Ronald J. 'Jack' Wentworth

Ronald J. “Jack” Wentworth, 70, of Meadville, died Thursday, March 16, 2006 at Hamot Medical Center, Erie following a sudden illness.

He was born in Cochranton November 15, 1935, a son of the late Fred and Mildred Steen Wentworth and was raised by his mother.  He married Sandra L. Steele April 20, 1961 and she survives.

He was a 1954 graduate of Cochranton High School and was a U.S. Army Veteran during the Korean Conflict.  He worked for Conrail for 32 years, retiring in 1997 as a Trainman.  He previously worked for the PA Department of Highways as a surveyor.  He was a life member of the United Transportation Union and was chairman of local 291, Meadville at the time of his retirement.  He was a life member of the Meadville Club and a 40-year member of Meadville Eagles Club 429.  An avid supporter of paralyzed veterans, he also enjoyed boxing and various sports, walking daily, and supporting his grandchildren’s sporting events.

He was of the Methodist faith.

Survivors, in addition to his wife of 44 years, include a daughter, Debra K. Custard and her children Kyle and Kayelee of Meadville; a son, Ronald L. Wentworth and his wife Terri and their children Ryan and Ashley of Cochranton; a sister, Sydney Knapp and her husband David of Meadville; 3 brothers, William Wentworth of Solon, OH; Robert Wentworth and his wife Karen of North Kingsville, OH; and Edward Wentworth and his wife Pat of Goose Creek, SC; and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Devin E. Wentworth February 4, 2006; and an infant daughter, Terri Wentworth.

Private family services will be held at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville with the Rev. Gerald Murphy, retired United Methodist Clergyman officiating.

Interment will be in Greendale Cemetery with military honors provided by the James L. Steen American Legion Post 836, Cochranton which is named after Mr. Wentworth’s uncle.

Memorials may be made to the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association, 7 Mill Brook Rd., Wilton, NH 03086-0928 or Hayfield Township Volunteer Fire Dept., 15417 State Hwy 198, Meadville, PA 16335.