Born on March 29, 1929 in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, John was the son of Anna (Novak) Karas and John F. Karas and brother of Delores A. Karas (Mulvaney) and Francis S. Karas.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife Norma, and by his brother Frank.

John is survived by his son, Jay W. Brandenberger and his wife, Mary Fran (Heberlein) of South Bend, Indiana, two granddaughters, Ellen C. Brandenberger of Brooklyn, New York and Rachel E. Brandenberger (John Garry), also of Brooklyn, along with many nephews and nieces, including Debbie (Gilkey) Jones who was a rock of support for him in his later years.

After graduating from Stowe High School in 1947, John served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. Afterward discharge in 1953, he wasted no time, earning a degree in business from the University of Pittsburgh in three years while working full time.

A position at Westinghouse Electric in Vanport drew him to Beaver Valley, where he met the love of his life Norma Gilkey Karas of Beaver Falls. There were married for 48 years, living in Brighton Township where John, an avid gardener, brought life to their acre of land. Norma and John were a great team, complementing each other’s strengths and passions.

John served over 25 years in various supervisory capacities at Westinghouse before retiring in 1987. He was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, Beaver, served on the Brighton Township planning commission, and lent a hand to many. He loved the outdoors, shared vegetables and fruit he grew with countless neighbors, and kept his house of 55 years in great order. He was a good—though not always patient—Pittsburgh sports fan, played cards shrewdly, and enjoyed golf, fishing, and hunting. Perhaps more than anything, he was known for his keen, sharp mind which was active until his final days. He smiled most around his granddaughters Ellen and Rachel who he liked to spoil (early) and learn from (later).

Friends will be received on Wednesday, May 8th from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. at Noll Funeral Home, 333 Third St., Beaver. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on May 8th 2024 at Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver. A private Interment will take place at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park of Rochester. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John’s name may be made to Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009, to Saint Barnabas Hospice Care (https://stbarnabashealthsystem.com/charities/donate-now/), or to a charity of your choice.