Skendo "John" Hitaj

Skendo F. “John” Hitaj , 83, of 644 Pontzer Avenue, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, December 12, 2021 with his family by side following a brief illness.

He was born on January 3, 1938 in Salerie, Albania, a son of the late Fazo and Marium Hitaj.

On September 1, 1974, he married Joyce Beals, who survives of St. Marys.

Mr. Hitaj was Catholic by faith and worked as a machinist for many years.  He enjoyed hunting and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  He was also quite fond of his pet lambs, which he always had a handful of peanuts for and would take them for walks around the neighborhood.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by seven children; Sazan Hitaj of Maine, Pauline Hitaj DeMars of Ridgway, Fazo Hitaj of Ridgway, Adam Raymond of Nevada, Alex Raymond of Nevada, May Hitaj and her fiance Travis Ginther of St. Marys and Mustafa Hitaj of St. Marys.  He is also survived by 14 grandchildren; Johnathan, Jillian, Joshua, Kristen, Melisa, Allie, James, Kasey, Jake, Jackson, Maxwell, Braedon, Tristen, and Gabriel and by 4 great-grandchildren; Piper, Olivia, Eve, and Adreya.  He is also survived by one brother; Meleki Hitaj of Albania.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son; Richard “Bill” Hitaj, a granddaughter; Jordan McClain, and by 3 brothers and 3 sisters.

A Chapel Service for Skendo “John” Hitaj will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at the St. Marys Catholic Cemetery, 600 Joseph Road, St. Marys, Pa 15857.
Burial will follow in the St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may made to the American Lung Association.

Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, Pa 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com