It is with great sadness but also rejoicing that the family of John L. “Monk” Willard, age 73, of Glassport, announces his passing into the arms of His Savior early on the morning of December 1, 2018. John’s life was full of family, fun, and service. He served in the United States Army, was an EMT in his younger days, and was a lifetime member of the #1 Citizens Fire Hose Company of Glassport with 46 years of service.
He was a member, trustee and deacon of the Calvary Baptist Church in West Mifflin. He worked at the Allegheny County Coroner’s Office and retired as an Allegheny County corrections officer. He was always helping people and was larger than life with a personality that did not know a stranger.
He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and never complained and never thought of himself. John leaves a legacy of wonderful memories and joy for his entire family. Born December 23, 1944 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Charles and Marie (Cass) Willard.
Known to many as Monk, he will forever be “Pappy” and “Superman” to his family. Karen L. (Love) Willard, his high school sweetheart, wife of 53 years, and mother to his three daughters who call him their hero, has always been by his side. Carrie Reese (Darren Wright), Michele Taylor (Warren), and Christine Marsh were incredibly blessed to have John as their father.
His selfless love, provision, support, encouragement, humor, and joy were constant in their lives. John’s granddaughters are Taylor Reese, Alexis Little, Hannah Marsh, and Emma Taylor. They all adore their “Pappy” and love him with all their hearts.
Ray Willard of Glassport is the last surviving brother from the Willard family. Ray and John played high school football together where Ray was the running back and John was the guard he ran behind. John’s family loved hearing John and Ray tell all the great stories from their childhood and will greatly miss hearing them told.
John was also like a second father to many including his sister-in-law, Kathy Love Little (Terry); his nephew and “wannabe #1 son” and hunting partners, Bryan Munnell (Cherry) and Alan Munnell (Peggie) as well his nieces, Suzy Orner and Merry Eagle. Every year, John so looked forward to spending time with all his family going hunting. Hearing their hunting stories was always a highlight whenever his family got together.
John was also like a second father to Randy Removchik who he always called the Big Unit. They spent countless hours of fun and hard work together building sets for vacation Bible school as well as other projects. John also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret Munnell; brothers, Frank (Barb), William, and Butchie; brother-in-law, Jacque Munnell; and his nephew-in-law’s, Eddie Eagle and Gary Orner. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 11 AM in the Calvary Baptist Church, 120 Anborn Drive, West Mifflin, 15122 with Pastor Dennis Moriarty officiating. The service is open to all who wish to share in remembering an amazing man who is like no other.
A fellowship luncheon will immediately follow. The family would specifically like to thank the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and aides at Select Specialty Hospital in McKeesport. There is still place in this world where people care deeply and have great compassion and a will to provide care that is beyond excellent.
The entire staff treated John’s family like their own family and provided endless support and care and will forever be grateful for every person there. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth.
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