John Ralph Aleck

John R. Aleck passed away on July 4, 2025, at Cottingham House after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Mark United Methodist Church, 616 Quincy Road, Seneca, on Saturday, July 12, at 1:00 P.M. A reception will be held after the service in the atrium.

John was born on September 7, 1946, in Denver, CO. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sharon, son Jay Aleck, his wife Christie, and daughters Caitlyn and Sophia, daughter Debbi Lacy, cousins, brothers-in-law, sister-in-laws, and nieces and nephews who all loved him dearly.

John enjoyed a long career as an Agricultural Product Development Manager with Chevron Chemical Company, now known as Valent International. He developed many chemicals used to eliminate plant and pest diseases. He served as Chairperson of the Insecticide/Fungicide Development Committee and Vice-Chairperson for the Entomology Section of the Tobacco Workers Conference. He traveled worldwide, making presentations to benefit research and marketing conferences.

In retirement, John volunteered for Meals on Wheels and was active in his community. He enjoyed golf, socializing with friends and neighbors, and traveling with Sharon. He loved household projects and woodworking. For the last 38 years, he was happiest on Lake Hartwell at the family cottage. He loved driving his boat, taking the children on skiing and tubing adventures, and just watching the world go by.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Foothills Area YMCA Parkinson’s program at https://faymca.org/donate/campaign/64/. John found strength, support, and friendship through Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s. This program gave him a sense of purpose and belonging with fellow fighters who truly understood his journey.

Donations may also be made to Cottingham House, 298 Memorial Drive, Seneca, SC 29672. Checks payable to Oconee Memorial Hospital Foundation, Memo line: Hospice of the Foothills, Cottingham House. The tender loving care the staff gave John was beyond remarkable.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the Cremation Society of South Carolina - Brown Funerals website at cremationsocietyofsc.com.