John F. "Boom Boom" Buchmelter, III

John F. “Boom Boom” Buchmelter, III, 86, of Mingo Jct., OH passed away peacefully on Monday, February 26, 2024 at the Carriage Inn of Steubenville, with his children surrounding him with their love. 

He was born on May 30, 1937 in Mingo Junction, OH a son of the late John and Mary (Jarzabek) Buchmelter. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Thelma (Paavola) Buchmelter; a son, Benjamin Adrian Buchmelter; and four sisters, Dolores (Kenneth) Stewart, Clementine (Leonard) Cacciacarro, Mary Kay Shumard Hall (Robert), and Rita (Martin) Castanon.  

The United States Air Force was his calling out of High School.  He served in Fairbanks Alaska gaining valuable knowledge in weather and meteorology that he used for his lifetime.  When returning home, John worked in the Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel Mill in Mingo for 40+ years before his retirement.  John was certified as both a private and commercial pilot and flew out of Wheeling and Jefferson County Airparks, sharing the joy of aviation with children and local civic groups.  The experience of his aviation career gave him the opportunity to travel to Brazil, Canada, the Amazon River and many states within our country.  He was an excellent singer that loved to belt out his favorite songs and to entertain anyone that would be around. His talents also led him to be involved with the Steubenville Players and eventually being part of the cast of “The Deer Hunter” that was filmed in Mingo and various cities.  He became friends with many of the producers and cast members that still kept in touch with him.  As an active member of St. Agnes Church he served his church faithfully and compassionately.  He was truly a “Mingo boy” through and through. 

Surviving are a son, John F. (Tania) Buchmelter IV of Fitchburg, Wisconsin, a daughter, Mary (Ron) Kucynski of Maineville, OH, his fur grandbabies, Philip, Lily, Willow, Sheba, Gizmo and Sawyer; and many nieces and nephews and their extended families spread across the country. 

Friends will be received at Wheeler Funeral Home, 101 Longview Ave., Mingo Junction, OH on Friday from 4-8 p.m. On Saturday there will be viewing at St. Agnes Catholic Church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of his Funeral Liturgy with Mass at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. James M. Dunfee, celebrant. Interment will follow at Oakland Cemetery, Mingo Junction, OH, with military honors by the Ohio Valley Veterans Memorial Squad.

There will be a vigil service on Friday at 7:45 p.m.

In lieu of flowers monetary donations may be made to Jefferson County Humane Society or to the family to purchase a memorial in his honor at the Airparks.

Offer condolences online at www.wheelerfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John F. "Boom Boom" Buchmelter, III, please visit our floral store.