John W. McCandless

John Woolman McCandless, age 70, of Clarion, formerly of Erie, passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at Allegheny General Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter. He was born in Bethlehem, PA on March 17, 1953, a son to the late John H. and Dorothy Mahle McCandless. He grew up amidst the forests of Northeastern, PA, which fostered a lifelong love of walking in the woods with his dogs. His father was a printer, poet, and Quaker theologian, his mother was a children’s librarian and homemaker. From them, John acquired a passion for building and making things, and strong Quaker values of justice and peace. He graduated from Westtown School in Chester, PA, and pursued his passion for acting at Beloit College in Wisconsin. Following his studies, John pursued a Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, graduating in 1978. He practiced law in Pittsburgh before moving to Erie, PA, where he established his own practice helping injured individuals and families, and later served as a partner in the Quinn Law Firm. In 1980, John married Patty Hamilton, and they were blessed with two sons, David and Daniel. After Patty’s passing in 2014, John found love again with Beth Seidle, marrying her in 2016. Together, they shared a decade of happiness in Virginia and Clarion, PA, where John rediscovered his passion for theater and homesteading. He liked to stay busy in his retirement years, traveling to Belize, Greece, Ireland and Alaska, also engaging in numerous home improvement projects at their new home. John was a devoted father to David and Daniel, and a cherished grandfather of James, Lydia, and McKenna McCandless, along with another baby girl on the way. His love for his family and friends was evident in every aspect of his life. In addition to his children and grandchildren, he is survived by his wife, Beth McCandless and a brother, Christopher McCandless. He is further survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. Known for his kind and genuine personality, John was a down-to-earth individual who always had a smile to share and a humorous anecdote to brighten the room. He took pride in his Quaker faith and enjoyed time spent with his Quaker Friends Meeting group. John leaves behind a legacy of compassion, wisdom, and laughter that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. In memory of John, let us celebrate the joy he brought into this world and the love he shared with all who knew him. Rest in peace, John, knowing that your spirit lives on in the hearts of those you touched. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service at the Robert V. Burns Funeral Home, 638 Wood St., Clarion, PA 16214 on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made out to American Friends Service Committee [afsc.org], 1501 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102 or to Westtown Schools, 975 Westtown Road, West Chester, Pennsylvania 19382, or using the following link http://www.westtown.edu/wfdonate , please choose make a gift at the bottom of the page and include in memory of John McCandless.

John W. McCandless

March 17, 1953 - February 28, 2024