“beloved husband, father, and grandpa”

SINNAMAHONING, Pa.—John S. Wilson, 87, a longtime resident of Sinnamahoning, PA passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2022, in UPMC Cole Place, Coudersport, after a long illness.

Born on Sunday, March 3, 1935 in Ickesburg, he was a son of Charles and Matilda Sweiger Wilson.  On July 26, 1979 in Emporium, he married Arveta R. “Cookie” Kepler, who survives.

John honorably served in the US Navy, serving at the Brooklyn Navy Yard where he chauffeured the  Senior Captain. He also served on a Naval survey ship, the San Pablo USS AGS 30. 

He was employed for many years at Bethlehem Steel Corporation until retiring due to injuries he received on the job in Steelton.

 In his younger years, John enjoyed hunting and fishing.  In his later years, he and his wife enjoyed watching eagles and song birds.Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 43 years; a daughter, Colleen Klepak of Miami, Florida; twin grandsons, Dimitri Klepak of Miami, Florida and Yanni Klepak of Tallahassee, Florida; several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews, including Bernie (Sandy) Kepler of Annville and Amy (Shawn) Zimmerman of Kersey; and a brother-in-law, Charles (Peg) Kepler. Jr. of Leesburg, Florida.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by six siblings.

In keeping with John’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or funeral services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Teacher’s Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915 or to Elk County Humane Society, 1029 East Eschbach Road, St. Marys, PA 15857.

John’s wife entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.