John A. Kestner
Avid golfer served in Army
John A. “Jake” Kestner, 66, of North Franklin Township, died Monday, August 26, 2013, in his home, after a lengthy illness.
He was born December 23, 1946, in Washington, a son of the late Charles and Irene Phillips Kestner.
Mr. Kestner was a 1965 graduate of Washington High School, where he was an avid football player and played semi-professional football for the Washington Generals. He attended Iowa State University.
He was employed as a melt shop foreman for Washington Steel and was vice president of the union at Washington Steel, until his retirement.
Mr. Kestner was an avid golfer and was very active and athletic, attending the Wellness Center faithfully. He was called “The Gardener” at Greenhill Drive, by his neighbors and friends. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and nature and was an avid outdoorsman.
He was a member of Greene County Country Club and was also on its board. He was also a member of BPOE Elks Lodge 776 and American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175.
He served in the U.S. Army, doing two tours in Vietnam with the Special Forces and Army Rangers. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal.
On August 28, 1971, he married Toni K. Cecil in St. Hilary Roman Catholic Church, Washington, and enjoyed 42 years of marriage.
Also surviving are two daughters, Chalise Kestner (Andrew Kirby) and Ashley Kestner of Washington; a sister, Judy (Joe) Sopcak of Washington; two grandchildren, Ashlyn and Alivia Kirby; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a brother, Robert Kestner, and two sisters, Lois Kestner (died at age three) and Anita Reihner.
Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m Friday in Warco-Falvo Funeral Home Inc., Wilson at East Katherine avenues, Washington, S. Timothy Warco, supervisor/director, Susan Falvo Warco, director, S. Timothy Warco II, director, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 31, with the Rev. Susan Petritis officiating. Interment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to Central Blood Bank of Washington, 124 West Chestnut Street, Washington, PA 15301, or American Cancer Society, 331 South Main Street, Washington, PA 15301. Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com.