John B. Shavel
Dunbar
John B. “Jack” Shavel, 89, passed away in his home Friday, February 27, 2026. He was born August 3, 1936 in Scottdale, the son of Michael and Helen Hovanec Shavel.
John is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Patricia Catalogna Shavel; his two sons, Lee M. (Kelly Deere) Shavel of Summit, N.J., and John M. Shavel of Federal Way, Wash.; grandchildren, Joan, Henry, and George; siblings, Jerry Shavel of Greensburg, and Louise Kokoszka of Warrenton, Va.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Patricia Shavel; and brother-in- law, Frank Kokoszka.
John graduated from Perryopolis Lower Tyrone High School in 1954, served three years in the U.S. Army, received his B.A. in Education from California University of Pennsylvania, and received his M.A. in Administration from West Virginia University.
John started his career teaching History in the Connellsville Area School District and later moved into administration as principal of Connellsville Area Junior High West and assistant principal at Connellsville Area Senior High School. He was a dedicated educator and built strong and productive relationships with teachers and students.
John and his wife Patricia founded and operated J.B. Shavel Photography, where, for over 50 years, they captured countless memories of weddings, reunions, sports events, and portraits in Fayette County.
Visitation at STEPHEN R. HAKY FUNERAL HOME, 603 N. Gallatin Avenue Ext., Uniontown from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 6. Prayers of Transfer will be offered at 9:15 a.m. Saturday, March 7, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Aloysius RC Church, 459 Ranch Road, Dunbar. Interment will follow at Sylvan Heights Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Personal written tributes and memories are welcome and encouraged at www.hakyfuneralhome.com