John Robert Johovic "Chief" passed away on Match 13 ^th , 2024, in Ormond Beach, Florida after a prolonged illness. His loving wife was by his side when he passed.

John was born September 6, 1944, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to his parents, Theresa Ann Szigeti and John William Johovic, who preceded him in death. John's son, John Robert Johovic the Second, died at the age of 17, as the result of a tragic car crash.

The "Chief" served in the U.S. Navy for more than 32 years. He was aboard the USS Galveston CLG3, a guided missile cruise ship, during the Vietnam War, where he made many friendships that lasted a lifetime. One of those shipmates, Arnie Uhlman, visited him every year, and the two spent many hours sharing old war stories and laughing about their misadventures on and off the ship. John was proud of his time in the service on board the Galveston, and later as a SeaBee in the Navy Reserves. He was especially proud of all the men he served with.

According to John's sisters, when John was a kid, he was a regular "Dennis the Menace", always into mischief. As an adult, he was a fun-loving, boisterous guy, who never met a stranger. He was a man's man – tough as nails, but with a heart of gold. He filled the room with his presence. He adored his wife, children, grandchildren and his two sisters. He was a family man above all else. He was a master carpenter who loved his work and loved his life. He enjoyed shooting pool and playing poker with the guys at the club house in the Gardens of New Britain, where he is greatly missed.

John is survived by his wife Darlene, his daughter Tracy and her spouse Randy Richardson of Wyoming, Delaware, grandchildren, John, Matthew, Kara and Alexis, his stepdaughters, Cheryl Kelley and her son Jake, residing in Florida, Lisa and spouse Steven Tse, residing in Texas, and their children, Rick, Shayna, Michael and Hayden. He is further survived by two sisters, Sandra Pierallini of North Carolina, and Helen Ann Gearhart and husband Al Gearhart of Imperial, Pennsylvania.

John wished to be cremated and buried next to his wife in a family plot in Rodman, New York. On Sunday, June 30 ^th , 2024, at 2:00 PM, a Celebration of Life service will be held in the Rodman Fire Hall. All family and friends are welcome to attend.