John Thomas Walizer Jr., 75, affectionately known as “Hollywood”, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2026. Born in Milesburg, PA. John was the son of the late John and Leah (Lucas) Walizer and the loving husband of Karen (Green) Walizer with whom he shared 52 beautiful years of marriage.
John will be dearly missed by his children, Seth Walizer and wife Laura of Fleetwood, Michael Walizer and wife Natasha of Hershey, and Robby Walizer and wife Katie of Ambler. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Max and Charlie Walizer, sons of Michael and Kate, Maddie, and Emma Walizer daughters of Seth, and his brother, Curtis Walizer and wife Becky.
He graduated from Bellefonte High School in 1969 and went on to become a State Farm Insurance Agent for fifty years building a distinguished career where he was honored with State Farm’s Chairman’s Circle, Ambassador Club, Crystal Excellence and National Convention Honors.
John was deeply devoted to Penn State University where he generously gave his time, leadership, and fundraising efforts to building the Bryce Jordan Center, the Penn State Renaissance Fund Honor Selection Committee and the Renaissance Fund Dinner Planning Committee. John also served on the Centre County United Way and as a board member of the Central PA Festival of the Arts. In 2025, John celebrated 50 years of membership to the Bellefonte Lodge No. 268.
John was an active and dedicated member of Centre Hills Country Club where he served two terms as President and seven terms as Vice President. His leadership reflected his enthusiasm for bringing people together and his love for golf.
Golf was more than a pastime to John, it was where he made some of his favorite memories with his sons and best friends. His love for the game took him to many wonderful places like Scotland, but none were as special as Pinehurst, NC, where he and Karen had a second home. Equally special, were the family’s summer vacations to Avalon, NJ where all of the grandchildren loved sitting on the front porch listening to Papa John’s stories and jokes.
At the center of John’s life was his beloved wife of 52 years, Karen Elizabeth Walizer. They were partners in life, celebrating accomplishments, raising their family, and building a lifetime of cherished memories together. It was rare to ever see John without Karen by his side.
His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew John. His life measured not by years or accomplishments, but by the people he loved, the friendships he cherished, and the difference he made in the lives of others just by being our “John” our “Dad”, “Hollywood”, our “Papa”.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 21st between 2-4 pm and 6-8pm at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College.
A private burial to be held on Thursday, October 22 at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for all donations be made in John’s memory to the Penn State Renaissance Scholarship Fund/ John T. Walizer and Karen E. Walizer Renaissance Scholarship, 329 Innovation Blvd., Suite 210 State College, PA 16803.
Koch Funeral Home is honored to assist the Walizer family. Condolences may also be expressed at kochfuneralhome.com.