Age 58, of Penn Township, PA, passed away suddenly on March 10, 2021 at Excella Westmoreland Hospital. John was born to Mary and the late John Gay, Jr. in Braddock, Pennsylvania on December 8, 1962. He graduated from Gateway Senior High School where he excelled at basketball, track and field, and football. He was a high school football All-American and was later inducted into the Gateway Sports Hall of Fame. John began his college education at The University of Kentucky and then transferred to West Virginia University where he majored in architecture. John was an All-American running back for WVU where he rushed for a college career high of over 5,000 yards. He followed with a brief career in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots. John was a passionate student of football whose enthusiasm and mentoring were easily witnessed when he was watching his son Johnny thrive in the sport, growing from a high school all-star to a college running back for Lafayette University. With tremendous pride he watched his son Jordon succeed in high school tennis and Joshua in track and field. John worked as a general manager in the auto industry for over 35 years, and he enjoyed fishing and boating with family, playing pool and golfing. He was a devoted father, husband, brother, and son who considered his greatest accomplishment to be raising his three sons. John was a born leader and a hard-working and valuable team member both in his career and personal life. He will always be fondly remembered as a strong and courageous family man with a generous spirit. John is survived by his wife, Charlene Gay; their three sons, John IV, Jordan and Joshua; mother, Mary (Bostedo) Gay; sisters, Michelle Porch and Darla Gay; and brother, Nathan Gay. He is also survived by his nephew, Andrew Porch, Jr.; brother-in-law, Andrew Porch; nieces, Natalie Gay and Olivia Gay; sister-in-law, Beth Gay; God-sister, Timeka Thompson and her daughters, Makayla, Alexis, Ariana and Mariah; and a host of cousins, family and friends. The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, March 16th at Holy Temple Church of God in Christ at 609 Jones Avenue, North Braddock, PA 15104. Due to COVID-19, a Viewing will be held Tuesday for friends from 12pm- 2pm, followed by a Family funeral from 2pm- 3:30pm, officiated by Pastor Anita Gray. Interment private. Services of comfort entrusted to WATTS MEMORIAL CHAPEL, INC., 808 Talbot Ave, Braddock, PA 15104. Social distancing and nose and mouth protection are required.