John B. Gummo, 64, Port Matilda, formerly of Tyrone, died Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017.

He was born in Philipsburg, son of the late Robert LeRoy and Amber Francis Way Gummo.

Surviving are his loving wife, Sandra Cothron Gummo; two sons: Scott Robert (Caroline) Gummo of Tyrone and Benjamin Roy Gummo of State College; a brother, Barry Gummo of Port Matilda; a sister, Karen Lynn of Hollidaysburg; two grandchildren, who he adored: Maverick John and Kingston David Gummo; and three stepchildren: Ashley, Kristin Nicole and Thomas Sims, all of Tampa, Fla.

He was a 1971 graduate of Tyrone Area High School, where he excelled in both academics and athletics. He went on to play baseball for Penn State and received his bachelor's of science degree in May, 1975. He excelled in baseball, but unfortunately injuries caused him to cut his playing short. In 1985, at age 32, he started a retail clothing and merchandise business, The Family Clothesline, in a small basement in downtown State College. The store has since grown to be the largest Penn State retail store in State College.

John enjoyed his noontime basketball games with his close friends at the IM building. He loved baseball, and managed and played for the Rays in the Centre Sluggers baseball league in State College. He was heavily involved in many communities and always put his children at the forefront. He enjoyed attending all of their games and ceremonies and through love and a well-developed work ethic, raised them to be great men of whom he was very proud. He was an avid sportsman and outdoorsman who traveled the world with his close hunting family. He was also a wonderful story teller and worked in, "To make a long story short," whenever he could. His quick wit and lightheartedness kept the many outings with his friends and family humorous and enjoyable. He also enjoyed spending time with his dog, Buddy, with whom he is now reunited.

Everyone who knew John loved and respected him. He was a man with an enormous heart and a humble demeanor. He kept in mind where he came from and was always willing to give back to his hometown area. Whether it was building a baseball field for the Bald Eagle Teener League, or donating back in many ways to the local sports teams and charities, much of what he did went unacknowledged. He didn't want praise and recognition; he simply wanted to help out.

John believed that one should always pay it forward, not pay it back, and that the right thing should always be done no matter the cost. He did not believe in cutting corners, and instilled in his family as well as his employees that if you do something right the first time, you won't have to worry about going back and fixing it later. Life is 10% what happens and 90% of how one reacts to it.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 1650 Clay Ave. Tyrone. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, 2017, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to a scholarship set up in John's name at www.youcaring.com. To make a donation, search the site for "John Gummo Memorial."

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