John David McWhorter

  John David McWhorter

Of Collier Twp, PA, age 80, passed away peacefully March 11, 2021 with his family by his side.  Born in McKeesport, PA September 18, 1940 and raised by his loving mother the late Olive Leckman McWhorter.  Survived by his beloved wife Suzanne McWhorter, son Robert McWhorter (Kim), daughter Jana Zang (Dave), step daughter Jennifer Fusco (Mike), step son Michael Hribik (Libby).  “Big”, “Pap”, “Grandpa” to grandchildren Dakota and Raelyn Zang, Hannah McWhorter, Steven Richardson, Aidan McCoy, Lilliana and Viven Fusco, and Eliot and Evelyn Hribik.  He is also survived by his former wife and friend Barb McWhorter, many friends he considered family, and several cousins.  He was a kind and patient person who deeply loved his children and grandchildren. He had a wonderful sense of humor even at the end.  John was a proud graduate of McKeesport High School Class of 1958.  He attended college at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Fort Hays Kansas State University where he played basketball and studied English literature.  He is a veteran of the United States Army and served during the Vietnam War as the company clerk in Ft Carson, Colorado.  He was a member of United Steelworkers Union and worked for US Steel Christy Park and Christy Park Industries where he had nearly every type of job in the mill and ended up working for the President in purchasing and customer relations.  He was a poet and was self-named The Poet of the Port.  Some of his sports poetry was read by Myron Cope on his radio show. He was an athlete and fitness minded his entire life.  He loved playing basketball, handball, golf, and bowling.  He loved all of the Pittsburgh sports teams and was a regular at the Steelers, Pirates, Penguins, and University of Pittsburgh basketball and football games.  He loved spending time with family and friends and had a gift for making people feel welcome.  Per his wishes cremation and service will be private.  Due to the pandemic, a Celebration of Life event will be scheduled later this year.  If desired, in lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the Boys and Girls Club, 33 Terminal Way, Suite 435A, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or a charity of your choosing.  The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Heartland Hospice and Asbury Heights Medical Center, Willow Unit for their excellent care and compassion.  “John, Big John, Pap, Grandpa, Big, we will miss you with all our hearts, may you rest in peace.” Arrangements by Ball Funeral Chapel, Inc.

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