John A. Julian of Liberty, went to eternal rest at 7:40 PM at Northside Medical Center surrounded by numerous loving family members. John succumbed to a heart condition that plagued him his entire life. John was born on October 27, 1928, at his home in Brier Hill, Youngstown, to Rocco and Jenny (Champ) Julian. He served his country in the Korean War and Japan until honorably discharged in 1952. Upon returning to the States, he married the love of his life, Mary Ann Sabella, in 1953. They would have celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on July 11. John was a faithful man, devoted to the Catholic Church in particular, St. Anthony's in Brier Hill, where he served as an altar boy until the age of 80. John was commissioned by Bishop Thomas J. Tobin as an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister in 2002. He also volunteered as a pizza maker for the church preparing the famous "St. Anthony's pizza" every Friday for many, many years. John was avid New York Yankee fan and participated in several local Bocce leagues including the Avalon Gardens, and the Arco Club. He also loved to golf. But mostly John will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and very special uncle to his many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews who often thought of him as their "Papa." John is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann; son, John Allen of Hollywood, Florida; cherished grandson, Andrew John, of Youngstown; brother, Anthony (Joan) Julian; son-in-law, Carlo Ponzio of Girard; and, many loving friends and family. John is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Antoinette Petrella, Carmel Ponzi, and Gloria Mancini; brothers, Dr. Leonard Julian, and Chester Julian; and, beloved daughter Toni Ann Ponzio, who passed away in November, 2013. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held on Friday, February 26, 2016 at 1 PM at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1126 Turin Avenue, in Youngstown, officiated by Father Michael Swierz and Godson, Deacon John Bartos, who was an ever present caretaker and spiritual support to the family during this difficult time. Family and friends may pay their respects on Friday, February 26, 2016 from 11:00 am until 12:50 pm at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Youngstown. Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market tT., Boardman. Interment will be Calvary Cemetery where John will be laid to rest next to his beloved daughter, Toni Ann and where full military honors will be provided by the great men of the VFW Post 9571 Ellsworth. The family requests that material donations, in John's name, be made to the Wounded Warrior Project 301 Grant St., Suite 900, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219 or St. Jude's Children's Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

The Mass will begin at 1:00 pm on Friday.