Wesley McKinney, 97, of Sharon, passed away Wednesday morning, January 15, 2025, in St. John XXIII Home, Hermitage.

Mr. McKinney was born on December 6, 1927, in Pittsburgh, PA, a son of the late Ernest McKinney and Sidney (Porter) McKinney. Due to World War II, he graduated early to serve his country in the U.S. Navy, as a landing craft operator.

Upon his honorable discharge, Wesley returned to Chicora, PA, where he took a position at the former Fritz Moon Tube Company. He also served as the Mayor and Justice of Peace in Chicora. Eventually, Fritz Moon was purchased by Sharon Tube, where he worked as a sales representative until he retired. While working, he was a member of the local Kiwanis

Wesley was a longtime member of St. Joseph's Church, Sharon, where he volunteered at the food pantry.

An avid golfer, he was a member of the former Sharon Country Club, and competed in the St. John XXIII Home golf tournament, since the year it began. Wesley also liked to play Gin Rummy and was proud to earn his private pilot's license.

His wife of 74 years, the former Alice Garber, whom he married on February 7, 1948, passed away on August 28, 2022. Happily married, they were great role models for their family. They enjoyed their family and traveled to many locations including spending many winters in South Padre Island, TX.

Wesley will be remembered for being independent and having a strong work ethic. He was also a good friend and was known by many throughout the Shenango Valley.

He is survived by six children, Steven McKinney (Sherry), of Sacramento, CA, Leslie McKinney Norko (Alex), of Centreville, VA, Jeffrey McKinney (Lili), of Philadelphia, PA, Bill McKinney (Jan), of Sharon, John McKinney (Sheila), of Harrisonburg, VA, and Patrick McKinney (Jessica), of Orlando, FL; 16 grandchildren, Scott McKinney, Stephanie McKinney, Charlie Norko, Marissa Norko Connor, Megan McKinney Rose, Patrick McKinney, Christian McKinney, Breanne McKinney Stephan, Caitlin McKinney Gavin, Kelly McKinney Roeschley, Kevin McKinney, Anna McKinney, Julie McKinney, Sean McKinney, Ryan McKinney and Molly McKinney; 13 great-grandchildren, Aiden, Addison and Madden McKinney, Juliette, Camile and Wesley Connor; Maren McKinney, Maximus and Ziggy Rose, Cassandra and Nathaniel Stephan, Lenora McKinney and Eloise Gavin.

In addition to his parents and wife, Wesley was preceded in death by two sisters, Edith Phelps and Carol Porter; and a brother, Larry McKinney.

The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to either; St. Joseph's Church, 79 Case Ave., Sharon, PA 16146; St. John XXIII Home, 2250 Shenango Valley Fwy., Hermitage, PA 16148; or the Shenango Valley Senior Community Center, 220 North Buhl Farm Dr., Hermitage, PA 16148.

Calling hour will be 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday (01/25/2025) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St., Sharon.

Military honors will follow in the funeral home.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, in St. Joseph's Church, with Rev. James Power, pastor, as celebrant.

Interment in May: Hemphill Cemetery, Chicora, PA.