Obituary of John Arthur McAnallen
Smethport - John Arthur McAnallen, 94, Smethport, PA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (August 31, 2022) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport surrounded by his family.
He was born November 30, 1927, in Bradford, PA, the son of Frank and Ethel Graham McAnallen. On December 26, 1951, in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, Smethport, he married Patricia Faye Smith, who survives. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
Mr. McAnallen was a 1945 graduate of Smethport High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1948, when he was wounded on May 6, 1947.
He was an electrician and driver for Quaker State Oil Refinery/Sterling Oil where he was a Teamster Union Member and Steward, retiring in 1989.
He was an active member of the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish as an usher and Holy Name Society treasurer.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Carolyn Kay James of Smethport, PA, Sandra Lee (Terry) Morris of Martin, Georgia, Mary Beth (Robert) Bidlack of Sayre, PA, and Polly Marie (Ronald) Fiegl of Chambersburg, PA.; three sons, David Bruce McAnallen of Pittsburgh, PA, Phillip Stephen (Nancy) McAnallen of Lake Helen, Florida, Charles McAnallen of Littleton, Colorado.
9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren
One brother: Joseph McAnallen of Arizona.
And several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters and three brothers.
Mr. McAnallen was a faithful servant of God in a life of service to family, community, and those in need. He was well known for his acts of service and inspiration to many. He often volunteered his time at the Smethport Food Bank or by transporting friends to appointments and church.
He took care of the neighborhood and assisted those in need or less fortunate. He often took care of many of the widows in the neighborhood, “often to his wife’s dismay,” when things needed tended to at home. Many days in the winter you would see him clearing the snow from his neighbors’ walkways or St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish.
He continuously gave of himself and felt greatly rewarded seeing the fruition of his spirit. Even in his last days, he was more concerned about others than himself. He was an instrument of calm presence, wit and humor, and also well-known for his colorful catchphrases.
He loved dancing, walking, woodworking, and especially boxing.
If you knew Jack, you knew the most important thing besides his family, was his love of sweets. Local restaurants new his favorites. Thanksgiving dinner consisted of a glance at the turkey and devouring three quarters of a pie.
A memorial mass will be held October 15, 2022, at 10AM in St. Elizabeth Church, Smethport with a luncheon and Celebration of Life to follow. Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion; Bucktail Post #138 of Smethport.
Memorials may be made to St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish Building Fund or Smethport Food Bank. Please feel free to share your memories at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.