John Joseph Pitonyak Jr.

John "Jack" Joseph Pitonyak Jr. (Putsy), 65, passed away on Wednesday, July 21, 2015 surrounded by family at UPMC Hamot in Erie, PA. Jack was born on September 3, 1949 in Sharon, PA, the son of the late John Joseph Pitonyak Sr. and Anna (Geralsky) Pitonyak. He was a 1967 graduate of Brookfield High School and graduate of Youngstown State University with a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice. Jack was a proud veteran of the United States Army Reserves serving as a Staff Sergeant (E6) until he retired after 22 years of service. He was employed at SCI Mercer PA as a Purchasing Agent until he retired in 2010. Jack enjoyed gardening and volunteering for the Make-a-Wish Foundation where he helped to grant almost thirty wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. Jack was truly a one-of-kind person who enjoyed life to the fullest and always helped those in need. Although his family and friends will miss him greatly, he left them with many fond memories to cherish especially his hearty laugh and unique spin on life. He will be deeply missed by his sister Gloria Fulgenzio, husband Anthony, along with niece and nephew, Gina and Gabe Fulgenzio. He will be further missed by brother-in-law R. Keith Foster, nephews, Brian (Darla) and Kevin (Lisa) Foster, Anthony (Pam), John (Lisa), Joe (Christina), and Rob Schiavone, and nieces Marybeth (Mike) Ferrarese and Trisha (Pat) Sheridan along with many great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He also leaves behind his dear friend and ex-wife Paulette Henn and children Maj. Rebekah (Jon) Lust and Eric Henn. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters and brother-in-law Patricia (Anthony) Schiavone and Bernadette Foster. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday July 27, 2015 at 10:00AM at St. Thomas the Apostle (St. Bernadette Church) in Masury, OH, with The Very Reverend Father Frank Zanni V.F officiating. Closing prayers will be held at 9:30AM at the funeral home Monday morning. Friends and family may call Sunday July 26, 2015 from 3-6:00PM at Lane Family Funeral Homes Madasz Chapel in Brookfield, OH. Burial will take place at Brookfield Township Cemetery with full military honors. Friends and family may view this obituary and send condolences by visiting www.madaszchapel.com In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Make-a-Wish Foundation at 1001 State St., Suite 502, Erie, PA 16501 or at greaterpawv.wish.org. Jack's family also wishes to thank the dedicated staff at UPMC Hamot MICU for their care and compassion.