john porec
On Thurday, October 26, 2017, John Porec, 94, played his last number, drank his last beer, and told his last story. John‘s life was a success due to his connections with his coaches, friends, and family. Coach Carl Hamill played an integral part of his success. Coach Hamill’s high expectations and no excuses policy helped John excel in the classroom, sports, and life. His mentorship made the difference in John’s life as a father, employee, and friend. John was always grateful to Coach Hamill for taking him under his wing. Born January 19, 1923, in Masury, OH, John was a son of the late Anna Capan Porec and Peter Porec. He was the fourth of eight children. He was also preceded in death by his wife Jeanne Brumley Porec; brothers Frank Porec, Pete Porec and Louis Yakunich; sisters Katherine Porec Matask, Mildred Yakunich Danford and Mary Ann Yakunich Bolen. John was a proud member of the Weir High Class of 1940. He greatly enjoyed attending their reunions and seeing his many friends. Following graduation, John worked at Weirton Steel’s Power Plant and as an office boy. John worked in the Sheet Mill as a member of the Production Planning Department, Foreman, and a General Foreman. While working at Weirton Steel John benefitted from the guidance of two men he highly respected, Benny Jones and John Village. Both men took time to help John reach his potential. He completed his 42 year career with Weirton Steel as the head of shipping in the Strip Steel. Mr. Porec was a United States Army Veteran who proudly served in World War II. Along with his friend, Tiegi Cwiczynski, he was stationed in Iceland where he and Tiegi tried out and made the Army basketball team. The team traveled to England, Scotland, and Ireland where they played exhibition games for the troops. They traveled across the North Atlantic Ocean eight times. The team luckily avoided any German submarines during those crossings. Near the end of his service in the Army he met the love of his life, Jeanne Brumley, on a blind date in Chattanooga, Tennessee. They married four months later and were to celebrate 60 years of marriage when Jeanne sadly passed away. Mr. Porec was a member of the Weirton Steel 25 Year Club and lifetime member of the American Legion. He was the President of the Savages Athletic Organization which began as a sports club when he was a young boy. Many boys from Weirton joined the “Savages” to play sports, go camping, and hang out together. The Savages maintained their friendships throughout the years. They always saved the last Saturday in August for their annual picnic and lamb roast held at John’s farm. John’s lifelong friend, Aurdis “Fatz” Fazi, always helped with preparing and cleaning up for the event. John and Fatz ‘s have been friends for close to 90 years. He is survived by his daughter Elizabeth Ann Ferber and son-in-law Michael Ferber of Houston, TX, his son Dr. John Paul Porec and daughter-in-law Karen Porec of Olympia, WA, and his daughter Carol Jeanne Kahler and Cmd. (Ret.) Robert Kahler of Blacksburg, VA. He is also survived by his granddaughters Michelle Ferber Nelson of New Orleans, LA, and Alexandra Louise Ferber of Houston, TX and sister Margaret “Babe” Yakunich Robinson of Colliers, WV. Visitation will be held Thursday night from 6-8 pm and Friday from 10am until the 11am service at Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton. All family and friends are invited to attend. Burial will follow at Chestnut Ridge Cemetery, Florence, PA. The family would like to thank Vera Pardasie for her never-ending dedication to assist our father. Thanks to the staff of Heritage Hall of Blacksburg, Virginia for their patience and care throughout his stay. Special regards go out to neighbors Jim Pratt and John Anderson both of Swearingen Hill. Thank you for your time, hard work, and friendship over the years. Share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com

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  1. My condolences to John’s family. Great memories of working under John’s supervision in the Strip Steel. We had a great crew of guys. He was lots of fun to be around. May he Rest In Peace.

  2. Wonderful memories at the Porec farm. Mr & Mrs Porec were always very kind.
    Ann, John Paul and Carol,
    You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
    GOD BLESS – Larry Moore

  3. pam and I would like to extend our condolescences to john’s family I went to school with ann will keep the family in our thoughts and prayers pam and cliff minger sr
    I also worked under john in the sheet mill

  4. My Dad Adolph “Sam” “Todsie” Colesante and John were “Savages” and shared a long history! I remember going to your family farm when our daughter Cara was only one year old, in 1973. We have a picture of her on a horse! I also recall how my Dad looked forward to the annual get togethers, when they would relive those “glory years” of playing ball, and just being lifetime friends. I expect even now
    they are gathering together, happily discussing all that’s happened since the last meeting at the Porec
    Place.

    God’s peace be with you.

    Elane Colesante Renzelli

  5. Ann, John Paul and Carol, we are so sorry to hear about your Dad (Uncle John). I always enjoyed any visits to the farm and visiting with your dad and mom, I have many fond memories visiting with Uncle John from my childhood and into adulthood, he was always a great brother to my dad. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Paul & Holly Yakunich

  6. Dear Carol and the Porec family, I was so sorry to read about the passing of your dad. Your dad was one of those men who truly loved your mom . I would always look forward to their visits ,stories and back and forth banter when I cut their hair. They were a hoot!!! It was indeed an honor and pleasure knowing them both! God bless you and your family……Cathy and Jack Arango

  7. DEAR ANN, JOHN PAUL, CAROL, AND FAMILIES, SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOUR FATHER . SORRY WE WERE UNABLE TO ATTEND SERVICES AS WE JUST ARRIVED HOME FROM THE VA HOSPITAL IN PITTSBURG PA. AT 7 PM. 7 ARE AT PEACE IN HEAVEN TOGETHER ,LEAVING ONLY AUNT “BABE” WHO IS NOT DOING WELL.SHERRY AND I WISH YOU OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND LOVE. GOD BLESS YOU ALL YOUR IN OUR PRAYERS. LOVE COUSINS ,FRANKIE AND SHERRY PO BOX 2405 WEIRTON WV 26062

  8. Carol and family,
    I am so sorry for your loss, and I know how much your dad was loved. He always made me smile. He certainly had a life well lived.
    Colleen Griffin White

  9. Dear Ann, John Paul & Carol,
    Sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. My Mom & your Dad we’re not only classmates, but neighbors for most of their lives. I remember both your Dad & Mom as smiling, loving, truly nice people. Thoughts & prayers are with you. Rhonda Hill Long

  10. Dear Carol, Ann and John Paul. I just watched the video and was so moved by all the memories I have of your father and mom. I can hear is voice as he would say “Hey Tani” as I would walk in the door. He always knew Carol and i were getting into trouble. My sister and I drove down your lane in June just to feel the love and warmth that your parents always gave to everyone. My grandparents loved your parents and are with them now. Your Dad enjoying a beer . Your mom saying “Mary lets get out of here,” and saying “oh Johnny stop that.” I was a wonderful man and loved you all so much. Please know how much he gave to me and how thankful I will always be. Love Tanya Lopez

  11. Dear John Paul and Family,
    Please accept my deepest and most sincere sympathy on your Dad’s passing. I am sorry I
    could not attend the visitation. My husband is in the hospital and I spend most days there.
    May God bless all of you.

    Gloria Pete Suchko


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