John F. Sever

1936 - 2025

John F. Sever, 88, of Washington, died Monday, January 6, 2025, in his home, surrounded by his family. He was born March 3, 1936, in Marianna, the only child of John and Anna Shimrock Sever. John grew up in East Marianna and proudly referred to himself as a "Marianna Boy." He loved his upbringing in Marianna, a picturesque coal-mining town that had everything he needed. John was a 1954 graduate of West Bethlehem High School, where he was captain of the football team. He then joined the U.S. Army where he was a ski trooper first stationed in Leadville, Colo., and then France. After an honorable discharge from the Army, he earned his Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education from California State College (now California University of Pennsylvania) in 1963. John started working as a World Cultures teacher at Washington High School and then as a social worker for the state of Pennsylvania for most of his career. He also worked part-time at the Meadows Racetrack for decades. He was a member of St. James Parish - Immaculate Conception Church. John was also a member of various clubs and organizations throughout the area including the Naomi Athletic Club, Belle Vernon and Fayette City American Legion posts, Marianna American Legion, Fair Hope Rod & Gun Club and others. If one word were to be used to describe John's passion, it would be Family. His family was the most important aspect of life. He loved spending time with them and everything it involved. John was also a world traveler, visiting many different countries throughout his life. He loved the sunshine and being outdoors, especially during his many family vacations to the beach. Music was another important facet of John's life. He enjoyed everything from the Four Aces and the Beach Boys to the Eagles and Rolling Stones. On June 25, 1960, he married the love of his life, Wanda Kroskie Sever. Together they shared more than 64 years of marriage. In addition to his wife, Wanda Sever of Washington, he is survived by his son, Chris (Susan) Sever of Garnet Valley; and three daughters: Lori (Jeff) Krakoff of Upper St. Clair; Brenda (Ken) Stone of Annapolis, Md.; and Vicki (Rick) Wuest also of Annapolis; eight grandchildren, Jessica (Christian) Nickerson, Christopher (Lauren) Sever, Andrew (Kristy) Krakoff, Jacqulyn Sever (George Saleeby), Rachel Krakoff, Joshua Krakoff, Chase Stone and Sunny Stone; and six great- grandchildren, Peyton and Cayden Sever, Blake and Ryder Nickerson, and Colton and Madelyn Krakoff. Family and friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 10 in the Nichol Funeral Home, 1873 East Maiden Street, Washington, where additional visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 11. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. in St. James Parish - Immaculate Conception Church, with Father Mike officiating. Interment will follow at Horn Cemetery in Marianna. A guest book may be signed for the family at www.nicholfuneralhome.com