HODOS - John J. “Scooter” Hodos, of Johnstown, passed away on May 22, 2022 at Abington Lansdale Hospital while surrounded by his family after a prolonged battle with throat cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Theresa (Galasso), son John, Jr. and wife Trish, son Bryan, sisters Betty Sestrich and Theresa Canary, and numerous nieces and nephews. He has been preceded in death by his father Martin, mother Elizabeth, brothers Martin, Jr. and Joseph, and his sister Mary Wallace.
Scooter, as he was known by all, lived a full life of service to his family, community, church and country. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served a tour in Germany during the Korean War. After serving, he embarked upon a 30-year career as an electrician for Bethlehem Steel in his hometown of Johnstown, PA.
Scooter met the love of his life, Theresa “Sis” Hodos on a blind date in 1958. They were married 5 years later and never spent a day apart afterwards. Until the end Scooter put his wife first, he held her hand every day and loved her in a way that truly modeled that marriage is a long-term commitment. He loved her in the way that we all deserved to be loved.
Always an active volunteer at his church, St. Stephen’s Parish and later Resurrection Parish, Scooter was a Eucharistic Minister and an altar server who assisted in every fundraiser from building booths and wiring lighting to making halupki. He served many years volunteering his time performing maintenance for the church and was known as the only one brave enough to hang from the catwalk to replace lights. He was even the pitcher on the St. Stephens championship softball team.
Scooter was a charter member of both the St. Joseph’s Knights of Columbus council and The Fr. Blaise Dixon Knights of Columbus Council 11066 for which he served a number of years as the Grand Knight.
Any time he walked into a room he walked out with a new friend. His infectious smile, quick sense of humor, larger than life presence, and innate ability to make you feel better about yourself will be missed by all who knew him. He never stopped enjoying life. His family was truly blessed for having loved him and been loved by him until his last breath. And beyond.
The family would like to thank the many caregivers at Jefferson Health, Interim Health and the Veterans Association who cared for him with empathy and compassion.
Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday May 27 at the Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home, 710 Broad Street. Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, May 28 at Resurrection Parish, the Rev. George M. Gulash. Committal will take place at Benshoff Hill Cemetery with Military Honors by VFW Menoher Post 155 Ritual Team. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Resurrection Parish or the Johnstown Walk of Hope.
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