John L. Backo

1926 - 03

John L. Backo, 82, of Tarentum, died Friday, July 4, 2008, at his home, having been ill for the past year. Born March 15, 1926, in West Natrona, he was a son of the late John and Sophie (Brestensky) Backo. For the past 56 years, he lived in Tarentum. Prior to retirement in 1988, he was employed as a first helper at the electric furnace at Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corp., Brackenridge, with 42 years of service. A World War II veteran, he served in the Navy in the South Pacific. He was a member of Holy Martyrs Church, Tarentum. Mr. Backo was a member of the former St. Clement Church, Tarentum, where he sang in the choir for many years. He was a life member of the Natrona American Legion and Tarentum Jednota. In 1944, he graduated from Har-Brack High School, where he played football. Mr. Backo was an avid baseball player. He played for the New York Yankees farm team in Newark, Ohio, and also played for the local Tri County League. An avid golfer, he was a member of River Forest Country Club and played many area courses. He caddied at Oakmont and Laurel Valley for the likes of Ben Hogan and Arnold Palmer. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Betty P. (Pracko) Backo; three children, Paula (James) Valicenti, of Tarentum, James A. Backo, of Boise, Idaho, and Alice M. (James "Jay") Conant, of Jupiter, Fla.; grandchildren, Marcy, Jonathan and Tony; great-grandchildren, Lauren, Brandon, Tyler, Scott, Sydney and Alana; a brother, Joseph (Joan) Backo, of Elizabeth City, N.C.; a sister, Ann Demharter, of Natrona Heights; and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by brother, Stephen Backo; sister, Helen Rogala; half brothers, Louis and Tony Marko; and half sister, Mary Mazur. Relatives and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday in the DUSTER FUNERAL HOME INC., Tenth Avenue at Corbet Street, Tarentum, 724-224-1526. Blessing service will be conducted at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home, followed by a Christian funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Holy Martyrs Church with the Rev. Aaron J. Kriss, his pastor, as celebrant. Burial will be in Our Lady of Hope Cemetery, Frazer Township. Visit www.dusterfuneralhomeinc.com.