John Zias

ZIAS, JOHN "SMILEY", 98 of BLACK LICK, PA

went into the arms of the Lord on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at Indiana Regional Medical Center, Indiana, PA.  He was born February 10, 1923 in Tide, PA, the son of the late Frank T. Zias and Martha (Gresko) Zias. John joined the Navy in 1943 after hearing a fellow recruit say "Why walk when you can ride".  He proudly served 4 years in active duty during WW II.  John retired from Tunnelton Mining in 1985 where he worked as a pumper, a mechanic and a shuttle car driver.  John loved gardening tomatoes and cucumbers on "Gardner Alley", spending hours turning leaves into his soil to produce a hearty crop.  His most favorite place was "Porchville", where he enjoyed the breeze of the day and the love of a little Chihuahua girl named Peanut that loved him dearly and protected him fiercely to his utter joy!  He is survived by his children: Martha O'Neil (Monty Graham), Rochester Mills, PA, Sondra Zias, Blairsville, PA, John Zias (Deb), Blairsville, PA and Pamela Ickes (Lee), Champion, PA; grandchildren: James O'Neil (Robin), David O'Neil and Aaron O'Neil (Kaela); 5 Great Grandchildren: Isabella, Aiden, Melody, Kali & Orion and his sister, Kathryn Zias Roof, Clymer, PA.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 63 years, Gladys Winifred (Feldbusch) Zias, who would serenade him with "You are my sunshine" and his siblings: Rose, Steve, Ann, Mary, Mike, Pete & Harry.  The family will receive friends at the James F. Ferguson Funeral Home, Inc., 25 W. Market St. Blairsville, PA 15717 on Sunday, May 16, 2021 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM.  A funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Monday, May 17, 2021 at 11:00 AM.  Pastor Mark Heckman will officiate.  VFW Post #5821 & the American Legion Post #0407 will conduct graveside military services in Blairsville Cemetery, Blairsville, PA.  Masks are required in the Funeral Home.

WATCH JOHN'S LOVING MEMORIES VIDEO:  http://video.mbdkeepsakes.com/video/549674731
 

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