John J. Slomkoski

It is with utmost sadness that we share the passing of our dear father and husband John. J. Slomkoski on July 20, 2025 at the age of 70. With Nicolas, Heather and Kathie at his side he left his worldly home and into the arms of his lord and savior Jesus Christ. He is finally at peace after suffering a stroke in October of 2022 that left him wheelchair bound.

John was born in Natrona Heights to the late Michael and Stella (Zandarski) Slomkoski in November of 1954.

John was a loving, caring and kind hearted soul

He made friends everywhere he went. He always had a good word to share and a great sense of humor even after his stroke

John's education began at St. Ladislaus School in Natrona where he continues with many of the friendships to this day. He continued his education at Highlands High School, graduating in the class of 1972. While in high school, John was one of the star players on the basketball team. His 6'5" frame served him well.

In 1976, if you would ask him, he would tell you he found his one and only true love of his life, Kathie and they were married in 1977. They were blessed with nearly 48 years of loving each other in marriage.

In 1980 they welcomed their precious son Nicholas. Throughout Nick's life you could always find John at Nick's side mentoring him through school, life and the sports he enjoyed playing. baseball, soccer and basketball

He was Nicks number one cheerleader

Johnny was always a coach at heart.

He began his love of coaching when Nick was 5yrs old. and Nick was playing soccer. He coached for many years at Tri-City Soccer, Highlands area soccer and Highlands School District

John coached the 5-6th and 7-8th grade basketball team at Blessed Sacrament School. His team that went on to win the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese Championship

During his tenure there he was the recipient of the Sam Borghese Sportsmanship Award from the Diocese of Pittsburgh

He was also a coach for several years for the summer basketball camp at Westminster College

As Nick continued to grown in his love of sports, John was a coach for Natrona Heights Little League and then onto Colt division baseball

John was always well liked, fair and respected

John was a volunteer at the Veterans Hospital John Heinz Campus in Pittsburgh, even though he wasn't a veteran. He also assisted with events at the VFW Post 894 in Natrona Heights. John was a very proud and active 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus council 2602 in Natrona. He was an avid golfer, nothing much could keep him away from his Monday morning golf ritual with his good buddies until he became ill. He also loved to share a game of golf on a beautiful sunny day with his son.

He was dedicated to taking care of his yard. growing his garden and keeping his pool sparkling clean

John enjoyed his vacation time with family. They cruised the Caribbean and relaxed on many of the beautiful beaches of Dominican Republic and Mexico. He even made lifelong friends in those far off places and kept in touch with them throughout the years.

He was a collector of many things from antiques, glass ware, old children's books and games and action figures, or anything that struck his fancy. He enjoyed selling his treasures at flea markets, trade shows and antique shows with Kathie by his side.

Together they like building 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles to pass the time of the cold and dreary day of fall and winter. This is what they were doing on that fateful day in October of 2022

John was a dedicated, hard working, loyal employee of Allegheny Ludlum, Brackenridge Works (ATI) for nearly 40 years. starting as a bricklayer helper and moving on to the ladle liners in the 8-3 melt shop

Nothing gave John more joy than spending time with Nick, Heather and Kathie. To him everyday is a holiday when we are all together. His family was the center of his world.

John was preceded in death by his parents (mentioned above) his brother-in-law Charles Lentz and his little sidekick, Barney and his grandpup Sadie

He leaves to cherish the love and memories that they shared together his wife Kathie (Rehak) Slomkoski, his son and wife Nicholas and Heather Scherf Slomkoski, Kathies, sister, Carol (Lentz) Fiola and husband Lou Fiola

John had the best sense of humor, He would always make Kathie smile even on his bad days.

In lieu of flowers kindly consider donating to Citizen Hose Ambulance Service (965 Burtner Rd, Natrona Heights 15065) or Disabled American Veterans chapter 53 ( 141 Helin Dr. Natrona Heights 15065)

Friends will be received on Wednesday from 1-7 p.m. in the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., 1522 Carlisle Street, Natrona Heights 724-224-8688, where a funeral service will be held on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Mt. Airy Cemetery, Natrona Heights. To send an online condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.