John S. “Papa John” Vukman, Sr., 98 of Blairsville, PA, passed away on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at St. Andrew’s Village, Indiana, PA.
The son of Stephen Vukman and Theresa (Brasic) Vukman he was born in Blairsville on November 24, 1923.
John graduated from Blairsville High School, left for the army immediately after graduation and was assigned to the 127the Signal Core, where he served in India, China & Burma. After the war he graduated from Vale Tech & eventually worked at Blairsville Westinghouse for 31 years. As a lifelong member of the SS Simon & Jude Church in Blairsville, John was married to Mary (Dettorre) Vukman on June 20, 1948.
John took great pride in his family and enjoyed working with his son at Vukman Builders, watching Steeler games with his wife and attending his Wednesday morning breakfast with his Westinghouse retiree buddies. He also played a key role in the former South Blairsville reunions and the formation of the Blairsville Little League.
Survivors
Wife of 73 years – Mary E. (Dettorre) Vukman, Blairsville
Son – John S. Vukman, Jr. & wife, Cena and daughter, Jean Ann Losco & husband, Phil both of Blairsville
Grand Children: John Vukman & Heidi Anderson, Blairsville
Grand Child – Kevin Vukman & wife Beth, Blairsville
Grand Child – Shelley Wilk & husband, Steven, State College
Grand Child – Bethany Perri & husband, John, Blairsville
Grand Child – Katy Zales & husband, Ben, Burbank, CA
7 Great Grandchildren: Jackson, Max & Harper Vukman, Tye & Mason Wilk and Roman & Reid Perri
Many Nieces & Nephews
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Mary (Vukman) Baran and brother, Joseph Vukman.
The family will receive friends at the James F. Ferguson Funeral Home, Inc., 25 W. Market St. Blairsville, PA 15717 on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM. A wake service will be held in the Funeral Home at 3:30 PM.
Prayers of transfer will be held in the Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 9:15 AM prior to the celebration of a Funeral Mass in SS Simon & Jude Church, Blairsville at 10:00 AM. Fr. Stephen R. Bugay will officiate.
Interment will be held in the SS Simon & Jude Cemetery, Blairsville, Pennsylvania. US Army and the Blairsville Military Honor Guard will conduct graveside military services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Blairsville Veterans Memorial Flag Display Committee, 291 Heybert Drive, Blairsville, PA 15717, Blairsville Little League, c/o Matt Forni, 6583 Rt. 119 Hwy. S., Blairsville, PA 15717 or the American Legion Auxiliary Veteran’s Banners, c/o Margaret Patz, 300 S. Brady St., Blairsville, PA 15717
