John E. West, Jr.

On May 25th, 2026, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend John E. West, Jr. passed peacefully from our world.

Born on July 11, 1954, to parents John and Margaret West, Jack was the elder sibling to his sister Patricia Ann. Raised in Tarentum, Jack attended elementary school at St. Clements and graduated from Highlands High School in 1972. He then graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Accounting in 1976 and later earned his MBA from UCLA in 1992. Jack was a proud Nittany Lion and Bruin - this pride displayed on his custom PSU UCLA license plate.

Though he always humbly referred to himself as a “retired bookkeeper,” Jack had built a distinguished career marked by integrity and dedication at Chicago Title Insurance Company, ascending to the position of West Coast Vice President and earning the respect of colleagues, many of whom would become cherished friends. His career led him to live in most major U.S. cities: New York City, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Chicago. However, after retirement, Jack felt truly at home, coming full circle back to his hometown, where he had lived the past 25 years, finally purchasing his home in Natrona Heights, where he enjoyed coffee on his porch and proudly nurtured a garden that expanded over the years, and even became filled with gnomes and frogs.

An avid sports fan, music and film aficionado, amateur historian, and lifelong Bruce Springsteen fan, Jack had interests that varied widely and deeply. He was a true scholar whose knowledge across so many areas was matched only by his sharp wit, clever commentary, and dry sense of humor, which delighted friends and family. Yet, his true gift was how much he treasured the people in his life and his unwavering love for his family and friends. He cherished his role as “daddy” to his two daughters, proud “grandpa” to his four grandchildren, and trusted friend to so many who will remember his easy-going nature, infectious smile, generosity, and kindness.

Jack’s memory will be forever cherished by his daughters, Kellee Day (Scott) and Josey West; sister Patricia; grandchildren Ivan, Nik, Nadia, and Wyatt; his pup, Milo; and countless friends.

A viewing at Duster Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. 347 E 10th Ave, Tarentum, 724-224-1526 will be held on Tuesday, June 2nd, from 1-3 pm. To honor Jack’s memory, a Celebration of Life will be held on July 18th in Natrona Heights. Details forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local Meals on Wheels. VISIT: dusterfuneralhomeinc.com