John G. Usztics

Surrounded by his beloved family, John G. Usztics, 92, of Dauphin, entered into Heaven on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at Hershey Medical Center.

Born September 13, 1923 in Ontario, PA, he was the son of the late George and Ylena (Fekete) Usztics and graduated in 1942 from Centerville (PA) High School.  The following year, he entered the Army Air Force and served his country during WWII.  While in the service, he traveled to Harrisburg and met the love of his life, the former Helen A. Donbaugh.  They were married November 26, 1947 and enjoyed a wonderful 68 years of marriage.

John was a salesman throughout his lifetime, selling  insurance, sporting goods and appliances. He retired as the owner of Formal Affairs in the Scottsdale Plaza. He thrived when he could interact with customers. He was a member of Gracepointe Church of Christ in Elizabethtown, where he was known and loved.

He and Helen lived, in Dauphin for 60 years, in the home that he built.  There he taught everyone about the wonders and intricacies of nature and God's amazing world. He shared his hunting and fishing expertise with many, enjoying countless cabin stays with his son and grandsons.  He was an avid supporter of  Penn State; and was a fan of various styles of wrestling:  Folk, Freestyle and Greco, especially when his grandsons were involved. His greatest joy, however, came from spending time with his family and friends. He never missed a graduation, play, choral concert, hockey or softball game, birthday party, grandparent's day or wedding. There was no event too big or small.

He worshiped his God with a deep abiding faith and as a man of principle, he always encouraged others to serve and worship. After finding his home village in Ukraine, he and Helen regularly visited and supported the children and orphanages there. His friends and family all knew where they stood with him, as he was honest and forthright. John, or "Dee" as his grandchildren called him, devoured information and enjoyed sharing it with others. The depth of his knowledge on any subject was astounding. His devotion to his family is simply encapsulated in these words. With John it was,  "Never too late, never too far." He lived a rich full life and will be missed deeply.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings:  George Usztics, Mary Hill, Charles Usztics and Ann Santo, and in 2013 his heart was broken by the loss of his precious son, John A. Usztics.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Helen A. (Donbaugh) Usztics; his daughter, Susan Youtz (and her husband, Jack), Harrisburg; his daughter in law, Donna Usztics, Dauphin; his brother in law, Barry Donbaugh (and his wife, Genie), Marietta, GA;  4 grandchildren, Ivan Usztics (and his wife, Jessie), Deerfield Beach, FL, Alexander Usztics (and his wife, Eileen), Lutherville, MD, Chelsea Haken (and her husband, Josiah), Roselle Park, NJ and Cameron Youtz (and his wife, Jessica), Tampa, FL ; 3 great grandchildren, Eden Haken, Ahron Haken and Everly Usztics; many nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family and friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 pm Saturday, February 27, 2016 in his church, 4806 E. Harrisburg Pike, Elizabethtown, 17022 with Jonathan Woodall officiating.  Friends will be received from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm at the church.

Burial with full military honors will be held 2:00 pm Monday, February 29, 2016 at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.  All who wish to attend should arrive at the cemetery at 1:45 pm Monday and park behind the office.

Contributions in his memory should be made to his church.

Kimmel Funeral Home, Harrisburg, is handling arrangements.