John McIlnay

John "Jack" McIlnay, died on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Lexington Medical Hospital in West Columbia, SC. Jack was born on August 21, 1934, in Luxor, Pennsylvania, the son of Bernard H. and Pearl K. (Leonard) McIlnay. He is predeceased by his parents; sister, Lois Klimchock; six brothers, Lester, Paul, David, Boyd, James, and Clair McIlnay; granddaughter, CS; and his wife of 61 years, Gloria (Falbo) McIlnay.
Jack was a U.S. Air Force veteran and served his country while stationed in Alaska. After his military career, Jack and Gloria married and moved to Alexandria, Virginia, where they would spend most of their lives. Jack was a Quality Control Manager at AMF and Dynatech. Upon retirement, Jack worked part-time at Beretta and at Trojan Antiques.
Jack loved to find, collect, and sell antiques. He'd scour the newspaper for upcoming Yard Sales and woke up before 5:00 AM on a Saturday to hunt for treasures. When asked if he found anything good, his response was almost always, "Junk." For over 20 years, Jack could be found in his corner at the Georgetown Flea Market, where he'd set up a table and resell the things he had found. He never unloaded his truck except to sell at the flea market. If out to lunch or dinner, Jack would have to sit by a window to make sure his "junk" was safe.
The McIlnay boys grew up hunting and continued to do so throughout their lives. Jack would travel north to Pennsylvania to hunt and spend time with his brothers and nephews year after year.
In his spare time, Jack was an avid woodcarver. He carved intricate birds, fish, and other pieces, which were often displayed around the house or given to family, or sold privately or at the antique store where he worked.
Jack is survived by his two daughters Carla McIlnay-Shaw (Scott) and Antonia Frontz (Lawrence). Also surviving are five grandchildren, Casey, Ryan, Lena, Clay, and Riley, and 14 great-grandchildren, Ronan, Knox, June, Penelope, Palmer, Lawrence, Maverick, Isla, Sonny, Gianna, Audra, Milo, Pryor, and Jackson.
There were no public visitations. Internment will be held at 3 PM on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC 29229. Local arrangements are being handled by the Lopatich-Brinker Funeral Home, LLC, 601 Weldon Street, Latrobe. To sign the online guest book, send condolences, or share a story, please visit www.lopatichbrinker.com.