Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

June 14, 1930 - March 6, 2018

Ubinger, John R.

John Robert Ubinger, age 87, died peacefully at his home in Bethel Park on March 6, after a courageous battle with cancer. Despite this difficult journey he maintained extraordinary grace and dignity and an unwavering faithfulness in God. John was born in Pittsburgh to Robert and Eleanor Ubinger on June 14, 1930 which is Flag Day. The Bethel Park community came to expect to see the hundreds of flags that decorated his yard for that day and every patriotic holiday. After graduating from St. Joseph's High School in Mt. Oliver, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served three years at Castle Air Force Base, CA during the Korean War. During the mandatory third year, his fiancée Shirley Hesse flew out so they could be married on the base in 1951. Upon returning to Pittsburgh with their first child, John started working in the HVAC business. John became the owner of Admiral Heating and Cooling Co. in 1959. He served on many trade association boards. He was a national director of Air Conditioning Contractors of America. He was a proud veteran who loved his country unconditionally. An avid fan of the Steelers and Pitt Basketball. John was a passionate volunteer, always using his expertise to help the less fortunate. He was a man of great faith, a longtime, active member of the Knights of Columbus, and a Eucharistic minister and lector for St. Wendelin Catholic Church (Baldwin). He became a member of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin Church in Whitehall in 2000 and volunteered in the school cafeteria and sang with the Resurrection Choir. He found great joy in his relationships with the students there. He also volunteered for Rebuilding Together, Action Housing and IMPACT. John was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Shirley (nee Hesse), brother Robert (MaryAnn) Ubinger and sister Lenore Hays, his children, Kristine Radack (the late Albert), Stephen Ubinger (Karen), Beth Nolle (Richard), Karen Bastianelli (Larry), Karl Ubinger, John Ubinger Jr., Ellen Svitko (Dan), and Jennifer Panian (Geoff). Also, 14 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. John's family is eternally grateful to the VA Health System, the VA Hospice and Comfort Keepers for their compassionate care during his last weeks. Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227, Saturday, March 10, 2018, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and Sunday, March 11, 2018, from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral Prayer on Monday morning at 9:15. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Gabriel of The Sorrowful Virgin Church at 10:00 am. Donations in his name can be sent to St. Gabriel's School, 5200 Greenridge Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15236 or your favorite charity. GOD IS GOOD.