John J. Songer, of Ridgewood at Shenango Valley, formerly a longtime resident of Sharon, passed away at 1:43 p.m. Saturday, April 13, 2019, in UPMC Hospital, Farrell.  He was 92.

Mr. Songer was born June 19, 1926, in Sharpsville, a son of the late Albert and Naomi (McCoy) Songer.  He was a graduate of Sharpsville High School and served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Chicago in the European Theater during WW II.

John retired in 1989 from Sharon Steel's former Farrell plant where he was a masonary worker for more than 44 years.  Following his retirement, he worked at Tam O'Shanter Golf Course for many years.  John was an active member of Church of the Good Shepherd, West Middlesex, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and belonged to its Men's Club.  He was a former longtime member of St. Joseph Church, Sharon.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Sharon Council # 684, and was a 4th Degree Knight with the Sharon Assembly.  John was a member of the former Kennedy Christian High School Boosters and was instrumental in assisting with the construction of Butala Stadium.  He was a volunteer for Meals On Wheels for many years and enjoyed golfing, up until the age of 90, and hunting with family members.

His wife, the former Betty Ann Reardon, whom he married April 28, 1951, passed away July 20, 1989.

Surviving are: a daughter, Kathleen Anderson, of Sharon; five sons, John Edward Songer (Cathy), of Hermitage, Dennis Songer (Dodi), of Sharpsville, Kevin Songer and Daniel Songer, both of Sharon, and Brian Songer (Sharon), of Palmyra, Pa.; 28 grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren.  He also leaves a sister, Rosemary Piccirilli, of Hermitage; a brother, Thomas Songer (Mary Kay), of Erie; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents and wife, John was preceded in death by a daughter, infant Mary Margaret Songer; a son, James P. Songer; a son-in-law, John Anderson; a sister, Alice Maloney; and two brothers, Albert Songer and Calvin "Jake" Songer.

The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to Ridgewood at Shenango Valley, 1 Elston Way, Hermitage, Pa., 16148.

Calling hours will be from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, 2019, in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.  The Knights of Columbus will recite the Rosary at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, in the funeral home.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 17, 2019, in Church of the Good Shepherd, 3613 Sharon Rd., West Middlesex, with Rev. Glenn R. Whitman, pastor, as celebrant.  The West Middlesex VFW, Wheatland American Legion and Farrell VFW Honor Guard will render military honors immediately following the Mass.

Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage.