John A. Hollingsworth Jr., 90, of Waterford, went home to be with Jesus on April 24, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his home.
John was born in Pittsburgh to Bertha (nee Reitzel) and John A. Hollingsworth Sr. He graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School and went on to further his education at Lehigh University achieving his bachelor of science in civil engineering. During his years at Lehigh he was a proud member of Phi Gamma Delta, a fraternity that unites men in enduring friendships, stimulates the pursuit of knowledge, and builds courageous leaders who serve the world with the best that is in them.
John joined ROTC while in college, and then served in the U.S. Air Force for five years achieving the rank of Captain. He trained in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and served his tour of duty in France and Germany, followed by one year in the Reserves. Once he was honorably discharged from the Air Force, John went on to work at Bucyrus International Inc. as a product sales and service manager traveling all over the world as well as residing three years in Johannesburg, South Africa. After B.E., John was President of Andromeda, Co. (USA) for a couple years. When he retired he drove a motor coach on many tours for Jones where his wife and other family members were able to accompany him on these trips. He enjoyed being busy and later drove a school bus for Thomas, and also did grounds maintenance at Rivermoor Golf Club.
John married the love of his life Cleo (nee Riach) on June 26, 1976, and instantly inherited a family of four daughters and a granddaughter. John embraced his wife, daughters and growing family with love, kindness, patience, generosity, and lots of fun.
John was very involved in his church and many other groups. He was a proud member of the Tripoli Shriners of Milwaukee in which he was a member of the clown unit where he was known as Hollyhock. He was a lifelong member of the Vagabon Ski Club, and served for a short time as the president. John was an officer of Bucryus Old Timers Association and Bucryus Museum Docent. He loved downhill skiing during the winter and golfing, boating and water skiing in the warmer months.
John was a very devoted Christian serving the Lord on Sundays at Community Church in Waterford as an usher and volunteering on a number of committees. He enjoyed singing at church, and was involved with the Glory Singers, as well as the Festival Choir at Hales Corners Lutheran Church.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Cleo; his loving daughters, Carla (Wayne) Wiedenhoeft, Teresa Heise, Louisa (Michael) Tomrell and Christy (William) Schuyler; grandchildren, Shawn Squires, Destiny (Ray) Goetz, Kyle (Rachel) Whitley, Rachel Heise, Michael (Mina) Witte, Jenna (Nick) Kuchler, Rebecca (Clinton) Tillman, Malia Heise, Kellon Whitley, Daniel (fiancée Samantha) Tomrell, and Brianna (Becca) Tomrell; adoring great-grandchildren, Gunnar, Austin, Bryce, Hayden, Bella, Jace, Kallie, Warren, Ryker, Gabriella, Ellaria, and baby girl Tillman; beloved sister Barbara Jeanne Kautz; sisters-in-law, Sister Carla, Mary (Ron), and Bev (Bob); as well as many other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law Charles and Gertrude Riach, brothers-in-laws Henry Kautz and Archie (Helga) Riach and sister-in-law Kathy Lammert.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at Community Church, 455 S Jefferson St., Waterford, on Sunday, May 7, 2023. A memorial gathering will be held at 2 p.m. until time of service at 3:30 p.m. followed by military honors. A time of fellowship will be held after the service. John will be laid to rest at Rochester Cemetery in a Private Committal Service.
If desired, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Alzheimer’s Association and Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Services have been entrusted to Integrity Funeral Services. Well-wishers may visit www.integrityfunerals.net.
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