John H. Wilver

1934 - 2023

John Harris Wilver, 88, of Kiski Township, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023, in QLS-West Haven Manor, Washington Township. Born July 4, 1934, in Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County, he was a son of the late John B. Wilver and Naomi F. (Kapp) Wilver. John was a 1953 graduate of Slippery Rock High School, and proudly served our country with the United States Navy with flight simulation and training devices from 1953-63. From 1963-66, he worked for NUMEC in the instrumentation group, and in 1968 started his career at Union Switch & Signal in Pittsburgh, where he worked as designer, and tested and supervised the installation of rapid transit signaling systems for 40 years, retiring May 26, 2006. John was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Apollo, where he served in the choir, as a past councilman, past congregation president and leader of the ELLA. As a lay minister, he participated in almost 1,000 services. John also served as designated lay supply at St. Paul's German Lutheran Church in Tarentum. He was a life member of the American Legion, where he served as past commander of the Kiski Township Lodge No. 631, and as a chaplain with the Armstrong County American Legion Honor Guard. He was also a past member of Toastmasters International. John enjoyed golfing, crocheting, gardening and was an avid photographer. He knew just about everyone, and was always ready with a good joke. John most loved spending time with his family and donating his time and efforts to the church and community. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Deborah J. Wilver; and his brother, Edward R. Wilver. John is survived by his wife of 64 years, Donna J. (Miller) Wilver; daughter, Laurie Anne Meier, of Kiski Township; grandchildren, Amanda Jean (Zach) Nickelson, of Huntersville, N.C., Nicole Anne (Tim) Emery, of Franklin Park, and James Edward Eagle, of Arizona; along with two great-grandchildren. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, in the CURRAN-SHAFFER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY INC., 100 Owens View Ave., Apollo. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, in the funeral home with Pastor Phil Ramstad officiating. Following the services, military honors will be accorded by the Armstrong County American Legion Honor Guard. Private interment will be in Kittanning Cemetery, Kittanning, at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John's name to the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 214 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Apollo, PA 15613, or to the Armstrong County American Legion Honor Guard, 583 State Route 1025, New Bethlehem, PA 16242. To send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.curranfuneralhome.com.