John Thomas Selleny, age 70, passed away peacefully December 8, 2016. He was born on February 17, 1946. He was the son of the late George and Louise Trocha Selleny. He married the love of his life on December 2, 1972 and recently celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary. John graduated from Cathedral Prep in 1964. John was in the Navy on the USS Enterprise. When returning, he was employed by Inland Container. He was employed by the Harbor Creek School District, working in the maintenance department for several years. Later he retired by working at the Wines and Spirits State Stores. He was a member of the Siebenbuerger Club, Slovak National Club, Wesleyville Athletic Club, American Legion, and the Moose Club of Harborcreek. He was a Times Old Newsie and enjoyed selling papers every year with his brother, Ed, Ray, and son. He was also very involved in the Barber Center and L'Arche communities. John was a member of Cursillo and St. Mark's Catholic Church. Above all, John was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Known by most as "Big John", he loved to socialize and entertain with family and friends. John will be most remembered for his big heart, generosity, and ability to make people smile. One of his passions was playing golf and and took pride in his three holes-in-one! He enjoyed bowling on Wednesday nights with his son, Joe, and his couples bowling league with his wife, Suzanne, and many friends. John shared many endeavors with his best friend, Ray: golfing, fishing, playing cards, and meeting at the clubs. John especially loved spending time with his daughter, Sarah, and her friends at the Journey home. In the last few years, he found great joy in spending time with his three grandchildren, who always brought a big smile to his face. They loved spending time with their "Papa." He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Riddle Selleny; his son, Joe Selleny (Colleen) of Erie; daughter, Sarah Selleny of Erie; three grandchildren: JJ, Mary Catherine, and Georgia Grace Selleny. He is also survived by his brother, Ed Selleny (Evelyn) of Erie; two sisters: Georgette Pius (Tom) of Erie, Audrey Miesel (Bill) of Erie; brother-in-law, Greg Riddle (Nancy) of Erie; sister-in-law, Debbie Czarnecki (Jim) of Las Vegas; and many nieces, nephews, and good friends. Friends may call on Monday at the Francis V. Kloecker Funeral Home, Inc., 2502 Sassafras St., Erie, PA 16502 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and are invited to the Funeral Mass on Tuesday at St. Mark Church in Lawrence Park at 10 a.m. Send condolences to www.kloeckerfuneralhome.com. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorials may be made to L'Arche of Erie, 3745 West 12th St., Erie, PA 16505 or the Barber National Institute, 100 Barber Place, Erie, PA 16507. "His hard work often put him where the good luck found him." Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits