John Cleon Kiser

John Cleon Kiser (also known as Clem), aged 81, from Windber, PA, died on August 19, 2025. John was born on December 28, 1943, in Monaca, PA to John E. and Mildred H. (Weaverling) Kiser. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Marianne; brothers William Kiser, Donald Kiser, and Robert Kiser; sister-in-law Gloria Kiser; and brother-in-law Robert Sabo. John is survived by his daughter Tracy (Evans), son-in-law David Evans, and granddaughter Zoey Wyandt. He is also survived by his brother Barry Kiser; sisters, Sandra (Gary) Price, Rita (Dale) Cotterman, Bonnie Kiser, Karen (Raymond) McConville; and sister-in-law Jane Sabo.

He was a veteran of the U. S. Army where he served as a Specialist in Company A, 1/504 PIR, 82nd Airborne Division. During his service, John bravely fought in combat during Operation Power Pack. The physical strength, mental toughness and courage instilled in him by his service as a paratrooper were reflected in the way he lived his life - without fear, in service to others, and with undying love for his family, friends, fellow service members, and our country.

John worked in the steel erection and fabrication construction industry and was always considered a very hard worker. Even as he got older, it was frequently joked about on job sites that he had the strength of a bull and could outwork the younger guys. In recent years, when he could no longer be working out in the field on a job site, he still worked full-time from home bidding and estimating construction projects.

John was Chairman of the 82nd Airborne, 1SG Leonard A Funk, MOH, Western Pennsylvania Chapter; Life-time Member of the 504th PIR Association; Life Member of the Vietnam Veterans of America; Life Member of Windber VFW Post 4795; Life Member of Windber American Legion Post 0137; Master Mason Cambria Lodge #278FAM; Legion of Honor member Jaffa Shrine of Altoona; and Benefactor Member of the NRA.

An avid outdoorsman, John loved hiking, nature photography, and hunting with his son-in-law Dave, nephew Mike, nephew-in-law Frank, great-niece Mandy and her husband Justin. He enjoyed home improvement, gardening, and working on projects with his neighborhood friends. John regularly participated in travels and annual trips to All American Week at Fort Bragg, as well as the 82nd Airborne Division Association conventions with his best friends Joseph Falcone and Carroll Sylvester. The three were sometimes referred to as the “Three Amigos” by other service members based on their frequent participation together in these events.

He was very loved and will be missed by all, especially his daughter, granddaughter, and son-in-law. The strong connection shared with him will endure, though his absence will be deeply felt.

At his request, there will be no public viewing or services. A private celebration of life is planned for family members at a later date.

Arrangements by the CLEMENT L. PANTALONE FUNERAL HOME INC., 409 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, PA 15601, 724-837-0020 wwwpantalone.com Natale N. Pantalone, supervisor.