John F. Monzo Jr.

John Francis “Jack” Monzo, Jr., 83, of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025. Born on August 18, 1942, in Hays, Pennsylvania, Jack was a man whose life was defined by hard work, family devotion, and stubbornness.

After graduation from Taylor Allderdice High School in 1961, Jack began his career working at American Shear Knife in Homestead, and spent his time with his cars and friends, often found drag racing across the Homestead High Level Bridge. He had the uncanny ability to know the year, make, and model of almost any automobile, and would interrupt a movie or television show just to tell you about the car that the star was driving. He turned his knowledge and love of cars into a lifelong career. He owned and operated gas and service stations in Pittsburgh and later McKeesport for decades. Following retirement from the gas station business, he opened a small shop in Glassport called LED Street Rods, selling hotrod parts and products to his fellow car enthusiasts, while spending his weekends traveling to regional car shows to display and discuss his award-winning cars. In the early 1990s, he served as the President of the Steel City Cruisers car club, holding fundraisers to benefit the Ronald McDonald House, offering support to children and families displaced from home for medical treatment.

A lifelong member of the West Mifflin No. 3 Fire Department, Jack proudly wore his Member No. 70 jacket and a ball cap around town. He would wake at all hours of the night after the sirens would blare through the neighborhood, and rush to the fire station to help – whether a car accident or house fire, Jack would be on the scene. In his own way and always on his own terms, Jack was committed to his neighbors and community.

At home, Jack was the center, and usually the loudest, of his family. He cherished time spent with his beloved wife of 55 years, Mary Louise (Cioppa) Monzo, his children, and grandchildren. Whether tinkering on cars in the garage, listening to oldies, cooking a favorite meal for family gatherings, or making wine with friends, Jack’s love and personality were felt in every small moment. Anyone who was welcome in his home had to stay for a meal regardless of their other plans. He loved visiting his family in New Jersey – telling stories of summer vacations in Wildwood and cruising around town with his cousin Louie Avolio, while making his younger cousin Francine duck in the backseat -- who was just happy to tag along with her very cool older cousin Jack.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Louise; his three children, Lisa Stricklin (Jim), Eric Monzo (Dana), and Dana Esper (Jeff); and his eight grandchildren, Benjamin Stricklin, Melina Esper, Luca Monzo, Nicholas Stricklin, Chase Esper, Gabrielle Stricklin, Caroline Monzo, and Michael Monzo.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John F. and Caroline Monzo, his sister, Carol Ann Monzo, and his beloved American Eskimo, Holly.

Jack will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his generosity, and his unwavering love for his family and friends. He had big opinions and a bigger heart. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication to family and a strong work ethic and he will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 12 at George Irvin Green Funeral Home, 3511 Main Street, Munhall 412-461-6394. Family and friends may call from 2:00-4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm, where a Memorial Service will take place at 3 PM with Pastor John Devey. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Pittsburgh, at rmhcpgh-mgtn.org.

Please leave your memories and condolences at www.georgeigreenfuneralhome.com.