Jacob A. McAlee, 21, Johnsonburg

Jacob A. McAlee, 21, of 238 Cushing Ave., Johnsonburg, passed away early Friday morning, February 27, 2026, at AHN Grove City Hospital following a brief illness. He was born May 20, 2004, in St. Marys, a son to Joseph “Joe” McAlee and Michelle Bickford.

A lifelong resident of Johnsonburg, Jacob was a 2023 graduate of Johnsonburg Are High School and was currently a Junior at Slippery Rock University studying Cyber Security.

Jacob was a member of Holy Rosary Church and he was proud to be a member of the Johnsonburg American Legion. He loved spending time with his friends and family and he enjoyed gaming, cooking and music. To know Jacob was to love him. He brightened every room he entered, and he left everyone he met better than he found them.

Jacob was a staple of strength and perseverance and has touched so many lives. He was human life’s little buffalo, who charged every storm brought to him and charged every trial or tribulation head on through the storm, only to keep that smile in the light on the other side.

As the tattoo said on his arm – “perseverance”

Jacob had worked this past summer at the Elk County Assessment Office.

Jacob was the best son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend and example of the true meaning of life to the entire community.

He is survived by his parents, Michelle Bickford and her companion Mike Chiesa of Johnsonburg and Joseph “Joe” McAlee of Johnsonburg, his brother Shane Bickford (Tommi) of Johnsonburg, his niece Ryan and nephew Sylas, his paternal grandfather Donald Bickford (Sally) of Smethport and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Jacob is predeceased by his paternal grandparents Ed and Dori McAlee, his maternal grandmother Becky Jakuboski and his uncle Jamie Bickford.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Jacob A. McAlee will be conducted at Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg, on Friday March 6, 2026, at 10 AM with Fr. David Wilson, as celebrant. Interment will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery.

Friends and family will be received at the Anthony F. Ferragine Funeral Home and Cremation Services chapel, 401 Chestnut Street, Johnsonburg, on Thursday evening from 5 to 8 PM.

If desired, contributions in Jacob’s memory should be made to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh at secure.givetochildrens.org or call 1-877-CHP-GIVE

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