Jack Edward Sexton Jr.

"Dying is the day worth living for."
Captain Barbossa, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
Jack Edward Sexton Jr., born July 24, 1963, passed away at home on November 25, 2025, surrounded by his wife, daughters, and the love and prayers of many family and friends. Jack bravely battled a terminal cancer diagnosis for 7 months. A special thank you to the staff at the VA for their support, his oncology team including his doctors and nurses at St. Vincent's Cancer Institute, all the medical professionals he encountered at St. Vincent's Hospital and Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, and the hospice team from AseraCare who provided excellent care during his last days.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Jack & Sonja. He is survived by his wife of not long enough, Leigh Ann W. Sexton, sisters Mary Ann Platz (and family) and Lisa Holm (Steve and Shaun), his daughters Mia Stull (Wesley), Justine Kite (Tim), Tabitha Sexton (Lee Braden), his step-children Dannie, Joseph (Molly), and Sophia, his grandchildren Maddox and Meira Weidler and Joleen Braden, his Murtha family, and more family and friends than could be listed.
Jack served his country in the army. He spent time in Germany as an Armor Crew Member driving tanks and protecting the peace at that time. He was stabbed one millimeter from his heart in Germany. While most people would have bad feelings about an injury like he sustained, Jack found fuel for life knowing he was given more time. This moment in his life was the driving force behind all he did. He was unapologetic about how he lived his life, never was alone with Jesus as his buddy, was honest to a fault, and was grateful to experience 40 plus years after being so close to death.
Jack loved to create and build unique spaces to enjoy with his friends and family. He loved to take things people didn't want and give them fresh life. He was head over heels in love with his wife and together they navigated many challenges yet always found their way to peace. Jack loved to cook and play music for anyone but especially his red-headed woman. He didn't need to travel or watch sports. He always said why when you can have wine, woman, and song. If you ever spent any amount of time talking to Jack, he would tell you about his wife and how lucky he was to have found his way to being loved by her. He would also tell you about his girls and the amazing things they are accomplishing in life.
Jack's daughters were his pride and joy. He would tell anyone who would listen that he had an RN, a PA, and an HV/AC daughter. He boasted that his daughters could handle anything and that he had taught them all he knew and they were now teaching him the rest. He often said, 'figure it out or go without'. His girls did just that, often surprising him with many moments of him wondering how did they He spoke often about how his daughters were each other's best friends and loved that they were so close.
Jack tried to live each day to the fullest. During these last months he was overwhelmed by the love and support from others telling his wife he didn't deserve it. He was awed by how many people cared about him and their willingness to lend a hand when he could no longer use his own. To those who stepped up to help, you are appreciated.
Family and friends may call at the Brugger Funeral Home and Crematory, 1595 West 38th St. on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, with full military honors to follow. Afterwards, his wife and children will host a Celebration of Life at Calamari's downtown from 6pm-9pm. If you feel led to speak about Jack, we will have time set aside for this at the Celebration of His Life. Thank you for being a part of his wild ride!
"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "Wow! What a ride!"' Hunter S. Thompson