John "Jack" Mehaffey, Sr.

Jack Mehaffey, 68, Dalton, passed away at Geisinger CMC after a brief illness. He is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Sandy Hyman-Mehaffey.

Born in Philadelphia, Jack was the son of Mary Burns Mehaffey and the late George Mehaffey. The oldest of nine, he was considered the 'leader of the pack', but he was most proud of his two children, John Jr. and Cristina; and especially of his grandson, Timothy Miller. He will also be immensely missed by his children's spouses, Maryann Mehaffey and Scott Sharp, siblings Thomas and Barbara Mehaffey, Patricia Secor, Marianne Mehaffey, George and Debbie Mehaffey; Diane and Ken Wendel, Francis Mehaffey, James and Diane Mehaffey, Cathy and Vincent Traitz; an uncle, aunts, nieces and nephews.

Jack was a 30-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department where he proudly served as Officer and Sergeant. Upon retirement, Jack pursued his passions for skiing and sporting clays, becoming an advanced certified instructor in both sports. He was employed by Elk Mountain Ski Resort as weekday supervisor for the Ski School. Jack was also employed by the esteemed Griffin & Howe Shooting School of Hudson Farm, Andover, NJ, providing instruction in the safety and precision of shotgun sports. His participation in the Sporting Clays Scholastic Program for high school students was a highlight of his work at G&H. His greatest joy as an instructor was cultivating an interest and love of these sports in others. Jack was a highly regarded and respected leader, who easily established a productive and convivial working environment with his colleagues. Jack explored the ocean depths as a scuba diver and explored the 'final frontier' as an armchair astronaut. If he could, he would be orbiting right now. He was also the quintessential "Marlboro man" as he rode a feisty horse, guiding trails and teaching the nuances of horsemanship. If anyone ever rode on the Sturbridge Line, it's likely they would have met Jack during one of the choreographed train robberies. Jack was a member of PSIA, NSCA, FOP, Factoryville Sportsmen's Club, Rock Mountain and an avid supporter of the US Ski Team.

Jack was regarded as the steady one – calm, predictable and pragmatic; quick witted, funny; wise and protective with a quiet strength that was easy to feel. He cherished the camaraderie of his Elk and G&H families and of friends near and far.

The family requests no flowers. Memorial contributions to honor Jack's memory and his passion for teaching can be made to the Education Foundation of the Professional Ski Instructors of America at: PSIA-E.org/Jack; or by mail to PSIA-Education Foundation,
1-A Lincoln Avenue, Albany, NY 12205. Contributions may also be made to Special Olympics – Area P, PO Box 188, Carbondale, PA 18407.

Jack's family would like to express their gratitude to the Elk Mountain Ski Patrol, first Responders and the doctors, nurses and staff of the Geisinger CMC ICU for their compassion and endless efforts.

Visitation will be held at the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, Clarks Summit, PA on Saturday, December 20 from 12:30 – 3:30, followed by a memorial service on the premises.

Shiva will be observed on Sunday at home beginning at noon.