John A. Polto (1934-2022)

John A. Polto, 87, of Hershey, passed away peacefully in his home on January 25, 2022. Born August 19, 1934 in Claymont, DE, he was the son of the late Anthony and Anna (Scamuffa) Polto. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Marie DiOttavio. John was a 1952 graduate of Coatesville Area High School, 1956 graduate of Ursinus College and went on to earn his Master's in Education from Temple University. He was employed at Central Chester County Vocational Technical School from 1978-1983 as the Painting & Decorating Instructor and was the Assistant Director and Vocational Administrative Director at Dauphin County Technical School from 1984-2001.

He was a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church; Knights of Columbus Coatesville Council-Grand Knight; Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Assembly Lebanon Deanery-Faithful Navigator; Areba Club Senior Citizen Ministry President over 17 years; PA Vocational Association, past President and Executive Director; and past President and Treasurer of PA Association of Special Needs Teachers Association. He received the Pennsylvania and National Outstanding Educator and the Pennsylvania and National Outstanding Vocational Director Awards. He also appeared before the House Education Committee to testify in support of Vocational Education. John enjoyed travel, reading and watching football.

John is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Janet (Fazzini) Polto; son, J. Damian Polto of Hershey; four daughters, Andrea Bennett (Steven) of Hershey, Therese Valente (Frank) of Gap, Janice Little (Jody) of San Antonio, TX, and Maria Martin (Paul) of Jacksonville, FL.; 9 grandchildren: Jamie (Dave), Jana, Joel (Amy), Daniel (Mindy), Anthony (Kristin), Frank, Nicole, Stephen and Jennifer (Sean); and 12 great grandchildren: Isabella, Giuliana, Caterina, Ariella, Alissandra, Giovanni, Nicholas, Joshua, Emily, Avery, Peyton and Olivia.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 31st at 11:00am in the St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church, 359 West Areba Avenue, Hershey. Viewing will be Sunday, January 30th from 4:00-6:00pm in the Hoover Funeral Home & Crematory in Hershey. Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 3:30pm. Interment will be private in the Hershey Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the DCTS Education Foundation, 6001 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17109.