John Dominic Filarey

John Filarey

Junction, Utah

John "Johnny Utah" Filarey, 93, passed away on October 31, 2018, at his home in Junction surrounded by his beloved wife, four children and two of his three grandchildren. Johnny was born June 28, 1925 in Bay City, Michigan, the second of four children and his sister Barbara Stryker continues to reside in Michigan.

At the young age of 17, Johnny enlisted with the required permission of his mother in the United States Navy onboard the U.S.S. Owens as a medic, proudly serving his country during WWII. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, he returned to Michigan and married his childhood sweetheart, Bernice Karasinski on July 5, 1948, and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary earlier this year. They have four children, Janis Perdew, Renee Leach, Candace Brody and Race Filarey.

Always adventurous, Johnny and Bernice moved their young family to California in 1960. He guided them into adulthood and later having families of their own during which time his three grandchildren, Renee Dusatko and Jason and Sarah Filarey were born. "Gpa" doted on his grandchildren and never missed a little league or soccer game during his frequent visits to California.

Johnny and Bernice made another adventurous move to Junction in 1980. The beautiful state of Utah, its clean air and ever changing weather introduced them to a new and different lifestyle. An avid fisherman, Johnny could always been found at one of the local fishing spots during the summer months. The rest of the time he could be found hunting in the mountains or in his treasured shed working on projects for his children and grandchildren and could build anything from a birdhouse to custom cabinets. He will be remembered as a gentleman - unselfish, generous, well liked and made a positive impression on everyone he met.

Services were held at St.Gertrude’s Catholic Church on Sunday, November 4, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com