John P. Staab's Obituary
John P. Staab
Of Bethel Park on May 16, 2016 at the age of 71. John was married to Mary Ellen (Burger) for 45 years. They did many things throughout their marriage but their greatest corroboration was born July 13, 1975 - their daughter, Caroline. She has always made them proud. Caroline and her husband, Paul Stahlschmidt, live in Boone, NC surrounded by mountains and Mother Nature. John was preceded in death by his parents, John H. and Millie (Guthoerl) Staab as well as his youngest sister, Jean Krause, who passed away two months ago. His surviving sister, Linda (Marty) Zolton lives in Cleveland, Texas. John is also survived by his sisters-in-law Barbara Burger of Greentree and "B.J." Elizabeth Burger-Loy of Mt. Lebanon and her husband George P. Loy (John's devoted chauffer during his illness). He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. John was employed by the company formerly known as Blue Cross of Western PA. He always liked his work at Blue Cross (well, most days) but he enjoyed retiring at 52 even more! For almost twenty years, he and Mary Ellen spent winters at their "Lighthouse Cove Condo" in Melbourne Beach, Florida returning to their home in Bethel Park for the summer and autumn. With equal enthusiasm they hiked the Laurel Mountains, biked the "rails to trails" and (for some culture) attended Pittsburgh Symphony concerts whenever possible. After John's retirement they began traveling to an international destination every September/October. John did the planning, Mary Ellen did the packing and Rick Steve's guidebook did the rest. The last trip John "mapped out" was all by train through Eastern Europe ending on the Orient Express. John was a man of many talents and interests but was never one to boast about his accomplishments. He earned his pilot's license at the age of 40 and was the "Captain" of many sailing vessels. Whether reading a book about history, standing atop a tree covered mountain, bouncing around puffy clouds in his Piper Cherokee or silently sailing seas and lakes, he managed to view the world from many angles. His strength of character and easy going manner made it impossible not to like him. He will be missed. Visitation will be held on Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pleasant Hills, 15236. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 23rd at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary of the Mount Church, 403 Grandview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15211. Rev. Dale DeNinno, Pastor of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Pleasant Hills, will be officiating. Everyone meet at the Church. In lieu of flowers, donations In Memory of John P. Staab can be made to The Montour Trail Council, c/o Phyllis McChesney, 304 Hickman Street, Suite 3, Bridgeville, PA 15017. (412) 257-3011. Condolences may be given at www.jeffersonmemorial.biz.
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