John "Hoppy" Mitruski's Obituary
John "Hoppy" Mitruski, age 72, of Jefferson Hills PA., passed away suddenly on May 19, 2023.
Hoppy is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Teri Mitruski, His loving children, Michael Mitruski and Megan (Jon) Reynolds, his cherished grandchildren, Colt, Cason, Crew, Mazie and Millianna, his sister, Janet (the late Frank) Carroll. Also survived by nieces, nephews, extended family and his softball girls.
Preceded in death by his parents John and Anna Mitruski.
Hoppy was a Physical Education teacher in The West Jefferson Hills School District for 35 years. He was a passionate coach not only in sports, but also in life to the many young ladies and young men within the district that he interacted with over a 45 year period. He was Head Coach for 33 years and Assistant Coach for 7 years of the Girls Varsity FastPitch Softball Team, “the Lady Jaguars''. He was also very proud to be a Varsity Football Coach for the Thomas Jefferson Jaguars for over 30 years. His belief had always been “You can’t teach heart”. Black & Gold are the school colors and it’s been said many times that those 2 colors ran through his veins.
Hoppy Mitruski had an amazing ability to connect with everyone that he encountered on a day to day basis . He had an incredible gift of making everyone that he spoke with feel like they were the most important person in the world. Yes, he left us too soon at the age of 72, but somewhere in heaven right now, he is talking to someone and making them feel special. God must’ve needed another coach and brought him home to make heaven an even better place. Rest in Peace Hoppy.
Friends and family will be received on Thursday, May 25, 2023 from 1:00pm-8:00pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Inc., 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pleasant Hills, PA 15236.
A Celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org. Online condolences can be shared at www.jeffersonmemorial.com.
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