Hartzell "John" Lancaster
January 4, 1960 ~ December 14, 2025
Born in:
Weirton, West Virginia
Resided in:
Weirton, West Virginia
Hartzell “John” Lancaster, 65, of Weirton, passed away suddenly on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
John was born on January 4, 1960, in Weirton, one of four children and the only son of the late Hartzell O. and Julia Bell (Mallas) Lancaster.
He was a 1978 graduate of Weir High School and immediately began what would become a remarkable 47-year career in the tire industry. John first worked with Weirton Bandag before opening his own business in 2006, JAAAG Tire. The name held special meaning, formed from the first initials of John, his wife, and their three daughters—a reflection of how deeply family was woven into every part of his life.
On June 28, 1986, John married the love of his life, Gloria Mraovich Lancaster. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and devotion, and John proudly embraced his role as the ultimate “girl dad.” Though he could appear tough to those who didn’t know him well, those closest to him knew John as a gentle teddy bear with a big heart. He was hardworking, honest, trustworthy, and deeply caring—a loving husband, a devoted father, and a proud “Papa” to his grandchildren. Family was everything to John, and he would do anything for those he loved.
John was a member of the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce and was always donating to the community. He sponsored many area sports teams and always helped others in need. He was also a passionate Pittsburgh Steelers fan and proudly told anyone who would listen that he bled black and gold.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Gloria Lancaster; his daughters, Ashleigh (Aaron) Gurskey, Amber (Jacob) Fischer, and Angel (Robert Jones) Lancaster; his grandchildren, Jordin and Jaxson Gurskey and Parker Belle Jones; and his sisters, Julia “Diane” Beynon, Cheryl Ivill, and Carmella Mae Lancaster.
Friends and relatives will be received on Wednesday from 1–3 PM and 5–7 PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton.
A funeral service will be held at 7 PM in the funeral home with Reverend Larry Barkley presiding.
Gloria, Ashleigh, Amber and Angel would like to thank all of John’s loyal customers who supported our family’s business through the years.
Memorial contributions in John’s memory may be made to Kelsey’s Christmas. Please make check payable to B.H.F.R.N in care of Andrews 15 Oak Ct Morgantown, WV 26505
Share tributes with John’s family at www.grecohertnick.com
Services
Visitation: December 17, 2025 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Greco Hertnick Funeral Home
3219 Main Street
Weirton, WV 26062
(304) 748-3219
www.grecohertnick.com
Visitation: December 17, 2025 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Greco Hertnick Funeral Home
3219 Main Street
Weirton, WV 26062
(304) 748-3219
www.grecohertnick.com
Funeral: December 17, 2025 7:00 pm
Greco Hertnick Funeral Home
3219 Main Street
Weirton, WV 26062
(304) 748-3219
www.grecohertnick.com
Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Hartzell "John" Lancaster 's name.
B.H.F.R.N. (Kelsey's Christmas)
15 Oak Court
Morgantown,
WV
26505
Gloria and girls, I am in shock with this heartbreaking news. I was just at the shop a couple days ago getting my tire fixed. John was a great business man. Been dealing with him for many years. He was so proud of you girls and those grandkids! May your special memories live on in your heart. RIP John gone to soon. ❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏
Our hearts go out to your family. John was a wonderful cousin who had a heart of Gold. We have many fond memories of our childhood times together. We are heartbroken over his passing. Praying for God to surround your family with his loving comforting arms during this difficult time. We love all of you.
Love and Prayers
Gloria ,Ashliegh, Amber and Angel So sorry for you loss. I am so upset ! I miss John already…. We was friends for over 50 years. I have no words described how we enjoyed having lunch or dinner when y’all vacation down here!
Prayers from Kim, Jessica, Amanda, grand kids and Me
Joe
No words. Just tears, heartache and all the love we have for all of you.
We love you – Debbie and Ray
Prayers for the family left behind at Christmas time. Jesus Christ is the GOD of the living and John just passed into a new life, a life eternal. It’s so sad to hear of his passing, may comfort come to the family knowing John was a good,hard working family man that cared for his family, friends, and everyone he came in contact with. May he rest in peace. Condolences to the family.
Carole and I Love John,He was definitely a Man of integrity. If you ever wanted to get John to talk just ask him about His Grandkids. Rest Easy John!
Gloria, Ashley and family. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. May god guide you during this most difficult time.
Gloria and family, our deepest sympathy and prayers during this difficult times. 🙏
We are so deeply sorry for your sudden loss. May God keep you in His loving care.
Jody and George Gerbo
We cannot express how sad we were to hear this horrible news. John has taken care of us and the boys forever. Having 4 cars I swear we were there 2x a month. Zak just saw him last Monday. He was always so nice to my kids and had the deepest love for his family. Every time we would talk about the girls and the grandkids his face would light up. We are really going to miss seeing him. May you all have gods strength to get through this tragic time. We will keep you all in our prayers.
The Wypasek’s (Mark, Cindy, Jake and Zak)
A good friend for many years and a good man, always. May his memory be a blessing.
Sorry to hear this. John was a great guy. Prayers to his family.
Rest easy Chooch !!!
So sorry for your lost. John is one of a kind soul. I always enjoyed talking with him. Prayers to you for comfort and guidance thru this hard time
Good man and work with him In the half moon and enjoyed working with him and he told me he wanted to open his own tire shop and he did that and stopped up there and got tired off him and would see him at Walmart and we would talk so sorry to hear about his passing r.ip my friend John and my prayers are with your family and friends too and your customers too they like u bud 🙏🙏🙏
Gloria and Family,
How So Very Sorry We are to Hear of John’s Passing! We’ve had So Many Fun and Exciting Dance Memories!! Our Deepest Condolences to You All!! 🙏🙏
I’m shocked at the passing of John. I stopped by the store to wish him a Merry Christmas and he shared the news about his newest grand child.He was so happy as was I. After exchanging our Grandpa stories and many tears we shook hands and wished each other happy Christmas wishes, not knowing it would be our last. I am so proud to have called him my friend. My condolences for your loss. Respectfully, Harry McFarland,Jr.
Gloria and family
I am truly sorry I know how much family meant to the both of you. May God be with all of you !
Gloria & Family, I’m so deeply saddened and sorry for you all. This town won’t be the same without Hartzell. May God rest his soul and give you peace and comfort🙏
Gloria and family, I’ve known John since we were kids. I’m Gomer’s sister. My heart and prayers are with you. John was a very special man.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ll never forget he had the best Halloween garage !!! Sending hugs and prayers for you all 🙏
Gloria and girls and family, I am so sorry to hear about John ,May God comfort you all in this shocking, incredibly hard time,love and prayers.
John really was a special man. He was a hardworking business man who was nothing but fair and honest. In our conversations, you understood how much his wife and girls meant to him. He also appeared to be very much a Christian and he was a good example to others. God Bless his family .
Hartzel & my son, Greg Little, grew up together. When he would see me he would always smile & say he grew up in my back yard! He was such a sweet guy. I was truly sad when I learned of his passing but he & my Greg are probably laughing & reminiscing in heaven. My thoughts &! Prayers are with the family.
I am truly sorry for your loss. May his memory be eternal.
Gloria & family,
I’m so deeply sorry to hear of John’s passing. Sending condolences and prayers. May God be with you all.
He was a great guy and will be missed .
My condolences,
Craig Cebula
Gloria and family. Was very sad and shocked to hear about John. 😢 I’ve known him forever we lived in the same neighborhood growing up. Thoughts and prayers.
To John’s family, you are in my prayers.
Our families have been part of each other’s lives since forever. My brother Gary was good friends with John’s dad. My mother was a long time friend with John’s mom.
Vanessa Butler
So sad. We lost a great guy. Met him as we were classmates and stayed in touch through his business. RIP my friend. God bless his family.
My sincere sympathy to Hartzell’s family.
May his memory be eternal.
I know he will be missed.♥️
Deepest sympathy to family.