John C. Schwarzel

John C. Schwarzel “Trapper John” of Sigel, PA passed away Friday, May 23, 2025, surrounded by his family at Penn Highlands Hospital in DuBois, PA after a brief illness.  He was born May 15, 1946, in Penn Hills, PA, to the late Kenneth L. and Mary Evelyn (Ferrington) Schwarzel.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 46 years Elayne (Deegan) Schwarzel; his brother, Kenneth W. Schwarzel; and his sisters, Janet Allebach and Joanne Shelby-Klein.

John graduated from Franklin Regional High School in 1965 and went on to get his bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh.   He was employed by Penn Hills School District where he taught auto body repair and ran the cooperative education program. 

John was a 32nd degree past master of the Export Masonic Lodge where he had been a member for over 50 years. He was also a lifelong member of the Murrysville Sportsman’s Association where he was a member of the trap league for many years.  After retiring, he enjoyed traveling with his wife, spending time with his grandchildren, and spending time outdoors. He was a passionate hunter and trapper, he especially loved trapping beaver.

John is survived by his two children, Christine (Herman) Born of Calabash NC, and John “Jack” Schwarzel of Export, PA; his three granddaughters that he adored, Jenna (Tyler) DuPlessis of Lancaster, WI, Jillan (David) Newcomer of Wilmington, NC, and Jaidyn-Marley Schwarzel of Ypsilanti, MI, and his great-grandson, D.J. Newcomer.  He is also survived by his brother and close friend, Joseph E. Schwarzel of Cheswick, PA, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

John’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Penn Highlands Hospital as well as the owners and staff of The Court House Restaurant in Brookville, PA who were like a second family to him for many years. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in John’s name to the Elk County Humane Society, 1029 East Eschbach Road, St. Marys, PA, 15857.

Visitation for John will be from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Hart Funeral Home, Inc., 3103 Lillian Avenue Murrysville, PA. A Funeral Service will be held Friday May 30, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Hart Funeral Home, followed by private interment at Twin Valley Memorial Park in Delmont, PA.  For online condolences, please visit www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com.

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