John J. Hutz died peacefully in The Caring Place on October 7, 2017, in Franklin, PA at the age of 93.

John is survived by his son, Vern Hutz, who resides in Woodbury, New Jersey and his stepsons Leland Hoover, Scott Hoover, Todd Hoover, and David Hoover.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Katherine Hutz, four older brothers, son Paul J. Hutz, first wife Pat Hutz, and second wife Nancy Hutz of Franklin, PA.

John was born on August 20, 1924, in Sharon, PA, the youngest of five sons, to John and Katherine Hutz.

He attended Catholic schools in Sharon and again in Franklin after his father moved his family and tailoring business to Franklin. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1943.

John was inducted into the U.S. Army and served in Ireland and France and was part of the initial Normandy invasion of WWII. He attained the rank of Corporal and was honorably discharged from the service in 1946.

John attended Youngstown University and worked as a draftsman at Westinghouse.

He began work at Joy Manufacturing as a draftsman in 1951 and retired in 1983 as Administrative Buyer in the Purchasing Department.

While at Joy, he also served for many years as Vice President of the Joy Federal Credit Union and as Chairman of Joy blood drives for the Red Cross.

John married Patricia Schultz in 1948, and they had 34 happy years together and welcomed two children into their home. During this time John enjoyed working in Boy Scouting and as a counselor at the Lutheran Church’s Camp Lutherlyn. He was an active and dedicated member of the Grace Lutheran Church, Kiwanis Club of Franklin (30 years), and the Franklin Elks Club (60 years). He also served as an auditor for Sandycreek Township and president of the Joy Management Club.

After the death of Pat in 1982, he married Nancy Hoover, extending her family with her four sons.

After his retirement, he and Nancy enjoyed 30 winters at their home in Arizona.

John became a full-time resident of Franklin again and was a member of Grace Lutheran Church for over 60 years. His last year was spent at The Caring Place in Franklin.

Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc. is entrusted with arrangements and a memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Grace Lutheran Church, 513 12th Street, Franklin PA 16323.

To send cards or online condolences, friends and family are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank Leland and Scott Hoover and the caregivers at The Caring Place for their care and dedication.