Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

John Pogranzni was a longtime resident of Whitehall Borough. Born March 5, 1928, he died on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at the age of 98.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Dolores (Terhorst) in 2008. He is the dear father of Judy (Mark) Moran and loving Pappy of Natalie Moran. He is survived by sister-in-law, Arlene Krepley, as well as nieces and nephews.

John grew up in Hazelwood and was a graduate of Connelley Trade School. Thereafter, he entered the Army and played in the Army band in Korea. He performed with Monica Lewis in a USO show, playing saxophone, clarinet, as well as singing. His love of music continued into his 90s. After discharge, he returned to Pittsburgh where he met Dolores at the Kennywood Park bandstand. They married in 1954 and settled in the Brookline area. In 1960, their daughter Judy arrived and John and Dolores built their home in Whitehall. He remained in his home until last year, when he moved to Discovery Commons of Bethel Park.
John was Regional Sales Manager of Katz Underwear company for many years and represented other companies such as Dalco and Valerie. He thrived on being late for his appointments, interacting with buyers from the Pittsburgh department stores, and writing orders late into the evenings in his home office. His travel to Katz’s office in New York City and apparel shows, including at the William Penn and Expo Mart, kept him busy until he retired in the 1990s.

Family was important to John, and many weekends were spent with them at his cabin in Bear Rocks. A weekend of playing cards, going to the Legion with Pap and Ed, and chopping wood for the fire were highlights. Memorable yearly vacations with John were in Wildwood Crest and Marco Island with Dolores, Judy, Mark, and Natalie. Every sunset brought his comment “did you ever see a sunset like that?” He enjoyed golfing, was a member of Mon Valley Country Club where he was a club champion, participated in many leagues and took pleasure in organizing outings with friends. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and season ticket holder for decades. He loved trimming his beautiful landscape and tinkering in the garage where he saved every paint can he never painted with. In his later years, he enjoyed spending many local Caste Village dinners with his dear friend, Iris. John was a member of Our Lady of Hope (St. Gabriel’s), where he ushered for many years.

Many thanks to Discovery Commons of Bethel Park where he charmed all who loved and cared for him like family.

Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Monday, November 9, 2026 from 2-6 p.m. Funeral prayer on Tuesday morning at 9:15. Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Hope Parish, St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin Church at 10:00 a.m. If desired family suggests contributions in John's memory to City Mission at https://www.citymission.org or Greater Pgh Food Bank at https://give.pittsburghfoodbank.org