John Anthony Sarkis, 74, entered the loving arms of the Heavenly Father early Wednesday morning, November 18th, while at home surrounded by loved ones after a courageous three-year battle with lymphoma.

John demonstrated remarkable strength, humility, and love throughout his life. A loving husband and a devoted father who cherished his daughter and son. John was extremely loved and happiest surrounded by family and friends. Always the jokester, and always with a glimmer in his eyes, he had a knack for making everyone in the room feel special. A great listener, John always asked about you and remembered the details of your life. He was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile and his kind and compassionate spirit.

John was an avid golfer, a lover of scuba diving and sports cars, and a diehard fan of his Pittsburgh Steelers. A travel enthusiast, he and his wife, Joy, loved traveling to destinations all over the world, especially enjoying cruises from the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe.

John was born on August 27, 1946 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Carolyn and Jack Sarkis. At the tender age of 17, John met his soulmate and the love of his life, Joy, at Carrick High School in Pittsburgh, later marrying her in June 1968.

John attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, one of the nation's top Catholic universities, where he trained as part of the ROTC program. Following his graduation, he was commissioned into the Air Force, moving with Joy to Biloxi, Mississippi, where he served as 2nd Lieutenant.

Following his service in the Air Force, John and his family returned to Pittsburgh in 1973, where he began his career in the roofing industry at Tremco. He flourished in his career, with his ability to connect naturally with others. Following eleven years in Dayton, Ohio, John and his family moved to Houston where he finished his career of 37 years at The Garland Company. More than a workplace to him, the bonds he formed at The Garland Company remained strong even after John's retirement.

Married for 52 years, John and Joy were the definition of "true partners" in life, experiencing a lot of good times and some not so good times. With each hardship they endured together, their beautiful bond was forged stronger and stronger. They built a blessed life together with their two children, Sheri and Jason.

John is survived by his loving wife Joy; his adoring daughter Sheri and her husband Rick; his devoted son Jason; his Aunt Sadie Thomas; his cousins, Douglas Sarkis, Karen Cercone, Janet Cercone, and Ana Escobar. He is also survived by many lifelong and dear friends, including those from the communities of Lakewood Forest, Northgate Forest and Del Webb; his sidekick Gonzo and his grand fur-baby Raven. John is preceded in death by his parents Carolyn and Jack Sarkis and by his brother Ron Sarkis.

A celebration of life service will be held in Houston and a memorial service in Pittsburgh in the Spring of 2021. In loving memory of our beloved John, donations can be made to the Houston SPCA (www.houstonspca.org/give/) and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (https://www.lls.org).