John Keslar

1962 - 2024

John Joseph 'Jack' Keslar, 62, of Rector, passed away on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. He was born June 5, 1962, in Latrobe, a son of Rosalie Jioio Keslar of Ligonier and the late John W. Keslar. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his sister, Giovanna Keslar-Byers; his maternal grandparents, Fred and Elvia Jioio; and his paternal grandparents, Harry and Frances Keslar. Jack grew up in Ligonier, PA, where he graduated from Ligonier Valley High School with the Class of 1980. Jack was on the wrestling, track and field, and football teams at the Ligonier Valley High School. After high school, he continued playing football at Clarion and the West Virginia University and with Detroit Lions. Jack was a professional hunter, fisherman, and guide. He started his love of the outdoors at the age of 12. He was the founder and chairman of the Wilderness Wildlife Museum, which is dedicated to the outdoor fields sports for all ages. He took the time to educate children and adults on outdoor sports: fishing, hunting, trapping, outfitting, and firearms safety. Jack is survived by his mother, Rosalie Jioio Keslar; sister, Rosalyn Keslar-Carameli (Vincent) of Ligonier; his wife, Elisabeth Carlson-Scott of Rector; and her daughter, Georgie Lillian Scott of Pittsburg; any many family and friends. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m., on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, at the MCCABE FUNERAL HOME, 144 East Main St., Ligonier. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Thursday, in the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, Ligonier, with Father Anthony Carbone as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Michaels Cemetery, Rector. Memorial contributions may be made to The Wilderness Wildlife Museum, P.O. Box 63, Rector, PA 15677. online condolences may be made at mccabefuneralhomespa.com.