John Richard McCoy

It is with profound sadness that the family of John Richard McCoy, 87, of Seneca, PA, announces his passing.  After an extended illness spent at home, John returned to his heavenly home on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.   

Born in Armstrong Memorial Hospital in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, John was raised in Templeton and graduated from Kittanning High School in 1949. He received his BA in English with a Social Studies minor from Clarion University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Indiana University of PA.   He worked as a high school English and Literature teacher for 38 years at Franklin High School. He also served in the Army from 1952-1955 during the Korean War. John was a longtime Sunday School teacher at the Oil City Alliance Church and the Franklin First Baptist Church.

A loving and devoted husband, he is survived by his wife, Connie. They were married 67 years. After his retirement, John and Connie enjoyed travels to visit New England and spent many winters in Fort Walton Beach, Florida and Myrtle Beach Beach, SC. He was a beloved father to his son Michael (Valinda), daughters Susan Piel (Robert), Elizabeth Buckholtz, and Michele Murren (John). John will be fondly remembered by his 10 grandchildren, Clint McCoy (Terra), Aaron McCoy (Kelsey), Jocelyn Miller (Nathan), Corey Piel (Kaitlynn), Sarah Buckholtz, Jacob Buckholtz, Benjamin Buckholtz (Jessica), Silas Murren, Alaina Murren and Sullivan Murren, and his seven great-grand children Riley McCoy, Kinley McCoy, Ellis, Owen and Callan Miller, Anderson Piel, and Brice Buckholtz. He is also survived by his sisters Karen Zovko, Robin Colosimo, Debbie Webb, his sister-in-law Barbara Gay Patton and nieces Stacey Patton and Dina Patton. He was preceded in death by a sister Janice Fontana and a brother Bob Oglesby.

The family has been so blessed by and wish to acknowledge the compassion, professionalism and devotion of our AseraCare and home health care family and Dr. Keith Wolfe. Our thanks also to the Seneca Volunteer Fire Department and Community Ambulance Service who assisted with lifts, transports and other help during Dad’s care.  Thank you all for making it possible for Dad to remain in the comfort of his own home.

 A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the Franklin Alliance Church, 1200 Otter Street, Franklin, with Pastor Jon Martin officiating.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to AseraCare Hospice, 12664 Route 19S, Waterford, PA, 16441 or the Seneca Volunteer Fire Department, 3494 PA-257, Seneca, PA  16346.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hile-Best Funeral Home in Seneca.  Online condolences may be submitted to the family online by visiting www.hilebest.com 

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