John Racz, Clay Furnace Road, Clark, passed away peacefully with his family at his side at 11:19 p.m. Tuesday (8-30-11) in his residence following an extended illness. He was 82.

Mr. Racz was born March 12, 1929 in Burndale, PA, a son of Joseph and Ethel Orosz Racz.

He attended Amsbury Schools.

He retired in 1991 with 45 years of service from the former Sharon Steel Corporation's Farrell Plant where he worked as a mill wright in the blast furnace area. He was a member of the United Steel Workers of America Local #1193. Mr. Racz was of the Methodist faith.

A decorated veteran of the United States Army, John served in the Pacific Theatre of Operations during World War II and was honorably discharged on January 3, 1948 with both the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), and the WWII Victory Medal.

He was a member of the Clark Volunteer Fire Company-Station 99, and a former member and past president of the Mercer County Young Democrats. Earlier in his life he enjoyed participating in Civil War re-enactments.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, his family was everything to him and he will be sadly missed by all.

He is survived by his wife, the former Patricia L. Clossin, whom he married, November 10, 1952; three daughters, Susan M. Orpen and her husband Joseph Powers, Avella, PA, Kate L. Mucroski and her husband Douglas, Clark, PA, and Annette Racz of Colorado Springs, CO; a sister, Helen Golden, Arlington, VA; two brothers, Andrew 'Moose' Racz, Rock Springs, GA, and Stanley Racz and his wife Frances, Gallitzin, PA; seven grandchildren, Joshua and Daniel Orpen, Sarah Racz, Melissa Armstong, Scott Lohr, Cory Durbin, and Jennifer Carter; 8 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a son, John Patrick Racz, and his grandson Michael Racz.

In lieu of flowers, his family suggest that memorial contributions be made in his memory to the Make a Wish Foundation, 4800 Interstate 55 N, Suite 30, Jackson, MS 39211

Calling Hours: 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday (9-3-11) in the J. Bradley Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 1090, E. State St., Sharon.

Condolences may be sent to his family by visiting the web site www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Services: Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday (9-3-11) with full military honors being rendered in the funeral home chapel by the Honor Guard from the West Middlesex VFW Post 6233, and the Wheatland American Legion Post 432.

Burial: St. Michael's Cemetery, Greenville.