Obituaries

John Joseph Mikita, 78

October 08, 2023

John Joseph Mikita, 78, of Lititz, passed away, Sunday, October 8, 2023. Born in Braddock, PA, he was the son of the late John and Mary (Berta) Mikita. John was the loving husband of Georgine Rene (Butko) Mikita, his high school sweetheart and best friend, with whom he celebrated 56 years of marriage.

John earned his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering at Penn State University. He went to work for Armstrong World Industries for 37 years, retiring as Senior Vice President of Building Products Operations.

A devout Catholic, John was a parishioner of St. James Catholic Church, Lititz and had served as Parish Council President for three parishes.

Among his accomplishments, John was an Eagle Scout, was on the IE Advisory Board, Engineering Alumni Board, and Distinguished Outstanding Engineering Alumni of Penn State University. He also served as the United Way Area Leader for Lancaster, was the Junior Achievement Chairman, and Director of the High Business Center.

John loved to landscape, was an avid golfer, and loved Pittsburgh sports including the Pirates, Steelers, and Penguins, and was a diehard Penn State sports fan. A world traveler, John lived in England for a time, and enjoyed traveling overseas with his family. Family was the most important thing in John’s life and his life revolved around his children and five grandchildren!

In addition to his wife, Georgine, he is survived by his two children: David A. Mikita, husband of Jennifer (Weaver) of Atlanta, GA, and Kimberly Mikita Penn, wife of Tony Penn, of Bethesda, MD; five grandchildren: John “Jack” Mikita, Matthew Mikita, Catherine Mikita, Samuel Penn, and Charles Penn; and sister, Dorothy Valko, of Pittsburgh. He was preceded in death by his stillborn son, and his brother, Edward Mikita.

Family and friends will be received from 10AM to 11AM, Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at St. James Catholic Church, 505 Woodcrest Ave., Lititz, PA 17543. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM at the church. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association for stroke research at www.heart.org, or to the Warwick Community Ambulance, 151 North Lane, PO Box 42, Lititz, PA 17543.

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Condolences to the Family

October 14, 2023

So saddened to hear of John’s passing. My the Father of all mercies and God of all consolation hold John and your whole family in His loving arms.  Our prayers are with you all. God bless you. Clark and Beth

October 11, 2023

Our Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Our despest condolonces.
Carlos Tassara

October 11, 2023

So sorry to hear Johnny has past. We were good friends in our young years and unfortunately lost touch. Love to his lovely wife and family.
Christine Berta Defatta

October 11, 2023

We, the crews at Warwick Community Ambulance, extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of John Makita, who recently passed away. Our team had the privilege of providing care for John over the years, and his passing is a loss felt by us all. Today, We honored his memory at St John’s Catholic Church in Lititz, reflecting on the many interactions showcasing his enduring strength and kind nature.
John’s cheerful demeanor and resilience made a lasting impression on our team, and he will be sincerely missed. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time. 
Robert Walker

October 11, 2023

I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed getting to know John and having the chance to do activities with John. He will be missed. Prayers to your family. 
Nancy Kulp-Moravian Manor Activities Staff. 

October 11, 2023

Georgine, David and Kim:
I was deeply saddened when I heard the news of John’s passing.  I will always remember him as someone who was deeply devoted to his family, his friends, his faith, and his beloved Penn State Football.  He was a great boss and mentor to me as a new Industrial Engineer.  I think he took pity on me because I attended that four letter University (Pitt).  He was instrumental in my career development and advancement at Armstrong and I will always be indebted to him.  He will truly be missed.  Once again, you have my deepest sympathy.  
Bob Knezovich

October 11, 2023

Sending sincere condolences to the Mikita family and all who loved John. John was truly a special man who touched the lives of everyone who knew him. Nancy Redshaw Bosserman

October 10, 2023

Johnny and Dorothy and I had many happy times growing up. Sadly after Johnny married we lost touch. Sounds like you had a wonderful blessed life.
 
Christine Berta Defatta

October 10, 2023

Dear Georgine, Kim, David and Families,
You all have Frank and my condolences for the loss of Cousin John. I know that it has been a long road and I am thankful that he is finally at peace and at home with the Good Lord. I am very thankful for the times, despite the distance, that we did get to spend and enjoy with Johnny and your family throughout the years; I wish it could have been more. I also want to say that John was very special to my Dad, his Uncle Mike, and I have never forgotten that. I pray that you all will continue to trust in the Lord for comfort over the weeks and months ahead. It is a tough journey, but it is your wonderful memories of John that will lift you up. We love you all. May John Rest in the Peace of the Good Lord.
Sincerely, Terri and Frank and Family

October 10, 2023

Great memories of John and his landscaping. He was the only person to ever order mulch from me while he was in England. Unforgetable phone call.May your great memories sustain you in this time of loss. Steve Gallion

October 10, 2023

Dave and family our thoughts go out to you all at this sad time ! Be strong and take time to remember and reflect on all the great times you shared 
Sean Justine and Elena wooden

October 10, 2023

I was honored to work with John during our careers at Armstrong.  He helped me a lot and I will always be grateful for his Leadership, Mentorship, but especially his Friendship.  Georgine, my prayer is that you and your loving family remember and cherish all the many good times you shared in your lives together with John.  Deepest Sympathy,  John McClay

October 10, 2023

Georgine and family, we were very sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was an important part of our lives for many years, and we greatly benefitted from his friendship. And he was a good man. Dave & Paula Randich

October 10, 2023

I’ve known John my entire life. We grew up together, played together, went to school together and shared a special bond of friendship that continued into our adult years. John was a special friend, more like a brother, who never forgot to call me on my birthday up until he became ill.
I miss my friend, my brother….!
Tom Piposar

October 10, 2023

To John’s loving family:  Hold each other close as you celebrate John’s life and mourn his loss.  Hugs to All at this difficult time!
Terry Ayres

October 10, 2023

My condolences to John, Georgine, and family. God loves those who love Him. John lived an extra ordinary life while with us and he will be rewarded. God Bless! Your friends forever,  Lou and Pat Varljen

Visitation
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
St. James Catholic Church
505 Woodcrest Ave.
Lititz, PA 17543
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Services
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
St. James Catholic Church
505 Woodcrest Ave.
Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions

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