John Richard McClure

John Richard McClure passed away peacefully in his home on February 5, 2026. John was born to Andrew and Nettie McClure October 27, 1929, in New Castle, PA. John graduated from Grove City High School where he excelled in sports and academics. He attended Lock Haven University in 1949 and shortly thereafter met his future wife, Lilly Shelar of New Castle, PA, on a blind date. They married six months later and celebrated their 75th anniversary prior to Lilly's passing.

John followed in his father's footsteps and earned his real estate broker's license in 1953. With his growing business, McClure Realty, he recruited Lilly to join the business once she earned her broker's license. It is rumored that John may hold the state's oldest individual broker's license. Exemplifying his strong work ethic, John never retired and continued working until his death.

John maintained his love of sports by officiating and managing local sporting events. He was an avid Penn State fan and was honored to be inducted into the Mercer County Hall of Fame in 2004. John was a well-known community member serving on the Neshannock School Board and was an active member of the Masonic Lodge.

John is survived by his three devoted children - Shayla McClure of Pagosa Springs, CO, Nettie Porter (late husband Paul) of Carmel Valley, CA, and Dick (Becki) McClure of St. Petersburg, FL. Additionally, he is survived by seven grandchildren: Leigh Ashley Dittmar (Aaron) of Ocala, FL, Lauren Porter of Brooklyn, NY, Reed Porter (Sarah) of Annecy, France, Robert Porter (Ellen) of Leewood, KS, Richie McClure, Clint McClure, and Mitchell McClure of St. Petersburg, FL. Recently, he was blessed with four great-grandchildren: Lily and Sasha Porter of Annecy, France, and Paul and Kit Porter of Leewood, KS.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to nephew Gary Shelar, a great friend to John, neighbor Sieglinde Anderson, who was always available to help, and his dedicated employees Carol Hlebinsky and Chris Frankovich.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 12th from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle, and on Friday, February 13th 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 2434 Wilmington Road, New Castle. A funeral service will follow Friday's visitation at 11:00 AM. The Rev. Dr. Jordan Rimmer of Northminster Presbyterian Church will be the officiant.