John Michael Chizmar, Jr.

John Michael Chizmar, Jr., 79, of Jacksonville, Florida, formerly of Washington, died Sunday, October 16, 2016, in Life Care Center, Orange Park, Florida.   He was born in Patterson’s Mills, Cross Creek Township, of September 19, 1937, a son of John and Mary Kiddo Chizmar.   Mr. Chizmar grew up in Rea, where he lived until his marriage.   He graduated with honors from Mt. Pleasant Township High School in Hickory, where he was president of Student Council and Student Athletic Association, member of the National Honor Society, and lettered in football and track.   From 1956 until 1962, Mr. Chizmar worked for the former Mesta Machine Company in Homestead, where he served a four-year apprenticeship to become a journeyman machinist.  He then worked for 42 years for Millcraft Products, the last 22 years as general manager.  After his retirement in 2004, he continued to work for Millcraft as a consultant.   Mr. Chizmar enjoyed gardening, fishing, traveling and spending time with his children and grandchildren.  He was a member of the Raccoon Valley Sportsmen’s Association, SNPJ Lodge 138 in Strabane, and attended St. John’s Church in Avella.   His wife, Diana Wright Chizmar, to whom he was married for 41 years, passed away September 14, 2003.   Surviving are daughter Cheryl Chizmar (John Stanley), with whom he made his home in Jacksonville, Florida; son John “Trey” Chizmar (David Burton) of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; daughter Melissa Waites (Greg Waites) of Hawaii; stepsons, John and Duane McWee of Ohio; grandchildren, Laurann Tichnel of Washington, Andrea Tichnel Toland (Darren Toland) of Prosperity, John Michael Chizmar Fowler of Washington, Abigail Waites of Yulee, Florida and CJ Waites of Hawaii; great-granddaughter, Harper Toland; two sisters, Marion Brice of New York and Margie Marker of Avella; a sister-in-law, Kathy Chizmar; and several nieces and nephews.   Deceased are two brothers, Paul and David Chizmar, and a sister, Katherine Wojack.   Friends will be received from Noon till 2 p.m., the time of service, Saturday, October 22nd, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, with Rev. Steven Dunlap officiating.  Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery.