John J. Katshir

Age, 84, of Mt. Lebanon, on Sunday June 6, 2021. Born January 6 1937 in Moon Run PA to John and Mary (Slanina) Katshir, John was predeceased in death by his wife of 55 years Marda (Mulqueen) and twin sons who died shortly after birth. He is survived by his two sisters Katherine Kulik and Anna Szarmack, son Gregory and wife Tracy Katshir of Camp Hill PA ; daughter Kim and husband Frank Lapolla of Fairfield Connecticut daughter Laurie and husband Joel McKiernan of Mt Lebanon and grandchildren Hannah, Riley and Charlie Katshir, Maggie and Katie Lapolla and Kelsey and Karson McKiernan. John graduated high school from St Mary’s of Orchard Lake Michigan where he played baseball, basketball and ran track. John Graduated in 1958 from Duquesne University where he earned his BS in mathematics. After graduation he began what would be a 35 year career and passion of teaching math and coaching baseball and cross country at Montour High School. John subsequently earned a Master's in Education from Duquesne and a Master's in Mathematics at the University of Detroit. He also taught evenings and summers at Community College of Allegheny County. During his years as a teacher, he was active in PA Council of Teachers of Mathematics and at a time served as the organizations president. For his excellence as a teacher he was inducted into the Pennsylvania Math Hall of Fame. After his retirement in 1994, he liked to wear a shirt that said ”I’m retired - I have no days off”. He and his wife and love of his life, Marda adhered to that slogan. In retirement John coached baseball at Point Park College, volunteered at the Carnegie Science Center as Mr. Wizard, delivered for Meals on wheels, served Our Lady of Grace Parish as president of parish council and as an extraordinary minister, and traveled around the world with Marda. John enjoyed going to their place in Orlando and the yearly family trips to Ocean City, New Jersey. John could be frequently seen, and heard, at his grandkids athletic contests. As a life-long diehard Bucco fan, at age 70, he fulfilled a dream by striking out the side at PNC Park during a Pittsburgh Pirate Fantasy camp game. Friends will be received at Laughlin Cremation & Funeral Tributes 222 Washington Road Mt. Lebanon on Tuesday from 4-8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered in Our Lady of Grace Church (St. Michael the Archangel Parish) on Wednesday at 10:00 AM. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery. If desired, Memorial Contributions may be made to Family Hospice 310 Fisk Street Pittsburgh, PA 15201.

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