John R. Simko

John R. Simko Jr. age 54 of Canonsburg, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly, Thursday October 30, 2025. He was born on November 6, 1970, son of Eleanor Carless Simko and the late John R. Simko Sr, who passed away July 31, 2020. John was a huge family man, survived by his wife, Dawn Mayberry Simko. Left behind to cherish his memory, in addition to his wife and mother, are his beloved sons Brandon Mayberry and Samuel Simko, brother Michael Simko, sister Lorie (Jerry) Strennen, niece Abigail Strennen, and nephew Zachary Strennen.

John graduated from Louisville High School, in 1989, as a three-year football and baseball letterman. He then attended Kent State University and graduated Magna Cum Laude from California University, in 1996, with a degree of Bachelor of Arts. John spent most of his career as a Managing Director with Huntington Learning Center, where his dedication and leadership made a lasting impact on those he worked with and students he helped guide towards success. He lived most of his life in Canonsburg, where he was a member of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church. John had an amazing ability to expose the good in people while simultaneously bringing happiness and motivation. John’s love for baseball led him to coach for his son’s Youth Baseball league. As a dedicated family man, John never missed a family member’s sporting or academic event no matter the occasion. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, and his mini labradoodles, Tater and Joy. John also enjoyed watching the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Friends and family are welcome from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 601 Boone Avenue Canonsburg, where a Parastas Service will be held at 7 pm, with a Parasta Service to be held at 10 am on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Interment will follow at Oak Spring Cemetery, Canonsburg. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted into the care of Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. Joseph P. Salandra LFD owner/supervisor 304 West Pike Street Canonsburg (724) 745-8120. To view or extend condolences please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John R. Simko Huntington Learning Center Scholarship Fund, established in recognition of John’s commitment to helping students realize their academic potential. The fund will continue to be a reflection of his love and dedication to those students of all abilities striving for success at all educational levels. Checks may be made payable to John R. Simko Huntington Learning Center Scholarship Fund.