John was also an avid golfer in those days and started out as a caddy at the Youghiogheny Country Club in Elizabeth Township. His caddying skills earned him a trip to the Worlds Fair in 1939 which was held in New York City. John played golf with friends from work and they sometimes traveled out-of-state to play on a particular course. He was a big fan of Arnold Palmer.
He worked as a die setter for United States Steel, National Tube Co. Life in the mill was harsh and took its toll causing him to take an early medical retirement after 31 years of service because of arthritis in his hands. He had warned his children to "stay out of the mill" since there was no future in it. He was right on target, the mill having closed its doors shortly after his death.
John always enjoyed a good Western movie starting out watching the old Gene Autry movies at the Saturday matinees in the late 30's. Gunsmoke was his favorite TV series and he was also a big fan of the Duke, John Wayne.
He was a lifetime member and trustee of the Versailles Borough Volunteer Fire Co. and served two years as chief starting in 1962. He organized one of the largest parades in the town's history with over 60 volunteer companies attending that year. During President Kennedy's visit to McKeesport, John and fellow firemen were patrolling on the Youghiogheny River under the Jerome Street Bridge as part of the security effort.
He met his future wife, Mary Fillo of McKeesport at the old Olympia Park and was married on May 7, 1949. They settled in Versailles and raised their family until 1970 when he moved to Christy Park in McKeesport.
John was also an avid golfer in those days and started out as a caddy at the Youghiogheny Country Club in Elizabeth Township. His caddying skills earned him a trip to the Worlds Fair in 1939 which was held in New York City. John played golf with friends from work and they sometimes traveled out-of-state to play on a particular course. He was a big fan of Arnold Palmer.
He worked as a die setter for United States Steel, National Tube Co. Life in the mill was harsh and took its toll causing him to take an early medical retirement after 31 years of service because of arthritis in his hands. He had warned his children to "stay out of the mill" since there was no future in it. He was right on target, the mill having closed its doors shortly after his death.
John always enjoyed a good Western movie starting out watching the old Gene Autry movies at the Saturday matinees in the late 30's. Gunsmoke was his favorite TV series and he was also a big fan of the Duke, John Wayne.
He was a lifetime member and trustee of the Versailles Borough Volunteer Fire Co. and served two years as chief starting in 1962. He organized one of the largest parades in the town's history with over 60 volunteer companies attending that year. During President Kennedy's visit to McKeesport, John and fellow firemen were patrolling on the Youghiogheny River under the Jerome Street Bridge as part of the security effort.
He met his future wife, Mary Fillo of McKeesport at the old Olympia Park and was married on May 7, 1949. They settled in Versailles and raised their family until 1970 when he moved to Christy Park in McKeesport.