John Kohan

John S. Kohan, age 90 of Clairton, passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Born November 12, 1935, in Glassport, Pa., he was the son of the late Stephen and Lorena Swauger Kohan.  

John was preceded in death by his sister, Lorraine (Kohan) Bryan, as well as his loving wife, Nancy (Piscione) Kohan, whose large Italian family embraced John as one of their own. He is survived by Nancy’s children and their families: her son Dominick (Francine) Piscione, her daughter, Linda (Piscione) Curinga and husband Domenic; grandchildren, Dominick (Natalie) Piscione, Michelle (Alden) Galvin, Dominique (Brandon) Kuzma, and Rocco (Kristin) Curinga; great-grandchildren, Niko, Enzo, Dominick, Cecelia, Leonardo, Francesca, Charlotte, and Rocco; two sisters, Carol (Kohan) Coulson and Judy (Kohan) Gallic; his many nieces and nephews;  and his companion and good friend, MaryJane Wolf.  

John dedicated his career to the Fuller Brush Company, earning the nickname "The Fuller Brush Man" around town for his friendly nature and gift for conversation. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he played football for the Clairton Bears and remained a devoted fan of Pittsburgh's sports teams. He loved dancing and was often the first on the dance floor at weddings and celebrations.

An avid gardener, John, carefully planned each year's garden to ensure his companion plants flourished together. He also volunteered with Clairton's community garden, often arriving early to tend the tomato plants.

A devout Byzantine Catholic, John generously volunteered at Ascension Church and Hall, helping at weddings, parish events, and making pierogies with the women's church group. After he moved, his friend Dean Maksin faithfully drove him to Mass every Sunday. John also enjoyed serving on his class reunion committee, reconnecting with lifelong friends and classmates.

Deeply committed to his civic duty, John never missed an election. Even at 90 years old and living in a nursing home, he made his way to the activity director's office to request an absentee ballot. When told he would need the last four digits of his Social Security number, he smiled and replied, "I know all my numbers." His determination reflected the pride he took in exercising his right to vote.

The family would like to recognize the staff at South Hills Post Acute Care facility, especially his nurse Jenn, aide "Shine" and his roommate Todd Jarrett.

Friends will be received in the A.J. Bekavac Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 from 2 PM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM with a 7 PM Parastas.  A Panachida service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 9:15 AM followed by procession and a Funeral Liturgy at Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church at 10 AM with Fr. Christopher Burke officiating.  Procession and burial will follow to St. Clare Cemetery, Clairton.  

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to an organization of one’s choice in John's memory.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Kohan, please visit our floral store.