John Dikun

Just two months shy of his centennial celebration, John was born on June 18, 1919 in Hostetter, PA to Peter and Helen Krisa Dikun and was the oldest son of 12 children.

He was a first generation American and a true example of our countries “Greatest Generation”. Johnny left home at the age of 16 to work and support his family through difficult times. Johnny built roads for the WPA in Greene County and then went on to work at a CCC Camp in Potter County. He then went into the coal mines for 18 years before going to Ohio to work at Perfection Stove Manufacturing Plant. When Johnny returned home to Greene County in 1971 he went to work for his brother Charles in the body shop at Dry Tavern.

John served our nation during World War II for the US Army. A life-long trumpet player, Johnny would always share his love of his horn and the Big Band greats with his nieces and nephews, and each generation that followed. A self-taught man, Johnny had all the characteristics of his great generation. He had a strong work ethic and was ever prudent. He could repair anything to make it last and always gave a small coin to his nieces and nephews to put away for a rainy day. He was incredibly humble and had a faithful commitment to his life-long home and family, even studying for this confirmation sacrament at the age of 77 to ensure his final resting place with his beloved mother, Helen.

He is survived by his older sister Helen Maletta of Pittsburgh, as well as younger sisters Elizabeth “Libby” Senegar of Monroeville, Margaret Ferrari of Dry Tavern, Verna Dikun of Dry Tavern, and younger brothers George Dikun of Newfoundland, NJ and Charles Dikun of Dry Tavern. He leaves behind multiple generations of nieces and nephews whom his loving and devoted spirit has touched.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his baby brother Charles, sisters Mary Gazy and Anna Hundrieser as well as younger brothers Mike and Andrew.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Behm Funeral Homes, 1477 Jefferson Road, Jefferson, PA 15344, Gregory P. Rohanna, supervisor, where services will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., with Fr. Christopher Burke as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, Brownsville. The United States Army will accord military honors. Condolences may be expressed at www.behm-funeralhomes.com