Obituaries

John David Rife, 80, of Catawissa, PA, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, October 28, 2024, where he was surrounded by his loving wife and family following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born on January 26, 1944, in Watsontown, PA, the son of the late James Edward, Sr. and Helen Pauline Lesher Rife.

John graduated from Warrior Run High School/Williamsport Technical School in 1961.

He served his country with honor in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War earning the rank of Sergeant E-4.

John was married to the love of his life, Irene (Smutz) Kovaleskie Rife for 35 years. For those who knew them well, they were a perfect match. They were married on October 7, 1989.

He was employed the majority of his life at Milton Machine Works, Sunoco Industries, and as a lead machinist at Milton Steel before retiring in 2009. Not one to sit still, John worked in his semi-retirement years working on the grounds crew at Knoebels Amusement Park in the summers, and as a “hand-stamper” at Gate 10 Leonard Street during the Bloomsburg Fair.

In his earlier years, John was a member of the Turbot Township Fire Department eventually serving as Captain. He was proud to have served with the squad helping many people throughout the devastating flood of 1972. John held a lifetime membership in the Watsontown American Legion Post 323, and a member of the Danville Chapter of the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #1133, the Sunbury Social Club and the United Steelworkers of America. He was also an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Danville who faithfully served on the Council, numerous committees, and as an usher and communion assistant.

He thoroughly enjoyed puttering in his workshop with woodworking and metal working projects, his “honey-do” list and restoring an occasional riding tractor. John enjoyed the challenge of taking things apart, fixing them, and putting them back together. He took special pride in maintaining their home and grounds, earning many compliments for it. John liked attending flea markets, yard sales, auctions, classic car shows, tractor pulls, oldies music, word search puzzles and watching television. His greatest enjoyment in life was spending time with his family, friends and beloved feline companion, Missy-Poo.

John had an enduring love of God inspiring others with a humble and generous spirit. He was loved very much, well-liked and will be greatly missed.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son; John Rife, II and his wife Ashley of Turbotville; stepson, Kevin Kovaleskie and his fiancée, Stacie Swank of Muncy and her two daughters, Alexandria and Ambra. John is also survived by three granddaughters; Taleisha, Sophia and Olivia as well as one great grandson, Arlington. John is also survived by one brother, James Rife and his wife Gladys of Elizabethtown; one sister, Sandra Dersham and her husband Dave of McEwensville; and one sister in-law, Nancy Rife of Watsontown. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers; Ronald Rife and Donald Rife.

The family would like to thank the staff at Geisinger Medical Center and Encompass Rehab for their kind and loving care that was provided to John.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of John’s Life to be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Visneski Funeral Home, Inc. 42 West Mahoning Street, Danville, PA, with Linda L. Wagner as celebrant assisted by Reverend Dr. Kerry Aucker. Friends will be received from 12:00pm until 12:45pm. Military rites will be accorded by Watsontown American Legion Post 323 Honor Guard and United States Air Force Honor Guard at All Saints Cemetery, Elysburg, PA.

The family will provide flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Danville SPCA, 1467 Bloom Road, Danville, PA 17821.

Arrangements are under the direction of Visneski Funeral Home, Inc 42 West Mahoning Street Danville PA 17821. www.visneski.com.