John Townslan Hoak, 77, of Elizabeth Township, died Saturday, August 11, 2018 at home. He was born May 17, 1941 in McKeesport and was the son of the late Roderick and Martha (McLean) Hoak. John served as a Paratrooper for 2 years in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division. He spent most of his life being self-employed. His talents as a multi-skilled Craftsman led to being co-owner of Hoak Brothers, Inc., West Newton Lumber Co. , Yough Fuel and Energy and most recently Hoak Construction, Inc., building quality homes. His favorite pastime was enjoying adventures with his wife and grandchildren, especially involving travel. He was a mentor to many young men and was a member of the NRA. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol A. (Kite) Hoak. They were married June 13, 1964. He is also survived by his sons, John B. (Jessie Sedlock) Hoak and Jeffrey T. (Tabatha) Hoak of Elizabeth Township and Jason C. (Melissa Kelly) Hoak of Pittsburgh, sister, Martha Jane Donaldson of Buena Vista, grandchildren, Jeffrey (Alysa), Jacob, Randy, Jason, Ashley, and Julia, nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and many brother-in-laws, and sister-in-laws.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Roderick C. Hoak, Hugh "Lefty" Hoak and Joseph "Conie" Hoak and sister, Maude "Bonnie" Ziegler. Friends are welcome Tuesday, August 14, 2018 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. Service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Tuesday at 8:00 pm with his nephew, The Rev. William O. Porter, III, officiating. Military honors will follow. A celebration of his life will be held at the Eagles Landing Restaurant in Rostraver Township on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 4:00 pm. Condolences may be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
