in Aliquippa, PA.
He was the oldest of their six children: Irene Spin (PA), George (✟), Edward (✟), Andy (MD), and Joe (MD). John was a devoted husband and father who was cherished and respected a great deal by all of his family. He passed peacefully from cancer on November 7, 2019 surrounded by loving family and friends.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Joan; daughter, Julie Haba and children, Lauren Rodriguez, Andrea (Thomas) Rivera, John Paul Haba, Thomas Rodriguez and Marianna Rodriguez; daughter, Janice (David) White and son Luke; great-granddaughter Araceli Rivera; many nieces and nephews.
John had a passion for airplanes since he was a boy, so he worked for Braniff Airlines for 41 years as an adult. In 1944, he took a short break from Braniff to serve in the war by joining the Navy. After retiring from Braniff, he never ceased to be busy as he made sure his wife, Joan, had everything she needed, as well as the rest of his family and his gardens. He was always quite the dependable handy man.
But what would any of that mean if he didn’t have sight of what mattered? John always understood what it meant to be human. He knew his responsibility was to use everything he had as a tool to help others for the greater glory of God. Every day was an opportunity to be what a man should be: someone who uses his abilities to serve God and others in love. He did this by being diligent in his prayer life and being attentive to the needs of others. There is so much to learn from his life, but if there is one main take away, it’s that we need to love others for the sake of God.
In lieu of flowers: St Monica Catholic Church, Faith Presbyterian Hospice