Jeromy Sean Richard Mackey

Jeromy "JJ" Sean Richard Mackey, of Waynesburg, died unexpectedly in Seattle, Wash., Monday, October 18, 2021, at the age of 23.

Jeromy was born in Morgantown, W.Va., to parents Bradley Edward Mackey and Kelly Ann O'Donoghue Mackey.

From an early age, Jeromy's innate passion and intelligence could not be contained and it became clear that he would live his life at the center of attention. His personality was first showcased to his family's congregation at First Assembly of God, Waynesburg. He performed onstage as a child in Christmas and Easter plays, and as a teenager in performances at the church's Fine Arts Festival. He also excelled at scripture-based trivia during seasonal Bible Quiz competitions.

Throughout his life, he was an avid gamer, reader, and movie connoisseur, and eagerly shared spirited reviews of his favorite films and each year's Oscar contenders to anyone who would listen.

Jeromy graduated from Waynesburg Central High School in 2017 as class president and valedictorian. He was a champion scrabble player and member of the Academic League Team, leading the team in tournaments and appearing with his team on Hometown High Q.

But he felt most at home in the theater, where he found a community of devoted, like-minded friends and a stage to share his outsized personality with the community and peers. At WCHS, he starred in productions of Bye Bye Birdie and Grease, among others, and he performed the lead role in Godspell his senior year.

California University of Pennsylvania recognized Jeromy's radiant talent and awarded him a full scholarship to attend their theater program. He regularly performed and directed at Steele Hall and served three consecutive terms as the president of the University Players. Residents of the Mon-Valley will remember him for his iconic performance as Buddy in the holiday musical Elf. When not in school, he performed in summer programs at the State Theatre in Uniontown. In 2021, he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and English.

Offstage Jeromy was a confident leader and outspoken activist, never afraid to speak his mind and stand up for what he believed. On campus he wrote for the student newspaper, served in student government, and was president of the Student Association Incorporated, overseeing campus organizations and funds. He made himself integral to each community of which he was a part and strove to improve the world around him. In high school he advocated on behalf of teachers in front of the Central Greene Schoolboard. In his hometown, he organized social justice demonstrations and found a place for his talent as an Organizing Fellow at the Center for Coalfield Justice.

Jeromy's desire to change the world around him led him to the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington, where he began an MA in public policy in 2021. He had the will, capacity, and energy to effect change. The future of our community is diminished without his voice.

But Jeromy's biggest advocacy role was as an advocate for his friends and family. Fiercely loving, encouraging and honest, Jeromy made those close to him believe in themselves. His dynamic personality and humor brought people together and lit up a room. His singular life impacted every acquaintance, mentor, friend, partner, and family member.

We are all better for having known him.

Jeromy was predeceased by maternal grandparents, Denis Anthony O'Donoghue and Shirley Ann Palcko O'Donoghue; and special family member, Colleen Trees Leichliter.

Jeromy is survived by parents, Brad and Kelly; brother, David; sister, Kara; paternal grandparents, Jerry and Charlotte Mackey of Waynesburg; aunts, Patty Alden of Waynesburg and Tara (Andrew) Olson of Somerset; uncle, Matt (Terri) Mackey of Waynesburg; and cousins, Lexi, Cameron, and Ayden. He is also survived by his beloved black cat, Blaney.

Services are private and at the convenience of the family. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be announced and held at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Behm Funeral Home, 182 W. High Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370.

Condolences may be expressed at www.behmfh.com.