John S. Skocik, Jr., age 83, of Uniontown, Pa., died on Sunday, July 22, 2018.  He was born in Uniontown, Pa. on July 4, 1935, son of the late John and Mary (Check) Skocik. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his first wife Mary Catherine (Kollar) Skocik and a brother Andrew F. Skocik.

He graduated from Georges High School Class of 1952, and then enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served his country during the Korean War as a Radio Operator aboard many ships including the U.S.S. Delta and U.S.S. New Jersey.  After finishing his service, he completed his Undergraduate Studies at California University of Pennsylvania, earned a Master's Degree in Mathematics at West Virginia University, where, upon graduation, he was immediately offered a faculty teaching position at WVU that he held for 7 years; he later accepted a faculty position as an Associate Professor with the Department of Mathematics at California University of PA, where he taught for 32 years until his retirement.  He loved mathematics, and he loved being a teacher.

Family and friends were very important to him.  He was an avid golfer, be it annual Myrtle Beach trips with his colleagues from Cal U or playing some rounds with "the Crew" from Kolencik's Service Station, where he'd be having coffee just about every morning before he grabbed lunch at Roy's Pub.  He loved going on hunting and fishing trips, excursions he particularly shared with his five brothers.  He was a season ticket holder for WVU football for nearly 40 years, a passionate fan of the team.  More than anything, he loved his family, in particular his grandchildren, and just being in their company gave him more happiness and contentment then anything else.

John was a member of St. Mary (Nativity) Roman Catholic Church of Uniontown, Pa.  He was a Lifetime Member of many local veterans' organizations, including George C. Marshall AMVETS Post 103, VFW, Catholic War Veterans, and the American Legion Post 51, where he served as Commander from 1979-1980.  He was also a 4 ^th degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Elks Lodge #370.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Nancy A. (Tautkus) Skocik; their children and grandchildren: son, John Paul Skocik, wife Jessica and grandson Jack of New York City, NY; son, Michael P. Skocik, wife Katie, grandson, Rowan and granddaughter, Olive Rose of Mount Lebanon, Pa.; brothers, Raymond Skocik and wife Doris, Joseph Skocik, Michael Skocik, Jerry Skocik and wife Rita; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received at the Stephen R. Haky Funeral Home, Inc., 603 N. Gallatin Ave. Ext., Uniontown, Pa. on Thursday, July 26, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.; and until 9:15 a.m. on Friday, July 27 when Prayers of Transfer will be said.

The Funeral Mass will follow at 10 a.m. in St. Mary (Nativity) Roman Catholic Church, 61 N. Mt. Vernon Ave., Uniontown, Pa.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent De Paul's of Uniontown and the Uniontown YMCA.

Interment will be held at Mount St. Macrina Cemetery where military honors will be accorded by George C. Marshall AMVETS Post 103.

The Parish Wake Service led by the Lazarus Ministry will be held on Thursday at 3 p.m. The Knights of Columbus 4 ^th Degree Wake Service will be held Thursday at 7 p.m.

Your personal written tributes and memories are welcomed and encouraged at www.hakyfuneralhome.com .