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John F. McKain

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University of Pennsylvania West Chester University

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Hollinger Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc.

501 North Baltimore Avenue

Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania

John McKain Obituary

John F. McKain

John McKain, 31, of Philadelphia, Pa. passed away October 12, 2024 after a courageous 5 1/2 year battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

John was the son of Charles J. McKain, Carlisle, Pa. and the late Julie F. McKain. In addition to his father, John is survived by a brother, Chuck, Madison, Wis.; a grandmother, Donna McKain, Carlisle, Pa.; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

John graduated from West Chester University in 2016 and received a Master's Degree in Social Policy and Practice from the University of Pennsylvania in 2022. It was John's hope to use his degree and lived experiences to help other cancer patients navigate their journey.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the oncology staff at the Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania for their kindness, support and care during John's numerous treatments.

A private service will be held for the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Carlisle Sentinel on Oct. 31, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for John McKain

Sponsored by Hollinger Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc..

25 Entries

Virginia Giordano

November 25, 2024

I am a friend of Donna McKain, John's grandmother. I lost my oldest son a number of years ago at the age of 53. It is so difficult when we lose one we love so much, but we know God will take care of all who are with him. It sounds like John had a good life during the time he spent on this difficult earth. I understand the sorrow of his family and close friends. May God bless and comfort you and never let you forget the wonderful person who was a very special person in the McKain family.

Tara

November 13, 2024

Johnny Mac, you´ve always had more energy and drive on your hardest days than I´ve ever had on an easy one. You will be so missed.

Sue Mellott

November 9, 2024

The Mellott family extends their sincerest sympathy to your family's loss of their loved one. May God grant you His peace.

Sam Grubbs

November 7, 2024

Johnny Mac you were one of the biggest hearted-fun loving and caring guy. God gained a beautiful soul and He will continue to let your light shine.

Lolita Wiesel

November 7, 2024

To the family of dear John M, my deepest sympathy. I worked with John at Arnold´s office furniture in 2019-2020. He was such a wonderful guy with a beautiful soul. We called each other "Trouble" and our friendship continued through texting after we both left the company. The last text I received from him was in August when he told me he was on treatment again as his cancer recurred. I will surely miss his sincere friendship through the years.
From: Lolita Wiesel

Tim K

November 7, 2024

Johnny Mac was an inspiration to all. Since the first day we met at West Chester he was always genuine, kind and caring to me and others. From West Chester to Sea Isle to Philly, we always enjoyed good music, great convo and friendship.

Thank you for being such a great friend and mentor to everyone around you.

Lauren Orischak

November 7, 2024

To John´s family, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. John was a kind and generous friend to all. Many of my college memories include him and I am forever grateful our paths crossed. He will be deeply missed.

Mark LePine

November 6, 2024

I worked with John for many years at Arnold´s and first of all I´m sad to hear this news. John´s an amazing person with an awesome personality. He never really let anything stop him and I know he carried that all the way through. Cancer might have set in, but he didn´t let it stop him - he just kept fighting through (like Rocky) and he´ll live on with us. Love you Johnny!!

Tara Swank

November 6, 2024

Chuck and Chuckie, sending hugs and love to you and your entire family. The memories I have of sweet little John (and Chuckie!) from my babysitting days will be cherished forever. I feel so lucky to have kept in touch with John via Facebook over the years. Please know that there are many who mourn with you.
Much love,
Tara

Annie Wiseley

November 6, 2024

Mr. McKain & family: I am so very sorry for your loss.

Johnny and I met at WCU. We shared a beach house together in Sea Isle post-college and spent so much time together in Philly with our friends. He was a constant bright light - always bringing around positive energy and laughs. I will always remember him being so caring and respectful, especially to myself and other girls. You raised a wonderful person and he will forever have a place in our hearts. I can´t imagine the pain you have experienced but just know Johnny left a wonderful imprint of himself on so many people. He will be truly missed.

Mike

November 6, 2024

John was the most hardworking and kindest person I´ve every met , as a fellow cancer patient , truly an inspiration to all , rest in paradise

Matt Luebbers

November 6, 2024

To one of the best teammates I´ve ever had and the best catcher I´ve ever thrown to. So many laughs and memories I´ll cherish forever. Love you John.

Tyler

November 6, 2024

Woody

November 6, 2024

I met John in college, we were both brothers of Sigma Pi at WCU. He was the kind of person that would just about anything for you. John was an awesome person and an even better friend. The only person I know that gets sick and goes back to school to help others who are sick. John was one of a kind. I am truly blessed I was able to call him a friend. I hope you run into my old man up there and tell him some stories from the glory days.

I cannot imagine the pain you are in Mr. McKain. Know that John made such a difference in so many lives of many people you´ve probably never met. John was an incredible human. I know that he´s up there watching over all of us right now.

Matt

November 6, 2024

John, Johnny, Johnny Mac, Mac Man, JMac, PC Principal, Ferrari, The Joker, Superman, Legend. Today marks a little over one month since the last time I was able to talk to you. Throughout your whole battle with cancer, it seemed inevitable that there was only one outcome. But I swear I thought you were Superman and there was no way that cancer, or any other illness, would be able to take you down.

Life isn´t fair. You recognized that at a higher level than anyone else I know. I mean, really, who gets diagnosed with such an intense form of cancer and decides, I´m going to go back to college (let alone UPenn) to become a social worker and help other people with their battle with cancer. You cared for other individuals at a level that I hope to someday be able to replicate. Whether it was becoming a social worker, helping someone at the gym, going above and beyond for a friend, or lending an ear to someone in need - you were always there to help. Even when the cancer came back 10x worse than ever, you didn´t want your friends to be worrying about you, so you basically kept it to yourself... I know we all just wish we could have helped you more, whether you wanted the help or not.

I know you fought with every ounce of your being to beat cancer. 5 plus years of treatments, countless radiation, and chemotherapies. You attacked life with a voracity that has inspired me since the day I met you. I am so thankful for Sigma Pi because I don´t know if we would have met otherwise. I remember the first day I met you at 709, you ended up showing up to 604 every single day after that, and the rest is history. I feel like your spirit has been infused with mine and I know you´ll be with me, watching over me (and the Browns and Cavs), for the rest of my days. You´ve already sent me multiple signs since you left us. Please don´t stop sending them, it has helped me to focus on all the conversations and advice you´ve given me over the past decade plus. One of the last things you said to me, which will always resonate, is that I need to focus on the celebration of life and the relationships I have around me, because those are not forever guaranteed.

One of the best decisions I ever made was to move into the same apartment complex as you in 2020. When you had found out that you had been diagnosed, there was no better decision I could have made than to be close to one of my best friends. That gave us the chance to become even closer, and I´ll never forget those times we had together (good and bad). Countless Phillies games, Browns games, Birds, Cavs, weddings, bachelor parties, conversations about life, jokes (the backs are back), reminiscing about WCU/Sigma Pi/concert days, and moments that I´ll cherish for the rest of my life.

Love you and going to miss you every single day brother. Please keep watching over me, your family, and all your friends.

Until we meet again....

Sabin Mainali

November 6, 2024

I didn´t know John McKain personally, but I´ve heard of his kindness and strength. My heartfelt condolences go out to his loved ones, especially to Chuck, who is a wonderful neighbor. May John´s memory bring comfort and peace during this difficult time.

Rick Pursell

November 4, 2024

Chuck, I am very sorry to hear about your son. You have had one hell of a life, I have too. Rick Pursell

Ellie Swank

November 3, 2024

Dearest Chuck , Chuckie and all, My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you for your loss. I remember how Tara took care of the boys and thoroughly enjoyed all of their adventures. Chet and I always enjoyed our relationship with your family as the years progressed. Please know that Chuckie is in good hands, no more pain or suffering. How wonderful that he was able to share his love and caring ways with others. In Christ's love, Ellie Swank

Wayne F Shade

November 1, 2024

My thoughts are exactly the same as those of Beth Ruegg.

Yet another tragedy for you.

Trish Williams

November 1, 2024

I am so very sorry for your loss. John was amazing young man. We met while he attended college, I was the house mom helping the guys out. I have many happy memories, He will be truly missed. My deepest condolences. Trish

Beth North Ruegg

November 1, 2024

Chuck, I am so sorry! We were devastated by Julie´s loss and now this. Can´t even imagine. My father, Harold North, had so much respect for you and Julie. Please know you are in our prayers.