John M. Deliman, Ph.D.
John M. Deliman, Ph.D., 92, of Chester Hill, died on Thursday, January 24, 2019, at Mount Nittany Medical Center.
John was born on October 7, 1926, in Winburne, a son of the late Michael and Mary (Braznock) Deliman.
John was a 1944 graduate of the former Cooper Township High School. Following high school, he attended and graduated from Lock Haven University with a bachelor’s degree in 1950 and a master’s degree in 1953. He furthered his education at Penn State University and received his Ph.D. in Educational Administration in 1968.
John’s career in education began as a teacher for the former Cooper Township High School, Bald Eagle High School and Philipsburg-Osceola Area High School.
His career then turned toward education administration as he then accepted positions as a student teacher supervisor in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh areas. John then continued his education administration career as a Principal with the Moshannon Valley School District for 4 years. This was followed by 14 years as Superintendent with the West Branch Area School District until his retirement in 1987.
One of the most notable points in all of John’s career was in 1962. He and 30 other teachers from across the United States were selected to study atomic chemistry and physics in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Oak Ridge was established in 1942 as a production site for the Manhattan Project; the massive American, British, and Canadian operation that developed the atom bomb.
John was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Philipsburg, where he had served in the church choir. He was a Life Member and past officer of the Hope Fire Company, Philipsburg, where he had over 25 years of service. He was involved with the Clearfield-Jefferson Drug and Alcohol Committee, served on the Chester Hill Borough Council and served with the Bucktail Council, Boy Scouts of America. His efforts with the Boy Scouts were recognized by the council and he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award. This is an award given to those who implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service.
John was also a proud, hard-working third generation farmer. He enjoyed planting corn and raising Polled Hereford cattle.
He is survived at home by his wife of 63 years, the former Dolores A. Morgan. John and Dolores were married on June 11, 1955, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Snow Shoe.
He is also survived by two daughters, Patricia A. Ammerman and her husband, Douglas, of Chester Hill and Barbara J. Neff and her husband, Dale, of (Hudson) RD Philipsburg; one son, David J. Deliman and his wife, Angie, of Kylertown; seven grandchildren: Craig Neff and his wife, Jenna, Brent Ammerman, Morgan Jurewicz and her husband, Dan, Dr. Kurt Ammerman, Danielle Deliman, Brittany Neff and Dustin Deliman; two great-grandchildren, Jacob and Mackenzie Neff; and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family members.
John was preceded in death by one sister, Marcella Marie Kopchik and one brother, Michael J. Deliman, in addition to his parents. He was the last of his generation.
Visitation will be on Monday, January 28, 2019, from 4 to 8 pm at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 719 E. Spruce Street, Philipsburg. There will be a Christian Vigil Service held at the funeral home on Monday at 5 pm; immediately followed by the recitation of the Rosary.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at 11 am, at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 400 S. 4th. Street, Philipsburg, with Fr. John Gibbons, celebrant.
Interment will be in SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery, RD Philipsburg.
