John Stevens

A man who was bigger than life - but had the smallest of egos. "Big John" Stevens, 75, of Sharon, passed away on October 29, 2024, at Shadyside Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA. He fought a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was born on March 19, 1949, to Norman and Katherine Stevens at Sharon General Hospital. John was a proud member of the Sharon High School graduating class of 1967. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor's degree in political science. Upon retiring as Superintendent of Sharon Tube Company, John had been employed by Jamestown Paint Company as a Sales Representative until the time of his passing. John was a member of St. Bartholomew Church, Sharpsville. John was one of the top football linemen ever developed in Mercer County. He was a mainstay of the defensive line on the 1966 Sharon High School undefeated football team that won the Midwestern Athletic Conference Championship and is widely considered to be an all-time best team from the area. He was a three-year starter for the Tigers under Coach Cliff Smith and was a First-Team Section 3 tackle his junior year. For his play during his senior season, John was named first team All-State by the AP and UPI polls, selected as a Scholastic Magazine All-American, and played in the Pennsylvania Big 33 game. One of John's proudest accolades was being named Most Valuable Player in Section 3 that season, a rare feat for a lineman. Big John attended the University of Pittsburgh on a full athletic scholarship. At Pitt, he was a three-year starter at defensive tackle. He was named "Player of the Game" in the Pitt vs. Duke contest in 1969 and had a 42-yard punt return for a touchdown against Tulane. John played in the first and only Pennsylvania Dutch Bowl, a college all-star game at Franklin and Marshall University in Lancaster, PA. He signed a free-agent contract with the Buffalo Bills in 1971 and played several years with the semi-professional team, the Shenango Valley Blasters. Once having children, John coached and managed Little League Baseball. He also coached basketball for several seasons in the Parochial League with St. Joseph's School, Sharon. John played on various softball teams in the Valley and served as an umpire for many years. Some of John's favorite pastimes included playing handball and racquetball at the Buhl Club. On October 20, 1973, John married the love of his life, the former Sherry Lynn Brant. They celebrated their 51st Anniversary one week ago. The love they shared was like no other, with time only increasing their love and respect for one another. Together they raised two children, Jonathan Stevens, married to Julie Ward Stevens, and Tara Rodrigues, married to Francisco Rodrigues. They, in turn, blessed them with 6 beautiful grandchildren, Jaxon, Charlie and Henry Stevens, and Anna, Corinne, and Brooks Rodrigues. John's greatest love was his family. He cherished them and they, in return, loved and adored him. He took great joy in watching his grandchildren grow and flourish. He was his grandchildren's most loyal fan and never missed a football, basketball, softball, or soccer game. He also attended many plays, dance recitals, and choir concerts. Their lives, without Grandpa, will never be the same. To his friends – he loved all of you. You filled his life with great memories and fun times. He couldn't have had such a wonderful life without you. And lastly, John loved his time at his cabin where he could best enjoy life. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed daytime walks in the forest and evenings around the campfire. But more than anything, he loved sharing his special place with family and friends. John will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father-in-law, Anthony and Mary Sanata, and his brother-in-law, Robert Brant. Memorial contributions can be made in his name to Buhl Park, 715 Hazen Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148, where he enjoyed walking and spending afternoons with his children and grandchildren. Calling hours will be 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday (11-3-24) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday (11-4-24), in the funeral home, with James Reardon, officiating. Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage.