Cover photo for Donald Chearney's Obituary
Donald Chearney Profile Photo
1943 Donald 2017

Donald Chearney

October 26, 1943 — March 27, 2017

Donald James Chearney, 73 of Connellsville (Upper Tyrone Township), passed away Monday, March 27, 2017 at his home after suffering a long battle with lung disease.  He was born October 26, 1943 in Acme a son of the late Lawrence Beacom Chearney who passed away May 30, 2014 and Florence (Keefer) Chearney who passed away February 13, 2005 .

He was a member of the El Bethel Church of God and attended Wesley United Methodist Church, Dunbar.  He attended Connellsville area schools, graduating in 1961.  He also graduated from Vale Tech Diesel School and West Virginia Career Institute with a diploma in computer technology.  He joined the US Army Reserves in November 1960 serving with the 79th Infantry Division with whom he was activated during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 and later with the 429th Engineer Battalion.  He was employed as a ladle crane operator with 40 years’ experience in the steel industry.  He worked for LTV steel Cleveland, OH, Mackintosh-Hemphill, Pittsburgh and after the downsizing of the industry in the 1980’s worked for Shenango, GRD Steel, US Steel, Bethlehem Steel and Allegheny Ludlum Steel, Houston Plant.  He enjoyed hunting, camping and traveling with his wife. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially this two little buddies, Jakey and AJ.  He also found time for automotive repair and sports having played softball in the church, tavern and industrial leagues.

Don is survived by his devoted wife Betty Jane (King) Chearney whom he loved dearly, their children of whom he was very proud, Debbie and Donnie Neighbors of Connellsville; Charles and Cindy Whetsel of Chaplin, SC; Mark and Stacy Whetsel of White; Kimberly Hall of West Newton; Raymond and Karen Oldland of Guyton, GA; 17 grandchildren, Justin Whetsel and companion Jennifer Santorella, Ben Dillon and companion Lauren Marchewka, Felicia and Mike Hart, Missy and Zack Livingston, CJ Whetsel, Joey and Brandi Whetsel, Cassie Whetsel, Katrina Whetsel, Adam Hall, Cory Hall, Amanda Sebek, Raymond Oldland, Brooke Oldland, Shannon Wintershalter, Dustin Wintershalter, Morgan Koblick and Chris Koblick; 13 great grandchildren, a sister, Mrs. Willard (Virginia) White of Lycippus and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are being received by Don’s family on Thursday from 2-4 & 6-8 pm in GRAFT-JACQUILLARD FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, INC. 303 Pittsburgh Street, Scottdale where additional visitation will take place on Friday from 10 until the time of his funeral service at 11 am with Rev. Douglas Johnson and Rev. Lee Maley co-officiating.  Interment will follow in the Keslar Cemetery


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