John Floyd Lauffer

John Floyd Lauffer Jr., 89 of Youngwood died peacefully surrounded by his devoted family on Saturday April 17, 2021.  Born in East McKeesport to the late Sally and John F. Lauffer Sr. is where John spent his early years, eventually moving to Elm St. in South Greensburg after his mother passed when he was 12 years old.  He was a standout football talent and played for South Greensburg Jr. High until he was recruited to play for Youngwood High School.  This is where he met the love of his life, his darling, and best friend Alice Kathern Gaffney, whom he was married to for 58 years before her passing in 2015. He enlisted in the US Army, serving in the Korean War and was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska in the same troupe as actor Robert Blake, working as a telephone lineman.  John continued his education at Notre Dame perfecting Drafting & Design, a skill he carried throughout his life working as a tool and die maker.  He held key positions at Keystone Industry, Chelsea Manufacturing, Trim Roll his own business that made seamless gutters, and eventually retiring from Breeze Industrial where he worked alongside his son Robert, who he trained in the industry.  An intelligent and innovative man, John laid a solid family foundation built of love, patience, and fierce faith in God. He was a diplomatic leader with a steadfast work ethic and the ultimate family provider.  He loved to take trips with his family to Ocean City Maryland, Gettysburg, and Virginia Beach, playing with his dogs and cats, bowling, and watching westerns. He will forever be remembered and cherished for his giving heart and tender misdemeanor by his surviving sons John F. III “Jack” (Becky) of Blairsville and Robert (Cindy) of Youngwood; grandchildren Kathryn Lauffer of Blairsville, Michelle Kring (Blaine) of Waynesboro, Jonathan Lauffer (Stephanie) of Ligonier Township, Matthew Lauffer (Ashlea) of Latrobe; great grandchildren, Elijah and Amelia Kring, and Abigail and Christopher Lauffer; a brother-in-law John Gaffney (Diane); a sister-in-law Beverly Lauffer; and nieces and a nephew.  Family and Friends will be received at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church 126 N. 4th St. Youngwood, Thursday April 22, 2021 from 10- 11 a.m., followed by funeral liturgy at 11 a.m. with Reverend Peter E. Nordby officiating, and Assisting Minister Charles A. Lutz.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Westmoreland County Area Agency on Aging, or Excela Health and Hospice. All arrangements entrusted to ASHLEY D. X. NYE CREMATION CARE & FUNERAL HOME INC. 408 Depot St. Youngwood. To leave an online condolence please visit www.nyefuneralhome.com

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