Jack Kennedy McAllister, Jr.

Jack Kennedy McAllister Jr. transitioned peacefully from this world on September 4, 2023 at the age of 79. He departed within the loving presence of his wife and children.

Jack was born in Erie PA to Captain Jack K. McAllister US Navy and Beverly W. McAllister.  He was a beloved only child.

Jack graduated from Strong Vincent High School in 1961 and continued on to Worcester Academy, and Bucknell, later graduating from Parson’s College in 1966.

Jack was a talented and disciplined athlete. Through high school he was an undefeated All-American swimmer earning the nickname “Colonel Backstroke Ace”.  He was an undisputed champion, and continued his swimming career well into his college years remaining undefeated in the 100m backstroke. From 1963-1965, Jack was a popular lifeguard at Presque Isle. In 2000 he was inducted into the Erie County Aquatic Hall of Fame and became the president from 2013-2016.

Outside of swimming, Jack was also a pool shark in billiards. He was a standout in his league and also won many state and national competitions.

Professionally, Jack was the third generation to run RD McAllister and Son marina on Erie’s East Bay Front.  The McAllister Marine opened in 1935 and was the oldest Chris-Craft dealership on the Great Lakes.

He was indeed a “Jack of all trades”. He was an avid collector of a wide range of objects.  He was extremely prolific in nautical knotting. He loved reading and listening to music.  He was also a talented draftsman and builder.  Jack loved animals, especially his cherished cat Mocha.

Jack and, his wife, Susie enjoyed traveling to faraway places with friends and family. Yet Jack found the most joy looking out at the waters of Lake Erie, Lake Chautauqua, and many of the world’s oceans and seas.

Jack is survived by Susan Chambers McAllister the love of his life and soul mate of 58 years. Their children, Jack K. McAllister III, “Ned,” Marni Suzann McAllister Loesel, and Leslie Ann McAllister. Three loving grand-children, Derek Carroll Loesel, Donovan Kennedy Loesel and Olivia Loren Loesel.

He is also survived by his son-in-law Matthew Loesel, son-in-law James Canfield, cousin-in-law Jan Underhill, cousin-in-law Barb Chambers, sister-in-law Jean Chambers Lloyd, brother-in-law John Lloyd, brother-in-law Robert Chambers, Aunt Margaret Weinheimer and his longest, dearest friend Lynette Meiser Hughes.

He is further survived by many adored cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as many, many, beloved friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, grandparents on both sides, granddaughter Maya Eisley Loesel, and Brother-in-law William Chambers.

He was a past member of the Kahkwa Club, The Erie Club, the Aviation Club, and a lifetime senior member of the Erie Yacht Club.

He had leadership affiliations with the Erie Rotary Club and the Erie Day School.

Jack will always be remembered for his integrity, loyalty, humor, dedication and envious head of hair.

He is truly unforgettable.

The entire McAllister family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the Lakeland hospice team including Chrisann who took such great care of Jack in the last several months. Offering their compassion, kindness and tenderness has meant the world to us. You will forever be an extension of our family. 

Donations can be made to the Erie County Aquatic Hall of Fame, 212 West 41st Street, Erie, PA 16508, the Erie Community Foundation, 459 W 6th St, Erie, PA 16507, or Lakeland Area Hospice, 4635 East Lake Rd., Erie, PA  16511.

Friends may call on the family at the Burton Quinn Scott Funeral Services West Ridge, 3801 W. 26^th. St., Erie, on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and attend a  graveside service on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Section 12.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.