John “Jack” Anthony Dellafiora, 85, Homer City died Friday, March 15, 2024 at IRMC. He was the son of Jay and Mary Sally (Reato) Dellafiora and was born August 7,1938 in Coral.
Jack was a 1956 graduate of Laura Lamar High School. He began his college years at IUP, then transferred to Davis and Elkins (“D&E”) in West Virginia and was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity and the varsity baseball team. He finished his business studies and graduated in 1961. He also spent time studying at Penn State.
Jack married his high school sweetheart, Mary Jane (D’Zmura) Dellafiora, on November 25, 1961 and started their family in Indiana before settling in Mary Jane’s childhood home in Homer City. My goodness, how they used to dance through life both figuratively and literally. Their 62 plus year partnership served as an example, based upon mutual love, trust and most of all, respect. Jack valued Mary Jane’s input above all others in his business, political and personal ideas or decisions.
Jack started out doing accounting and finance for Robertshaw, and then selling insurance for Prudential. He then attended Northwestern University in Chicago, IL, where he completed post-graduate investment banking school and began a career as a stockbroker in Johnstown and Indiana. Jack led a life of public service. He was an Indiana County Commissioner in the 1970’s and worked tirelessly on behalf of the underserved in the area. The numerous development projects he focused on included the County Housing Authority and recovery from the tragic effects of the 1977 Johnstown Flood. He was part of the team that led to the relocation of the town of Robindale to present day Robindale Heights. His efforts led to the establishment of the public transit authority for IndiGo and the current Indian Haven facility as well as the strengthening of ICCAP, improving the local animal shelter and expansion of the county airport. Medical facilities were developed in northern and southern Indiana County under his leadership. He supported additional development for our county parks. Jack also was a founding member of the Homer City Parks and Recreation Authority, finding public funds to establish the parks, playgrounds and ball fields in Homer City and Center Township. While in office, he attended White House briefings of local officials regarding the SALT II treaty. Jack ran in the Democratic Primary for Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania in 1978. After serving as County Commissioner, he spent the rest of his career working in investment banking and in developmental efforts throughout southwestern Pennsylvania, remaining active as an advisor to lawmakers and elected officials.
Jack was a lifelong and devout member of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish (St Francis Parish, Coral and St. Louis Parish, Lucernemines). He was a longtime organizer and participant of the monthly First Friday Overnight Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at the St. Louis Parish site, and Chairman at various times of the annual parish bazaar. He regularly would clear his mind and get his day “off on the right foot” with daily morning mass before embarking on the rest of his schedule.
Valuing education as a life-long endeavor, Jack was an avid reader of history, political science, religion, and finance. He enjoyed card games and sports particularly golf, while being a devoted fan of all the Pittsburgh teams. He was a proud promoter of Indiana County and particularly enjoyed supporting Homer City/Homer-Center teams and activities. Jack facilitated the appearance of Rocky Bleier at the Homer Center Athletic Banquet through his political and financial contacts. He frequented many events throughout the region and enjoyed bumping into extended family and friends.
However, he was happiest being home with a home-cooked meal and his family who enjoyed his sense of humor and curious nature; and was a proud patriarch watching his children’s and grandchildren’s adventures and development. Above all else, he preferred being at the home he cherished, personally performing the physical upkeep of “just such a pretty spot” until shortly before his passing. An enthusiastic animal-lover, a favorite pet or pets accompanied Jack through all stages of his and his family’s life.
Jack is survived by his wife Mary Jane, and daughters Mary Jane and husband Craig Hornbuckle, Palos Verdes California; and Suzanne and husband Edward Rura, Homer City; and sons John (Jack) Jr and wife Greer (Sealey) Dellafiora, Rockville Maryland; and James (Jim) Dellafiora, Philadelphia. He is survived by grandchildren, John (Jack) and Scott Hornbuckle; Danielle (Alex)Tarr and Christopher (Katharine Shaw) Rura; and Sophia and Jack Dellafiora. He is also survived by his brother Richard (Dick) Dellafiora, North Olmstead, Ohio and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.
He was proceeded in death by his parents and sister, Doris Petruna.
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