James Ronald McKay

James Ronald “Jim” McKay, 87, of Avonmore, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 8, 1938, in Dunlo, Pennsylvania (Cambria County), the son of the late Clarence Edward and Grace Anna Eichenser McKay. 

Jim was a true family man and nothing brought him more joy than being with his family and helping others.  Before his retirement, he was employed by the Kiski Area School District as an elementary and secondary education teacher. He enjoyed being with his students during recess and participating in their activities; he will always be remembered as a wonderful mentor and educator who had been known to keep supporting and communicating with former students up until his death. Jim was a member of the St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church in Avonmore. He grew up a devoted Catholic, was an active altar boy during his early years, and attended daily mass. When he became a member at St. Ambrose, his dedicated traditions continued - he was a lector, council member, money counter, and could be seen volunteering at most every fundraising function. Jim’s love of education and God went hand in hand with his love for his community. He was the President of the Avonmore Community Association, having also served as Vice President and Trustee. He was a volunteer driver for the Avonmore Lifesavers having the distinction of making about 600 runs to help others in their time of need; he also led and participated in fundraising for the organization. Beyond that, he was instrumental in the Avonmore Water Authority and helped to obtain the town’s initial lines and sewage plant. He was a lifetime member of the Avonmore Moose Club and Apollo Elks, and also volunteered occasionally with the Avonmore Fire Department.  Jim also had many interests and hobbies.  He enjoyed bowling, was an avid golfer, and loved playing and watching all sports with family and friends, especially baseball and football. 

Jim will always be remembered for his contagious smile, loving heart, and kindness toward others. He is survived by the love of his life, Dominica Mary “Minnie” Carnabuci McKay, whom he has been married to for 64 beautiful years. That love gave them three children who are the apple of their parents’ eye, Dr. Marie McKay and her husband Dr. Edward Schmitt of Jenison, Michigan, Sharon Komandt and her husband Doug Komandt of Delmont, Pennsylvania, and Melissa Swift and her husband Dr. Eric Swift of Murrysville, Pennsylvania. Jim is also survived by six grandchildren, Angela Weaver and her husband Josh of Jenison, Michigan; Elena Schmitt of Jenison, Michigan; Doug Komandt of Skokie, Illinois; Dr. Mary Komandt of Indianapolis, Indiana; Megan Swift of Squirrel Hill; James Swift of Murrysville, and one great-grandson, George Edward Weaver, along with three loved nephews and a niece, and their families. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by John Wayne McKay, his brother.  Jim certainly touched the lives of many people and will be deeply missed.  

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 26, 2025, from 5-7 PM at Corridoni Funeral Services, Inc. 400 Indiana Ave, Avonmore, PA 15618. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 27th, at 11 AM at the St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Avonmore, with Father Salvator Lamendola as celebrant and Father Rosela Melloria and Father Bill McGuirk as concelebrants. Internment will follow at Westview Cemetery, Avonmore.    

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