John Paul Alterio

John Paul Alterio, 83, peacefully passed away Monday August 12th in his home surrounded by his family. Born February 21, 1941, a son of the late Louis Alterio and Angeline Livolsi Alterio, he was a 1960 graduate of the first class of the Canon-McMillan High School jointure and proud lifelong resident of Canonsburg, PA. 

He will be remembered most as a compassionate, patient person who was a loving husband and father. He had many friends but more importantly was a friend to many. He enjoyed morning coffee conversations in the kitchen and talking with everyone. A quick trip to the store required 2 hours because he always seemed to “run into” an old classmate. 

John had been employed by McGraw Edison, later Pennsylvania Transformer, from 1963 to 2004 when he retired. The Western Area Vo-Tech was the beneficiary of his caring approach and mechanical and electrical skills when he taught there from 1997 through 2000 and mentored many students. 

His favorite job was working alongside his son Patrick at Alterio’s Catering Service following his retirement. He was easily spotted with the Italian flag on his lapel and smile on his face. Providing his own personal touch, he always made special occasions even more special. 

John loved singing doo-wop with The Donnybrooks who were formed in 7th grade at Canonsburg South Side School. The group went on to secure a recording contract with Calico records and release local hits. They would continue to perform into their later years with all original members. 

Always serving others, John was a member of the 171st Air National Guard from 1961 through 1967, a commentator at St. Patrick’s Church for many years and a borough councilman in the 1980’s. His proudest personal accomplishment was earning his private pilot’s license in 1975 and taking his children on their first flights. 

John enjoyed gardening, Pittsburgh sports and always working on a project. Most of all, John adored his family and spending time with them, especially around the holidays. 

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 59 years Jonette Galeska Alterio; his children Patrick Alterio of Canonsburg, Nathan (Jamie) Alterio of Massillon, OH and Anne (Matthew) Klug of Wheeling, WV; four grandchildren: Jack and Lucy Klug and Alivia and Andrew Alterio; brother Michael (Peggy) Alterio; sister-in-law Mary (the late Jim) Kirker; brother-in-law Mark (Jenny) Zeszutek and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Friends and family are welcome from 2-4 and 6-8 pm Sunday August 18, 2024, in SALANDRA FUNERAL and CREMATION SERVICES INC. Joseph P. Salandra LFD owner/supervisor 304 West Pike Street Canonsburg, where Catholic Blessing Services will be held at 10 am Monday August 19, 2024. Interment will follow in Oak Spring Cemetery, Canonsburg with Military Rites by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 Honor Guard of Canonsburg and the United States Air Forces. To view or extend condolences please visit www.salandrafunerals.com. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or Washington Area Humane Society.