John Lawrence Mehalcik, Jr.

What best can be said of a Marine- but that he fought the good fight? Bravely, John Lawrence Mehalcik, Jr., 64, of Glassport, waged war against the formidable enemy "cancer"- but sadly lost his battle June 11, 2013 at home. John was most proud in this life, of his service to his country in Vietnam- where at 17 years old, he had the privilege to become a man fighting along side so many other boys like himself. He was born May 9, 1949 in Glassport and was the son of Frances Derewonko Mehalcik of Glassport and the late John Mehalcik. He was the husband of the late Marie Solada Mehalcik who died September 11, 2005. So talented was John as an artist, woodworker, mechanic, heating and cooling- meticulous in all things. As a dedicated member of the American Legion Post # 443 of Glassport, John enjoyed the many friendships of his fellow veterans. He was formerly employed by Whemco in Homestead. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving daughter, Johnna Mehalcik and son, Jason Mehalcik of Glassport. A gentle and loving brother, John is survived by sisters, Michele (Arthur) Balogh, and Mary Frances (John Wayne) Mattis of Elizabeth Twp, Stephanie Diffendal (Don Baker) of Jackson Center, Suzanne Marie (Mark) Mondak of Liverpool, NY, and brother, Mark T. Mehalcik of Glassport, the Jordanhazy, Solada, and Naylor families of Glassport including "numerous" and "dear" aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Visitation will be held Friday June 14, from 5-9:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. Private service and burial with Military Honors will be held Monday June 17, 2013 at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville. The Mehalcik family wishes to thank John's fellow workers at Whemco for their kindness and support and the Veterans Administration Medical Center and Three Rivers Hospice for their remarkable performance and tireless efforts on behalf of our worthy veterans who kept the vigil assuring the safety and freedom of our Sovereign United States. "Semper Fi" "Oorah! "