John Edward Shields Wain

John Edward Shields Wain died peacefully at home in Newton, N.J. on April 27, 2005 following a heroic battle with leukemia.

He was born July 13, 1932 in Ford City. He graduated from Ford City High School and Clarion University. He taught and coached basketball at Keystone High School, Knox from 1961 to 1963. The ?Duke? taught social studies at Newton High School from 1964 until his retirement in 1994. During his tenure at Newton, he was varsity basketball coach and an assistant coach in football, wrestling, track and softball. Additionally, he coached elementary basketball in Newton and Andover, N.J. Most recently, John was a part-time employee at Weis Markets in Newton. John was a 50-year member of Kittanning East Brady Lodge 244, F & AM; a long-time member of the National Rifle Association; a lifetime member of the Allamuchy Rod and Gun Club. He was also a Korean War era veteran, serving in the Army from 1952 until 1954. He is survived by his beloved family, his wife of 48 years, Patricia (Conway); son, Matthew and wife Elizabeth of Hummelstown; daughter, Mary-Frances and husband Sean of Washington, D.C.; daughter Katie and husband Anthony of Frankford Township, N.J., and his grandchildren, Brianne, Victoria, Andrew, Alexandra, Dominic, Bryan, Kiersten, Matthew and Samuel, expected in September. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Margaret Wain of Ford City; brothers, Fred and Dick; and sisters, Hannah Bierman and Eleanor Cippel. Family and friends may pay respects from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, High Street, Newton where a memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions may be sent in his memory to The Four Diamonds Fund, Office of University Development, P.O. Box 852, Hershey, Pa. 17033-0852. The Four Diamonds Fundat, www.hmc.psu.edu/fourdiamonds, is committed to conquering childhood cancer and supports the needs of pediatric cancer patients and their families at Penn State Children?s Hospital, Hershey. John?s lifelong commitment to children and young adults, his battle with cancer and his eternal optimism are reflected in the mission of The Four Diamonds Fund.