John R. Golia, 98, of Southern Pines, NC, died at St. Joseph of the Pines Senior Community on March 10, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 29, 1924, in the Bronx, New York, to Luigi and Immacolata (Gaudiello) Golia.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Catherine (Grogan), who meant everything to him and four beloved daughters, Anne (Gerry) Hartig, Mary Catherine (Steve) Bonsall, Claire (John) Fico and JoAnn (Jay) Witek. Grandchildren Krista (Joshua) Turner, Nicole (Gary) Smith, Gina (Robert) Frame, Anthony (fiancée Courtney Alfano) Fico, Matthew Witek and Dana Witek. He was also blessed with several great grandchildren, Laila and Finnan Turner, Sophia and Olivia Frame, Stevie and Lincoln Smith, Gia and Mason Petriello.
Having lost both of his parents at a very young age, John grew up in a loving foster care home with the Mancini family. At sixteen, John went to live with his Uncle Nick, Aunt Giuseppina and his cousins Peter and Rosalie, who truly became siblings to John.
Through John’s stepsister Betty, he met Catherine Grogan, and so began their journey and 68 years of marriage. Johnny fully embraced the spirit of the Grogans who could frequently be found around the piano singing. John and the Grogans were of a generation that served their country and survived The Great Depression. Their priorities of what was important in life were always clear: Family, their deep Catholic Faith and Perseverance.
John was assigned to the U.S. Medical Corp in a general hospital in Georgia. He worked in an eye clinic assisting ophthalmic surgeons in eye and face restoration for returning soldiers. Following the service, he worked as an optician and became the Business Manager for the Optical Workers Union. As Kay and John’s family grew, they knew John’s frequent trips to Albany for legislative activity was too much time away from family. John became a New York City schoolteacher and eventually earned multiple advanced degrees in Special Education and Administration. He remained at DeWitt Clinton high school in the Bronx educating emotionally handicapped students until his retirement.
When Kay retired from her nursing career, John and Kay traveled the world extensively, volunteered for organizations close to their heart, John tended to his gardens especially the tomato plants, and delighted in his children’s, grandchildren’s, and great grandchildren’s lives.
Having raised four daughters, Johnny could frequently be heard saying “You need to be AWARE” and then spell out the word A W A R E letter by letter. His daughters always laughed and said, “we know Dad”, but have since taken to repeating the phrase to their own families. John insisted that his four daughters be educated in a way that they could support themselves if he was not here to take care of them. Mission accomplished Dad.
Being a part of a musical family like the Grogan’s, Kay often wondered why one of John’s favorite songs was “I’m Always Chasing Rainbows” because it was a sad song. However, Johnny truly found his blue bird and pot of gold here on earth over his 98 blessed years. His main message to all would be that childhood challenges do not have to define the life you create for yourself. La Famiglia é Tutto.
A Mass of Christian Rite to Celebrate and Honor John’s Life, will be held at St. Joseph’s R/C Church in Somers, NY., with interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, NY sometime in the near future. Please check back.
Private cremation has taken place.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Cargain Funeral Homes, Inc., 418 Route 6 (GPS US-6), Mahopac, NY10541, 845-628-5655, www.cargainfuneralhomes.com.
