OBITUARY John E. Roncevich June 5, 1935 – December 24, 2018 Charlotte – John E. Roncevich, devoted husband, father and grandfather, entered into eternal life at the age of 83 on December 24, 2018. Mr. Roncevich was born in Philadelphia on June 5, 1935 to the late Emil and Catherine (Pekich) Roncevich. He lived in the Philadelphia area for over 30 years before moving to Greenville, SC, Schenectady, NY, Cincinnati, OH and Charlotte, NC.
As a boy in South Philadelphia, he excelled at academics and sports, and received an academic scholarship to attend Villanova University. He was a graduate of the Villanova College of Engineering with graduate studies at Drexel University, followed by a lifetime career with the GE Aerospace, Power and Aviation divisions. There, among other things, he helped NASA launch the first monkey into space, held a patent related to the Apollo program, and led the team that installed GE’s first power plant in China.
John was known for his remarkable ‘DIY’ skills. He undertook many home improvement projects, woodworking, custom built grandfather clocks and all types of home repairs. He was a dedicated community volunteer, Little League and basketball coach, and Church Board Member.
He loved to spend time at Litchfield Beach in SC, which became a base for family gatherings and time with friends as his career took him to different parts of the country. A devout Catholic, he had a deep and abiding faith and expressed without reservation that he had no fear of death. John is survived by his most beloved wife and best friend of 57 years, Maureen (McDade) and their children: Susan Rose (Stuart), John Roncevich, Jr., Maureen Hall (Andre), all of Charlotte, NC and Sharon Baxter (Lawrence) of Durham, NC.
“Grandy” was revered by his twelve grandchildren: Sonny Siragusa (Jordan); Julie, Rachel, and Nick Siragusa; Jeffrey, Logan, John Grady, and Nolan Hall; Mikaila, Sophie, and Samantha Roncevich; and Cormac Baxter. He will also be missed by his sister, Joan Clements, nephew, Chris Clements (Jennifer) and their two children, Jack and Michael; niece, Maureen Faulkner (Maggie), daughter Jennifer and family; and many cousins, family and friends. John’s fierce and loyal love knew no bounds; his wit, wisdom, profound generosity and genuine interest in all he met were truly one of a kind.
Although he will be terribly missed, his family takes comfort in knowing that he is now joyfully reunited with his youngest son, Michael J. Roncevich, his parents, grandparents, his cousin, Genie Pestich and his “brother” (in-law), Jack Clements. The family will welcome friends for visitation from 10:00-10:45 am on Friday, December 28, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 am. A graveside service will be held at 3:30 pm Friday at Graceland East Memorial Park in Simpsonville, SC.
Donations in John’s memory may be made to St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211.
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