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Sandy Mackay Obituary
DALLAS — Sandy G. Mackay, 77, of Dallas, passed away Monday, June 17, 2024, in Commonwealth General Hospital, Wilkes-Barre, surrounded by his family.
Born in Trinidad, Colo., on Sept. 26, 1946, he was the son of the late Patricia and Robert Mackay.
Sandy was a graduate of St. Rose High School, Carbondale, Pa., Class of 1964. After high school, he obtained employment with the FBI in Washington, D.C., and subsequently earned his undergraduate degree from West Chester University. Following graduation from college, he worked for the Wyoming Valley West School District as a health and physical education teacher while obtaining his master's degree from East Stroudsburg University. Throughout his time at WVW, he coached various sports including boy's golf, boy's and girl's tennis, boy's and girl's track and field, but his passion was his role as varsity boys' basketball coach. Sandy served as athletic director at WVW from 1993-2017 until his retirement. He spent his entire career at Wyoming Valley West. After retirement, he coached junior high and ninth grade girls' basketball for the Dallas School District.
In his spare time, Sandy served as Kingston pool manager for several years. He was the director of the Keystone Basketball team camps, a softball umpire, a track and field official, a basketball official, and the Wyoming Valley Conference officials assigner. Most recently, he cherished his role as a proud Papa, who loved to spend his time with his grandchildren, never missed one of their games, and never hesitated to brag to anyone who would listen.
In addition to his parents, Sandy was preceded in death by his brother, Douglas Mackay; sister, Wendy Toolan; and daughter-in-law, Mirna Mackay.
Surviving is his wife of 52 years, the former Carmel Devita; children, Scott, Shavertown; and Jill Barrouk and husband, Michael, Dallas; grandchildren, Sam, Nina, Nick Barrouk and Mia Mackay; sister, Bonnie Mackay, Carbondale; brother, Bruce Mackay; sisters-in-law, Josephine Loomis, Carbondale; Frances Edenfield and husband, Hillard, Pittston; Theresa Tolerico, Mayfield; brother-in-law, Kevin Toolan, Jermyn; and several nieces and nephews.
Sandy's generosity knew no limits. He was an amazing man who was loved and respected by so many. He blended kindness with firmness; humor with seriousness. They say the measure of life is not its duration, but its donation. If this is true, Sandy lived a life larger than most.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday from Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home Inc., 140 N. Main St., Shavertown. The Rev. John M. Lapera will serve as officiant. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Carverton. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sandy Mackay
Tom & Laurie Davis
July 15, 2024
Carmel, we are sorry to hear about Sandy's passing. We just heard the news today. Our condolences go out to you, Jill, Scott and the rest of the Mackay family.
Gerald Fulmer
July 6, 2024
Sandy and I were tennis coaches and Athletic Directors way back when! I´m sorry to hear of his passing. I cherish the very fond memories of Sandy through our the years. Especially as boys tennis coaches!
Brad Kurlancheek
July 1, 2024
A truly great coach, mentor, and friend. The man changed the course of my life. Often had you laughing in seconds with some offhand wry comment or joke he'd come up with. Rest in peace Mister Mackay.
Carmen C.Saporito
June 25, 2024
My condolences go out to Sandy's family. He was a good man and a good friend.
Bob lushefski
June 25, 2024
Carmal Jill and Scott sorry to here about Sandy's passing, was out of town for the past month just saw the sad news. Sandy was the best to me and a good friend. He always took care of me.
JOHANNA LAMBERT
June 24, 2024
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES, THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS...
SINCERELY,
JOHANNA PROCHASKA LAMBERT (BILL)
Dr. Chris Mochin
June 24, 2024
My sincerest sympathies to the family of Sandy Mackay. I had the pleasure of working with Sandy as a PIAA basketball referee. He was a good man who always treated me with respect. He will be missed. Rest in Peace.
Robert Mattern
June 23, 2024
Mrs. Mackay, Scott and Jill:
My deepest sympathy on the passing of your Husband and Father. I have nothing but fond memories of working with him at the Kingston pool and getting to know your family. I regret not reaching out and making time for a visit. Scott I hope you have overcome the trauma of my diving lessons and Jill, I am sure you are as bright and bubbly as you were as a child. If your family ever needs anything please do not hesitate to reach out.
Michael Leskowsky
June 23, 2024
One of my favorite gym teachers at Pringle Street Elementary.
Sandy inspired me to want to be a gym teacher when I got older.
He used to always pitch for our kickball games and had a fierce left handed curve ball.
I´m going to miss seeing him around coaching and being an athletic director and referee.
A great guy!
Debbie Mattes
June 23, 2024
Carmel, Scott, Jill and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Sandy. You are all in our thoughts and prayers! RIP Sandy!!!
Irene Mackiewicz
June 22, 2024
Carmel, Jill and Scott, our deepest sympathies to all of and your family! Sandy was a very Special man and helped so many!
Irene and Rich Mackiewicz prayers are with at this time.
John Kashatus
June 22, 2024
To the Sandy Mackey Family,
I offer my sincere sympathy to you on Sandy´s passing. Basketball was our most common interest, Sandy as the coach, myself the referee. From the moment I walked into the gym until I left after the game, there was always mutual respect. It was such a comfort to look forward to working his games and the way he treated others with kindness. I admired Sandy´s approach to his vocation - teaching. He was truly a PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR.
Rebecca Wimmer
June 22, 2024
My Sympathies to Sandy's family and friends, what a wonderful kind man he was. In High School he was always there to give me comforting words and guidance thru some dramatic times for me. He always took for me and I will be forever grateful for his compassion.
Louise Cheek
June 22, 2024
Carmel and family, I´m so sorry for your loss.
Respectfully,
Edward Sartin
June 22, 2024
Our sympathy to the Mackay family. Ed and Jean Sartin
Charles Hodgson
June 21, 2024
Have not seen him for years. Scott was a childhood friend but his dad gave so many good childhood memories. He was a good man..As we grow older we remember the people that come in & out of your life. I remember the 1st time my sister talked to them and the 1st time I met them. To the whole family, I am very sorry for your loss..
Mark Finkelstein
June 21, 2024
Coach Mackay was a wonderful teacher. I remember my gym and health classes at WVW and I always admired his teaching and great sense of humor. He will missed.
May his memory be for a blessing.
Les Nicholas
June 21, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of working and coaching with Sandy. May his memory be a blessing.
Kelly O´Kane Sheluga
June 21, 2024
Sandy was an awesome man and a wonderful mentor. I spent my high school years with him and coached and officiated united his guidance. My condolences to his family. He will truly be missed.
Carmella and Jim Selingo
June 21, 2024
Our condolences to the family of Sandy Mackay. We both knew him through Wyoming Valley West as a teacher and coach who always had a very pleasant personality. May he rest in peace.
Tom Williams
June 21, 2024
Sandy was one of a kind. A great teacher who inspired through toughness behind a keen sense of humor. Will never forgot our summers working for Coach Mackay at the Kingston pool. He taught us so many life lessons. My condolences to the family.
Bob Eble
June 21, 2024
Mackay family: So sorry to hear to your loss. I have many great memories officiating basketball games with Sandy.
A friend
June 21, 2024
Sandy was truly a great man who genuinely cared about others. He was a wonderful mentor to many Athletic Director´s and didn´t hesitate to share his vast knowledge regarding high school sports with anyone regardless of School District. Sandy also had a great sense of humor and was loved and respected by all. Godspeed Sandy !
Frank Hughes
June 20, 2024
Dear Mrs. Mackay, Scott, and Jill. I am so sorry to hear of Mr
Mackay's death. I first met him as 9th grader in his first year at WVW and still remember our first gym class on Huber Field. He played a big part in my life as teacher, coach, AD, and in retrospect mostly as friend. I will miss his dry humour and consistent support, and will remember him fondly always. Best wishes to you all.
Josh Evans
June 20, 2024
Mrs. Mackay, Scott, Jill, and the entire family, I am so saddened by Coach´s passing. It´s an amazing legacy to be someone who leaves an impact on others...and Sandy had that and so much more. I will always love the way he came back into my life when he coached our daughter Izzy on the Dallas basketball teams. She loved him very much. My prayers are for your peace and comfort, and may God Bless Sandy with His Eternal Rest. My love to you all.
Debbie Russell Pringle St Elementary
June 20, 2024
My condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Mackay. It's not a memory to describe his legacy but it's a memory that still makes me smile. Nearly 50 years ago, in the school yard of my elementary school, he taught our class how to play kickball! But what really sticks out in my mind is that I learned what the term "butterfingers" meant! Here comes the ball!! Right to me...soaring in the air! I'm going to be a hero when I catch this ball!!! And there it goes, right through my hands! He came up to me, to console me (I thought) and asked me if I was born with butterfingers! It's something I would think about whenever I would "drop the ball". It's a memory that makes me smile. I'm sure he made many smile. Again my condolences to all who knew him.
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