John was born and raised in West Mifflin, a suburb of Pittsburgh. He had one older sister and they lived with their mother in a typical mid-century ranch home. John and his family always had pets.
John graduated from California University and went to work as medical technician. He had worked parttime for Dravosburg Animal Hospital – he was born to be a veterinarian.
Finally, he pursued his dream and was accepted by the University of Pennsylvania. After graduation, he worked for Castle Shannon VCA then moved to Pleasant Hills Animal Hospital. He was planning to move to Cheyenne Veterinary Clinic when his health declined to the point that he had to stop working.
John was the veterinarian who got down on the floor with the animals and took all the time necessary. Most animals adored him. So did most of his human clients. He became fast friends with everyone, attending parties and going to see Broadway musicals.
When a patient died, John always sent a small angel pin as a gesture of sympathy. He bought them everywhere. If he saw one, he’d clean them out.
John had many rescue dogs, with a special fondness for Japanese Chins. He had a small house, but a large fenced in yard.
John is survived by his mother, Jeanne, and his sister, Sherry along with his brother-in-law and his former brother-in-law. John had three nieces and one nephew whom he adored. His father Paul passed away in 2026.
John was my best friend. For a time his mother lived next to my parents. We hung out, watched movies, ate at Chinese buffets, and went dancing. We had many adventures. I loved him very much. They day he died was one of the saddest of my life.
I’ve spent every year since grieving him on that anniversary and his birthday. When we decided to open the pet food pantry, I jumped at the chance to honor him and to be able to say his name often for positive reasons. Now I speak about him all the time and that grief has finally lifted.
John’s legacy is bigger than any one thing – it included his nieces and nephews, their children, his coworkers and former clients who carry pieces of him with them. But this is important, too.
If you knew John, please drop us a note – we’d love to hear from you.