John Dikun

John Dikun, age 99, died on Holy Thursday April 18, 2019, in the loving company of his devoted family.

Just two months shy of his centennial celebration, John was born June 18, 1919, in Hostetter to Peter and Helen Krisza Dikun and was the oldest son of 12 children.

He was a first generation American and a true example of our country's "Greatest Generation."

Johnny left home at a 16 to work and support his family through difficult times. Johnny built roads for the WPA in Greene County and then went on to work at a CCC Camp in Potter County. He then went into the coal mines for 18 years before going to Ohio to work at Perfection Stove Manufacturing Plant.

When Johnny returned home to Greene County in 1971, he went to work for his brother, Charles, in the body shop at Dry Tavern.

John served his nation during World War II for the U.S. Army.

A lifelong trumpet player, Johnny would always share his love of his horn and the Big Band greats with his nieces and nephews and each generation that followed.

A self-taught man, Johnny had all the characteristics of his Great Generation. He had a strong work ethic and was ever prudent. He could repair anything to make it last and always gave a small coin to his nieces and nephews to put away for a rainy day.

He was incredibly humble and had a faithful commitment to his lifelong home and family, even studying for this confirmation sacrament at age 77 to ensure his final resting place with his beloved mother, Helen.

He is survived by his older sister, Helen Maletta of Pittsburgh, as well as younger sisters, Elizabeth "Libby" Senegar of Monroeville, Margaret Ferrari of Dry Tavern, Verna Dikun of Dry Tavern, and younger brothers, George Dikun of Newfoundland, N.J., and Charles Dikun of Dry Tavern.

He leaves behind multiple generations of nieces and nephews whom his loving and devoted spirit has touched.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his baby brother Charles, sisters Mary Gazy and Anna Hundrieser, as well as younger brothers Mike and Andrew.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Behm Funeral Homes, 1477 Jefferson Road, Jefferson, PA 15344, Gregory P. Rohanna, supervisor, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 25, 2019, with Fr. Christopher Burke as celebrant.

Interment will follow in St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, Brownsville.

The U.S. Army will accord military honors. Condolences may be expressed at www.behm-funeralhomes.com.