John B. Hafera, 96, of Harwick passed away Wednesday.

He was born March 8, 1920. He was the son of the late Paul and Veronica Papic Hafera and was a lifelong resident of the community. He attended the Our Lady of Victory Church in Harwick, where he was a founding member.

Mr. Hafera was a patriot and served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.

Mr. Hafera was an avid golfer — he played in the 1948 U.S. Open. John won multiple club championships at both Hillcrest and Butler Country Clubs. John humbly worked with what he had been blessed and found peace in strengthening his relationship with his God and his family. He also was an outdoorsman, carpenter, fisherman, gardener, pitcher, patriot and golfer. John was especially devoted to his family and his Catholic faith. Everything and everyone John touched stand stronger today.

Surviving him are his sons, John (Mari) Hafera of Bethesda, Md., James Hafera of Monroeville and David Hafera of Germantown, Md.; his daughters, Elaine (Richard) Thompson of Albuquerque, N.M., Marianne Hafera of Cheswick and Amy Sue (Gary) Feger of Selbyville, Del.; three grandsons, John C. Hafera of San Francisco, Joseph Hafera of Pawtucket, R.I., and Richard Thompson of Burlingame, Calif.; his sisters, Mary Matovick of Frazer Township and Irene Brown of Harwick; and his niece, Nancy Brown of Harwick.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Susie Hafera; his sister, Josephine Wierzbicki; and his brother, Paul Hafera.

HAFERA — Family of John B. Hafera, who died Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017, will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the CHARLES B. JARVIE FUNERAL HOME, 1607 Pittsburgh St., Cheswick.A Christian funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Our Lady of Victory Church with the Rev. Alan E. Morris officiating. Burial will be at the Deer Creek Cemetery, Harmar Township.Memorial contributions may be made to the Our Lady of Victory Church, 1319 Low Grade Road, Harwick, PA 15049.For more information, visit www.jarviefuneralhome.com.