John P. Conte

1942 - 2025

John P. Conte, 83, of Latrobe, passed away Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at Independence Health System Latrobe Hospital. Born July 17, 1942, in Latrobe, he was the son of the late Francis Conte and Rose (Stovich) Conte. John was a member of Holy Family Church, Latrobe. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served in the U.S. Navy. Prior to his retirement, he was employed at Teledyne Vasco with 38 years of service. The world will never see another like John P. Conte. They truly broke the mold when he was made. To most, he was John, but he carried more nicknames than most people carry tools in a toolbox. To his grandkids, he was "PopPop." At work, he was "Tarzan," famous for his jungle calls echoing across the steel factory. As a young man, he went by "Chauncey," and his buddies called him "Life of the Party." He was "Uncle John," a big brother and devoted son. To his kid's friends, he was Mr. Conte or Papa Conti. To his beloved wife, Margaret, he was "Daddio." To his children, he was simply Dad, the strongest man that ever lived physically, mentally, and spiritually. He made an impression on everyone he met. Whether at the club stirring up laughter or at chemo lifting the spirits of fellow patients, he brought humor and hope wherever he went. He'd give away his last $10, his time, or the shirt off his back though truth be told, he never cared much for shirts anyway. Nature was his sanctuary. His family named him "Johnny Appleseed" because he planted trees wherever he went, leaving green reminders behind. He grew everything from beans and corn to trees and towering cactuses. Just like his plants, he raised his children strong and rooted, always with humor and love. After his nature adventures, he always brought his wife wildflowers carefully vased in soup cans and old jars, making beauty out of the ordinary. He could sew, mend, and fix nearly anything. He was a jack of all trades: a lawn rancher and the can man who saw value in things others discarded. Above all, Dad lived with authenticity, generosity, and joy. He was Superman to us. His legacy is one of laughter, resilience, service, and, above all, unconditional love. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a daughter, Marion Conte; and a sister-in-law, Peggy Conte. John is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Margaret J. (O'Patka) Conte; his children, Coren Knickerbocker (Stuart) of Mechanicsburg, Cathleen Kmecak (Brad) of Latrobe, Christie Borelli (Mike) of Mt. Pleasant, and John Andrew Conte of Latrobe; and his grandchildren, who were the joy of his life, Maximus, Benjamin, Drake, Callie, Anna, Chloe, Kinsey, Luke, and Jacob. He also leaves behind siblings, Francis Conte of Latrobe and James Conte (Debbie) of Latrobe; extended family; countless friends; and neighbors who became family along the way. Family and friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at LOPATICH-BRINKER FUNERAL HOME LLC, 601 Weldon St., Latrobe. Military services will be conducted at 9:15 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home by the Latrobe-Derry Veterans Honor Guard. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday at Holy Family Church, Latrobe. Interment will follow at St. Vincent Cemetery. To sign the online guest book, send condolences, or share a story, please visit www.lopatichbrinker.com. Though we cannot sum up the force of nature that he was without endless stories, we carry them with us always. His was a life well lived a legacy of love, laughter, and light.