John V. Rettger

John V. Rettger, 81, of 571 Kerner Avenue, St. Marys, passed away Sunday, May 15, 2022, at his residence with his family by his side, after a lengthy illness.

He was born July 24, 1940, in St. Marys, son of the late Vincent G. and Anna Hacherl Rettger.  John was a lifelong resident of the area and attended St. Marys Parochial Schools.  He was a member of the Quarter Century Club at Stackpole Carbon Company and retired from Osram Sylvania after 15 years of service.

On August 21, 1965, in the Holy Rosary Church, John married Mary Ann Sweeney, who survives.

Along with his loving wife, he is survived by two daughters: Michelle Smith (Frank) of Avonmore, PA and Kathleen “Katie” Beveridge (Eric) of Butler, PA; three sons: Bernard Rettger (Patty) of St. Marys, Henry “Hank” Rettger (Cheryl) of Pittsburgh, PA, and Matthew Rettger (Debbie) of Brockport, PA; seven grandchildren: Chris Rettger, Gabby Rettger, Alexis Maze, Jacob Maze, Abigail Smith, Colton Beveridge, and Garrett Beveridge; three sisters: Jean Schreiber of St. Marys, Eileen Krug of Fulton, NY, and Rosemary Neubert (Gerald) of St. Marys; his brother, Michael Rettger (Susie) of St. Marys; and by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law: Richard Schreiber and Ronald Krug.

John was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he was an usher for many years, the St. Joseph Society, and the Knights of Columbus.  He was a retired member of the Crystal Fire Department and had been a longtime volunteer for the Elk County Christian High School Band.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 10:00AM with the Rev. Peter Augustine Pierjok, OSB, Pastor, officiating.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.  

Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Friday, May 20, 2022 from 5:00PM until 7:00PM.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Crystal Fire Department, 319 Erie Avenue, St. Marys, PA  15857.