John McCarney

John was born in Philadelphia, PA on February 22, 1940 to the late John McCarney and Mary Murphy. He attended Philadelphia North Catholic and LaSalle University.

He married Clara McCarney in Jersey City, NJ on April 23rd, 1967. John and Clara moved to Meadville, PA in 1972, so they could open up the town's first McDonald’s restaurant. John grew his McDonald’s franchise to 13 restaurants in Northwest PA and later sold the business with his son, Jim, to McDonald’s Corporation in 2002.

Even though John and Clara divorced in 2006, they remained connected through their family and friends until Clara’s unexpected passing in 2016. He was preceded in death by his brother, Harry McCarney.

John is survived by his sons and their wives, Jim and Michelle McCarney, of Jupiter, FL, Mike and Teresa McCarney, of Burlington, VT, his grandchildren Anna, Ryan, Jack, Finn and Lucie, his brother, Matt McCarney, and his companion, Gail DuBoys.

During his lifetime, John encouraged and inspired many people. John achieved so many of his dreams and treated people with respect along the way. He was always one of the most positive people you would ever meet. Many will remember John for being “fantastic” every day.

John loved to spend time with his sons and their families and traveled often to see them. John was passionate about the game of golf and played rounds all over the world with friends and family. He enjoyed traveling, boating, the ocean, meditation, and sports. His dedication to becoming a healthier and happier human was astounding and inspirational.

John supported the Ronald McDonald House in Pittsburgh and served as President of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Erie for many years. He was among the first sponsors of Crawford County Youth Hockey, Meadville Bulldog Hockey and Womens’ Services of Meadville. He supported many athletic programs at local schools and colleges, and started an academic scholarship fund for wrestlers at Edinboro University.

There will be a celebration of John’s life in Conneaut Lake, PA on July 7th, 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Womens’ Services of Meadville, Meadville Bulldog Hockey on Facebook and Tergar International (Tergar.Org).