Obituaries

John J. McFalls, 83

May 25, 2023

John J. McFalls, 83, entered into God’s eternal care on May 25th, 2023, at home. Born November 10th, 1939, in Lancaster PA, he was a son of the late Frank J. McFalls and Evelyn C. (Miller). John was a 1958 graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School where he earned nine varsity letters in track, football, basketball, and swimming. John was selected to the first team on the Central Penn All Star Team, to the Pennsylvania All State Team and the All-American High School Teams. He also had the distinction to have played in the first Big 33 Football Game. John lettered all four years at Arizona State University and was one of the top twenty-five rushers in the Country. John continued to play in spite of being diagnosed with Type one Diabetes in his Junior year and was featured on the cover of the Diabetic’s National Magazine and became a spokesman for advocating normal lives for people with the disease. John obtained his Bachelor of Education Degree.

He and his late wife Diane (Keith), were married in 1961, in Phoenix, AZ. John returned to Pennsylvania and started his 30 plus years of teaching and coaching at Greencastle Middle School. John coached football, basketball, and track for both girls’ and boys’ teams. In 1973, John was named the Football Coach of the Year in the Tri Country League. John was inducted into the first Hall of Fame at McCaskey High School and Susquehanna Valley Chapter, Pennsylvania. In his leisure time, John enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s activities, watching western movies, and playing golf.

John is survived by his wife, Agnes (Silverthorn), and two children, son, John H. and his wife Jane, Buckeye, AZ, daughter, Heather and her husband Gary Blake, Ridgley, MD; grandchildren, Travis McFalls and his wife Alida, Mason and Ashley Blake, Caleb John, Anna Reilly and husband Drew; great grandchildren, Esh McFalls, Marshall Reilly; one brother, Charles E. McFalls and his wife, Davene, sister-in-law, Bobbi McFalls; and a number of nieces and nephews. John was preceded into heaven by is brother, Frank J. McFalls. To honor John’s memory, a celebration of his life will be held at 2PM, Saturday, July 1, 2023, at Greencastle Church of the Brethren, 36 S. Carlisle St., Greencastle, PA 17225. Everyone who knew John is invited to attend and remember his wonderful life. A reception will follow the service and all are welcome. Private burial services will precede the Celebration of Life.

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Condolences to the Family

July 01, 2023

I’m so sorry to hear of Mr McFalls passing. He was a great man and role model. My condolences to John and family.  Amy Harbaugh

June 27, 2023

What a tremendous man!  I had the privilege of coaching track & field with John at GAHS.  We shared a love for sports, students, family and our Savior Jesus Christ.  John was the best of men.  I will always remember him as warm, loving, overflowing with joy and laughter, encouraging, gentle, wise and kind.  John was someone I would be proud to have my own sons emulate.  I know that his last breath on earth was immediately followed by his first breath in heaven.  Coach McFalls certainly was greeted by these words, “well done good and faithful servant.  Enter into the joy of your Lord!”  I will look forward to our eternal reunion someday soon.

June 27, 2023

John is missed.  He was an inspirational and dedicated Track Coach.  He knew how to see potential in his athletes and students and promote excellence.  
Meredith Roberts Ankerbrand

June 23, 2023

Mr. McFalls was a genuine and inspiring teacher and coach. He truly cared about everyone and was always so kind. He encouraged me to join the Track Team in Middle School. It was one of the best things I could do for myself. I will always be grateful for his encouragement to join. He also asked me to be the Statistician for the girls basketball team. He looked out for students and wanted them to do well. He was an amazing teacher and just a kind and wonderful human being. I send my love to his family during this very difficult time. He will be missed by so many.
Natasha Parks Schmidt

June 10, 2023

My condolences to John’s family, Chas. and Davene. It was a shock to see the obituary in the newspaper as I have known John for many years. I was two years ahead of him at McCaskey and Frank his brother was a classmate of mine on the McCaskey football team. May peace be with all of you in this time of sorrow.   Philip R Schnee

June 10, 2023

John was a team mate of mine on the JP McCaskey High School 1957 Central Penn Championship team and a lifetime friend. Condolences to his family. May he rest in peace! 
  Mike Nissley

June 05, 2023

As the starter at the state track meet for many years, I always looked forward to seeing John at the rail near the finish line. I knew John primarily through his brother Chas who told so many wonderful stories of the Mc Falls boys growing up. John has truly run the good race; may his reward be great in Heaven with his family.
Fitz

June 04, 2023

John McFalls was a great person .He positively influenced many students and student -athletes in his career at Greencastle. I am glad that I got to know him when I was at James Buchanan High School.
Mike Wildasin

June 04, 2023

John McFalls was a great person .He positively influenced many students and student -athletes in his career at Greencastle.He was a true gentleman, and I am glad that I got to know him when I was at James Buchanan High School.
Mike Wildasin

June 04, 2023

What a great influence Coach McFalls left on anyone who knew him. It was priviledged to call him Coach.
RIP. Tony Ezolt

June 01, 2023

Coach was a great influence on anyone who had the the pleasure of being around him for any length of time. The group of now “old men” that played for him on the ’73 Greencastle-Antrim Blue Devils share a bond that was held together by the glue that was Coach McFalls. We will certainly miss his smile, sense of humor and his sincere interest in how we, and our families were doing. He was a good man, what better can be said about a person?! See you soon…..
Ron O

June 01, 2023

I met John as I was a football official in Greencastle. John was a kind and positive man. Prayers for the family. Rod Stoner

May 31, 2023

John was a teammate of mine at Arizona State. He was a wonderful person and Mentor to me. I admired his caring attitude and his friendship. I looked forward every year to receive his Christmas greetings, and his positive encouragement for the upcoming year. John was a valuable asset to the Sun Devil offense and I enjoyed every moment we shared with each other.
Sincerely, Joe Kush

May 31, 2023

This man was a great teacher/friend/mentor. He was a great influence in my life. My condolences to the entire family. I am very sorry for your loss. 
Todd Crane

May 30, 2023

So sorry to hear this Mr. McFalls was an awesome kind and generous coach. He was my basketball coach. Always cheering us on and always telling us how well we are doing and he always wanted us to do better. All I can say is he was an amazing man and I enjoyed having him as a coach. He will be missed by many. But we all have great memories of Mr. McFalls
Buffie Freeman

May 30, 2023

What a great coach! Played 3 years with him being my coach. My we met again. 
Craig Dunkle

May 29, 2023

So sorry to hear of John’s death. I coached with him at greencastle. What I wonderful person to work with. He will greatly missed.  Prayers for the family. One day I know I will see him again in God’s family. 
Robert degrange

May 29, 2023

John was a friend, old neighbor, teammate and classmate. John and I have seen each other many times over the last many years. I will truely miss our conversations about our  younger years.  May his memory be eternal.
Peter Poneros

May 29, 2023

Our residency in Brookside Manor in Greencastle, PA during the 70s was enhanced by our neighbor John and his wife. She held a wonderful prayer group in their home on Brenda Drive.  I was the local Avon lady. What a great legacy he left!
Jeri Mahan

May 29, 2023

I remember Mr. McFalls as my middle school gym teacher. He was always so calm and kind and made every child feel safe and special, even if you were not the greatest athlete in gym class. He always had a smile on his face and a soft spoken word for eveyone. 
Venita Christman

May 29, 2023

Coach,
I thank our God for our breif time together in life and on the field. You have been, still am and will be a life of inspiration to me! Have your whistle ready for pre-season 3-a-day drills, I can’t wait for the up-downs! 
Bags

May 28, 2023

I’m so sorry to hear this. He was one of the best people I have known. I learned a lot from him. This world lost one of the best. Prayers to all of you. Heather – I’m so sorry for your loss. ❤️
Michelle Little

May 28, 2023

Mr Mc Falls was a kind and loving friend. I grew up across the street from him in Greencastle PA. Many fun times with him and his family. RIP sir. 
Thomas Baker

May 28, 2023

While I am saddened to hear about the passing of John, “Coach. ” I am in profound honor to have not only known him but to have been coached by him, coached with him, worked with him at Greencastle- Antrim, and played golf with him. To John and Heather, my condolences to you both. Your dad was a big part of my life; thank you for sharing him in our youth and after I’m my professional career. “Coach” was and is one of the good ones. 
Sincerely,  Jim Carbaugh

May 27, 2023

So sorry to hear of John’s passing. He taught my kids in middle school and became a great friend to them. My daughter, Niki, loved having him as her basketball coach and mentor. A great memory I can share is when she invited him to her 15th birthday party and he came. She so appreciated that gesture. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. Keeping his family and friends in my thoughts and prayers.
Cindy Leckron

May 27, 2023

I am truly sorry to hear of Mr. McFalls passing.  What a wonderful man.   He was one of the most patient people I ever had the pleasure of knowing.  He will be forever missed but I have such great memories of him I will cherish forever.  My condolences ♥️
Kelli Pidcoe (Strausner)

May 27, 2023

One of the finest men I have ever known. Like a second father to me. A true role model in every way. Love ya Coach … RIP
Don “Chick”

May 27, 2023

I remember Mr McFalls as my gym teacher 1980-1984 at GAHS. He was a very compassionate person and leader. My condolensces to his family. Godspeed Coach. 
Robert Elliott

May 27, 2023

Sorry to hear this sad news.  He was a kind man and neighbor.  Sending heartfelt condolences. Joe and Dena Schaeffer 

Services
Saturday, July 01, 2023
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Greencastle Church of the Brethren
36 S. Carlisle St.
Greencastle, PA 17225
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