John M. “Johnny” Urmann Jr., 57, of 417 Waterworks Rd., Ridgway, died Sunday, July 17, 2016. He was born April 10,1959 in St. Marys, and lived in Ridgway all of his life. He was the son of John M. and the late Mary Lee Weis Urmann.  

He graduated from Ridgway Area High School Class of 1978, attended Lock Haven University, and then went to work for his father, John M. Urmann, Sr. at Valley Coal and Supply Co., Inc.

He enjoyed a full life in a short amount of time with the love of his life his wife, Maribeth (Rieder), whom he married on Friday the 13th of September, 1985, immediately challenging fate, in Sacred Heart Church. 

Johnny was a professional truck driver, logging nearly 4 million accident free miles while employed by Valley Coal and Supply. He drove many a mile through virtually every state from the east coast through the Midwest. Many, if not most of his trips, were with his cousin and fellow driver, Bill Urmann.

Following his driving career, he became a log buyer. He most recently worked for Independent Stave Corporation, purchasing white oak logs for the barrel manufacturing industry.  He experienced great happiness through the people he met during his travels buying logs. 

Johnny experienced great pride in seeing his two sons, Jack and Doug, to become the hunter he was, dedicated, ethical and persistent.  Together with Maribeth they taught their sons the importance of family and unconditional love.

His passion for hunting was legendary.  It began the very first day of spring gobbler to the last day of the extended deer season.  This memorable time was shared with his special uncle, Ken Gerg.  For Johnny it was not about the kill, it was about the hunt and the stories.  Throughout the forty years of the chase, he had the opportunity to pursue his passion through five Canadian provinces and almost every western state with his efforts. As a result, he took home many fine trophies. Spending time at camp was his favorite pastime even when not hunting.  Camp gave him great peace.

In his younger years, Johnny was a dedicated marathon canoe paddler, having completed six General Clinton 70 mile canoe races. He was a regular participant in the Ridgway Triathlon, often with one of his sons as a partner. For many years he was one of the driving forces in the organization and promotion of this yearly event

As an avid, dedicated Elk County Strider, he and Maribeth hosted many of the groups’ New Year’s Day celebrations. He completed three marathons: Pittsburgh, Steamtown, in Scranton, PA, and the Marine Corp Marathon in Washington, D.C.  Even after his diagnosis, Johnny completed the Myrtle Beach Half Marathon with Maribeth. 

He was a lifetime member of the NRA, Ridgway Rifle Club, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and the St. Leo’s Church.

In addition to his father John M. Urmann, Sr., he is survived by his wife, Maribeth,  two sons, John (Jack) Michael Urmann III, and Douglas Robert Urmann, both of Ridgway; three sisters, Christi (Michael) Aiello of St. Marys, LuAnn (David) Stanley of Cranberry Twp, Stacey (Frank) Rubino of Ponte Vedra, FL.; a brother Gregory (Christine) of Jacksonville, FL; a sister-in-law, Amy (Tom) Detsch of St. Marys; several aunts and uncles, Joanne and Ken Gerg, Ann Weis, James Urmann, Ruth Ann O’Connor, and Sister Ann Loretta SSJ, and close family friend Bernadine (Ron) Myers.

Johnny was also a wonderful uncle to Michael, Christopher, and Joanne Aiello, Mitchell Urmann, Matthew, Danny, Eric and Ali Stanley, Victoria and Nicolas Rubino, and Kelsey, Kyle, and Kara Detsch and 2 great nieces Elliana and Kensington Aiello.

A Memorial Mass for John M. Urmann, Jr. will be celebrated at St. Leo Catholic Church on Saturday July 23 at 11:00 AM.  Officiating will be Fr. Brian E. Vossler, Pastor of St. Leo Catholic Church.  Friends will be received at the Thompson Funeral Home on Friday from 5 to 8 PM.  Memorials, if desired, can be made to the Ridgway Rifle Club or to the Ridgway YMCA.   www.thompsonfuneralhomepa.com

Charitable donations may be made to:

Ridgway YMCA
34 N. Broad St., Ridgway PA 15853

Ridgway Rifle Club
Ridgway PA 15853

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