Celebrated PV principal dies of aneurysm at 38

October 05, 2008 10:57 pm

— ROAMING SHORES — Jeff Meddock, principal of Pymatuning Valley High School and assistant boys basketball coach and who recently returned as a delegate to the Republican National Convention, died Friday night of a brain aneurysm, coroner’s office investigator Rich Mongell said.
Meddock was 38.
Staff members became concerned when Meddock, who left the school early Friday complaining of a headache, didn’t attend Pymatuning Valley’s victorious homecoming game against Lutheran East that evening. When Meddock didn’t show up to chaperone the homecoming dance Saturday, staff members went to his house and found him dead, Baehr said.
“He didn’t suffer,” Mongell said. “His death was very quick and painless.”
Mongell said the preliminary autopsy indicates Meddock died Friday night.
PV Superintendent Jake Rose said the district’s crisis response team will be at the high school today to counsel students and staff. The team was at the homecoming dance Saturday night as students learned the news.
An impromptu memorial service was held Sunday night, PV Middle School Principal Andy Kuthy said, so students, staff and members of the community could talk about Meddock’s contributions to the area.
“Jeff always said, ‘There kids are the best kids in the world,’” Kuthy said. “He had a love for the kids, community and staff. He was Mr. PV.”
A long-time supporter of Sen. John McCain, Meddock served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., in early September.
A few weeks later, Meddock prepared Pymatuning Valley High School for the “Good Morning America” anchors and crew, part of the show’s “Whistle Stop Tour.” The tour put PV schools in the national spotlight.
Kuthy said services will be held in Andover and in Meddock’s hometown of Ambridge, Pa.
“Of course this is going to be terribly, tremendously hard for the staff and students. Jeff was always there for the kids. He was a tremendous administrator and a great educational leader,” Rose said.
Meddock began his administrative career at Pymatuning Valley Schools. He served as assistant principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent before he resigned to be principal of Eastlake North High School. He returned one year later as principal of PV High School.
“We a learned a lot from Jeff,” Rose said. “He was a teacher who taught everyone.”
Kuthy said Meddock will be remembered for his unique gift of enthusiasm and energy.
“Jeff was able to infect people with his enthusiasm,” Kuthy said. “He also had the energy to follow through with his plans. He was a real presence; a deep voice, a tall guy, but he was never overbearing. I can’t imagine PV without him.”
Rose said he will take great care to honor Meddock’s memory and his legacy at Pymatuning Valley.
“Jeff started a lot of traditions at PV,” Rose said. “His spirit of teamwork was tremendous. We will carry on as he would want us to carry on. We won’t forget him and we won’t forget his contributions to this district.”
Rose said district administrators and staff will plan memorial ceremonies for Meddock beginning today.
“It took awhile for the news (of Meddock’s death) to really sink in,” Rose said. “I just couldn’t believe that someone so young who gave so much of himself to this community could die so suddenly.”

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