John J. Howarth Sr.; 81; of Parente Boulevard; Monessen; died Tuesday; Jan. 29; 2002; in Canonsburg Hospital. A son of the late Charles and Elizabeth Morgan Howarth; he was born in North Belle Vernon on March 28; 1920. He had been a service station manager for Guttman Oil Co. of Speers and was an assistant scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 510 in the 1960s and was a trustee of the Monessen Hungarian Club. Mr. Howarth served in the U.S. Army; 1st Division; during World War II; ranking Technical Sergeant and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze and Silver stars. Survivors include two sons and a daughter-in-law; John J. Jr. and Carol L. Howarth; and Harry Howarth; all of Monessen; a daughter; Karen Ditta of Canonsburg; a sister; Margaret Lisser of Jacksonville; Fla.; a brother; George Howarth of Pricedale; four grandchildren; Sherry Hohn; Cathy San Pietro; and Chris and Frank Ditta; nine great-grandchildren; J.T.; Shachia; Courtney; Zechariah; Shyann; Jelsamina; Tyler; Skyla and Thomas. In addition to his parents; he was preceded in death by his wife; Vernice Lunt Howarth in 1994; and a brother; Harry Howarth. Friends will be received in the FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME INC.; a Golden Rule Member Firm; 700 Broad Ave.; Belle Vernon; on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.; where funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. James Mimidis; pastor of Pricedale Union Church; officiating. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery.