John A. Mottillo

John A. Mottillo, 82, of 783 Alden St., Meadville, passed away Friday, January 16, 2015, at Wesbury United Methodist Community, Meadville.

John was born in Meadville, on February 1, 1932, a son of the late Dominic and Maria (DeLorenzo) Mottillo.

On October 22, 1955 John married Frances G. Triola; she preceded him in death on April 22, 2008. Subsequently he married Jean Lynch on January 16, 2010; she survives.

He was a long time member of St. Brigid Roman Catholic Church and of the former Holy Name Society. He taught Religious Ed Classes and volunteered in the church kitchen for countless church dinners and functions. John was a Fourth Degree member of Knights of Columbus Council #388.

In June, 1997 John retired as a test board operator for Alltel, formerly known as Mid Penn Telephone Co. and Meadville Telephone, where he had been employed since 1955. In his earlier years there, he worked as a lineman and installer. A 1949 graduate of Meadville High School, John enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1950 and served his country as a member of the How Co 3rd Battalion 5th Mar Regt 1st Marine Div F.M.F. He spent 12 months of his service time in combat having fought in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1953. A lifetime member of both the Italian Civic Club and of VFW Post #2006, John was a charter member of the Wolves Club Den XI, as well as a member of American Legion Post #111 and of the Local I.B.E.W. where he had served as Secretary. John was talented at reciting poetry. He loved following all types of sporting events, from professional sports to any sport activities in which his grandchildren participated. On many days John could be found sitting in his garage, visiting with his many family members and friends who could just stop unannounced and were always welcomed. His sense of humor and humble demeanor will be greatly missed.

In addition to his wife Jean, John is survived by four children Carla Mottillo of Gibsonia, John J. Mottillo and his wife Anita of Meadville, Mark A. Mottillo of Titusville, Christine Petrini and her husband Frank of Mars, a step son John A. Yanacek and his fiance Laurie Starrett of Milford, DE, eight grandchildren Nicole, Joseph, Emily, Philip, Frankie, Natalie, Christopher and Olivia, a step granddaughter Rebekah, two sisters Margaret Schwartz of Alexandria, VA, Gertrude Rhedmond of Arlington, VA, a brother Dr. Joseph L. Mottillo and his wife Alice of Riverview, MI, many nieces, nephews and loving in laws.

In addition to his parents and his first wife, Frances, of 52 years, John was preceded in death by a son Thomas Gerard Mottillo, a brother Anthony D. Mottillo, three sisters Marie Weir, Christina Valcheff and Angeline Limber.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 at Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville, where a Scripture Service will be held at 3:45 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Brigid Roman Catholic Church, 383 Arch St., Meadville at 10:00 AM on Thursday, January 22, 2015, with Fr. Johnathan Schmolt, Pastor, officiating.

Following Full Military Honors by VFW Post #2006, John will be laid to rest in St. Brigid Cemetery, West Mead Twp.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or St. Brigid Roman Catholic Church, 383 Arch St. or Meadville High School Boys or Girls Basketball Boosters, C/O Tracey Gregor, 10500 Eastview, all in Meadville, PA 16335.

Share your condolences at www.miznerfuneralhome.com