John Pirich

John Pirich, 88, of Fletcher, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2017. A native of Jerome, PA, he was a son of the late Andrew and Anna Cucko Pirich. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Louise Pirich; four sisters, Anna, Mary, Jo Anne and Sue, as well as two brothers, Andrew and Charles. John served in the US Navy during World War II and graduated from Clarkson University in Pottsdam, NY. He also went on to receive a Masters Degree from Western Carolina University. He retired from Square-D and was a longtime member of Calvary Episcopal Church. He belonged to the St. Barnabas Couples Club and was also a member of the Asheville Track Club and enjoyed running and golfing. John is survived by his wife, Patricia; son Michael John Pirich and his wife, Laura; stepsons, Robert C. Smith and his wife, Marie and Michael J. Smith and his wife, Jessica; grandchildren, Sophia Pirich and Ava Pirich and step-grandchildren, Nicole Smith and Robert W. Smith. A Celebration of John's life with Military Honors will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Calvary Episcopal Church in Fletcher. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.