John Richard Gusic, 91 of Waynesburg, died Wednesday, June 20, 2012 in Waynesburg. He was born on August 9, 1920 in McClellandtown, a son of the late Matthew and Katherine Belanek Gusic Mr. Gusic was 1937 graduate of Waynesburg High School. He served in US Air Force as a pilot with the 27th Fighter Group. John flew 57 combat missions in France and Germany in World War II. Upon discharge from the Air Force he returned to Waynesburg to help his parents at Gusic's Tavern, and established his music/coin amusement business. He became the "G" in the "M & G TV" business in Waynesburg. In later years, John was an...
John Richard Gusic, 91 of Waynesburg, died Wednesday, June 20, 2012 in Waynesburg.
He was born on August 9, 1920 in McClellandtown, a son of the late Matthew and Katherine Belanek Gusic
Mr. Gusic was 1937 graduate of Waynesburg High School.
He served in US Air Force as a pilot with the 27th Fighter Group. John flew 57 combat missions in
France and Germany in World War II.
Upon discharge from the Air Force he returned to Waynesburg to help his parents at Gusic's Tavern, and
established his music/coin amusement business.
He became the "G" in the "M & G TV" business in Waynesburg. In later years, John was an insurance associate with the J.A. Goodwin Agency.
He was a lifetime member of Waynesburg B.P.O. Elks Lodge 757, serving as Exalted Ruler (1965) and later as the State President of Pennsylvania (1984-85). He served as Grand Lodge Esteemed Loyal Knight (2009-10).
As a dedicated community volunteer, John served as President of the Optimist Club, chairman of the Waynesburg University Football Boosters, and as a Chamber of Commerce Planning Commission member.
With his wife Jean, he volunteered at Southwest Regional Medical Center and delivered Meals on Wheels.
John was an active member of St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church in Waynesburg and third degree Knights of Columbus member (50 + years).
On May 6, 1949 he married Helen (Jean) Schmidtke, who survives.
Also surviving are three children, Linda Winegar (Jim) of Graysville, David Gusic (Michele) of Laurel Springs, NJ and Bill Gusic (Susan) of York, SC. He was the proud grandfather of 5 grandchildren: Dan, Alena, Jonathan & Sarah Gusic, and Amanda Grandel; and a great grandson, Anthony Richard Gusic. He was the last of his immediate family.
Deceased are two brothers, Matt and Tony Gusic and two sisters, Katherine Leo and Mary Waychoff.
Friends will be received from 1 to 4 and 6 to 7 p.m. Sunday in the Behm Funeral Homes, Inc., 182 W. High Street, Waynesburg, where a Blessing Service will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, June 25, 2012, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church, Waynesburg, with Fr. Richard J. Thompson as celebrant. Entombment will follow in Greene County Memorial Park, Waynesburg. The B.P.O.E. Elks will hold a memorial service on Sunday at 7:00 pm in the funeral home. Graveside Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Air Force. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to your favorite charity. Condolences may be offered at www.behmfh.com