John Francis Wilt

John Francis Wilt, 98, of Springdale, died peacefully Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, following a recent illness. Born June 24, 1923, in New Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Augustine F. "Gus" and Letitia B. "Letta" (Aaron) Wilt. A devoted husband and father, John is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Jean (Sober), who he married in 1952, and five children, Dr. Kathryn E. Wilt (Dr. Peter A. Madsen), John S. Wilt (Janet), Daniel A. Wilt (Beth Pride), David G. Wilt (Lisa) and Carolyn M. Studt (Keith). He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Amanda K. Gelder, John S. Wilt Jr., Dr. Peter J. Madsen, Elizabeth K. Madsen, Anne Pride-Wilt, Henry Pride-Wilt, William R. Studt and Natalie E. Studt; five step-grandchildren, Michael C. Hatfield, Jacob Hatfield, Sara E. Studt-Szalkuski, K. Jonathan Studt and Zachary A. Studt; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his six siblings and their spouses, Mary A. Hoover (John), Bernard L. Wilt (M. Elaine Miller), Kathryn A. Harrison (Bill), Teresa P. Morgan (Charles), Rita M. Filson (Tom) and the Rev. George A. Wilt. John grew up in New Bethlehem and attended New Bethlehem High School, graduating in 1941.He enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1942, serving four years as an air traffic controller stationed in Burma (now Myanmar). With the GI Bill, he attended Duquesne University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in economics in 1950. He also pursued a Master's Degree of Letters (in Business) at the University of Pittsburgh but was unable to complete it. In 1958, John became an independent insurance agent for State Farm Insurance, establishing an office in Springdale until he retired in 1990. Through his work and church, he knew many people in Springdale and the surrounding community and enjoyed meeting clients around the community. A devout Catholic, he had a strong faith throughout his life and always reached out to support those in need. He was a member of St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, where he was a longtime member of the church choir and also served as Eucharistic minister. In earlier years, he enjoyed playing all sports, football, baseball, golf, tennis and bowling, and in later years, enjoyed visiting casinos. At age 96, he developed new artistic skills and spent hours daily creating intricately colored pictures that he was happy to share. He gained an appreciation for color use and style and surprised himself as he incorporated techniques of pointillism and shading. He also continued to sing until the day he lost consciousness. In addition to singing in the church choir, he was a former barbershop quartet member. Music made him joyful. He was a farm boy at heart and a nature lover, taking his children every season to scout out the best berry patches he could find while teaching about the beauty in nature. Most of all, John was happiest in the company of his wife, the love of his life, and his children and grandchildren, of whom he was so proud. The funeral service will be private and interment will be at Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell. The family requests no flowers. If desired, contributions may be made to North Hills Community Outreach in his memory.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.