John Crkvenac III

Beloved husband, father, Djeda, brother, uncle and friend, John Crkvenac III passed away surrounded by his family on Good Friday, April 7, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Earlene (Deavers) Crkvenac.

John was born in Republic, PA on September 23, 1943, to John and Katie Crkvenac. He grew up in Tiltonsville, OH with his four siblings, Helen (Crkvenac) Dixon, Thomas Crkvenac, Michael Crkvenac and Cathy (Crkvenac) Skibo. He dedicated his life to serving his country and his family. He served in the United States Marine Corps where he achieved the rank of MGySgt in only 17 years and earned the National Defense Service Medal and commendations for Outstanding Performance of Duty. He retired after 20 years of faithful service. After the Marine Corps, John and Earlene returned to Ohio where John worked at Weirton Steel for 22 years.

Above all, John lived for, and adored his family. John and Earlene raised their three children, Kimberly, John and Christine in faith and love. John was also blessed with a family who loved him and knew him to be invincible including daughter-in-law, Carrie, and sons-in-law, Dave and Daniel, as well as five grandchildren, Hayley, Ryan, Cole, Allie and Mason and three great grandchildren, Avery, Raelyn and Savannah.

To anyone who knew him, John was a true inspiration. An incredible storyteller, athlete, avid Pittsburgh sports fan and proud Croatian. He was one of a kind, with the strength of a lion tempered with the most incredible giving heart and spirit. There are many who have come before him, and many who will follow, but to his family and friends, John was “Simply the Best.”

Friends and family can honor John at the Everhart-Bove Funeral Home 685 Canton Rd. Wintersville, OH 43953. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and 5:00-7:00 p.m. A funeral will follow at 7:00. John’s internment will be held at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Rd. Bridgeville, PA 15017, on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome.

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