John R. Cecchine
Longtime Teamster was active in American Legion
John R. Cecchine, 82, of Marianna, died peacefully Monday, January 20, 2014, in his home, with his family by his side.
He was born March 27, 1931, in Ligonier, a son of the late Fred and Clara Petrarca Cecchine.
Mr. Cecchine was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War. He was honorably discharged December 5, 1953, with the rank of staff sergeant. For his service, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal and the U.N. Service Medal.
In 1996, he retired from Wetterau Corp., Belle Vernon, where he had been employed for 32 years. During his employment, he served as vice president, president and business agent for Teamsters Local 872, grievance committeeman, shop steward and also served on the negotiating committee for 18 years.
He was well-known as a bartender for Friendship Lounge, Richeyville, where he worked for more than 28 years and as a greeter at Sam’s Club in Washington for many years.
Always an active member of American Legion, Mr. Cecchine served as past commander of Hanson-Cole Post 391, Fredericktown; past commander of Hancock-McCune-Horne Post 705, Centerville; senior deputy commander for the 25th District; chairman of Keystone Boys State for the 25th District; vice chairman for Keystone Boys State Pennsylvania; and chaplain for Western Pennsylvania American Legion.
Mr. Cecchine always made his family and children a priority. He coached both his daughter’s and sons’ softball teams. Yard work and his pet pug, Toby, his faithful companion of 13 years, brought him much enjoyment.
Mr. Cecchine was a member of St. Oliver Plunkett Parish and Owls Club of Fredericktown.
On January 23, 1954, he married Laureen Cole, who survives. Their 60th-wedding anniversary would have been celebrated January 23.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a daughter, Paulette Bieneck (Paul) of Monessen; four sons, John A. Cecchine (Kim) of Canonsburg, Lawrence D. Cecchine (Pamela Freshwater) of Wellsburg, W.Va., David L. Cecchine (Rebecca) of Washington and Timothy P. Cecchine (Jamie) of Washington; four grandsons, Gary Bieneck, Tyler Cecchine, Vincent Cecchine and Michael Letham; two granddaughters, Amber Cecchine and Savannah Letham; two great-granddaughters, Gianna and Khamarii Bieneck; four brothers, Fred Cecchine (Jean) of Marianna, James Cecchine (Margie) of Belton, Texas, Robert Cecchine (Pat) of Olmstead Falls, Ohio, and Frank Cecchine of Eighty Four; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, are a son, Michael Cecchine, who died September 6, 1991, and a brother, Anthony Cecchine.
Friends will be received from 1 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, in John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, 2830 Main Street, Beallsville.
At the request of the family, funeral services and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Washington City Mission Inc., 84 West Wheeling Street, Washington, PA 15301, or Donnell House, in care of Hospice Care of Washington Hospital, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301. A guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.