Thaddeus John Kucherawy

THADDEUS JOHN KUCHERAWY, 76, of Weirton, WV, passed away peacefully at his home on January 2, 2025. Born February 20, 1948, in Charleroi, PA, Thaddeus was one of four children born to the late John and Mary Gazdick Kucherawy. A proud graduate of West Virginia University, Thaddeus earned his engineering degree while also excelling on the football field as a punter and defensive back for the West Virginia University Mountaineers Football Team. One of his proudest accomplishments was winning the Peach Bowl with his team in 1969. On May 16, 1969, Thaddeus married his high school sweetheart, Francine Lucas, beginning a beautiful journey together that spanned over five decades. Francine, a school teacher, and Thaddeus, an engineer, built a life rooted in love, family, and faith. Thaddeus had a distinguished career in engineering, working with Jessop Steel, Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel, and ultimately spending 22 years with Timet Metals in Toronto, OH. Thaddeus was known as the happiest man on earth, whose faith in the Lord was the foundation of his life. He brought joy and inspiration to all who knew him, facing his diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in his thirties with grace, courage, and unwavering positivity. He greeted every day with a smile and a zest for life that was truly contagious. A member of Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church in Weirton and the West Virginia Alumni Athletic Association, Thaddeus loved his church and alma mater. He will be remembered with love by his wife, Francine Lucas Kucherawy; his son, Chad Anthony Kucherawy, and his wife, Christine Marie; and his cherished grandson, Eli Anthony Kucherawy, along with Eli’s fiancée, Casey Sizemore. He is also survived by his three sisters: Monica (Tom) Chaney, Camilla (Pete) Ferrara, and Lucretia (John) McCrory. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, Weirton, with Fr. Tony Thurston presiding and Deacon Vince Olenick assisting. He will be cremated at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home’s Crematory, Weirton. Thaddeus’s cremated remains will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Monongahela, PA. Memorial donations may be made to Saint Jude’s Research Hospital or Mass offerings at Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, Weirton. Share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com.