LAVALE - John Craig McVicker passed away Monday, Apr. 10, 2017, at the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center after a two-year battle with cancer.
Born in Mar. 30, 1935, Cannonsburg, Pa., Mr. McVicker was the son of the late John Roy and Verna (Craig) McVicker. He was also preceded in death by his son, Samuel McVicker.
John moved to California, Pennsylvania, and then to Bell Vernon, Pa., where he attended elementary and junior high school. He moved to Cumberland and graduated from Fort Hill High School, where he played football, basketball, and ran track. He was selected the Knights of Columbus Player of the year in football in 1952, and was also selected to the First Team All State Football Team. He was also undefeated in both the high and low hurdles in track. John was a member of the National Honor Society and was awarded the Hazelwood Award at graduation.
He received a full athletic scholarship in football to the University of Maryland in 1953, where he played on the undefeated 1955 Orange Bowl Team. John enlisted in the United States Army in 1959, and after service, was employed at Allegany Ballistics Lab in Cumberland for over four years. He left ABL to get his teaching certificate at Frostburg State University. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Health and Physical Education and later his Masters Degree from McDaniel College in Westminster. He began his teaching career in 1966 in Carroll County, teaching physical education, health, and driver education. He also coached football and track at Westminster High School. He retired after 28 years of teaching.
Upon retirement, he came back home to Cumberland, and spent his summers in Ocean City. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling the world. He was also a member of the Cumberland Outdoor Club, the Cresaptown Eagles, and a Life Member of the Cumberland Goodfellowship Club.
John is survived by Polly Ward McVicker, his wife of 49 years.
At his request, he will be cremated. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in his name.
The Adams Family Funeral Home, P.A., 404 Decatur Street, Cumberland, (www.AdamsFamilyFuneralHome.com) is in charge of the arrangements.