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Dr. George R. Creegan

Passed 1/12/2018

Text:

Obituary For Dr. George R. Creegan

Dr. George Ronald Creegan, age 81, died at The Pines Rehabilitation Center in Canton, Ohio, on January 12, 2018 after a long illness. He was surrounded by family.

George was born June 7, 1936, in Cumberland, Maryland. He attended St. John’s College High School in Washington, DC before graduating from Steubenville Catholic Central High School in 1955. That same year, George joined the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Airman 1st Class. On July 10th, 1957, he married JoAnn Quattrone, his high school sweetheart and love of his life. George and JoAnn lived many places before settling in Steubenville, OH.

George was dedicated to learning, educating, and creating. He received his BA from the College of Steubenville in 1975 and his MS in Education from the University of Dayton in 1980. George also received his doctorate in Elementary Education from the University of Pittsburgh 1989. Among his many accomplishments, George helped to found the Upper Ohio Valley Opera Guild, reviewed operas and other theatrical productions for various newspapers, and even released a full LP of his own operatic performances. He is the author of multiple children’s books, stories, and plays, including Sir George’s Book of Hand puppetry and his Book of Magic. He hosted an educational children’s show, Creegan and Crow, with his wife JoAnn for 13 years, appearing on both WTOV and WTRF in that time, impacting the educational growth of an entire generation of Ohio Valley children. He was an avid collector of opera and classical music, both recorded and in print. An amateur Egyptologist, he led multiple tour groups from the United States to experience Egypt. A World Traveler, he delighted in taking his family overseas and in recounting his adventures as a younger man abroad.

Perhaps most notably, Dr. Creegan and JoAnn started the Creegan Company in 1964 in downtown Steubenville, creating a memorable tourist attraction for people from both in and out of the valley. His legacy is cemented in the incredible achievements he made in both business and art, but most importantly in the loving, and now devastated, family that he leaves behind.

He will be remembered for often being the smartest man in the room, but he didn’t always let you know that (but sometimes he did). He will be remembered for giving so much of himself to help others, often to his own detriment. He will be remembered by generations of children, now adults themselves, who got to enjoy his creations for decades at Christmas, Easter, Halloween, you name it.

Dr. Creegan was preceded in death by his parents Maxine and Gerald, his wife JoAnn, and daughter Mary Elaine Feist. He is survived by his sister Kathleen, his son, Sean (Jean) Creegan, daughters Joan (Charles) Benzo, and Kathleen Postlewait (Joseph Purcell), son-in-law Tom Feist, god-son Larry Coffman, nine grandchildren Christopher Feist, Christine (Michael) DeMata, Sean Ryan (Jessica) Creegan, Ian Feist, Kyle Creegan, Jennifer (Scott) Sander, Elliott Postlewait, Caitlyn Benzo, and Joseph Benzo. He was blessed to meet his first great grandchild, Isabella Carmela Creegan (Sean Ryan and Jessica), just this past year. George is survived by many other nieces, nephews, and friends.

Many thanks to the staff of The Pines of Canton and Mercy Hospice, as well as Mrs. Patty Manarino for their help and support when he needed it most.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday January 16th from 3-7 p.m. at the Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home, 215 Fernwood Rd., Wintersville, Ohio 43953. Funeral liturgy with mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Church Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. with Msgr. Gerald Calovini officiating. Burial at and Mt. Cavalry Cemetery.

You are and will be missed.

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Condolences

  • 09/03/2024

    Melaina Grimm

    Sean, Jean and all of the family, I am so sorry for your loss. He was a special man. When I saw the piece they did on him for the news, what memories came back to. Creegan & Crow, that show was watched by many, even as a high school student, I watched it. Sending prayers to cover all of you.

  • 09/03/2024

    My heart is with the family at this time

  • 09/03/2024

    Dr. John & Theresa (Smarrella) Metcalf

    To the Creegan family,Our sincere sympathy on the loss of your dear father. George Creegan was a genius. His creations delighted our children in their younger days, and a visit to the Creegan Company store was a special treat during the Christmas season. We have fond memories of your parents and our family occasions together on Belleview Blvd. What fun we had and what wonderful days those were. May your love sustain you at this difficult time. We will hold you close in our hearts and prayers. We are so sorry that we are away from home and unable to attend the funeral.

  • 09/03/2024

    Cheryl Snider King

    I am so sorry for your loss. George went above and beyond for my former husband Red Snider. George was a very sweet gracious person. He had so much talent. I'll never be able to look at any animated display without thinking of him and Joann. May God give you peace and comfort.

  • 09/03/2024

    Tony & Mary Ellen Colabella

  • 09/03/2024

    Stephen C. Nagy of Tucson, Arizona

  • 09/03/2024

    Randy Malick

    Deer Creek and family it's with great sadness that I hear of your father's loss. I loved him very much as an older mentor and brother in Christ. His friendship meant a great deal to me and I have often tried to reach him over the last couple years but have not been able to locate him now that I live a couple hours away. Please know that you will be in my prayers and so will he. In many many ways he was a great figure in our community and he is already missed.

  • 09/03/2024

    Stanley Tuchalski

    My grandmother lived on North 10th Street. As a child in the late 1960's and early 1970's when we would visit her, there were times we would walk down to the Creegan Company to see the displays and marvel at what was being created in the backroom shop. Certainly, to have lived in the Upper Ohio Valley was to have been influenced in some wonderful way by the knowledge and creativity of this faith filled man! His death notice has sparked text messages from my siblings in Weirton, Pennsylvania and to me here in Florida, recalling the magical world of Creegan Creations like the talking Christmas tree in the Hub Department Store!

  • 09/03/2024

    John Piverotto

  • 09/03/2024

    John Pestian

  • 09/03/2024

    Bill McKean, Austin Texas

  • 09/03/2024

    John Pestian

    Sean and the entire Creegan family,So sorry to read of your Dad's passing. His creativity was only dwarfed by his kindness and caring nature. He surely was a good man!It is true that as one generation comes to life, another dies away. In George's case, though, he has left a legacy of love that is seen in you and your family.Be assured of our prayers for all of you.John Pestian and Sheri SelkCincinnati, OH

  • 09/03/2024

    Mary Jane (Cline) Mathess

    George and JoAnn had worked on an American Cancer Society children's educational puppet and coloring book package, for healthy habits. I was the Educational Chairman for the American Cancer Society, Laurie Welday, Director, at the time. George ended up hiring me to do sales and marketing, mid 1980's. What a great experience this was for me, thanks to these two brilliant people, George and JoAnn. Praying God brings you comfort, during this time of great loss.

  • 09/03/2024

    Brenda Schilling

  • 09/03/2024

    Brenda Schilling

    My heart felt condolences at George's passing. He will be missed. Prayers and blessings to his children and grandchildren. Love to you all.. Brenda

  • 09/03/2024

    Raymond Bell

  • 09/03/2024

    Raymond Bell

    A great man and benefactor that influenced countless children. He will sadly missed and remembered fondly.

  • 09/03/2024

    Marianna Paprocki

  • 09/03/2024

    Marianna Paprocki

    Just noticed on this site that Mr. Creegan passed away in January. Please accept our sympathies and prayers. "Those who live in the hearts of others never die."

  • 09/03/2024

    Kathy Creegan Postlewait

    Hi Randy: I am sorry you were not able to reach us. YOu can call me anytime to talk about Dad..330-705-8106

  • 09/03/2024

    Lisa Graham

  • 09/03/2024

    Deborah Rayburn-Skaggs and David Skaggs

  • 09/03/2024

    Deborah and David Rayburn-Skaggs

    Our deepest sympathies to the Creegan/Feist/Benzo families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We pray for strength and peace for you all at this difficult time. George is in glory and peace with your mother and sister now. What a reunion I'm sure they are having! RIP George and give Mary Elaine a big hug from me......Love Deborah and David Skaggs

  • 09/03/2024

    Sharon Davis Green

    I worked at the Creegan Company in 1969. My 'official' job was secretary but I was often painting yellow brick roads or other 'props' and once did the puppet show at the Cherry Hill Mall near Philadelphia. Several of my cousins also worked for George and JoAnn, as puppeteers or talking Christmas trees or setting up holiday displays all over the place. It was always a fun and sometimes hilarious experience which created the sort of memories which we still talk about. Thanks for that, George. Rest in peace.

  • 09/03/2024

    Patti (Ossio) Ruggieri

    To the Beautiful Family of George Creegan,I express my deepest sympathy to you all. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time! I feel part of this lovely family with many great memories to cherish with the Creegan family! Their home was so welcoming and i so appreciated all the wonderful music that came from within that house! George would sing Opera, listen to opera and educate me about opera! A great memory I totally enjoyed. As i send this, I believe George is probably singing to the love of his life "JoAnn"! He had a big spirit that i can say touched many lives! Shine on George! God rewarded you eternal life as He promised you! I celebrate you today and always with all the joy you brought to this world!Go in peace my dear George for God is waiting for you!Peace be with you my dear Creegan familylove Patti

  • 09/03/2024

    Expression of Sympathy

    A DISH GARDEN WITH FRESH FLOWERS was ordered on January 15, 2018

  • 09/03/2024

    Patti Mannarino

    Memories are the legacy of love and life. May all your happy memories and family give you strength and peace through this time of sorrow. George's talents and stories of life and adventures will be missed.

  • 09/03/2024

    Marcy Starkey Ryan

    Dear family, your father was an inspiration and true friend. My association with him was over 20 years at the Fort Steuben Mall. He created wonders for children that were enjoyed by children in the OHIO VALLEY. His attention to detail was endless. We, and your dear mother, enjoyed a personal and professional friendship. He shared with me his travels and I was enthralled with his knowledge. He gave me a few precious gifts that I will cherish. His staff and all members of his family were devoted to him. Steubenville has lost a true gem, but we will meet again.

  • 09/03/2024

    Ann Knowles

    I was so sorry to hear that George had died. He was a gift to the world and to the children with his Puppet Shows. I was fortunate to do some in Pittsburgh for him. He and Joanne were a remarkable pair and world travelers. My sympathy to his family and many friends. We say REST IN PEACE, George. He was generous to the Steubenville Art Association and local Libraries with his time and his books and his public speaking.

  • 09/03/2024

    Thomas and Deborah Oldaker

    Please accept our heartfelt condolences in the .Loss of your father

  • 09/03/2024

    Expression of Sympathy

    A Serenity Cross with flowers was ordered on January 16, 2018

  • 09/03/2024

    Gary & Marilyn Ford

  • 09/03/2024

    Lee and Janice McCarthy

  • 09/03/2024

    Expression of Sympathy

    An A GARDEN PATH was ordered on January 14, 2018

  • 09/03/2024

    SheilaStevensPoole

    So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I took care of your mother years ago when she was in the Kindred Hopital of Pittsburg. God Bless All Of You.

  • 09/03/2024

    SheilaStevensPoole

  • 09/03/2024

    Mr & Mrs Burke D Sullivan,jr.

    Sean sorry for your loss and the sorrow your family feels at this time. Sorry we will not be able To be with you at this time. Your Dad was a great man and friend. God bless. You all. Our Love Burke & Polly Sullivan.

  • 09/03/2024

    Mr & Mrs Burke D Sullivan,Jr

  • 09/03/2024

    Jim Keagler

    I am deeply sorry for your loss. I pray for your peace and a quick return to the beautiful smiles you all have. Love to you all.

  • 09/03/2024

    Patrick F. Murphy

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