John J. “Chizel” Cherry, 93, of 407 Third Avenue, Johnsonburg, passed away, surrounded by his family, late Wednesday night, July 1, 2026, at Penn Highlands-Dubois following a lengthy illness. He was born December 21, 1932, in Johnsonburg, a son to the late Anthony J. “Toe” and Emily Papa Cherry. On August 24, 1957, in Queen of the World Church, St. Marys, he married Sara “Sally” Schneider, and she survives.

Chizel lived most of his life in Johnsonburg and was a 1950 graduate of Johnsonburg High School. He was a member of Holy Rosary Church, and he was proud of the fact he was the oldest member of the Johnsonburg American Legion, Post 501.

Chizel loved spending time with his family, hunting and fishing with friends and family, watching his grandchildren play baseball and picnics at Bendigo on the 4th of July. He loved life, had a great sense of humor and always like to help with everyone’s projects.

A Korean Era Army Vet, Chizel served in Alaska as a Specialist 3rd Class Armorer General Supply Specialist with Co B 271st Engineer Bn.

Chizel retired from the Domtar, Johnsonburg Mill in 2009 after 50 years of service.

In addition to his wife Sally at home, John is survived his children Anthony “Tony” Cherry (Tammy) of Johnsonburg, Emily Snelick (Lenny) of St. Marys, Mark “Moose” Cherry of Kingsport, TN, Scott Cherry of Johnsonburg, Martina “Tina” Kranz (Ed) of Minot, ND, Linda O’Rourke (Morris) of Wilcox, Melissa Myers (Mark) of Johnsonburg, Christopher “Chris” Cherry of Johnsonburg, Suzy Cherry of Johnsonburg and Nikki Zimmerman (Casey) of Johnsonburg, 19 grandchildren , 24 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

John is also survived by a sister Elaine M. Myers (Roger) of Johnsonburg and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, John is pre-deceased by a son Nicholas Cherry in infancy, brothers Joseph “Jo Jo” Cherry,  Joseph "Butch" Cherry, Louis “LuLu” Cherry and Thomas Cherry, sisters Ann “Annie” Polaski and Janet Esposito.

A Mass of Christian Burial for John J. “Chizel” Cherry will be conducted at Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg on Tuesday July 7, 2026, at 10 AM with Fr. David Wilson, Pastor as celebrant. Interment will be in Laurel Hill cemetery, Johnsonburg.

Friends will be received at the Anthony Ferragine Funeral Home and Cremation Services Chapel, 401 Chestnut Street, Johnsonburg, on Monday July 6, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM.

If desired, contributions in Chizel’s memory should be made to Holy Rosary Church, 606 Penn Street, Johnsonburg, PA 15845 or to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org/donate.

Military honors will be accorded by the Johnsonburg-Wilcox-Ridgway Servicemen’s Detail. Detail members are asked to assemble at the funeral home Tuesday morning at 9:15 AM.