John H. Armstrong

John H. Armstrong, age 80 of Allison Park. John is survived by his niece, Meredith Armstrong Repetto (Richard), and nephew, Andrew B. Armstrong (Elsa), and his great nephew and nieces, Thomas and Alice Repetto and Hollis, Martha, and Caroline Armstrong.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, John was a graduate of Fox Chapel High School and Kent State University and was a U.S. Air Force Veteran. John spent his career as a Probation Officer in the State of Vermont, where his calm, steady, and nonjudgmental demeanor and his genuine interest in people allowed him to positively impact the lives of countless individuals.

John had many hobbies throughout his life, including sailing on Lake Champlain, hiking (he hiked the full length of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine and more recently completed the Rachel Carson Challenge in both directions), cooking and eating impressive pasta dishes, deer hunting, fishing, and in recent years, playing the banjo. He was an avid reader of novels and was an excellent source of book recommendations to family and friends. John was a true original and a conversationalist; he made friends of all ages wherever he went, and he will be remembered fondly for his unique sense of humor, his affable nature, and his unexpected and often astonishing stories from a life well-lived. Uncle John was a consistent positive influence on two generations of nieces and nephews, teaching them to bodysurf, grill, cook chili, bake cheesecake, and properly affix a freshly cut Christmas tree to the car roof; through his example, he showed that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Allegheny County Parks Foundation, or the Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy, where John was a frequent volunteer. Arrangements by John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com)

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