Melvin D. Sechrist

Melvin D. Sechrist Jr., 72, of Dawson, passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at UPMC Shadyside Hospital, Pittsburgh. Born January 2,1952 in Connellsville, PA, he was the son of the late Melvin D. Sechrist Sr. and Etta Mae Farlow Sechrist. His birth mother was Helen Knight Priselac.

Melvin was a member of the Vanderbilt Church of Christ for over 55 years. He worked for Sechrist Auto Wreckers, VW of America, and PA National Guard as a civilian technician for 24 years, before retiring in 2008, due to illness. He served in the PA ARMY National Guard for 37 years, was a past member of the James Cochran Masonic Lodge #614, Dawson, and the Dawson Grange 419. He enjoyed Wednesday evening Prayer meeting and Bible study, camping, watching wrestling, quad riding with buddies, cruising in his Camaro, Steeler games at Barbara and Joe’s, breakfast with his Army buddies, and cruises, train rides and other trips with Doug and Carol. Most of all he enjoyed any and all time spent with his son, daughter and his wife.

He is survived by the love of his life, Nancy Kish Sechrist. They met when she was 6 years old and starting dating in 1966. They just celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on June 1,2024. Their love story spans almost 60 years and they counted it a blessing to have each other. He is also survived by his son and his fiancé Michael Sechrist & Samantha of Dawson, daughter & son in law Stacy & Dan Stillwagon of Monongahela, his mini dachshunds, Zoey and Ziva, mother in law JoAnn Kish Secrest; his half-sisters, Deborah (Curt)Parker- McGee and Mary Margaret (Lou)Fabian, sister-in-law Barbara (Joe) Cortese and brother-in-law Sam (Elaine)Kish, his grand-doggies, Hanna, Sydney, Reggie, Heidi, Rowdy and Ruckus, and several nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents and birthmother he is preceded in death by his sister, Rosetta Sechrist Mellinger Clark, father-in-law- Samuel Kish, niece Jennifer Cortese, and his grandparents.

Visitation will be held Sunday from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the Parzynski Funeral Home & Cremations LLC, Family Owned and Operated, 191 Liberty St. Perryopolis, PA 724-736-2515. Funeral services will be held Monday at the Parzynski Funeral Home & Cremations LLC at 10:00 AM with the Pastor Greg Pelc of Vanderbilt Church of Christ officiating.  Interment will take place in Green Ridge Memorial Park.