Joel R. MacKay

1929 - 2023

Joel R. MacKay, 93, of Penn Township, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on March 16, 2023.
Joel was born in Butler on April 8, 1929.
He attended Park Place School in Pittsburgh, and later graduated from Concord High School in Hooker. He attained his B.A. in science from Centre College in Kentucky, followed by a master's degree in petroleum engineering from Penn State.
Joel partnered with his father in their Sewickley-based business, MacKay Cadillac. Joel later relocated the dealership to Wexford. Joel won numerous distinguished business awards, including being named in the top 10 dealers in the nation for customer satisfaction by General Motors.
Joel had many dear friends from all walks of life. He had a great love of grouse hunting with his many English setters. He was an avid golfer, having played Doral, Pinehurst and St. Andrews in Scotland. Many family memories were made at his cottage in Deep Creek Lake, Md. Later were travels in his RV and fishing at Moraine State Park for that elusive muskie. Never idle, he had a great love of building things. From building his own violin as a youth, to model trains and a ski rope tow at his homestead.
He was a member of Butler Country Club from his youth to retirement and served as a past president.
A lifelong Christian, he was a member of Nixon Methodist Church in Penn Township.
Joel is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Shirley Stevens MacKay; and his adoring children, Shari Jo (Charles) Manos, Merri Ann MacKay, Wendy Jayne Spina and Joel R. MacKay Jr.
His surviving grandchildren include Sasha Joachims, Wade Joachims, Chuck (Sarah) Manos Jr., Claire (Bob) Balmer, and Joel R. MacKay III. Joel is also survived by seven great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Joel was preceded in death by his parents, Muriel Aggas MacKay and Joseph F. MacKay; his brother, William M. MacKay; his sister, the Rev. JoCarole Bundy; and his son-in-law, Dr. Timothy Spina.
MACKAY - A gathering of family and friends for Joel R. MacKay, who died Thursday, March 16, 2023, will take place beginning at 10 a.m. and a celebration of life service will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday at Concord Presbyterian Church, 625 Hooker Road, West Sunbury.
Private burial will follow in Concord Cemetery.
The WILLIAM F. YOUNG FUNERAL HOME, 132 Main St., West Sunbury, has assisted the MacKay family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Butler County Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Road, Renfrew, PA 16053.
If desired, online condolences may be sent to www.williamfyoungfh.com.