In Memory

Jock Beachler

John S. (Jock) Beachler died on March 18, 2019 in St. Clair Hospital, Mt. Lebanon.  Additional information will be provided as available.



 
go to bottom 
  Post Comment

04/02/19 07:46 PM #1    

Jay Cheney

Jock's obituary from the funeral home:

Age 76, of Peters Township, formerly of Mt. Lebanon, died peacefully after a courageous battle against cancer on March 18, 2019. Jock was the son of late Edwin H. Beachler Jr. and Mercedes S. Beachler. He is survived by his beloved wife Joyce; sons Nathan (Kathy), Lucas (Jennifer), Blake (Katie), Cole (Hanna), daughter Dr. Keira Urschel (Daniel); and loving “Pop Pop” of 13 grandchildren – Fox, Hawk, Aiden, Chase, Brycelyn, Cullin, Griffin, Briggs, Eli, Quinn, Genevieve, Wyatt, and Lorelei. He is also survived by 5 brothers and 5 sisters, as well as numerous spouses, and many nieces, and nephews. Jock attended Mt. Lebanon high school where he played both Varsity Football and Basketball. He was awarded a full scholarship to play football and attend the University of Pittsburgh from 1961-1965, where he was a Varsity Letter Winner. In 1963, he played on the number three nationally ranked Pittsburgh Panthers team. In 1995 he was awarded the Pitt Letterman of Distinction, awarded to athletes that have demonstrated achievements and accomplishments in their careers and community service. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, Jock went on to attend medical school at the University of Pittsburgh from 1966–1970, where he was elected president of the medical school class for his Junior and Senior years. Following his internship and residency in orthopedic surgery, he served as an orthopedic surgeon with the US Army from 1975-1977. Later in 1978 he became the co-founder of South Hills Orthopedics, serving residents of the greater Pittsburgh area. He was the Chief, for the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at St. Clair Hospital during 1992-1995. He was also a Clinical Assistant Professor in the department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh. Jock’s community service was extensive and for many years he was a coach and board member of various Mt. Lebanon Youth sports teams including Football and Lacrosse. Jock was a devoted sports fan and followed all of the Pittsburgh sports teams enthusiastically. The Steelers games were family outings for the past 40 plus years. Both Jock and Joyce loved downhill snow skiing so they taught all of their children to ski, and typically made annual trips to the western US Rockies or Canadian Rockies. They also spent their summers at Deep Creek Lake where they learned to water ski and go fishing, while they stayed at the summer home. When Jock retired from his medical practice, he spent a lot of time fishing at Marco Island Florida. Jock will be remembered by his medical patients as a skilled surgeon and as a compassionate doctor who consistently attended to their needs and followed his patients’ health to completion. His Lacrosse and Football team players will remember him as a tremendous teacher of the game fundamentals, to help these kids improve their skills needed for playing at a higher level. His family will remember him as a loyal and loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother who enjoyed life with vigor and fun. 

 


04/03/19 12:47 PM #2    

Mary Jane Edwards

Received from Constantine "Gus" Kalogeras:

When growing up in Mt. Lebanon I didn't know what I or any of my friends and acquaintances would do or become. But just from doing things together in sports, listening to them in class, etc. you form an opinion of how intelligent they are. 

At the same time, there is an image that the people on Wall Street go to Ivy League-type schools and are hired because they are smarter than the rest of us. 

When I started working on Wall Street I remember thinking to myself, these guys aren't as smart as the guys that I grew up with in Mt. Lebanon. Jock Beachler was one of the people that I was thinking of.

Now that I read his obituary and accomplishments, I know that my evaluation of my Mt. Lebanon friends versus the Wall Street guys was correct. Congratulations to Jock and his outstanding lifetime accomplishments.

His was a life well- lived. My condolences to his family and the entire clan which he created. I wish that I had stayed in touch with him.

 


04/27/19 06:56 AM #3    

Jay Cheney

Bill Hertel visited the Beachler household when we were in high school and told me that Jock’s Mom had notes posted everywhere.  "Jock, put your socks away."  "Janice, do the dishes." Things like that. Don't know if this is true or not but it makes for a great story.

Jock and I were riding home from an away basketball game senior year and some guys from the school we were playing drove up beside us yelling and gesturing and looking for a fight.

We got tired of this BS and pulled off the road, got out of the car, and waited for these guys. They pulled up ahead of us and parked, looked at us carefully from their car, and drove off.

Jock and I figured they drove off because they realized they were looking at their own demise. They may well have been looking at us and saying to themselves: "Why bother?" Jock and I preferred the former explanation.

 


go to top 
  Post Comment