John McCool Obituary: A Tribute to a Loving Husband, Father, and Friend

April 2024 · 6 minute read

John McCool was a man who touched many lives with his kindness, generosity, and humor. He was a devoted husband to Tracy McCool, a Fox 8 evening newscast anchor, and a proud father to Cassidy and Carter. He was also a loyal friend, a passionate sports fan, and a courageous fighter against colon cancer. He passed away on May 9, 2023, at the age of 74, surrounded by his family.

A Life Well Lived

John McCool was born in Grove City, Pennsylvania, on December 29, 1948, to John L. and Drusilla A. (Coffin) McCool Sr. He married Bonnie L. Arblaster on August 3, 1968. He was a 1966 graduate of Slippery Rock High School.

He worked as a machinist for Cooper Bessemer for 35 years until his retirement in 2004. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and watching sports, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Indians. He was also an avid reader and a history buff.

He was a member of the East Main Presbyterian Church in Grove City, where he served as an elder and a deacon. He was also involved in various community organizations, such as the Grove City Lions Club, the Grove City Historical Society, and the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie; his daughter Tracy (John) Cook of Akron; his son John (Jennifer) McCool of Grove City; his grandchildren Cassidy, Carter, Connor, and Colton; his sister Nancy (Jim) McElroy of Slippery Rock; his brother-in-law Bill (Sue) Arblaster of Grove City; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Judy McCool; and his brother-in-law Bob Arblaster.

 A Battle with Colon Cancer

John McCool was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2018, after experiencing some abdominal pain and weight loss. He underwent surgery to remove part of his colon and started chemotherapy soon after. He faced his illness with courage and optimism, never losing his sense of humor or his faith in God.

He shared his journey with the public through his wife’s social media posts and Fox 8 news segments. He also advocated for men to get tested for colon cancer early and regularly, as it can be prevented or treated if detected early.

He received an outpouring of support from his family, friends, colleagues, viewers, and strangers who were inspired by his story. He also received messages from celebrities such as Tom Hanks, Matthew McConaughey, Drew Carey, and Baker Mayfield.

He fought hard for five years, but eventually the cancer spread to other organs and became terminal. He spent his last days at home with his loved ones by his side. He passed away peacefully on May 9, 2023.

A Legacy of Love

John McCool left behind a legacy of love that will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He was a loving husband who supported his wife’s career and celebrated her achievements. He was a proud father who raised two successful children and enjoyed spending time with them. He was a doting grandfather who adored his four grandchildren and spoiled them with gifts and treats. He was a loyal friend who always had a smile and a joke for everyone. He was a generous man who gave back to his community and helped those in need.

He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, humor, courage, faith, and love. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

According to Legacy.com, a memorial service for John McCool will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the East Main Presbyterian Church in Grove City. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the East Main Presbyterian Church in John’s memory.

 John McCool Obituary: A Tribute to a Loving Husband, Father, and Friend

John McCool was a man who touched many lives with his kindness, generosity, and humor. He was a devoted husband to Tracy McCool, a Fox 8 evening newscast anchor, and a proud father to Cassidy and Carter. He was also a loyal friend, a passionate sports fan, and a courageous fighter against colon cancer. He passed away on May 9, 2023, at the age of 74, surrounded by his family.

A Life Well Lived

John McCool was born in Grove City, Pennsylvania, on December 29, 1948, to John L. and Drusilla A. (Coffin) McCool Sr. He married Bonnie L. Arblaster on August 3, 1968. He was a 1966 graduate of Slippery Rock High School.

He worked as a machinist for Cooper Bessemer for 35 years until his retirement in 2004. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and watching sports, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Indians. He was also an avid reader and a history buff.

He was a member of the East Main Presbyterian Church in Grove City, where he served as an elder and a deacon. He was also involved in various community organizations, such as the Grove City Lions Club, the Grove City Historical Society, and the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie; his daughter Tracy (John) Cook of Akron; his son John (Jennifer) McCool of Grove City; his grandchildren Cassidy, Carter, Connor, and Colton; his sister Nancy (Jim) McElroy of Slippery Rock; his brother-in-law Bill (Sue) Arblaster of Grove City; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Judy McCool; and his brother-in-law Bob Arblaster.

 A Battle with Colon Cancer

John McCool was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2018, after experiencing some abdominal pain and weight loss. He underwent surgery to remove part of his colon and started chemotherapy soon after. He faced his illness with courage and optimism, never losing his sense of humor or his faith in God.

He shared his journey with the public through his wife’s social media posts and Fox 8 news segments. He also advocated for men to get tested for colon cancer early and regularly, as it can be prevented or treated if detected early.

He received an outpouring of support from his family, friends, colleagues, viewers, and strangers who were inspired by his story. He also received messages from celebrities such as Tom Hanks, Matthew McConaughey, Drew Carey, and Baker Mayfield.

He fought hard for five years, but eventually the cancer spread to other organs and became terminal. He spent his last days at home with his loved ones by his side. He passed away peacefully on May 9, 2023.

A Legacy of Love

John McCool left behind a legacy of love that will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He was a loving husband who supported his wife’s career and celebrated her achievements. He was a proud father who raised two successful children and enjoyed spending time with them. He was a doting grandfather who adored his four grandchildren and spoiled them with gifts and treats. He was a loyal friend who always had a smile and a joke for everyone. He was a generous man who gave back to his community and helped those in need.

He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, humor, courage, faith, and love. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

According to Legacy.com, a memorial service for John McCool will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the East Main Presbyterian Church in Grove City. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the East Main Presbyterian Church in John’s memory.

ncG1vNJzZmikmZh6rrHRnJ%2BapqRjsLC5jpuss7Jfn7ypuoymmpynn6F6sK7Irayaqqlirm7A0aKZrqyVYsGwecBmo6iumaO0brTUrJmappRis6LAx56pZpmemXqnvsiepZ1n