It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce the passing of John Michael Kafora, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. We find comfort in knowing that his …room was ready and he has been received into his Father’s house…
Born in Williamstown, Pennsylvania, John was the first child and only son of Michael Kafora and the former Catherine Halanych. The family lived together with his paternal grandmother, Justina, on the side of the mountain near the coal mine. His parents purchased their first and only home on Broad Street. Their cook stove was coal burning and it remained their only cooking source until the home was sold in 1981.
Johnny was baptized in the Greek Catholic Church and an altar boy in charge of the furnace. He was a current and practicing member of St. Thomas the Apostle Byzantine Catholic Church of Gilbert, Arizona until the day he passed. Johnny carried several religious affirmations in his wallet for example: Lord, help me to remember that nothing is going to happen to me today that You and I can’t handle.
Johnny loved race cars and went to the Gold Mine Speedway every week. At 12 years old, he drove his first race car without permission. It is unknown if he was allowed back, but that did not deter his need for speed. In 2000 he lived a dream and drove a Richard Petty race car at the Las Vegas Speedway. After reaching a speed of 149 mph, the pace car motioned for him to “slow down”. Racing and fast cars were a passion, and he enjoyed watching NASCAR on TV and attending races in person. He always wore a racing glove to drive whether he needed one or not. (He always needed one.)
His love of cars was reflected in his collection and he was often changing his inventory. There were 20 different cars of various makes and models over 60 years. Many wondered what car he would show up to church with next and they would go out to the parking lot to have a look. He worked on many of the cars changing oil, brakes, adjusting carburetors, and making one drivable from junk yard parts. His children were not fond of holding the flashlight until 10pm to help him with repairs, but they learned to change their own oil and a flat tire.
Johnny played football, baseball, and ran track at Williamstown High School. In football, he was a running back and defensive back. He was a catcher from little league through high school and lettered in all three sports. He graduated in 1957 and joined the United States Air Force that same year.
Johnny and Wilma, his high school sweetheart, eloped across state lines and married in Elkton, Maryland on July 9, 1958. Their married life began in Dover, Delaware in a 28 foot travel trailer and they welcomed two daughters, Dawn in 1959 and Colleen in 1960. Their next duty station was Etain, France. Their son David was born in 1964 in Verdun. Wilma took college classes at night through the University of Maryland, and Johnny worked at night as a waiter. After four years in France, their next home was in KI Sawyer, Marquette, Michigan.
In 1968, Johnny was stationed in England at Wethersfield and Bentwaters for 5 years. During this time, the family took trips to London, Spain, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Austria. It was important to him for the family to have the opportunity to see and experience different countries, landmarks and cultures. In England they lived on the economy (or off base as civilians called it). Rabbits and pheasant frequented the yard, which Johnny would shoot and serve to the kids for dinner, calling it “chicken”. They knew it wasn’t, because the birds contained BB’s.
Finally a transfer came to a warm climate, at Davis Monthan AFB, Tucson, Arizona (1973-1976). Here, they met Marc and Dianne Braer. A favorite past time was playing pinochle and canasta. After Tucson, the military sent these friends to separate bases, but neither years nor distance could break their bond and this friendship has continued for over 47 years.
Johnny was sent to Korea and Greece in 1975, while Wilma and family stayed in Tucson. They recall receiving Kimchi in the mail and were expected to freeze it until he got home. Everything in the freezer smelled and tasted like Kimchi. That was not a good thing!
In 1976, Johnny was assigned to Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque, New Mexico where he retired from the Air Force. He honorably served his country for 20 years primarily performing accounting, delivering supplies to aircraft on the flight line and inventory of munitions. He spent the next 17 years delivering mail for the US Postal Service.
Johnny was self-taught regarding investing and finances. He stressed the importance of saving early and the magic of compound interest. He’d always say, “…save at least 10% and pay yourself first.” He was an avid follower of the stock market and a savvy investor in individual stocks.
Johnny and Wilma knew the value of an education and wanted all their children to go to college. He took great pride in the fact that each graduated. His children, seven grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren were a major part of his life and legacy. Affectionately called Pops, he was always sharing his knowledge and the wisdom of his experiences.
Johnny’s appearance was important to him and he was dressed to impress. He enjoyed talking to random people in the grocery or hardware stores and telling them blonde jokes (all in good taste).
After both retired, Johnny & Wilma moved to Gilbert, Arizona and built their dream home. They decorated with antique clocks and other collectables from their international travels. Johnny liked the hot weather, swimming in their backyard pool, tending his many palm and citrus trees, flowering shrubs and watching the hummingbirds.
For the next 25 years, they continued to travel visiting Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Egypt, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Italy, Greece, and the Caribbean.
Johnny loved traditional Ukrainian and Polish dishes, especially pierogies, halupkies, benekies, pork and sauerkraut and mashed potatoes. He also liked fermented and spicy foods. Favorite desserts included Dawn’s lemon meringue pie, shoo fly pie, and ice cream. His recent favorite drinks included watermelon juice and Coca Cola.
Over the years, Johnny developed numerous medical conditions, which affected his health. He received the title of “Miracle Man”, because he always found a way to rebound and fight back. But with each hospitalization his body got weaker and left him less able to get around and do the things he wanted.
Johnny was always a hardworking man and conscientious provider for the family. Wilma was his one true love. It was always Johnny and Wilma, Wilma and Johnny, they were inseparable. She was with him, as she always was, by his side when he passed, just three days short of their 65th wedding anniversary.
Do not think of me as gone. I am with you still.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Catherine Kafora, and his grandson, Jeffrey David Frenz.
Johnny is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Wilma; their children, Dawn Nance & Drew Owens of Placitas, NM; Colleen & Tim Frenz of Gilbert, AZ; David & Roberta (Berta) Kafora of Phoenix, AZ; Grandchildren: Lisa & Joel Anderson of Rockford, MI, Stephany & Brett Johnston of Rio Rancho, NM; Amanda & Jason Renshaw of Albuquerque, NM; Kimberly and Gary Mills of Rio Rancho, NM; Matthew Kafora of Phoenix, AZ; Alyssa Kafora & Daniel Torres of Las Vegas, NV; Great-grandchildren: Norah & Verah Anderson, Raelyn Nance & Ryder Johnston; Christopher, Paige, Kohen Caputo & Aspen Mills, Brody Kafora, Jake Colyer & Evan Torres.
His sisters: Mary and Michael Ware of Fairfax, VA and Joyce Galovich of Falls Church, VA and niece Annie Galovich of NY
His cousin: George & Laurie Chalanycz and family of Fountain Hills, AZ
VISITATION will be held on July 23, 2023 from 4pm – 7pm
Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery
7900 E Main Street Mesa, AZ 85207
CHURCH SERVICE will be held on July 24, 2023 at 10:00am
St Thomas the Apostle Byzantine Catholic Church
19 W Bruce Ave.
Gilbert, AZ 85233
MILITARY HONORS CEREMONY will be held on July 24, 2023 at 12:30pm
National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona
23029 N Cave Creek Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85024
The family has requested in lieu of flowers, please express your condolences.
When we moved to Arizona and started attending St Thomas parish, John and Wilma were very welcoming. Having three daughters with blonde hair naturally evoked John’s humor before or after church. They laughed and laughed at his endless supply of blonde jokes. He was always up, positive and had a smile on his face. And I had a smile on my face with each new car he would park at church. I had a lot of fun talking with him about his cars. Later as challenges came his way his indomitable spirit was impressive as he persevered through pain to attend church. His personality enriched our parish and he will be very missed. Eternal memory and blessed repose! God bless Wilma and the whole clan.
Love you and miss you always Pops.
My condolences to Wilma and Family, and John’s sisters Mary and Joyce. We were neighbors growing up in Williamstown, John was a few years older than I, but I remember he was very active in sports. Lost track of him over the years, but based on his obituary he and Wilma had a very active and busy life. I am glad they got to do all the things they did. Sympathy to all.