print this page

John S. Smeltzer

John S. Smeltzer, 93, of Kittanning, PA, passed away on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at Armstrong County Memorial Hospital in Kittanning, Pa.

He was born on July 22, 1927 in Armstrong Twp., Indiana Co., PA, the son of Howard S. and Grace M. (Klingensmith) Smeltzer.

John lived in the Kittanning area for most of his life and was known for his incredible work ethic. At age 11, he began working for the Miles Rupp farm and at age 13 started working for the Wingard farm. On his 16th birthday, John started his employment at the Wycoff Steel Mill and continued there until he began serving in the Pennsylvania State Guard and then entered the US Army during World War II.

Upon returning home, John worked as a carpenter for Kerr Lumber Company in Ford City and then was self-employed as a carpenter for many years. For eight years, John worked out of Harrisburg, working for the State Public School Building Authority. He then moved home and was the maintenance director the Armstrong County Health Center for 10 years. In 1988, John became a project coordinator for Foreman and Bashford Architects and Engineers in Zelienople, retiring in 1992.

John served as the Justice of the Peace for Plumcreek Twp. from 1962-1970 and belonged to the Woodmen of the World Lodge. He was also a member of St. Luke's United Church of Christ. John was a skilled woodworker and enjoyed working in his flower gardens. Camping in Mercer and going on cruises with his wife, Margaret, were two of his favorite pastimes. He loved raising the couple's Boston terrier dogs and pitching horse shoes.

He will be remembered with love by his wife, Margaret G. (Beers) Smeltzer, whom he married August 14, 1948; sons, Larry S. Smeltzer and wife, Valerie, of Kittanning, and Gary K. Smeltzer, of Shelocta; grandchildren, Samuel G. Smeltzer and wife, Shannon, Angela L. Anthony, Sara B. McCoy and husband, Don, and Kimberly S. Ziler and husband, Gary; and great-grandchildren, Brandon Anthony, Cameron Anthony, Isabelle Knightly, Noah McCoy, Luke McCoy, Eve McCoy, Seth Ziler and Iris Smeltzer

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Russell Smeltzer, Ira Lester Smeltzer, Kenneth B. Smeltzer, Raymond D. Smeltzer, Sr., and Charles Smeltzer; sisters, Ruth Yount, Iva May Kaufman and Lucy V. Polinsky; one infant brother; and a daughter-in-law, Susan Smeltzer.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at Bauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. 515 N. McKean Street, Kittanning, PA.

Additional visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at St. Luke's United Church of Christ, 333 N. McKean St, Kittanning, with Rev. Edward Walters officiating. Military honors will be presented by the Armstrong County American Legion Honor Guard.

Due to current regulations, all social distancing guidelines will be followed. Guests are respectfully asked to wear a mask or face covering.

Interment will be in Lawn Haven Burial Estates, Worthington, PA.

print this page