John J. Lescisin

The world lost a brilliant man on April 24, 2024 with the passing of John J. Lescisin. John, age 93. lived most of his life in Churchill, Pennsylvania but had most recently been a resident of Centre Hall, PA.

John was born in Velky Ruskov, Slovakia on June 16 of 1930 to Anna and John E. Lescisin. At the age of six, John moved to Canada where he grew up and attended school.

In 1947, John and his family moved to Pittsubrgh’s North Side. John worked hard at his studies and eventually earned a full academic scholarship to Carnegie Tech, now Carnegie Mellon University, to study engineering. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Masters in Engineering from Carnegie Tech while also working various jobs to help support his mother.

John worked for Pittsburgh Coke and Chemical for his first job, and he met Nancy, his wife of 60 years, shortly thereafter. They married after a brief engagement, and as a young couple lived in Washington, DC and Los Alamos while John worked for Allis Chalmers and Westinghouse Electric, respectively. John continued his career with Westinghouse Electric and proudly received a patent for The Pressure Pulse Cleaning Method of Nuclear Steam Generators. John and Nancy later settled back in Pittsburgh, first in Bethel Park and then in Churchill, to raise their 5 children, Kathleen Kocher, Mary Lescisin, Michelle Sentner, Jennifer Auman and John A. Lescisin. A diehard Steelers and Penguin fan, John enjoyed watching games and cheering on his favorite teams.

John loved family time and especially enjoyed spending one week together each year at Deer Valley YMCA Camp. He valued family tradition and noted its importance as his own children began to raise their families. The only thing that John was more proud of than his children were his grandchildren. He loved his title of “Papa,” enjoyed singing silly songs, and telling corny jokes. He was a long time member of St. Colman Church in Turtle Creek.

Later in life, John visited his birthplace, Velky Ruskov, Slovakia to meet and reconnect with relatives. Throughout his lifetime, John never lost his fluency with the Slovak language and remained skilled with both understanding and speaking his native tongue. His Slovak heritage prevailed as a proud trait John carried with him.

John was a man of few words but he had a love of learning, a belief in the power of prayer and an unbeatable work ethic. John cherished spending time with his family. He proudly provided for all his children’s education. He treasured meals with his family where he sat joyfully at the head of the table and led grace. His family will always remember his trademark whistle and will smile when they remember his round-up call. He never faltered in replying “I’m good” when asked how he was feeling, regardless of how serious his ailment was. And he was a champion father and grandfather who led with honesty, generosity, devotedness and love.

John’s children lived the values their parents taught them and were happy to give their love and time to his care over the past years. They would like to give special thanks to Dr. Adele Towers for her many tireless years of loving medical care. In addition, they would like to thank Jaime Torres, John and Nancy’s longtime caregiver, who referred to them as Mom and Dad, was dedicated to their care and never faltered in meeting their needs.

Viewing is private. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Louise de Marillac Church of St. Catherine Laboure Parish, Upper St. Clair, on Monday April 29, 2024 at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, please honor John with a donation to the Deer Valley Conservancy Fund, 254 Deer Valley Drive, Fort Hill, PA 15540. Interment at Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh.