John Harhai Obituary

John G. Harhai, 89, of Rostraver Township, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, surrounded by his children at his beloved home in the Sweeney Plan. He was born in Monessen on Sept. 16, 1935, to Mytro (Dmitriy) and Eva (Olenich) Harhai. After graduating from Monessen High School, he twice attended the Pennsylvania State University, University Park, receiving both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master's Degree in Metallurgical Engineering. Later on he pursued an Executive MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and remained both a PSU and Pitt football fan. John G. went on to have a long, industrious career in the steelmaking business at the peak of US production. For 26 years he served in increasing capacities at Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, to include serving many years as the superintendent of both the steelmaking and casting departments and then as general manager, energy and raw materials analysis. He held subsequent positions with ICF Kaiser Engineers and USX Engineers and Consultants. While at USX, he acted as a senior consultant and provided technical and operating expertise as Chile pursued national modernization and privatization of it's steelmaking industry. For over a decade, John G. traveled internationally to lend his expertise with repeat visits to Germany, Russia, Japan, India, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina. He greatly enjoyed the international experience meeting new people, being immersed in different cultures and languages, and especially trying new food. As a scholar in his field, he wrote many articles for steel journals and was an active member of many professional organizations: the Eastern States Blast Furnace and Coke Ore Association, the American Society of Metals, and the Iron and Steel Society (ISS) of AIME. For the latter, he attended ISS meetings through his mid-80s. In addition to his parents, John G. was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kaye B. Wilson Harhai, in 1991. Two sisters and brothers-in-law, Anna and John Makovich and Mary and Edward Krivoniak. Three sisters-in-law: Judy Dusock, Bonnie DeWitt, and Linda Jane Wilson. He is survived by his four children, John Michael, Steven James and wife, Janet, Lara Kaye Roeding and husband, Russell, and Robert Karl. Sister, Connie Dekowski; and brother-in-law, Chuck, of Linden, NJ. Sister-in-law, Karen Federer; and brother-in-law, Joseph, of Milford, DE. Brother-in-law, Don DeWitt of Charleroi. Dear friend of many years, Sharon Bujdos of West Mifflin. Nieces and nephews: Mary L. Rotolo, Ed Krivoniak, Charles Andrew, and Christopher Dekowski, Jeffrey and Jarrett Dusock, Shelly Lynn Muirhead, Don DeWitt, Joseph Federer, Kerri Federer, and April Carey. Lastly, his grandchildren, Robert Justin and wife, Rebecca, Sadie Kaye, and Hannah Elizabeth Harhai; and his cousin's wife, Dolores Harhai, and her children John, Ken, Tom, Kathey, and R. Ted. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to RHOME FUNERAL HOME INC., 1209 Grand Blvd., Monessen, where friends will be welcomed from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025. Burial will take place on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, at Grandview Cemetery of Monessen.