John Brazuk of Red Hill died peacefully at the age of 91 on Sunday morning, October 28, in his daughter’s home in Sellersville.
He was born in 1921 to Anastasia (Mickoweski) and Alexander Brazuk in Uniontown. John and his wife, Helen (Siatkowski) Brazuk of Red Hill, were married for 65 years.
Beloved father of Beverly Slifer of Sellersville, Deborah Longwell of East Greenville, and Johnny Brazuk, who preceded him in death.
Loving grandfather to Kerry Slifer of Sellersville, Jeffrey Slifer of Raleigh, North Carolina, Matthew Slifer, of Red Hill, Sarah Longwell, of Palm, Jennifer Gilmer, of Ephrata, Melissa Longwell, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and Ben Longwell, of Philadelphia.
Great-grandfather to Abraham and Josephine Slifer of Raleigh, New Carolina, and Hannah Grace Slifer, of Red Hill and the late baby Katherine Margaret Slifer.
Brother to Phyllis Wilwert, of Hilltown, Frances Miller, of Harleysville, and the late Joseph, Frank, Stella, Mary, and Steven Brazuk.
John served four years in the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne, during World War II. He was in the battles of Normandy, Rhineland, Ardennes Forest, and Bastogne, and was awarded with numerous medals and awards. He was wounded twice in Bastogne, Belgium. Although he was in Service Company, John was attached with Easy Company (Band of Brothers), and he worked closely with Colonel Robert Strayer and Major Richard Winters.
John was co-founder of Ridge Crest, a home for disabled children and young adults located beside Grand View Hospital in Sellersville, and was a retired member of the Board of Directors of LifePath.
Always an entrepreneur and mechanically inclined, John invented a new and revolutionary fluid drive system for vehicles which designs were patented. He spoke five languages and assisted at local district justices as an interpreter. He previously owned and operated two state inspection auto repair businesses, as well as two hotels and restaurants.
John previously held the position of mayor of Red Hill for two terms (eight years), and was active as a member of the Red Hill Fire Police for over 30 years. He taught mechanics at Upper Bucks Technical School, and was president of the Red Hill VFW for numerous years as well as president of the Cerebral Palsy Association, president of the State Inspection Association, president of the Trumbauersville Lions Club, and a member of the Upper Perkiomen Lions Club.
A viewing was held on Saturday, November 2, 2012 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Falk Funeral Home, 163 Main Street, Pennsburg, PA 18073, to celebrate John’s life. A funeral mass was held at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Philip Neri Catholic Church, Pennsburg.
Full military honors followed at Holy Cross Cemetery.
To offer on-line condolences, please visit www.falkfuneralhomes.com.