John M. (Sr.) Trabert

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Trabert Sr., who left this world peacefully at home, surrounded by his family at the hour of Divine Mercy, 3:00 P.M. He had recently celebrated his 82nd birthday on May 1st, appropriately the feast day of St. Joseph the worker. He was born in Wilkinsburg, PA, the son of the late Carl and Bertha (Schmidt) Trabert.

He was a very devoted husband to his wife, Kathleen Trabert (Lehman) of 56 years. He was a loving father to John Trabert Jr. (wife Melissa), Heidi Bence (husband John), James Trabert, and Jennifer Zapata (husband David). He was a cherished grandfather to Alex Trabert, Elizabeth Trabert, Jessica Bence, Christopher Bence, Sarah Bence, Joshua Bence, Matthew Bence, Felicity Bence, Isabella Bence, Dominic Bence, Josiah Zapata, Christina Zapata, and Gabriella Zapata. He was also blessed by several great-grandchildren, Thomas, Theodore, William, Barrett, Freyja, and Mauren.

Jack, as he was fondly called, attended St. Joseph Catholic School and graduated from Bishop McCort (the former Johnstown Catholic). After high school, he proudly served in the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany. He received college degrees from Penn State and the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown Campus. He was employed by the former Bank and Trust, Mine #33 coal mines, Ebensburg, District Executive for the Boy Scouts of America and Senior Executive for the Senior Activity Center in Johnstown. He also started his own business, Ace Glass Repair. He volunteered at several places in his community and church. He was always seeking to serve others where he could. Our father truly was the quintessential, “Jack of all trades”, He could fix anything. One of the things most important to our dad was his deep and profound devotion to the Catholic Church. He and Kathy were married at St. Benedicts, Johnstown, and were lifelong members of St. Columba, Broad Street, until its closing. They then joined St. Therese, Johnstown. He had a great attachment to the holy rosary, which was promptly said at 7:00 P.M. every night- no matter what! It was very important to him that his children and grandchildren continue to remain in and practice their Catholic faith – a valuable legacy he wanted to pass on.

There simply isn’t enough space to share about the countless lives Jack has touched. He truly lived out the beatitudes and served others. He always brought our mother flowers, even in his illness when he was out and about on his scooter he’d come back with freshly cut flowers. He was a humble and unassuming hero to so many. He’s often referred to himself as “Humble Jack” He was always so grateful to all those that helped care for him during his time of need. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Jack to St. Therese Catholic Church, 536 Decker Avenue or the Pennsylvania Pro Life Federation.

“Be Still and Know that I am God” Psalm 46

Friends will be received Monday, May 12, 2025, from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M., followed by the Rosary which will be led by the Knights of Columbus at the Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home Inc. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Therese Catholic Church, Rev. Bernard Karmanocky O.F.M. Committal will follow at St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery where military honors will be presented by the V.F.W. Post 155 Ritual Team.

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