Jay R. McVann

Jay Richard McVann, 95, of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, formerly of Toronto, OH, passed away at The Palms of Ponte Vedra memory care facility.

He was born and raised in East Sparta, OH, son of the late Edward and Bessie Roberta (Hoverman) McVann. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wives, Margaret Ann (Knotts) McVann (June 17, 1979) and Elizabeth L. ‘Betty’ (Papandrea) Fulton McVann (August 21, 2016); brothers, Robert and Eugene and sister Patricia Eichelberger.

Jay leaves behind his children, Iris Fiddler of Lynn Haven, FL, Mike (Janet) McVann of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, Kim (Patrick) Dougherty of Toronto and Kelly (Tom) Bernhardt of Panama City, FL; step-children, Cindy (Dennis) Fuster of Columbiana, OH, Cathy Smurda, Mary Jo (Dave) Kuhn, Cheryl (Wes) Jacobsen, Teresa (Ray) Ludewig, Rita (Eddie) Weidger, Bill (Beth) Fulton and Amy (Mike) Heiss all of Toronto and his sister, Ruth McVann of N. Canton, OH. Jay is also survived by 23 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

He was a 1942 graduate of East Sparta HS lettering in baseball, football, basketball and track. After graduation he enlisted in the US Navy. He served in WWII from 1943-1946 seeing action throughout the western Pacific. Jay attained the rank of Coxswain before his discharge.

He returned home to pursue his passion, operating heavy equipment until retirement. He recently received his 70-year recognition as a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 18. His projects included the Niagara Power Project, OH Turnpike, I-77, New Cumberland Locks and Dam, W.H. Sammis Power Plant Units 1-7, West Branch Reservoir, Cardinal Power Plant Unit 3, Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and many others.

Jay was a member of St. Francis Roman Catholic Church in Toronto, IUOE and the Knights of Columbus.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 18 from 2-7 pm at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Toronto. Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be held Saturday at 10 am at St. Francis Church. Fr. Thomas Vennitti will celebrate and Military Honors will follow provided by the Toronto American Legion Post 86. Additional visitation will be held Saturday in the rear of the church from 9:15 – 10 am. Vigil Service will be Friday at 7 pm at the funeral home.

Memorial donations in memory of Jay can be made to your local community hospice organization. Special thanks to the staff of The Palms at Ponte Vedra and Community Hospice Palliative Care Jacksonville Florida for their compassionate care of Jay.