RICHARD J. “JACK” PETROVICH
Richard J. “Jack” Petrovich, 92, of Philipsburg, passed away Saturday, September 15, 2018.
Jack was born on July 7, 1926, in Ramey, a son of the late Adam and Mary (Sasala) Petrovich.
He graduated from Madera High School in 1943. After graduation, Jack worked as a mechanic for W.O. Gulbranson. Later he became a financial representative for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. He spearheaded the Moshannon Valley Medical Center Project for a group of local physicians. In 1974, when the Moshannon Valley Medical Center opened its doors, he assumed the role of administrator and maintained that position through to the transition to Geisinger Medical Center.
Jack was always willing to support the growth of the Moshannon Valley. Two significant events he spearheaded was the attendance of President Jimmy Carter in support of One Less Tear and several performances of Cahal Dunne in support of the Rowland Theater revitalization.
Jack found great pleasure entertaining friends, new and old, at his home. His door was always open and the food was plentiful, especially his famous soup. Tuesday night card games, hosting the Chinese New Years’ parties for Medical Center employees, 4th of July block parties, Penn State Tailgates, and impromptu gatherings was what Jack enjoyed.
Jack dearly loved his granddaughter, Lindsay, and found great pleasure taking her on vacations, advising her about business adventures and making sure she “used her head” when making important decisions.
Jack was married on July 17, 1948, to the former Margaret “Marg” Ohs, who preceded him in death on May 9, 1998.
He was also preceded in death by an infant son; one brother, Desmond “Des” Petrovich and his parents.
Jack is survived by one daughter, Susan P. “Sue” Blyth and her husband, William (Bill), of Philipsburg; one granddaughter, Lindsay Margaret Smith and her husband, Christopher, of Spring Mills; one great-granddaughter, Madilyn Margaret Smith, of Spring Mills; three sisters: Marion Stull and her husband, Frank, of Ft. Myers, Florida, Veena “Bo” Miller, of Medina, Ohio and Barbara “Babs” Murphy and her husband, Robert, of Henderson, Nevada; one sister-in-law, Ann Petrovich, of Danville, Virginia; and numerous other extended family members.
The family is hosting a Celebration of Life Open House on Saturday, September 22, 2018, from 11 am until 1 pm, at Jack’s residence, 302 Mortimer Street (Curtis Park), Philipsburg. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to One Less Tear/Navasky Foundation PO Box 285 Philipsburg, PA 16866.
Interment will be in Philipsburg Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home, 719 E. Spruce Street, Philipsburg.
