John J. Dovalovsky

1920 - 06

John J. Dovalovsky, 94, of Elrama, died peacefully Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, at Arden Courts in Jefferson Hills. He was born June 23, 1920, near Elrama/Shire Oaks in Washington County. He was the son of the late John L. Dovalovsky and Catherine (Brindza) Dovalovsky, who immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s. John learned to play the violin at an early age. While attending Clairton High School, he played the violin in the orchestra and in the chamber-music ensemble. He also played the tuba, then trombone in the orchestra. He attended Duquesne University School of Music for one year before taking a job with U.S. Steel in Clairton. John enlisted in the Army Air Corps on Dec. 5, 1941. He served as a sergeant in the 729th Air Material Squadron in England, France and Germany and other parts of Central Europe during World War II. He received a European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with four Bronze Stars. He was proud of his almost four years of service to our country during the War. After his military service, John took a job with the Pennsylvania Railroad where he worked as a fireman, then engineer for more than 36 years with the PRR, Penn-Central and Conrail until he retired in 1981. He was a founding member of St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church near Elrama and a long-term member of the Elrama Volunteer Fire Company. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his cherished wife of more than 55 years, Helen C. (Sevcik) Dovalovsky, in 2003; and his brother, William F. Dovalovsky, in 2008. He is survived by his three children, John (Linda) Dovalovsky, of Lombard, Ill., Richard (Gail) Dovalovsky, of Wayne, Pa., and Marilyn (William) Wenger, of Rennerdale, Pa.; seven grandchildren, Jason (Laura) Dovalovsky, Brian (Stacie) Dovalovsky, Stacey (Jason) Jankowiak, Lindsay (Ian) Valentine, Michael Wenger, Danielle Wenger and Jeffrey Dovalovsky; and 10 great-grandchildren, Katrina, Jakob, Alison, Alina, Matthew, Kasia, Nicolas, Lydia, Rachael and Nathan. He is also survived by nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all those who were kind to or helped our dad in any way since our mother passed away. Special thanks to the ladies of the Elrama United Methodist Church who always remembered our dad, especially throughout these last three years. John was a quiet, private person. He was a man of strong faith who loved his wife and was devoted to his family. Our family takes great comfort in the knowledge that he is now with God, reunited with his wife, our mother, and that they now live together with Jesus for eternity. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in the PAUL E. BEKAVAC FUNERAL HOME, 221 N. Second Ave., Elizabeth. Additional visitation will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday at St. Isaac Jogues Church, with Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Robert J. Boyle officiating. Burial with military honors at Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Township. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Isaac Jogues Parish, 1216 Collins Ave., Jefferson Hills, PA 15025; Elrama United Methodist Church, 19 Downer Ave., Elrama, PA 15038; or Horizons Hospice, 2549 Mosside Blvd., Monroeville, PA 15146. Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.