Andy CloseJohn Hugh Sechriest, 83 of Warren, Pa. died on June 3, 2021 at Cambridge Warren Assisted Living Home, in Warren.
John was born at Warren General Hospital on January 20, 1938, the son of the late Hugh M. Sechriest and Edna M. Myers Sechriest. He was a 1955 graduate of Warren High School. He graduated from Edinboro State Teachers College, January 1960 with a B.S. degree in Education. He furthered his education at Edinboro with a Master of Ed. degree in 1962 and a M.S. degree at Syracuse University in 1964. In 1978 he received a Superintendent Certificate from Penn State University and in 1990 a Doctorate of Education from Nova University.
John taught Science at Cranberry School District for one year, then taught Science and served as Director of Communications at Falconer Central School until 1973. He served as Assistant Principal at Beaty Junior High School 1973-76, Assistant Principal at WAHS 1976-1980, Assistant Principal of Eisenhower Jr/Sr High School 1980-83 and Principal of WAHS 1983-89. He continued serving Warren County School District as Director of Secondary Education, Director of Project Development and Executive Director of Learning until retiring in December 2006.
From 2007-2016 John was Administrator of the St. Bonaventure-WCSD Duel Enrollment Program. John also contributed to the Warren community volunteering with the Boy Scout Council, Habitat for Humanity, 4-H Board, Hi-Ed Board and Rotary Club.
John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Olivia E. Smith Sechriest. They lived in Warren on the Sechriest Farm. They enjoyed traveling to National Parks, camping, hiking and square dancing. John also enjoyed caring for his sheep, cattle and the farmland. Through the years the Sechriests cared for several foster children. Two have kept close contact and survive; Arthur Stover III, (Donna), King, NC. ; John J. Callen (Natale), Savannah, GA. Several surviving in-laws include Jessica DeStefano, Laguna Beach CA; Genie Farrugello, Dana Point, CA; and Ulysses Smith, Arizona. Several nieces and nephews share a spot in his heart, Tonya, Carl, Celena and Brook.
Friends will be received at the Peterson-Blick Funeral Funeral Home Inc., 1003 Penna. Ave. East, Warren, PA, on Wednesday, June 9, from 6 until 8 pm. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 10, at 11 am. Burial in the Smith Cemetery will follow. Those wishing to send condolences online may do so by visiting www.petersonblickfuneralhome.com
