John A. Hricsina, Sr., 77, of Franklin passed away on Tuesday, July 21st at 3:17 a.m. at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh.
Born September 29th, 1937 in Cranberry, John was the son of the late John Hricsina and Helen Moyer Hricsina. On July 15, 1960, John married his loving wife and number one fan, Susan A. Keller, who survives.
John was a 1955 graduate of Cranberry High School. After high school, John joined the U.S. Navy where he became a Navy Seabee. He was a Korean War Era Veteran and took part of Operation Deep Freeze in Antarctica. During his time in Antarctica, John earned a place in the Baseball Hall of Fame for hitting the longest ball in the coldest game.
John was involved in many activities, particularly bowling. He was a PBA Senior Bowler; the 1990 Bowler of the Year; was inducted into the Pennsylvania State Bowling Hall of Fame, as well as the Erie, Crawford, and Venango County Halls of Fame; won 7 senior titles; enjoyed his time on the Professional Bowling Tour; and loved bowling with his sons and grandsons.
In his younger years, John drove stock cars and played softball in Franklin. He also loved singing karaoke and spending time with his family. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
In addition to his wife, John is survived by his son, John A. Hricsina, Jr., and his wife, Wendy, of Las Vegas, Nevada; his son, William R. Hricsina, and his wife, Deborah, of Franklin; his daughter, Saundra L. Hricsina, of Franklin; and his daughter, Valerie S. Hijar, and her husband, Michael, of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Additionally, John is survived by eight grandchildren; Jacquelyn Redenz, of Erie; Nicholas J. Hricsina of Franklin; William Hricsina II of Franklin; Nathan Hricsina of Franklin; Jordan Hijar of Las Vegas, Nevada; Jessica Hricsina of Franklin; Brooke Hijar of Las Vegas, Nevada; and Chandler Hricsina of Las Vegas, Nevada. He is also survived by a great-grandchild, Gabe Redenz of Erie.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brothers, Joe and Jim Hricsina; and his sister, Janet Fleming.
At John’s request, there will be no public viewing, however a memorial services will be held on Friday, July 24th at 1:00 p.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene, 393 Pone Lane, Franklin with Rev. David Smith officiating.
The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Kirtland Cancer Foundation, PO Box 108, Franklin, PA 16323. The family wishes to thank Dr. Kirtland and his staff for the excellent care they provided.
To send online condolences, cards, flowers, or for further information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.
