John McKee Obituary

John C "Sonny" McKee Jr. , 81, of Burgettstown, passed away at home on Monday, May 9, 2022 after a lengthy illness. His loving and devoted son, J.C., by his side.

Born on December 14, 1940, to the late John C. McKee and the late Elizabeth Novak McKee. Sonny graduated from Union High School in 1950. He then graduated from Pittsburgh Barber School in 1958.

One of his best accomplishments was serving in the U.S. Navy. He was active in the Cuban Missile Crisis. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he worked for several companies including Climax Molybdenum and Crucible Steel.

Sonny was also the manager of Smith Township Municipal Water Authority, being responsible for the entire operation of the water purification plant.

Sonny was the owner and operator of Tia's restaurant in Burgettstown. He was always involved in the community, being past president of the Slovan VFD and past Commander and Quartermaster VFW and was elected for a four year term on the Burgettstown council.

One of the most rewarding positions he held was driving a school van for children with disabilities. Sonny was so deeply loved by his best friend and most devoted son, J.C. They spent every Christmas together, no matter how far apart they were. His stories and adventures were incredible and he loved to tell them. He was always working in his yard, cutting grass more often than it needed, or cutting down trees. He was always doing something.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Patricia Mckee Paris. He was a loving father to his sons, J. C. McKee, III, with whom he lived, his son Brennon Pyles (Jakaline, and son Damon Pyles); sisters, Bernadette Clouston of Florida, Trece Kovach (Gerry) of Oakdale, Anne Marie Dubich (Raymond) of Houston; brother, Timothy McKee of Wellsburg, W.Va.; nieces and nephews, Erin Dubich, Amy Dubich Stanley, Ryan Kovach, Monica Paris,Lisa Burris, Robert and Jeff Paris, Tim McKee Jr., Burley, Mary, Cathy, and Eddie Clouston. He will be missed by his cats Karen and Mia, and having a reunion with his Freddie and Jake.

The family is eternally grateful for the wonderful neighbors and caregivers and friends who selflessly gave their time to make sure that Sonny had the best care possible: Stacy, Joel and Erin, Kim, Christine, Patty, and Anne and Ray Dubich. To say thank you to those and everyone else that called, sent texts, visited, and kept us in thought! Thank you does not seem enough.

Gratitude and love go to Holly, R.N. from Family Hospice for relentlessly going over and above her call of duty, ensuring that Sonny had the best care and comfort in his last weeks.

To honor Sonny's wishes there will be no visitation. Private services will be held at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville at his family's convenience.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Lee & Martin Funeral Home, 73 Highland Avenue Burgettstown, PA 15021.

www.leeandmartinfuneral.com