Mr. John Philip Sariano

John Philip Sariano, 89, of Kindred Place in Susquehanna Township, went home to his Heavenly Father on Thursday, October 14, 2010 after a brief illness. He passed peacefully in the arms of his loving family.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great great grandfather. John was preceded in death by his wife of 28 years, Marie A. Sariano, his wife of 34 years, Catherine R. Sariano, his parents, Frank and Angelina, seven brothers and four sisters.

He was born on December 16, 1920 in Harrisburg, PA and graduated from Harrisburg Catholic High School in 1940. He lived for many years in Hummelstown where he and his wife Marie raised their four children. Following her death, he married Catherine R. Shartle, with whom he resided in Lower Paxton Township. John greatly enjoyed his extended family, and was an enthusiastic storyteller and golfer.

A twice-wounded combat veteran of WWII, John served in the European, African and Middle Eastern Theater. He was awarded a purple heart with oak leaf cluster and a battlefield commission for heroism. John rose to the rank of Major in the U.S. Army Reserve with 22 years of active duty and reserve service.

John was a member of St. Margaret Mary Parish, the VFW, American Legion and Knights of Columbus. He was a 64 year member of Local 520 Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union.

He is survived by his four children: John Jr. (Barbara), JoAnne (John) Wanat, Margaret Kitch and Lois (George) Preble; eight stepchildren: Mary Catherine (John) Galotto, Michael (Rosemary) Shartle, Frances (Gary) Weisinger, Margaret (John) Kenney, Theresa (Louis) Schiffhauer, Frank (JoAnne) Shartle, William (Darren) Shartle and John Shartle; 27 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; one great great grandson; numerous nieces and nephews; and a sister-in-law, Jeanne McAllister.

Visitation will be held at Neill Funeral Home, 3501 Derry Street, Harrisburg from 6:30-8:30PM on Monday, October 18, 2010. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00AM on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 2800 Paxton Church Road followed by burial with military honors at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Central PA, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg 17110, to Bishop McDevitt High School, 2200 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17103 or to his church