John Thomas Churma

The soul of John Thomas Churma, 88, formerly of Harrison City, passed into the arms of his Heavenly Father on March 19, 2021.  He was born on December 14, 1932, son of Stefan and Barbara Churma, in Dunmore, PA.  He was the beloved husband and best friend of his wife, Audrey M. Churma, and the loving father of Mary Myers, Susan (husband Cary) Ruffner, Johanna Churma, and Kathryn (husband Gregory) Lovas.  He cherished his grandchildren and great-granddaughter: Taylor, Kait, and Ellie Sphon, Nathaniel Sphon, Daniel Myers, Timothy (wife Emily) Myers, Joshua and Cory Vignevic, and Zachary, Jonathan, and Benjamin Lovas. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by brother Joseph (wife Sheila) Churma, sister Mary Ann (husband Daniel) Maddigan, sister-in-law Joan Churma, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Agnes Evan, brother Dr. Stephen Churma, nephews Dr. Stephen Churma, Jr., Kody Churma, and Joseph Evan, and sons-in law David Myers and Thomas Sphon.  He loved fishing, gardening, cooking, racquetball, golfing, and listening to his family sing and play the piano and guitar together. His home was always filled with the aroma of wonderful meals that he made for his family, and he delighted in harvesting vegetables from his beautiful garden.  He earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Duquesne University and he was a Naval Flight Officer during the Vietnam War.  He retired as a Commander USNR and was a retired teacher in the Norwin School District. Family and friends will be received at the Lindsay-Jobe Funeral Home, Inc., 3343 Route 130, Harrison City, on Tuesday, March 23, 2021. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be prayed at 3:00 pm followed by visitation until 7:00 pm.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 308 Second Street, Irwin, PA, with Father Roniel Bantugan Duenas officiating.  Interment will be at Twin Valley Memorial Park in Delmont with Military Honors. The family would like to thank the Redstone Highlands family of services for their extraordinary care and compassion including Home Health, Hospice Care, and Personal Care.  In particular, our heartfelt thanks to the Hospice Care team-- we are most grateful for their loving kindness.  The family would also like to thank Dr. William C. Churma for his love and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Redstone Highlands Hospice, Holy Masses, or favorite charity. www.Lindsay-JobeFuneralHome.com.

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