John A. "Banjo" Anthony

JOHN A. “Banjo” ANTHONY, 91, of Dutch Hill, Parker, Pa. passed away at 7:20 AM Saturday morning (02-27-16) at his residence of infirmities of age. Born on September 20, 1924 in Parker, Pa., he was the son of the late James Gay and Daisy Louise Gibb Anthony. While in high school at the former Parker High School, he enlisted in the United State Army Air Force on March 26, 1943 and served until Honorable Discharge on February 28, 1946 with the rank of Corporal. Serving in both Europe and Africa, he was assigned to the 2008th Engineer Aviation-Firefighting Platoon. He earned the Sharpshooter Carbine Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater, European, African-Middle Eastern Theater, and World War II Victory Medals. “Banjo” was a life-member of VFW Post 7073 and member of American Legion Post 598, both of Parker. He was long time advisor and several decade trustee of the VFW Post. Until ill health recently prevented his participation, he was absent from only three veteran funeral or memorial services since 1946. Not only was he member of firing squad services at funerals, but he was always involved marching with the joint groups at ALF Festival in Clarion, various community day services, and annual REA Annual Meeting color guard. Following the war, he became employed by Knox Glass Corp. (later Glass Containers Corp.) at the Parker plant from where he retired in 1980 with 39 years of service. His father and brothers all were glass manufacturing employees. Mr. Anthony was a founding and charter member of the Perry Twp. Vol. Fire Dept. where he served as chief of the department for many years. He was a life member of the Parker City VFD where he was presented the annual award for “Outstanding Community Service” in 2006. “Banjo” or Jack, of which he was both known, worked well into his late eighties doing home repair including roofing for family and folks in the Perry Twp. and surrounding areas. His stonework and major roof work is evident in countless homes today. With all this ability in both glass manufacturing and home repair, this was done without a high school diploma. At the Veterans’ Day program at Allegheny-Clarion Valley School at Foxburg on Nov. 9, 2012, Mr. Anthony was finally presented his long awaited high school diploma in a very emotionally-charged gathering of his entire family. In addition to acquiring historic artifacts of the area, he was an avid hunter including this past hunting season. For all the work on behalf of veterans, VFW Post 7073 sponsored a trip to Washington, D.C. for the dedication of the World War II Memorial for “Banjo”, brother “Fritz”, and their wives. He is survived by his wife, the former Dorothy “Dot” McCoy whom he married July 2, 1943, and they had celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary this past year. Surviving also are daughter Carol Anthony Brown and companion Howard Lubbert and son Kevin and wife Lucinda Anthony, all of Parker. Surviving also are four grandchildren: Crystal Over, Melody Nordquist, Josh and Cody Anthony, and four great-grandchildren: Tabitha Saye, Caitlin Nordquist, Carly and Abby Over. His brother, Frederick “Fritz” and wife Mert Anthony survive in St. Petersburg, FL. A sister-in-law, Blanche Anthony of Parker and a brother-in-law, Gordon Chestnut of Ohio also survive. In addition to parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Gail Dianne Anthony, brother Robert Walter Anthony (1982), and sister Daisy Lou Chestnut.

John A. "Banjo" Anthony

September 20, 1924 - February 27, 2016