John Edward Shukitt

February 4, 1938 – July 28, 2025

“In Celebration of the Life of a Wonderful Man”

It is with heavy hearts that our family must announce the passing of John Edward Shukitt, who entered into eternal life on July 28, 2025, at the age of 87. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, John’s life was an example of faith, hard work, resilience, and love.

John, our Papa (pronounce: Pappap), was born on February 4, 1938, in the small coal town of Atlas, located in west-central Pennsylvania, near Mount Carmel and Gilberton Number Two. He was the beloved son of Edward and Isabelle Shukitt, and came from a family shaped by the harsh reality of Pennsylvania’s coal country. The early loss of his grandfather in a mining accident, and the struggles that followed, instilled in John a deep sense of resilience, responsibility, and perseverance that would guide him throughout his life. As a child, he struggled regularly with hunger and all the difficulties of poverty; for this reason, he worked hard so that is family would not suffer the same fate.

John began working at a young age, cleaning window blinds alongside his uncle. Determined to build a better future, he enlisted in the United States Army in the 1950s and, after a long train ride, was stationed at Fort Bliss. It was there that he met the love of his life, Angela Marquez, a native of El Paso’s Segundo Barrio. They were married at St. Joseph’s Church in 1963 and soon began building a life of faith, love and plentiful food.

Together, John and Angela made a loving home in El Paso, and raised five children.

John was a devout Catholic man who prayed the Rosary daily, a commitment that sustained him through life. He served his community with honor as a driver for the El Paso Fire Department, where he built a reputation of courage, humility, and service. After retiring from the fire department, he continued to make a difference as a school bus driver, known for his warm presence and friendly demeanor that brought comfort to countless schoolchildren. His grandchildren can testify to his warmth and care because he would often pick them up from school and feed them.

In retirement, John enjoyed peaceful days at his beloved home on Morley Drive, where he shared stories, laughter, and his legendary homemade pizza with family and friends. He especially loved taking his wife Angela and her sisters Alicia, Clara, and Julie to different casinos around the southwest. He was a gifted piano player and would share his love for music by joining the St. Pius X choir. St. Pius X Church was a parish that was near and dear to his heart. The passing of his beloved Angela, five years ago, left a hole in his heart, but he continued to live with grace, strength, and deep commitment to his faith.

John’s legacy lives on through his loving family. He is survived by his five children:

Thomas (Sylvia), Jonathan (Andrea), Jennifer (Kevin), Darryl (Sonia), and Paul;

his twenty grandchildren:

Jessica, Samantha, Katherine, DJ, Edward, Jason, William, John, Ian, David, Laressa, Isabelle, Mila, Dylan, Colin, Emily, Sophia, Emma, Kevin, and Moon;

and five great-grandchildren:

Bailey, Kingston, Elena, Maximo, and Emilia.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Isabelle, and his sisters: Florence Katch, Anna Coffey, and Christine Covaleski. He is survived by his sister, Marion Tentromono.

John will be remembered for his quick wit, quiet strength, fashionable attire, unwavering commitment to his faith, and deep love for his family. He was more than a father and grandfather; he was a mentor, a protector, a faithful friend, and the heart of the family, our Papa.

Thank you, Papa Shukitt, for a life well lived. For the stories, the hugs, the wisdom, and the laughter. For your strength, your example, and your love, and of course, for the pizza.

We love and miss you, Papa. 💜

You are now reunited with your beloved Angela. Rest peacefully.

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Services for John Edward Shukitt

Visitation will be Monday, August 11, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a Vigil at 7:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Crestview 1462 N Zaragoza Rd, El Paso, TX 79936.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church,

3729 Hueco Ave, El Paso, TX 79903

Rite of Committal will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave, El Paso, TX 79906