Jack Randall Coley

Jack Randall Coley, 83, of Youngstown, OH passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. 

Jack was born on February 10, 1940, in Pinsonfork, KY, the youngest son of 9 children to Elijah L. & Susie Jane Coley.  His upbringing was one of modest means. He grew up playing in the hills of Eastern, KY with his siblings and many cousins.  His family later moved to Youngstown, OH in search of work, where Jack attended The Rayen High School.   He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served for 8 years.  He was stationed in Florida, Texas, and Greenland and was honorably discharged.   He married Jean Verzella on November 16, 1968, and took a job with Commercial Shearing & Stamping in Youngstown, where he worked as a press operator and crane man for 36 years until retiring.  He enjoyed attending the annual union Christmas party.

Jack enjoyed many hobbies, one being flying.  He was a licensed pilot for single engine planes and loved to take his family on flights.  He also enjoyed the outdoors – hunting, fishing, camping, golfing, and gardening.  Jack’s favorite pastime was car racing, and you could find him every weekend at Lernerville, Sharon and Eriez dirt tracks.  He also loved Nascar and attended several races at Daytona & Michigan Speedways.  He was a member of the Twin State Auto Racing Club, serving as Treasurer for many years.  

Jack’s love for life and his family was infectious.  He loved his grandchildren and spending time with them.  He loved to cook and made many family favorites.  He loved to travel and visited family often, frequently making stops at his favorite places – Krispy Kreme and Sonny’s BBQ.  He loved to work with his hands.  Jack was a Mr. Fix-it and could fix nearly anything.  He also built many things, including wind chimes for each of his siblings.

Jack is survived by his loving family, including his wife of 55 years, Jean, along with their daughter, Dorothy (Jason) Reynolds of Enon Valley, PA, his three grandchildren: Taylor (Owen) Weigel of North Sewickley, Jack and Nicholas Reynolds of Enon Valley, his sister Peggy (John) Chaney of Hubbard, sister-in-law Judith Verzella of Pittsburgh, PA, sister-in-law Shirley Coley of Hubbard, sister-in-law Elaine Coley of Foxworth, MS, brother-in-law David (Anne) Verzella of Guilford, CT, sister-in-law Maureen Verzella of Altoona, PA, and brother-in-law Michael (Carol) Verzella of Ashtabula, OH and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Jack was preceded in death by 3 children: Baby, Mary Ann, and Michael Coley, and his siblings: Violet (Thomas) Lowe, Fern (Hoyt) Hickey, Murley (Gerry) Coley, Elijah “Whick” Coley, Harold Coley, Darrell (Tillie) Coley, and Carol (Jim) Smith, his brother-in-law Tom Verzella, his niece, Beverly Jean Lowe, niece Tillie Coley, nephew, Steve Coley, and niece, Rose Alyece Lowe.

Jack’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the Veteran’s Administration, Comfort Keepers, and Crossroads Hospice who all cared for him.

Family & friends are invited to a celebration of life service on November 18, 2023, at 11 A.M. at First Baptist Church of Hubbard, 59 Orchard Ave. Hubbard, OH 44425.

Arrangements by Cremation & Funeral Service by Gary S. Silvat, INC. Share memories or send condolences by visiting cremateohio.com.

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