JOHN SIKORA
John Edward Sikora, age 97, of Pleasant Grove, Ohio, entered eternal life on May 20, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. Born on May 7, 1928, John was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Ann; his sister, Laverne Sikora; and his parents, John Sikora and Frances Weekley. He is survived by his three devoted daughters, Teresa Ann Sikora, Paula (Jeff) Martin, and Lorraine Lynn Sikora, all of Columbus, Ohio; his sister, Helen Vascura; and his nephews David Vascura and Michael Vascura and their families.
John had pleasant memories of growing up in his hometown of Maynard, Ohio. After graduating from St. Clairsville High School in 1946, John served in the U.S. Army in the Quartermaster Corps from 1946 to 1949 and was stationed in Japan.
John and Betty Ann married on May 29, 1954, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Martins Ferry, Ohio. He worked for 36 years as a clerk for the Pennsylvania, Penn Central, and Conrail Railroads. John was a good provider for his family, working two jobs for much of his railroad career.
John was a lifelong learner and valued education, making sure each of his daughters received a college education. He was a voracious reader, often reading two to three books a week.
John always greeted everyone with a smile and a “Hello” and had a genuine interest in their well-being. John included quotations in letters and greeting cards he sent to family and friends, matching the quotations to the person and the occasion. People cherished his correspondence and appreciated his thoughtfulness.
A devout Catholic, John was an altar server and later a lector. He and Betty Ann were one of the founding families of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Colerain, Ohio. John always said bedtime prayers with his daughters, from when they were children up until the last days of his life.
John nurtured vegetable gardens for most of his life and was generous in sharing the fruits of his labor. John was an all-around handyman and always had his green toolbox with him. He enjoyed listening to polkas and loved to waltz. When asked what one word best described him, John said “Daddy” because that was the title bestowed on him by his three treasures.
The family would like to thank the nursing staff at Ohio University Hospital East and the Mt. Carmel Hospice staff for taking special care of John during the last months of his life.
Calling hours will be at the Toothman Funeral Home in St. Clairsville, Ohio, on Sunday, May 25, from 2 to 5 PM, with a Vigil prayer service at 2 PM. Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be held on Monday, May 26, at 11 AM at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Colerain, Ohio, with Father Thomas Chillog as celebrant. There will be a private burial service for the family at a later date.