John "Bear" R. Bigley

John R. “Bear” Bigley, Sr, 80, of Allegheny Township (Westmoreland County) passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023 in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.

He was born July 10, 1942 in Gilpin Twp., (Armstrong County) to the late John C. and Elda M. (Burkett) Bigley. Bear graduated in 1961 from the Leechburg High School and resided the majority of his life in the Leechburg/Allegheny Township areas.

Mr. Bigley began working as a laborer for Numec after high school for a short time, then went to work for Pullman Standard, Butler, as a welder for 10 years, after that he continued his career as a truck driver for 17 years at the former FM Weitzen Co., Arnold and then retired from the former Cassidy-Pierce Co., as a truck driver for 13 years, prior to retiring in 2005.

Bear enjoyed coaching little league in Allegheny Twp. while his children were young. He was a lifetime member of the Allegheny Twp. Volunteer Fire Co. where he held numerous offices during his tenure. After retirement he became a PA State Constable.

Bear leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 59 years, whom he married on July 6, 1963,  Hazel J. (Dougherty) Bigley of Allegheny Twp., his two sons, Douglas J. Bigley of Allegheny Twp. (Etta McKinnis), John R. Bigley, Jr. of Allegheny Twp., his grandchildren, Ryan M. (Lyndsey) Bigley, Sara, Brystol, Taylor, Kaylee, Sierra, Tiffani, Austin, Hannah and his 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mabel Keslar.

Family and friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 pm on Wednesday, May 3rd and from 10 am until the time of funeral ceremonies at 11 am on Thursday, May 4th in the DENNIS J. DAUGHERTY FUNERAL HOME, 324 Fourth Street, Freeport, 724-295-3100, with pastor Gary Lyons officiating. Committal services and burial will follow in the McVille Union Cemetery, South Buffalo Twp.

The family respectfully requests that memorial contributions may be made to Allegheny Twp. Volunteer Fire Co. #1. Allegheny Twp VFD
P.O. Box 487, Leechburg PA 15656

Please visit www.daughertyfh.com for condolences.

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