Obituary of John William Sallaway

Mr. John William “Bill” Sallaway, 73, of Dunham Rd., Pleasantville passed away Thursday morning June 16, 2016, at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland after a brief but heroic fight with a rare lung disease. Bill was born on August 30, 1942, in Titusville to the late John E. and Margaret C. Howland Sallaway. He was a graduate of Tabor Academy in Marion, MA, class of 1960. He began his college career at Hobart College in New York and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Bill was a Vietnam War combat veteran serving as a captain in the U.S. Army. He served a second tour in Europe. He also briefly served in the U.S. Naval Reserves. He entered the service on October 15, 1968, and was honorably discharged on October 10, 1971. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star. A life long entrepreneur and business man, Bill was employed by Marine Bank in Titusville from 1971 to 1974. He then bought Dunn’s Stationary and Supply which he owned and operated from 1974 to 1996. With that store he began to sell a small selection of toys, which became a centerpiece of his store. He soon became known as Titusville’s “Toy Guy.” Sensing an opportunity he then opened a Learning Express franchise from 1999 until his retirement in 2005. Never content to retire, Bill continued to work as a free-lance insurance assessor until his illness. But he surprised his family and friends when he moved to the country and left behind his life as a city slicker and became a farmer in training under the tutelage of his wife Patty where he learned the challenges of home repair, barn raising, and horse care. Bill was a very active member of St. James Memorial Episcopal Church where he served as an usher, junior warden, vestry, and was instrumental in church building and maintenance projects. He was also a member of the Bruce Shorts Post 5958 VFW, a past President of Titusville Rotary and United Way, and the Elder Statesmen Golf League at Green Acres. He enjoyed golfing and was a past club champion at Titusville Country Club several times with a 2 handicap, an avid reader and was a loyal Pittsburgh Steelers Fan. He loved heated political debates. Bill was also known for his wry sense of humor and dry wit. Bill is survived by his wife Patricia Butler Sallaway whom he married on June 30, 2007 at. St. James Memorial Episcopal Church; 4 sons, Geoffrey H. Sallaway of Ocala, FL, Andrew J. Sallaway and wife Tonia of Dover, PA;William R.“Will” Sallaway of Grand Rapids, MI; Robert A. Sallaway of Erie; a brother-in-law, Gene Schlosser of Pleasantville; two step-children, Jeanelle and Stephen Wellhoner of Florida; 3 nephews and 2 nieces; his best friends, David Steinbuhler and J.L. Love both of Titusville; and his beloved dog Teddy. He was preceded in death by 3 sisters, Jean Sallaway Schlosser who passed away eleven days earlier on June 5, 2016, Anne Sallaway Willmarth who died in October 1985 and Linda Sallaway who died in 1967. No calling hours will be observed. A memorial service will be conducted for family and friends at St. James Memorial Episcopal Church on Monday, June 27th at 11:00 AM with Rev. Canon Martha Ishman, officiating. The Titusville VFW will conduct the military portion of the service. Interment will be in St. James Memorial Episcopal Church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. James Memorial Episcopal Church 112 E. Main St., Titusville, PA 16354. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home 303 N. Washington St., Titusville, PA 16354. If you would like to send a condolence to the family go to garrettfuneralhomeinc.com. FLOWERS