John J. Schirf

John Joseph Schirf, 85, Flinton, PA; formerly of Chesterfield, VA, passed away Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Lutheran Home at Hollidaysburg. He was born on November 18, 1940, in Altoona, son of the late Herbert T. Sr. and Dorothy A. (Ernest) Schirf. Surviving are his two daughters, Mary Catherine Schirf of Silver Spring, MD and Helen Marie Schirf of Lancaster, PA. Also surviving are three siblings, Herbert Schirf of Plano, TX, Janet Kazinski of Hollidaysburg, PA, and William Schirf of Altoona. John was preceded in death by his sister, Madeline Lightner; and his brother, Ronald Schirf. John was a 1958 graduate of Altoona High School and a 1978 graduate of American University. He was a member of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament and was a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. John retired in 1983 after 20 years of service as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer for the US Park Service Police. He also retired with 16 years of service in 1995 as a Virginia State Magistrate. John proudly served in the US Air Force for 4 years. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, and reading novels. Family and friends will be received from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the funeral home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Msgr. Stanley B. Carson, celebrant. Entombment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Rose Hill Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc. 118 Rosehill Cemetery Dr., Altoona, PA 16602. Condolences may be made at RoseHillFuneralCare.com.