John Benjamin Mintzer, Jr., 40, of Beaver, formerly of Indiana, died Monday, September 15, 2014 in Cherryhill Township, Indiana County. Born in Indiana, PA on March 23, 1974, he was a son of Julie (Sipos) Mintzer, Black Lick and John Mintzer, Sr., of Indiana. On November 8, 2003 he married the former, Tammy Russell. They had been married for nearly eleven years.

He was a Persian Gulf War veteran having served as a Private in the U.S. Marine Corp from May 1992 until April 1997. John spent most of his high school years at the United High School, however he graduated from Marion Center High School after his family moved to a new home prior to his senior year. He also attended classes at the Westmoreland County Community College and at IUP. He was a mechanical and electrical engineer who most recently worked for the Siemans Company, Automation Division in Cannonsburg. While at Siemans, John took many business trips to locations both domestic and abroad.

He was an avid golfer who was a member of the Seven Oaks Country Club, Beaver, PA. John was a talented cook who enjoyed making delicious meals for his family and friends. He liked to take long walks with his wife, Tammy. He enjoyed playing board games and being with his beloved dog, Sheppy.

John was a member of the Association of Iron & Steel Technology.

He was a hard worker who was always busy helping others. In fact even after his death, John will help many who will benefit from his decision to be an organ donor.

In addition to his wife and parents, John will be remembered by: son, Christian Mintzer, Armagh; sisters, Tracy Mintzer Dilts, Dayton, PA, Bobbie Jo Lockhart and Tammy Hill, Seward; grandmother, Katherine Duigou, Clymer; father-in-law, Francis Russell, Indiana; sister-in-law, Lisa Russell, Pittsburgh. John is also survived by the following aunts and uncles: Christine Shoop; Becky Detwiler; Connie, Crystal, Daniel, Stephen and Dennis Sipos; Joane and Bob Davis; Kathy Duigou; Nancy Duigou; Janice and Roger McDannell; Charles Russell; Diane and Dave Bastl. He is also survived by two nephews, five nieces and numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Elaine L. Russell; several grandparents; and uncles: Leonard Duigou and Henry “Buddy” Duigou.

Visitation is Friday, September 19th from 1:00 - 3:00 and 6 - 8 PM at the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home of Indiana. A prayer vigil will begin at 2:30 Friday afternoon at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at eleven o’clock Saturday morning at the Church of the Resurrection, Clymer. Rev. Father George Saletrik will be the Celebrant. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to: The Suicide Task Force of Indiana County, C/O Indiana County Department of Human Services, 300 Indian Springs Road, Suite 203, Indiana, PA 15701.

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