John Leonard Pushkar; 76; of Erie; formerly of Belle Vernon; died Saturday; Aug. 30; 2003; after a lengthy illness. He was born July 4; 1927; in Monessen; a son of the late John S. and Anna Vargo Pushkar. He served during World War II in the U.S. Navy as a seaman second class and retired in 1985 from the Monessen Plant of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Co. After several years of retirement in Florida; he and his wife Lois returned to Belle Vernon where he unselfishly and devotedly cared for her during her extended illness. He supported his wife in many ministries and was a dedicated and hard-working part of the church family. A dedicated and loving father and grandfather; he also was an avid outdoorsman and hunter who helped and encouraged many others. In addition to his parents; he was preceded in death by his wife; Lois Daugherty Pushkar; on Oct. 12; 2001. He is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law; Cathleen and Jay Riggle of Erie and Melanie and Dr. David Birch of Lewes; Del.; one son and daughter-in-law; Dennis and Jane Pushkar of North Huntingdon; one sister and brother-in-law; Mary Ann and Walter Melanowski of Belle Vernon; six grandchildren; Amy; Emily and Mark Riggle of Erie; Lydia and Miles Birch of Lewes; Del.; and Johnathan Pushkar of North Huntingdon; and his mother-in-law; Hazel Daugherty of Belle Vernon. Funeral services were held today in the FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME INC.; a Golden Rule Member Firm; (724-929-5300); Belle Vernon. Interment was in Belle Vernon Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to The Hope of His Calling; through the family.