John Allen Mihaloew

John Allen Mihaloew, 91, of Economy Borough, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at his residence.

Born November 20, 1932, along with his twin brother James, in Cleveland, Ohio. Jack was the son of the late Michael and Rose DiNovo Mihaloew.

From 1982 to 2014, John A. Mihaloew, affectionately known to students as “Mr. M", loyally served as a teacher at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School. During his 32 years at OLSH he found himself with various teaching duties and responsibilities, lending his expertise and innovative approaches to each. The epitome of the term "lifelong learner", Mr. Mihaloew utilized not only his vast knowledge from past professional and educational experiences but implemented cutting-edge technology and ideas into his classroom.

Mr. M. came to OLSH after several distinguished careers. An early career found him as a Nuclear Weapons Officer in the United States Air Force stationed in the Far East. He also worked for NASA researching and developing the first noise reduction devices for aircrafts. Returning to the classroom, he added a Masters in Education and secondary certification in science to his previously attained degrees in engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. Mr. Mihaloew's expertise in curriculum from his time with the Falk School led him to design science and mathematics curriculums for Rand-McNally, Silver Burdett Book Company and the City of Pittsburgh Board of Education. His commitment to faith education was evident through his service to the Diocese of Pittsburgh as Director of Religious Education at St. Veronica Parish and teacher at Vincentian High School and Mt. Gallitzin Academy.

Since joining the OLSH family, Mr. M taught physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, and video & television courses. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he developed new courses in computer science and chemistry, designed the school's physics/chemistry and computer labs, served as computer coordinator, chaired the science and computer science departments, and began and developed the WCHR television/video studio. He was a member of OLSH's technology group, the Academic Council, and the Middle States strategic planning committee. He also has served as a soccer coach and sponsor of several group activities including fencing and archery.

In the ever-changing field of technology, Mr. Mihaloew continuously updated his curriculum, and kept his students on the cutting edge toward the end of his teaching tenure with his Gaming for Teens class, which taught students game theory and the basics of programming. His innovative instruction and demands for excellence inspired his students to pursue careers in physics, broadcast journalism, and computer science. In addition to his commitment to quality education, Jack served as an example to his students through his strong faith life. He is an active member of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Ambridge.

Mr. Mihaloew inspired his students for years, passing along an indelible legacy of lifelong learning to them. He stayed in touch with many of them into his retirement!

The John A. Mihaloew Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by OLSH alumni parents, who inspired alumni and other generous benefactors to give to the fund in honor of and respect for Mr. M. The winner of the scholarship was blessed by additional (annual) scholarship monies from Mr. M. himself.

Jack is survived by his twin brother, James R. Mihaloew; and several nieces and nephews, Christine, Andrea, Cynthia, Scott, Eric, and Hugh.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Mihaloew; and sister-in-law, Joellyn Cochenour.

Friends will be received Saturday from 6-8 PM and Sunday from 2-4 PM and 6 until the time off Parastas at 7 PM in the CORLESS-MATTER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, LLC 1133 Church Street, Ambridge. A funeral service will be held Monday at 10 AM at Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 450 Glenwood Dr, Ambridge, PA 15003. Rev. Father Marc Wisnosky will officiate.

Interment will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park where full military honors will be held.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jack’s name to the John A. Mihaloew Endowed Scholarship Fund at OLSH, 1504 Woodcrest Ave, Coraopolis, PA 15108, or St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 450 Glenwood Dr, Ambridge, PA 15003.

Online condolences may be shared at www.corlessmatterfuneralhome.com.