Name: Jack Allen Ankney, Sr. Age: 82
Address: Blairsville, PA
Died: Thursday, September 21, 2017 at Latrobe, PA
Born: December 30, 1934 Blairsville, PA
Father: Burrell Ankney
Mother: Marion (Jack) Ankney
Church: First United Methodist Church, Blairsville, PA
Work, Clubs & Organizations: He was a former Latrobe Steel Employee. Jack graduated Blairsville High School in 1952. Jack was always proud of being from Blairsville. In his final years he would often talk about his dearest friends and fondest memories from the Third Ward School. Jack’s most loyal lifelong friend, Bud Davis, in fact has been Jack’s friend since his childhood in Blairsville. Another friend, Dan Hess, and Jack would often reflect on many Blairsville memories. Jack was happy to support the Blairsville Historical Society. Soon after graduating, he enlisted in United States Air Force and proudly served his country at the end of the Korean Conflict. Jack served at Sembach Air Force Base in Germany, and was most proud of ultimately being promoted to the rank Staff Sergeant and his service in the historic Strategic Air Command at Beale Air Force Base in Marysville, California. It was during his Air Force service that he met Paul Bobkoutski who’s friendship has meant a lot to Jack throughout the years. Jack was loved for his dry humor and sarcasm. Jack’s dear friend, George Burgess, confides that many pranks were hatched by Jack and himself at Latrobe Steel in their younger days. It has been noted by many that Jack could tell a story! He was a generous man with little means but made up for it with his thoughtful caring nature. He was quick to offer fruit from the Cokeville fruit stand to family and friends whenever he returned from a shopping trip. He also thought nothing of mailing a friend their favorite candy or a stick of pepperoni. Jack’s main hobby was woodworking, a craft he learned from his father. His home was filled with things he restored or crafted. Additionally, had a particular love for Jazz music and was an avid record collector. He got a kick out of watching Looney Tunes. He also enjoyed any and every old western. But mostly, Randolph Scott movies. He loved to share his movie and music interests with others and appreciated anyone who would take him up on his advice of which movies or music he recommended. Whatever Jack had he would happily give to others. Additionally, he was proud to be a lifelong donor to the Blairsville Methodist Church. Jack’s dignity is what is most fondly remembered by his children. He was gracious and respectful of others. Jack was a man of strong convictions and believed that right was right. He always paid his debts and helped others do so whenever he could. The family of Jack would like to thank his friends Marian Centrione, and Dorothy Malone and Jack’s neice, Crystal Kitner for their kindness and support during Jack’s final years. All of Jack’s neighbors, as well as the love Jack’s nieces and nephews showed him throughout the years, especially during holidays.
Survivors
Daughter – Dawn Flack & husband Ryan, Bear Rocks, PA
Daughter – Jacqueline Kisslinger & husband Eric, Mill Valley, CA
Son – Jack Ankney, Jr. & wife Shannon, Maui, HI
Son – Keith Ankney, Greensburg, PA
Grand Child – Tyler Orazio & wife Lauren
Grandchild- Levi Orazio
Grand Children – Elizabeth, Rebekah, Abigail & Tiras Ankney
Great Grand Child – Finley Orazio
Former wife- Elaine Gray Ankney
Preceded in death by:
Father – Burrell Ankney
Mother – Marion (Jack) Ankney
Sister – Sally Lou Dunlap
Sister – Lois Ann Gould
Grand Son – Derrik John Ankney
Visitation:
James F. Ferguson Funeral Home, Inc., Blairsville, PA on Sunday, September 24, 2017 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Funeral:
James F. Ferguson Funeral Home, Inc. on Monday, September 25, 2017 at 11:00 AM. Rev. Brett Dinger will officiate.
If so desired, memorial donations may be made to a human agency of one’s choice,
Interment: Blairsville Cemetery
Blairsville, Pennsylvania
