John Kraynak Jr.

John Kraynak, Jr., 94, of Hermitage passed away surrounded by his family Thursday morning, February 15, 2024. Mr. Kraynak was born April 21, 1929, in Sharon, a son of the late John Kraynak, Sr. and Anna (Hritz) Kraynak. A 1947 graduate of Sharon High School, he was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany where he served as a supply sergeant from 1951 to 1953 and remained in the U.S. Army Reserves, Farrell, until 1957. As co-owner of Kraynak's of Hermitage, John dedicated himself to caring for the nurseries and lawn and garden center. John was a member of St. John Orthodox Church, Hermitage. An avid traveler, he deeply appreciated nature and the outdoors. John was a caring brother to his sister, Ann K. Zippie; and brother, George A. Kraynak (Penny), all of Hermitage; a devoted uncle to his niece, Carol Glunt (Dennis); and nephews, Gary Zippie (Katy), Dan Zippie (Kim), David Zippie (Judy), Matthew Kraynak (Jennifer), and Justin Kraynak (Michelle); and a loving great-uncle to 13 great-nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his loving companion, Joan Chisler. The family would like to thank his longtime friends and caregivers, Gloria and Tom Shaffer, as well as those who have cared for him for the past several months. John will be dearly missed by the Kraynak employees who were like family to him. The family suggests memorial donations be made in John's name to a local charity of the donor's choice. Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday (2-19-24); and from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday (2-20-24), both in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com. A funeral service will be held immediately following at 11 a.m. Tuesday, in the funeral home, with Rev. David Mastroberte, officiating. Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage, where military honors will be rendered by the Wheatland AL and Farrell and West Middlesex VFW Honor Guard.