John Fetchkan

John “Jack” “Bud” G. Fetchkan, 83, of Finleyville, passed away at his home of 52 years with his family by his side on January 21, 2025. He was welcomed into Heaven by his loving wife of nearly 46 years, Eileen.

He was born in Homestead to John and Mary (Homza) Fetchkan, who joined Eileen in welcoming him to Heaven, along with his sister, Joanne Saffo, and other loved family members.

 His memory will be cherished by his three children, Laura Turek, of Elizabeth, and her partner, Dan Leach; John G. II, of Newville, PA, and his wife, Karen; and Rene, of Johnstown, and her wife, Trish Corle. Pap was adored by his four grandchildren, Brock and Nathan Fetchkan, Sarah Turek McDevitt (David), and Donnie Turek. He was also loved by many extended family members, including sister Judi Andrejcak, of Naples, FL, and sister-in-law Lorraine Wargo (Jack), of Leesburg, Va., nieces, nephews and other in-laws.

 He had retired from Peters Township School District after nearly 39 years of service as a school counselor at the middle school level. At Peters, he also served as a winning middle school football coach for over 20 years, priding himself on recruiting and including students with all backgrounds, ability levels, including students with disabilities. John’s family were members of St. Francis of Assisi parish. He played four sports in both high school and college (Mansfield U), where he truly excelled in baseball and was part of conference championship winning teams. He was part of community league teams in Hazlewood and Duquesne and was part of the 1959 Prep League World Series national championship team. His skills won him tryouts and offers with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago White Sox, which he declined to pursue higher education, including his M.Ed. from St. Bonaventur University. He enjoyed hunting with his father and son, cabin trips with his grandsons and others, coaching his son in Union-Finley and Monongahela baseball leagues, and being a member of the Canonsburg Sportsman Club for many years. He taught his daughters to throw a softball full overhand, and his son multiple pitches and how to throw a tight spiral. He will be remembered for his devoted and strong family values, financial savvy, support for the activities of his grandchildren, love of nature walks with his children and grandkids, and loves of Westerns and all things Pittsburgh sports.

Visitors will be received from 10-12noon Saturday January 25 at KEGEL FUNERAL HOME INC., David P. Kegel, Supervisor, 3560 Washington Ave., Finleyville. A blessing service will be held at the funeral home at 12 noon following visitation. Interment will be in Jefferson Memorial Park, Pleasant Hills.

 If desired, as Bud only liked garden plants and not flowers, tribute contributions can be made to: Union-Finley Area Athletic Association, 4454 Finleyville-Elrama Road, Finleyville, PA 15332, or UPMC Children’s Hospital, Tribute Giving, online at https://www.givetochildrens.org/ways-to-give/ , or by mail at 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224.

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