(2005)
- The John David Ostovic Memorial Fund, initiated by his widow, Mary Ann Ostovic,
was established to benefit science education in Washington County through grants
to qualified non-profits and through scholarships to qualified students pursuing
a science related degree.
John David Ostovic was born October 26, 1949, in Fredericktown, a son of the late Francis B. “Bronko” and Marie Yurechka Ostovic. He was a graduate of Bethlehem-Center High School, attended the University of Pittsburgh and graduated from California State College (now California University of Pennsylvania). While at Pitt, he was in the Air Force ROTC program.
Mr. Ostovic held numerous certifications in electrical engineering. He taught chemistry at Bethlehem-Center High School, and on October 24, 1974, was hired as an electrician at Washington County Courthouse. He was promoted to maintenance supervisor and remained in that capacity until he was injured October 22 while at work. Throughout his 30 years with the county, Mr. Ostovic received many awards and citations from commissioners for dedication to his job and perfect work attendance.
Mr. Ostovic was a loyal and loving husband, father and grandfather. On June 30, 1979, he married his best friend, Mary Ann Thomas. Together they raised a daughter Sarah Jane (Ostovic) McCoid. As “Pappa John”, he protected, taught, and amused his granddaughter, Molly Ann.
He was admired by his friends, family and colleagues for having a deep sense of compassion and an affective sense of humor. He was known for his vast wealth of knowledge. He was a trivia enthusiast and enjoyed reading science fiction and westerns. He enjoyed music and played bass in a local rock band during the early 1970s.
An avid fisherman and hunter, Mr. Ostovic often traveled to Colorado to hunt. He particularly enjoyed sharing his love of fishing with his late father-in-law, Raymond (Bob) Thomas. A gun enthusiast, he worked part time at Ace Sporting Goods in Washington for several years and enjoyed sharing his gun knowledge with others.
He and his daughter were once active as Civil War re-enactors with the 9th Pennsylvania. Additionally, he had taken part in a Battle of Gettysburg re-enactment.
Mr. Ostovic was a member of First Lutheran Church of Washington and United Lutheran Society.
Mr. Ostovic passed away Tuesday, October 26, 2004 at UPMC-Presbyterian hospital, Pittsburgh, as result of a brain injury. He was surrounded by his family.