Obituary of John A. Grohal

John A. “Jack” Grohal, 73, of Greensburg, PA, died April 16, 2023 at his residence. He was born July 9, 1949 in Mount Pleasant, PA, a son of the late John T. and Clare J. (Marhefka) Grohal. John was a beloved member of his family and was a good friend to many. He was a long time member of Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Greensburg, PA. John was a 1967 graduate of Mount Pleasant Area High School and attended The Pennsylvania State University where he pursued a degree in engineering. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Jeanne, his brother Timothy, and his sister-in-law Philomena. He is survived by his brothers William of Mount Pleasant, Frederick of Greensburg, Robert (Peggy) of Arlington, VA, and Steven (Kennette) of Derry. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Norreen of Greensburg; his nieces Lucille (Mike) Urban, Eve (Jeff) Yelinek; his nephews Lucas and Alexander Grohal; and his great nephews Carter and Noah Urban, and Joseph and Owen Yelinek, as well as numerous cousins. John’s course to a successful and happy career and life was halted when he was swept into a ravaging storm of unrelenting illness. The calm waters were always in sight, just tantalizingly out of reach. Over the years, John endured hardship and suffering, as his days were often shadowed by anguish and misery. Despite his struggles and heavy burden, his faith in God never wavered and he never questioned why he was the one who had to shoulder the yoke. In this, he proved his true character and strength. John was a devotee of Saint Therese, the “Little Flower” and Thomas Merton, the Trappist monk. John was a kind man who truly cared for the well being of his fellow person. He bore malice to none and he accepted others simply as they were, not how he wanted them to be. He selflessly gave of himself. His only material concern was that he be able to give so that others might have. In the words of Saint Paul, he fought the good fight, he finished the race, and he kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). Funeral arrangements are being by handled by Jay A. Hoffer Funeral Home, 2245 Mt. Pleasant Road, Norvelt, PA, 15674. Viewing will be private. A funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, interment follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Latrobe, PA. All are welcome to attend the Mass. EVERYONE IS ASKED TO GO DIRECTLY TO THE CATHEDRAL. If desired, memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to Westmoreland Community Action or the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation or a charity of your choice. The family would like to thank John’s friends and neighbors in the Academy Hill neighborhood and staff and patrons at a number of businesses in the Five Points area for sharing in his life and looking out for him over the years. Special thanks to those who provided health care to John, particularly the Behavioral Health and the Gastroenterology teams at Excela Health and the home health care professionals from AHN. John was loved and he is deeply missed. However, his burden is now lifted and may he live in paradise (Luke 23:43). In the end, John achieved success. www.HofferFuneralHome.com.