John Derrow Ewing

John Derrow Ewing, 72, of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, passed away Friday, January 16th 2026 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, Marine veteran, and friend, John's life was defined by service, loyalty, and love for his family.

Born on March 12th, 1953 to the late John E. Ewing and Vivian (Derrow) Foley in Ellwood City, John proudly served his country as a United States Marine, having enlisted on February 25th, 1971 and serving until his honorable discharge on March 14th, 1975 with the rank of Lance Corporal, carrying that same discipline and integrity into every chapter of his life. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Sharpshooter's Badge, and Meritorious Mast. His specialty with the Marines was an Aviation Precision Measurement Equipment Technician. After his military service, he spent 28 years with US Airways as a Simulator Engineer, where his dedication and expertise supported the training and safety of countless pilots.

John was a well known and respected figure in the Ellwood City pool community. An avid pool player, he both played in and managed several successful teams over the years, building friendships and memories that will be long remembered. Away from the pool table, he found peace in the outdoors, especially fishing along the Connoquenessing Creek and camping at Bear Run, places where he could relax and enjoy the natural world he loved.

His greatest joy in life was his beloved wife, Cheryl, and his loyal and much loved dog, Molly, whose companionship brought him comfort and happiness.

Above all, John loved his family. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Cheryl Ewing; his daughter Nicole Hurley and her husband Jim of Charleston, South Carolina; and his son Sam Ewing and his wife Maggie of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by his sisters, Janine Jackson of Ellwood City; and Lori Nappi of Florida; and his mother in law, Mary Alice Tillia of Ellwood City. He was a proud grandfather to Griffen Ewing, Hunter Ewing, Ethan Santoro and Logan Ewing, and a proud great grandfather to Atticus and Arthur Ewing.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the caregivers of North View Estate for their kindness, patience, and compassionate care. Friends, family and anyone who wishes to celebrate his life are invited to a memorial service to be held at 5pm on Monday, January 19th at Joey's Event Center, 408 Lawrence Avenue in Ellwood City, followed by a reception.

John's steady presence, warm smile, and quiet strength will be profoundly missed by all who knew him, and his legacy of love, generosity, and devotion will live on in the lives of those he touched.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc..

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of John Ewing: https://donorservices.alz.org