John Daniel Wiercinski of 152 Grove Road, Jefferson Township (Mercer), Pa. passed away Monday, Oct. 15, 2012, in his residence. He was 66.

Mr. Wiercinski was born June 26, 1946, in Sharon to Alfons B. Wiercinski, M.D., and Jane Koston Wiercinski. A 1964 alumnus of Milton Hershey High School, John graduated in 1980 from Thiel College, Greenville, with a bachelor’s degree in history.

He retired as a teacher from high schools in Pennsylvania and Texas, having taught in Houston, Corpus Christi and San Antonio. He later was a shipper at Winner Steel, Sharon.

An avid reader, he particularly enjoyed the tales of J.R.R. Tolkien and the historical novels of Patrick O’Brian and Henryk Sienkiewicz.

Mr. Wiercinski served in the Air Force as an avionics technician.

He is survived by: a son, Simon Wiercinski; two daughters, Emily Wiercinski and Tess Wiercinski-Robinson; a grandson, Miles Robinson; two sisters, Janice Berger and her husband Phil Berger; and Maryann Ream; and three brothers, Alfons Wiercinski, Francis “Rick” Wiercinski; and Joe Wiercinski and his wife Carol.

John was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, David Wiercinski.

Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday (10-19-12) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 144 S. Pitt St., Mercer. Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday (10-20-12) in the funeral home with the Rev. James J. Kennelley, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Mercer, officiating. Interment: All Saint’s Cemetery, Jefferson Township.