John Kuharsky Jr, 100, of Rochester, passed away peacefully at his home on September 25th, 2026. He grew rowing up on Valley Road in Ambridge with his beloved parents, the late John and Catharine Yanyk Kuharsky, Sr., who taught him to value the things that made him a wealthy man: someone to love and spend a lifetime with and family and friends. He waited until his forties to find his beloved Michelene (Mike) Jula. Their love inspired the gift of a beautiful daughter, Diane Kuharsky Handwerger and a loving son-in-law, Durrell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters: Betty Sheehan, Rose Melnick, Ann Opriska, Helen Kazil and a brother, William Kuharsky. John leaves behind many nieces and nephews of whom he was proud.
John was born on May 10th, 1926. He was a proud Navy WW2 veteran of the Pacific Theatre serving on the destroyer John W. Weeks as a Fire Controlman 3rd class. He served his country with honor and carried that sense of dedication and pride throughout his life.
After the war, John worked various jobs including on the Cleveland-Cliffs fleet Ore Boats across the Great Lakes, and the Kodak company. He ultimately graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics and became a Draftsman, contributing to the design of many notable bridges including the Verazano-Narrows bridge in New York City. He worked for various engineering firms including American Bridge Company, Swindell-Dressler and Pittsburgh Bridge and Iron Works. John retired at age 73 but continued doing renovation projects in the house he built and lived in for 57 years.
Music was a great joy in his life, and he especially loved playing the accordion, bringing music and happiness to family gatherings. Among other dishes he liked to bake delicious potato pie and breads. His music and his baking, like his spirit, brought people together and created memories that will be cherished by all his loved ones. John was timeless and loved by all generations of his family as a devoted husband, father and friend. John also enjoyed reading about many subjects, especially history and science. His mind was sharp and he enjoyed sharing stories with others bringing history to life for all those privileged to hear them. They will always remember the laughter he brought, the knowledge he shared and the love that he bestowed on all he met.
John had an abundance of great friends that he enjoyed throughout his life. His greatest devotion, however, was always to his family. John treasured every moment spent with them and was a steady source of wisdom, quick wit, and unconditional love. Though he is deeply missed, his legacy will live on through his family and the awesome memories he created throughout his extraordinary century of life.
Friends will be received on Monday, September 28th from 10 A.M. until the time of a funeral service at 11 A.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements. Interment will follow the service at St. Peter and Paul Cemetery, with the Beaver County Special Unit providing full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity in John’s honor.