He was born July 17, 1945, in Clarksville, a son of the late John and Katherine Sadar Ozohonish Sr.
Ozie was a 1963 graduate of Jefferson-Morgan High School. After high school, he became an X-ray technician and worked at Brownsville General Hospital where he met the love of his life, Marie. He then attended Penn State University where he graduated in 1971 obtaining a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance.
Following college graduation, John went to work in the coal mines. John ended his mining career as a fire boss at Pitt Gas Coal Mine in 1991.
In 1978 John opened Ozie’s Sport Shop in Dry Tavern, PA. Nearly 40 years later, John passed the torch down to his son Jimmy and daughter-in-law Tracy. John continued to make his daily visits to the shop up until three weeks before his passing. You could always find John sitting in his rocking chair, sipping his coffee, and talking to his loyal customers.
John was a member of the Hewitt Presbyterian Church in Rices Landing. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, a former member of the Izaak Walton League of America, and involved in Ten Mile Trout Club and Stock the Mon. John was most recently involved with stocking Pollock’s Mill.
John enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his sons and grandchildren. John also enjoyed attending car shows, where he was proud to show his 1969 Camaro Indy Pace car. Of all the roles in John’s life, the one he cherished the most was being a “Pap” to his three grandchildren. John referred to granddaughter Emily as his “favorite nurse,” granddaughter Abby as his “ray of sunshine,” and grandson Brayden as “my boy” whom John always loved watching play basketball.
On November 16, 1974, he married Marie Pierro, who survives. John leaves behind his two fur babies, Moppy and Pokey, whom he adored endlessly.
Also surviving are two sons, Jim (Tracy) Ozohonish of Clarksville, and John A. (Cassie) Ozohonish of Carmichaels; a daughter, Erika Ozohonish of Clarksville; three grandchildren, Emily (Eric) Armel, Abby Ozohonish and Brayden Ozohonish.
Deceased is a sister, Sandra Cecconello.
Friends will be received on Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm, in the Behm Funeral Home, 1477 Jefferson Rd., Jefferson, PA 15344, Gregory P. Rohanna, supervisor, where funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 11:00 am with the Rev. Dr. Donald P. Wilson, officiating. Interment will follow in Jefferson Cemetery, Jefferson. Condolences may be expressed online at www.behm-funeralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Greene County.
