Denver Broncos before he got his Master's degree in History from the University of Colorado.
John taught for over 30 years; first in History and then Special Education. He enjoyed teaching, driving high school students in his bus Caliente Stage Lines and summer school backpacking trips in the High Sierras. He loved living in the mountains and spending time with his family and friends. He was generous and hardworking - a strong man of faith and a devoted husband and father. John also had an outgoing personality with a wonderful sense of humor and the gift of being able to find joy in all situations.
John is survived by his loving wife Patricia of 53 years; son, John and his wife, Julie Denvir; daughter, Jeanne and her husband, Martin Varga; grandson, Michael Varga; and granddaughters Michelle and Megan Varga, and Angela and Annie Denvir. Our family would like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Charlton Wong, Dr. Shawn Shambaugh and the nurses and caregivers at San Joaquin Memorial Hospital for their kindness and compassionate care.
Please join us for his funeral Mass at St. Judes Catholic Church in Wofford Heights on Saturday, January 3, 2015. Rosary to be held at 9:30 am, with the Mass starting at 10:00 am. Reception at the church to follow services. Private burial.
"I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." John 8:12