john mcelwain
John J. “Jack” McElwain, Jr. of Weirton, a faithful husband, father, and grandfather passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2020, as a result of a recent fall. He was 90 years old. Jack was born in Wheeling, WV, on July 20, 1930, the firstborn child to John J. and Catherine Murphy McElwain, Sr. His family moved to Weirton in 1936, and Jack graduated from Steubenville Catholic High School in 1948. During his high school years, Jack worked at Pleasant Valley Country Club as a golf caddie After high school, Jack started working at Weirton Steel. He also managed Chestnut Bowl Bowling Alley in his younger years. In 1950 he answered the call to serve his country with the United States Marine Corps, where he served during the Korean War. After the war, he returned to Weirton and continued his employment with Weirton Steel until 1991 when he retired after 42 years as a diesel mechanic in the diesel shop. His marine corps values carried out throughout his life In 1958, while teaching Vera Blagaich how to bowl, he fell in love, and they were married in the Madonna High School Chapel on October 24, 1959. In their 60 years of marriage, they were blessed with three daughters and eight grandchildren. A man of high integrity, Jack was very passionate and loyal to his family. He was “Old School,” teaching his girls respect, discipline forgiveness, and love. He and his wife Vera worked hard to provide their daughters a catholic and college education. Jack had pride in everything he was involved with. It did not matter if it was the truck he drove at Weirton Steel or his personal cars. Jack took meticulous care of them. His home was always maintained, and his yard was always manicured. In his free time, Jack was an accomplished bowler and golfer. He bowled a 300 and a 297 game, and he golfed twice a week with his good friend, Jimmy Zerkle. A lifelong devout catholic, Jack was a huge Notre Dame fan; he loved watching his Fighting Irish play football and basketball. He and Vera nourished their faith every Saturday at the 4 PM Mass at Saint Joseph the Worker Church and prayed the rosary every night at home. Jack was a member of the Weirton Steel 25 Year Club and a former member of the Knights of Columbus. 3734 and the Saint Joseph the Worker Finance Committee, where he was instrumental in starting the annual church raffle. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his mother in law, Helen Vucic, and his beloved brother in law, John Vucic. He will be remembered with love and respect by his wife, Vera; his three daughters, Rita (Tim) Kelley, Maureen McElwain and Mary (Mark) Orsino; his brothers, Hugh (Ann), Jimmy, and Frank (Terri) McElwain; his grandchildren, Mackenzie Lee, Connor, and Kyleigh Sikora, T.J. Kelley, Tiffany (Clayton) Rico, Maggie, Bradley, and Daniel Orsino; Many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation will be Tuesday 4-8 PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home 3219 Main Street Weirton. Mass of Christian Burial will 11 AM Wednesday a Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, Weirton. Rev. Dennis R. Schuelkens, Jr., VE will preside. Entombment will follow at the Saint Paul’s Cemetery, with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church. Share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Our love and prayers are with Vera and the family. Jack was a good man not to be forgotten. Let your memories of him be his gift to all if you. Tony & Ruth Licata from North Myrtle Beach

  2. So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. I had the privilege of serving on parish committees and boards with him. He was always a devout member of St Joes parish. He will be remembered as a fine example of a Catholic man. Rest In Peace my friend.

  3. My sincere condolences to the entire family. May his soul Rest In Peace and May God be with all of you during this difficult time. ✝️🙏🏻

  4. Wonderful man. My mother, Eleanor Hudek, was a good friend of Jack and his wife. God rest his soul🙏 They all loved Notre Dame❤️🙏🍀

  5. Vera and family: I am so deeply sorry for your loss. What a good life you had sharing as a family. My prayers are with you all right now and may the good Lord help you heal.

  6. Sending our love and prayers to your family during this difficult time. Allison, Ashley, Katie, Laura Ashley, Lindsey, Megan, Melissa, Mollie, Whitney

  7. We Irish will miss this wonderful guy. Please remember us, Jack, while you are upstairs. Your legacy of your beautiful family will live on. God bless. Bill “B” and Jeanne Barrett

  8. We are here in Beaufort praying for you all. We are so sad you have lost your husband, father, grandfather! Uncle Jack, what a handsome, wonderful man! We love you all, God bless, Ann McElwain Feltner and Family

  9. to Vera and family: I will not be able to attend the visitation due to a previous commitment. Jack was a very kind gentleman. Please accept my condolences.

  10. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Domenic and Inez Family. Teresa (Starvaggi), Charlie, Concetta, Maria (Bethel) and Vince.

  11. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.

  12. Dear Vera, Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. Jack will be remembered in our hearts and minds.

  13. In honor of my brother Jack McElwain, He was a friend, a loving brother and will be greatly missed. One thing that I always remember about him is his authenticity and integrity. Whatever he did, he gave his best. I have fond memories of us working on the golf course and I always tried to imitate him and live up to the high standards he set. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love Tom

  14. Papoo was not my Grandpa, but I was lucky enough to borrow him a little while through Mackenzie. I adored him, I send my deepest condolences. Big love

  15. May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time, May you come to know that the love of God is with you always, May your memories of John J. McElwain, Jr., give you peace, comfort and strength… Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete. I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers to the family of …. US Marine Veteran, John J. McElwain, Jr., is “A True American Hero” God Bless† † Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †


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