John T. "the original Jack" Minahan

We are saddened to share that our sweet, gentle, and loving patriarch was called home on Thursday, January 29, 2026. John T. Minahan, affectionately known as “the original Jack,” was married for 70 years to the love of his life and best friend, Ellen (Reusher). Together, they created a home built on love, laughter, and faith. Jack was the loving son of the late Paul and Florence Minahan, and the proud father of a beautiful Irish clan of eight.

Jack was a devoted father to Eleanor; Kathleen (Tim Steed); Sue (Jim Brucker); Mary Alice (Fred Bugno); the late Timothy; Patricia (Steven Lamoreau); John; and Nora (Barrett Donovan).

He was the beloved brother of the late Paulette (Rodgers), Joseph, and Donald. He was an Army veteran serving in the Korean War.

A proud grandfather, Jack was predeceased in death by his beloved granddaughter Katie Minahan and is lovingly remembered by grandchildren Melissa Ireland (Mark Householder); Bridget Ireland, Kevin Ireland, Meghan Minahan; Ellen O’Toole (John Farren); Patrick O’Toole (Stephanie Gelik); Michelle Lamoreau; Steven Lamoreau; Evan Minahan (Sabrina Bannister); Melissa Borushkos (George); Jack Donovan; and Kellen Donovan. He was a cherished great-grandfather to Jameson, Finnegan, Michael, Lilly, Shaila, Kaylee, Braden, and Dominic.

Jack fell in love with Ellen quickly, and he remained devoted to her throughout their long, beautiful romance. Together, they taught how to love well. Courageously facing so many personalities each day, Jack guided his clan with an unwavering moral compass. He was happiest when all his flock was together talking about everything at once and at breakneck speed.

Jack believed he could fix anything. It might not always have been “to code,” but he gave it his all. A man ahead of his time, Jack cultivated a backyard vegetable garden to feed the masses, all while waging war against neighborhood groundhogs bold enough to raid it. He believed it was necessary to have a full heart—and, even more importantly, a full refrigerator.

A man of character, Jack was deeply loyal and always showed up for his people.  He loved cooking, gardening, cheering his beloved Steelers and traveling with Ellen. His home was one of warmth, laughter, nourishment, and love.

Jack’s life will be celebrated during the 11:00 a.m. Mass at St. Margaret Mary’s Church (Moon Township) on Thursday, February 5, 2026. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Jack’s name to the Little Sisters of the Poor - Pittsburgh.

Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears…

But laugh and talk of me as though I were beside you.

I love you so… it was heaven here with you.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John T. "the original Jack" Minahan, please visit our floral store.