John P. Paidakovich
John P. Paidakovich, affectionately known to many friends as Pa-dock, 96, formerly of Nemacolin, passed away peacefully, December 31, 2020, at the Adventist Medical Center in Rockville, Md. due to COVID related complications.
John was born June 16, 1924, in Barracksville, W.Va. to Joseph and Lucy Paidakovich. He was one of four children, John, Mary, Steve and Matt. They were a devout Roman Catholic family of Croatian descent. John grew up in Nemacolin and was married to Teresa Bizub in Our Lady of Consolation Church.
John and his family resided in Cabin John, Md. for over 50 years. John attended the St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church in Bethesda, Md., was a member of the United Mine Workers union and was a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He was a proud board member and frequent visitor of the Citizens Club.
John was a military veteran of World War II and the Korean conflict. He was proud of his military service with the Merchant Marines and the U.S. Army. He always wondered why he was drafted twice. That shall remain a mystery. Prior to his military service, John worked as a coal miner at the Nemacolin mine for several years, following in his father Joe’s footsteps. After his military service, John worked for the United States Postal Service for over 20 years.
John was married to Teresa Bizub of Nemacolin for over 60 years. They had two daughters, Mary Ann and Lucy; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. John and Teresa spent much of their retirement years babysitting and attending their grandchildren’s sporting and other events. They loved their family unconditionally.
There will be a private funeral service for John, for immediate family only due to COVID, at the Paul M. Lesako Funeral Home Inc., 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels, PA 15320, 724-966-5100. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Crucible. Military services provided by the Greene County Honor Guard. A celebration of life for John will be scheduled in the future for John’s many friends and family.
John’s survivors include his daughters, Mary Ann (David), Lucy (Chris); his grandchildren, Sarah Gardina, John Seifert (Jhonna), Amy Feldman (Josh) and Elizabeth Shura (Aaron); and his great-grandchildren, TJ Gardina, Jenna Seifert, Brooks Seifert and Andie Feldman. John is also survived by his sister, Mary Goldner (Paidakovich) of San Antonio, Texas; brother-in-law, Marcellus Fitzwater of Charlottesville, Va. and sister-in-law, Mary Ann Bizub of Milwaukee, Wis. Additionally, John is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Steve and Matt; his wife, Teresa; and his granddaughter Sarah’s husband, Tim Gardina.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made in John’s name to the charity of your choice.