ECHEMENT

JOHN R.

John R. Echement, a dedicated corporate and community leader, died on July 30, at the age of 90. Born in 1935 to parents John B. and Helen (Huber) Echement, John began his career at The Union National Bank of Pittsburgh as a teenager in 1953, where he rose from assistant cashier to president, chief operating officer, and vice chairman. After its acquisition by Integra Financial Corporation, he continued in various executive roles and retired in 1996 as vice chairman of the Corporation and chairman and chief executive officer of Integra Trust Company.

While he never attended college, John firmly believed in its value and encouraged his children and grandchildren to pursue higher education. He studied at the American Banking Institute, Pennsylvania Bankers Trust School, the American Studies for Executives program at Williams College, and the Executive Program of the Graduate School of Business of Stanford University. John was proud to receive an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from Washington & Jefferson College.

John gave freely of his time and talents in support of many organizations. He was actively involved in establishing the Jefferson Hospital Foundation and served as its first president & CEO and then chairman of its board. John also served on the boards of Jefferson Hospital, Seton Hill University, Washington & Jefferson College, Vocational Rehabilitation Center, Parent and Child Guidance Center, and United Mental Health.

Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Gertrude Jae Echement; his sister Alice (James) Lloyd; children Kathleen Echement, Robert Echement, Deborah (Jeffrey) Martin, Joanne (Dwight) Cowden, Sandra (William Jr.) Moorhead, Patricia (Kenneth) Lofgren, and John (Erin) Echement; his grandchildren Jessica (Samuel) Kuhn, Mitchell (Cassandra) Echement, Taylor, Derek, & Ashley Martin, Jacob Cowden, Bailey (Ethan) Beardsley, Shannon (Bobby) Kang, William Moorhead III, Cassandra & Christian Lofgren; and his great-grandchildren Carter Kuhn, Rowan & Leon Echement, and Frances Beardsley. He was preceded in death by daughter-in-law Kristen Echement.

John laughed loudly, sang loudly, and lived a loud and proud life.

Friends received Tuesday 4 - 8 pm at the GRIFFITH FUNERAL HOME, INC., 5636 Brownsville Road, (at 6th St.) South Park Twp. (412) 655-4600. Funeral prayer Wednesday 11:15 am at the funeral home, with a Mass of Christian Burial in Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish - St. Elizabeth Church at 12 pm. Entombment Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Donations in John's name may be made to Alzheimer's Association (ALZ.org). Condolences may be offered for the family at:

www.GriffithFH.com