John W. Sowden, Jr. (a.k.a. “Poppy” or “Jack” or “Sarge” or “Uncle Jackie” or any one of numerous terms of endearment), age 88, of Monongahela, formerly of North Charleroi, died early Thursday morning, surrounded by his daughters and grandchildren.  His unmatched wit and unabridged wisdom will be sorely missed by so many loved ones he has left behind.  John was born in North Charleroi on July 15, 1929, to John Willard Sowden and Dorothy (Bohlander) Sowden.

He graduated from Charleroi High School in 1947, then continued on to receive his Bachelor’s degree from California Teachers College (predecessor to California University of Pennsylvania).  John served as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict; during subsequent peace time, he was a captain in the United States National Guard.  

Jack was married to Betty Jane Crawford on July 21, 1956; they were married for 39 years until his bride’s death in September, 1995.  Jack worked as a scarfer / crane operator for Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel, Allenport plant, for 31 years, until his retirement in 1982. He was a great story-teller, a witty historian, an avid reader, a master crossword-puzzler, a fun-loving grandpap and an overall great guy.  

A life-long season ticket holder, Sarge enjoyed watching the Steelers win.  He looked forward to road trips to State College, having even recently made it to the Nittany Lions’ bowl game this past football season.  A loyal member of several civic and social clubs, Sarge was a proud founder of the North Charleroi Recreation League, and served on its board of directors for more than 25 years.  Actively involved at Mary, Mother of the Church R.C. Parish, Jack embraced his heritage as a German and Irish American.  He loved his country, and was proud to tell anyone that he had reached a life goal by visiting each of its 50 states at least once.  Jack appreciated Steelers’ games and Pirates’ games (especially wins); fine cognac (especially Courvoisier), his pets (especially Dachsunds); and good conversation (especially of a political nature).  

Jack is survived by 3 daughters, Barbara (Steve) Manna, Phyllis (Jerry) Tietze, Frances (Lou) Bosser; 8 grandchildren, Caroline (Brandon) Thomas, B.J. (Jess) Palmer, Ashlee (Bill) Theobald, Steven "Sammy" A. (Samantha) Manna, Jr., Daniel Manna, Patrick Manna, Allyson Bosser and Kylee Bosser; and 4 great grandchildren, Rylee, Brandon, Mia and Laila, whom he cherished.  

In addition to his wife, Jack is preceded in death by an infant son, John Thomas; his parents; 2 sisters, Pat Charles and Barbara Cardinale; 2 brothers-in-law – Dwayne Charles and Joe Cardinale; and a niece, Lee Ann Flament.  

Friends will be received from 9 to 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, March 31, followed by a blessing service at 10:30, in the CARL J. SPALLINO FUNERAL HOME, 819 Fallowfield Ave., Charleroi, Joseph A. Lopez, funeral director.  Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to: Angel Ridge Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 94, Meadowlands, PA  15347 (angelridgerescue.org/angel); or The Pittsburgh Zoo, Attn: Development Dept., One Wild Place, Pittsburgh, PA  15206 (pittsburghzoo.org).