Millard "John" Mechalske

Millard "John" Mechalske Jr., 79, of Greeneville, NC, formerly of Locust Grove, VA passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026. John was born on December 11, 1946 in Elkton, VA, son of Millard John Mechalske Sr. (Mike) and Myrtle Marie Webster, and grew up in the Shenandoah Valley before relocating to Northern Virginia. John worked in baking, grocery, and retail while enjoying softball, fishing/crabbing, bowling, and bingo.

On December 22, 1967 he married Carolyn Sue Alderson in Falls Church, VA. Together they celebrated over 55 years of marriage.

John was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brother Vernon Leo Mechalske, special Aunt "Pete" Charlotte Murray and Uncle Ashby Murray Jr.

John is survived by his two sons John David (Christi) Mechalske of Washington, NC and Clifford (Tonya) Mechalske of Hollidaysburg, PA, his brother Richard (Sandy) of Bracey, VA, his sister-in-law Nita Mechalske of Brandy Station, VA, his former daughter-in-law Allison King of Mims, FL, his granddaughter Cassidy (Jacob) Angelo of Harrisonburg, VA, his step-grandaughter Stephani (Salar) Houshvand and her step- great granddaughters Hadleigh Endicott and Arya Endicott of Wake Forest, NC, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins who were dear to him.

John, retired for over 15 years, spent most of his working life in grocery for Safeway food stores while running employee association social events as President of his district. He started out working for a bakery in the valley, he moved on to navigate the Washington DC streets to deliver for Coca Cola. He spent many weekends at yard sales and flea markets looking for the flip, using his unlit cigar as his negotiating comfort. He loved horseshoes, softball and bowling, especially duckpin bowling. He loved getting a group of family together for a BBQ, a night of fishing and crabbing, or for a game of poker. He loved sports, Orioles, Redskins, Mystics, and Nationals. He loved packing family into his customized van for a trip to the beach or amusement park. He was a simple man but brought lots of joy and charm to those around him and will be missed.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Johnson Funeral & Cremation Service in Bridgewater. Burial will follow at Beaver Creek Cemetery in Bridgewater. The family will receive friends, at the funeral home, starting at 11:00 AM on Wedneday.

Donations in John's memory can be made to the following:

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank https://www.brafb.org/

or in his memory to a charity special to you.