John David Rackovan

John David Rackovan passed away peacefully at his home in Zebulon, NC on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at the age of 95. John was born to Andrew and Mary (Zebresky) Rackovan on January 18,1929, in Marstellar, Pennsylvania. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patricia Gill (Parsons) Rackovan.

John graduated from Barnesboro High School in 1946 and joined the Army in September that year, at the age of 17. He was discharged as Private First Class in August 1949. He worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad before joining the US Marine Corps in January 1951. John was on active duty with the 1st Marine Division, 5th Marines, 3rd Battalion in Korea until 1952. John served in the Marines until honorable discharge September 1957 with the US Service Medal and Korean Service Medal.

John has been an active parishioner of Saint Eugene Catholic Church in North Carolina, and a member of the VFW-Northern Cambria, PA, American Legion-Spangler, PA, and Eagles-Geneva, OH. Over the years he was a member of several camps including Moss Barn, 3’s Enough, and Conrad Station Camp. John retired from the Pipe Fitters Union Local 120 in Cleveland, Ohio at age 62. He held certifications for welding, air conditioning and heating, electrician and refrigeration.

John was a carpenter, electrician, and plumbing expert. He could figure out how to fix anything - he completely remodeled the 1923 farm house in Geneva, Ohio where he and Patsy raised their children.

John convinced Patsy to buy his dream retirement home on 50 acres in Greenville, PA. He wanted to retire early and enjoy life; they lived there for 20 years. His passion was hunting, and fishing while exploring the US. He hunted deer, elk, bear, turkey - you name it - he hunted it. He hated flying and would rather drive whenever possible.

John filled his days in retirement by tending to his land, hunting, fishing, or helping others renovate or build whatever they needed. The only payment he wanted was fellowship, food, beer and whiskey.

To say he was a hard worker is an extreme understatement. He worked hard and enjoyed living life even more. His top priorities were Hunting, Fishing, God, Wife, Family, Friends, Cooking, and Football (Steelers). The importance of that order varied on the situation. He loved everything about the outdoors and when he wasn’t working he’d be outside until dark in the garden, the grape vineyard, the barn. Building or fixing whatever project he was working on.

John had a servant heart- he loved cooking for others and especially loved using old family recipes. His favorite was “hunky” soup - enjoyed it even during his sickest days. He also loved making pickles and canning tomatoes. John taught anyone who wanted to know how to cook, can, make wine, or bake pies.

He and Patsy hosted annual friends and family reunions from their homes in Geneva, Ohio and Greenville, PA for many years.

He spent his last 9 years in Zebulon, NC, since his wife said she was done with the cold weather and wanted to be closer to Peg and her family. He treated everyone as family - didn’t matter if you were a friend or neighbor. He dedicated his life to bringing family and friends together.

John is survived by his 4 children: Vickie Lee (Rackovan) Miller, Brian Rackovan, James Rackovan, Peggy (Margaret Rackovan) Smith. 12 Grandchildren: James Rackovan Jr., Jay Smith, Carter Smith, Brock Gray, Kari Huneycutt, Carla O’Meare, John Rackovan III, Justine Rackovan, Barnette Rackovan, Alyssa Locke, Corinna Weaver, Nicki Rackovan. And 14 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his Parents Andrew and Mary Rackovan; 4 siblings: Andrew Rackovan, Richard Rackovan , Walter Rackovan, Joan Ludwig; and his oldest son, John Rackovan, Jr.

A Memorial Mass will be held on August 10, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Eugene’s Catholic Church,

608 Lions Club Road,Wendell, NC 27591.

The family is inviting family, friends and guests following the service for A Celebration of Life reception and lunch at 11:30-2:30 pm at Southland Steakhouse,1007 Shepard School Road, Zebulon, NC 27597