John Owen Griffith

Griffith, John (Jack) Owen, 86, Johnstown, went to be with the Lord on March 29, 2022.  Born May 8, 1935 in Johnstown, son of Owen D. and Betty (Brocke) Griffith, who preceded him in death.  Survived by loving wife Elizabeth (Smith) and six wonderful children:  Sharon, Atlantic Beach, FL; Robert Johnson (Judith),  Suffolk, VA; John Scott, Jacksonville, FL; Rhonda Varland (Guy), Colorado Springs, CO; Michael Shawn (Kimberly), Jacksonville, FL; and Christopher (Jennifer), Atlantic Beach, FL.  Daughter Michele preceded him in death.  Survived by 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.  Jack was a graduate of Notre Dame.  He worked for Crown Construction as Comptroller for five years.  He then joined Bethlehem Steel Corporation as a mechanical engineer.  Two years later, he was transferred to the Pittsburgh Office in Construction Sales.  In 1981, he was promoted and transferred to Jacksonville, FL.  Upon retirement from Bethlehem, Jack joined the FL Dept. of Transportation as a Project Engineer for 8 years.  He was in the Army Reserves for 6 years.  While in Johnstown, he was active in the Jaycees and was instrumental in the construction of the original Central Park Fountain.  He served as vice chairman of the heart fund campaign and other civic campaigns.  He has always been active in his church and his wife’s church, holding offices.  He was a church trustee and on various committees.  Jack served as VP and President of the Laurel View Resident Council.  Jack volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul, making home visits and later at the thrift store.  He volunteered at the Franklin St. United Methodist Food Pantry, Eucharistic Minister at Conemaugh Hospital, drove bus at Laurel View Village taking residents grocery shopping; sang in the Retired Men’s Chorus, and was a member of many antique car clubs.  His love for antique cars was his passion.  From an early age, he could usually be found in the garage restoring old cars.  It is estimated he restored over 25 cars during his lifetime.  Jack will be greatly missed by his wife, whom he cherished, and his children and grandchildren, whom he loved and adored.  Many thanks to his favorite Dr. Balkissoon Maharajh, whom he loved and respected and to Windber Hospice.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Windber Hospice, 600 Somerset Ave., Windber, PA  15963 in Jack’s name.  Friends will be received at the Picking-Treece-Bennett Mortuary, 921 Menoher Blvd. from 9 AM on Friday until time of service at 11 AM, Rev. Wes Yoder officiating

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