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2 – Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2022 - Issue #260
Shortage of Volunteer Responders Reaches Critical Level
other chiefs to take over when I’m not young people to put their phones down en By Danielle Merrow route to a call and focus on the task at around.” for Hometown magazine unxsutawney area volunteer services McFarland adds: “We are experiencing a hand,” says Bowers. Regardless of the reasons for the shortage are experiencing a critical shortage of critical low in service. Personally, I can say volunteers, and desperately need it’s tough knowing that you need to get on of volunteers, local departments are in need positions to be filled in all departments. scene as quickly as possible and that’s not of solutions. “I’m not sure what the answer is,” Smith “Firefighters, SCUBA, EMS, fire police, always feasible due to weather and traffic.” honor guard, search detail, and community Richard Fisher is a 44-year firefighting says. “Something’s got to give. We are service – all of these are positions that need veteran and a multi-station member, advertising with billboards and banners. to be filled,” says Tami McFarland, responding for both Knox Township and We’ve discussed attending career day at the president of Punxsutawney fire McCalmont fire departments. Fisher joined high school. Just three to four extra bodies departments and a 19-year firefighter / McCalmont in 1978 as the station’s first per station would help tremendously.” Smith and McFarland agree that there are EMT veteran. “Any help we can get would junior firefighter. Back then there was a no limitations to the be fantastic. Every station would contributions a volunteer can benefit from more volunteers.” make. “If you’re willing to work, The lack of volunteers impacts the we’ve got a place for you!” they community in terms of response emphasize. Don’t like ladders? times according to Punxsutawney There are plenty of jobs that Fire Department chief Chis Smith don’t require climbing. – a sentiment that McFarland Squeamish at the sight of blood? concurs with. “We will always Motor vehicle crashes need respond, but it may take a little volunteers to operate the Jaws of longer, which may impact the Life and direct traffic – the EMTs community, regardless of how handle the blood. Not interested many responders are on scene and in running into a burning when we get there,” she says. “We building? Someone needs to roll do our due diligence to be as the hoses and even help other effective and hasty as possible firefighters get dressed. [despite the lack of manpower].” “Everyone has their limitations “Something’s got to give,” adds and we understand that,” Smith Smith. “We have four to five guys large part of volunteering is helping with fundraising. The boot drive emphasizes. “We need help, per station during the day; at night A is an annual fundraising tradition. (submitted photo) however. It’s bad. there’s always we pick up a few more, trying to cover all the shifts.” wait list of over 300,000 volunteers. something people can do.” Fisher adds: “Being a volunteer also Another factor – age – is another reality However, volunteer numbers steadily that affects volunteers’ ability to respond. decreased from that time through the means helping to raise money to support the departments. Look at how the county is “And we aren’t getting any younger,” 1980s. Smith continues. “I’m in my 40s now. Fisher says that decline in volunteerism growing. This drives numbers on grants When I was in my 20s or even my 30s, was most likely due to an unstable and the funding we get to keep things when I was in my 20s I could use two – economy in the 1980s and is likely part of going.” “There’s more to this than just getting three SCBA [self-contained breathing the cause for the decline now. Smith points apparatus] bottles at a single fire. Now, I’m out that in his 23 years of volunteering, this through training. Anyone willing to help is pretty much one and done.” is the first time he’s seen a shortage this welcome, but you’ve got to be willing to work. I see a lot of people at scenes just Unfortunately, young people make up the extreme. smallest percentage of volunteers in each Fisher and Scott Bowers, a 39-year standing around and about a dozen guys local station. “There are not many 20-yearfirefighting veteran and the chief of Big doing the work. Physical fitness is a olds, a few 30-year-olds, and everyone else Run Area Volunteer Fire Company, agree positive,” he continues. “Know your limits is over 40,” Smith says. that a contributing factor for the current – older people can help out too! We just Smith explains that during the workday, shortage might be technology. “Phones and really need help. Not just from the most of the younger volunteers are working computers, social media – you wouldn’t community, though that’s important too. regular jobs, leaving only four to five believe how many times I’ve had to ask - Continued on next page seasoned veterans at each station to handle daytime calls. “I work outside of Punx’y, so I’m not available to take calls during the day,” Smith says. “I have to rely on my
P
On the cover: As we celebrate Memorial Day, let us remember, and honor, the military members who gave their all in service to their country. As we enjoy a long weekend with family and friends, let us pause to appreciate the brave first responders, who selflessly run toward danger in order to keep our communities safe.
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Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2022 - Issue #260 – 3
The annual Firemen’s parade is another big fundraiser to keep local fire departments afloat. (submitted photo)
Shortage of Volunteers Continued from previous page But we need local, state, and federal leaders to understand the need and help us to form a plan.” Bowers elaborates further by saying that in his station, he would see the most benefit from volunteers with experience in administrative office positions. “I know there are people out there who don’t want any part of the fire department to run calls. … If we had people who would be willing to do the administrative work, [they could] run the gun raffle and other fundraisers,” he says. “Bankers, lawyers, teachers, etc., someone with a background like that would be perfect to help with fundraising. Everyone at our station runs two or three roles – responding to fires, helping with the event center, EMT, and fundraising, among others.” McFarland, Smith, Fisher, and Bowers all emphasize the physical demands of responding to calls, in addition to normal human emotional reactions to the nature of the work performed in these positions. “When physical exhaustion and emotional exhaustion combine, it leads to emotions running really high,” Bowers says, “and that’s when we worry. I’m worrying about my department. “We worry about our regular jobs; I have guys who will leave their regular, full-time, paying job to respond to a call. And I tell them, ‘make sure it’s worth it before you rush out the door,’” he continues. “‘Make sure it’s not something that can’t be handled without you. Don’t risk your job unnecessarily.’”
He concludes: “And we worry about our families – of course I worry about my family – especially when my wife and my kids are fighting a fire alongside me.” Bowers explains that fundraising is a vital part of keeping their station running. Big Run and other outlying stations do not receive the same funding as the stations within the borough, and therefore rely on fundraising to continue to serve their communities. “Fundraising takes focus from responding to calls in the community, but fundraising is so vital to running the department,” he notes. “We really need more people to help with fundraising.” Smith and McFarland emphasize that age and gender should not be deterrents to volunteering: “We can accept trainees at 14 years old. In our next training session, there are five more spots available. And at that age, the training program doesn’t allow much responsibility.” Fisher adds, “I’ve fought fires alongside women for years – my own daughter included. I’ll fight a fire with anyone; if you’ve got my back, I’ve got your back.” As a woman, McFarland says she has never felt out of place in an organization traditionally referred to as a “brotherhood.” “Women can be just as tough as men. We have our own special strengths and abilities, and sometimes I think we can do things even a little bit better than the men. Just because you’re a woman doesn’t mean you can’t do it,” she points out. “There are some things I’m limited on, like lifting heavy things. But I can get in small places [McFarland is a petite 4 feet 11 inches tall and weighs just 110 lbs]. There’s no reason - Continued on page 7
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4 – Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2022 - Issue #260
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By Mary Ellen Pollock-Raneri for Hometown magazine hen I was a kid, summertime meant strawberry time. Strawberry picking, jelly making, freezing the berries on big cookie sheets, and eating lots of them, right off the vine – those activities seemed to fill the entire month of June. Mom, Dad, and I would dress in our “berry picking” clothes (as Mom called them). For us, it was worn-out sneakers, cut-off shorts that were once part of some pair of knit pants, a sleeveless shirt, and an old hat or a visor. Mom used to wear this one vintage straw hat that she bought in Atlantic City, but later, she switched over to a terry cloth pink visor (when visors came in style). I can still see my dad in his “wife-beater” undershirt, frayed, baggy shorts that flapped about in the breeze, white Ban-Lon socks, and his grassstained tennis shoes without laces or tongues. We always went to the same farm to pick berries every summer when the fruit was ripe. Mom would call the owners on the phone and investigate the condition of the patch before we went to it. Sometimes, the strawberries were reported as being, “almost ready.” Other times, Mom would get a “pretty picked over,” report, and she would furrow her brows, determined to get whatever berries were left. Most times, though, the strawberries were plentiful and delicious, especially when you could enjoy them right off the vine. Those berries were warm and sweet and so juicy. We never worried about washing them either; we just worried about filling our baskets and our tummies as fast as we could! Lugging pails and big bread bowls (usually stainless steel), Mom, Dad, and I would try to find a spot away from other pickers. We would each take a row and shout out to each other as we loaded up our containers. “Hey, over here!” my father would shout and wave to us. “I just found some huge, juicy berries!” Mom always yelled back, “I’m good here!” No matter her location in the berry patch, my mother, Lucy, always was certain that she was in the perfect spot for the most luscious berries. Sometimes, though, when Dad or I became disheartened because we didn’t pick as fast or pick as many berries as we thought we would, Mom would always console us with her usual commonsense approach.
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“The little ones will fill the pails the same as the big ones,” Mom encouraged us. “Just keep pickin’.” And we did. We usually loaded up a couple buckets or pails each, and we hauled them to the checkout that was located at the entrance to the field. The strawberry man weighed them, and Daddy paid him. It’s a good thing that each of us was not weighed before and after we picked the berries. I remember popping one after another strawberry in my mouth with my red-stained fingers as I labored under the hot summer sun. When we got home, the real fun and work began. Mom always made me wash the berries in the washtub in the basement. “Wash ’em good, Mary,” Lucy insisted on clean berries. “I don’t want to be eating any worms or snails.” Then, my mother would laugh, and she grinned that big Lucy grin. We froze the cleaned fruit on cookie sheets for a few hours, until the berries got hard. Then, Mom let me put them in freezer bags. Those strawberries sure tasted good in the wintertime when my mother made pies or other desserts with them. Mom would also cut some up the day we picked them, and she sugared them a little for the strawberry shortcake that she would bake later for supper. My father loved shortcake with extra berries! He would cut the piece of cake in half through the middle, place berries and lots of berry juice there. Next, he mounded more berries on top of his piece of cake. Lastly, Dad poured about 2 cups of milk all over his whole strawberry creation. I remember how our backs would ache a little the evening after the strawberry work was over. All the stooping and bending over just was part of a day in the berry patch, I guess. I remember the dirt around my nails and the red stains on my fingers. But my mom always said, “Mary, you gotta work if you wanna eat.” I guess this was my mother’s way of saying that if I was to get anywhere in life, I needed to hitch up my bootstraps and dig in. And I did. Mom’s philosophies about food always seemed to tie into her philosophies for life. Yes, those days in the field with my mom and my dad were some of the best days of my life. I will never forget the hot sun over my head, and the straw and the dirt under my shoes. I will always recall the sweet, warm juice of a strawberry that squirted on my shirt as I popped one after another in my mouth. When I close my eyes, and I can still go there with Mom and Dad, any time I want – back to strawberry fields forever. •••
Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society, Inc. Lattimer House open Thur. thru Sat. 10-4 and Sun.12-4 Appointments required for genealogy. Other facilities closed.
h Gift Shop items may be purchased online h Genealogy searches may be requested by phone, e-mail or regular mail h A new exhibit “SPORTS” will be in the Griffiths Galleries at the Lattimer House Find us at: WWW.PUNXSYHISTORY.ORG Email: PUNXSYHISTORY@OUTLOOK.COM
6 – Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2022 - Issue #260
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Shortage of Volunteers Continued from page 4 why a woman can’t do any of this.” “Women can do all of it; there’s nothing a man can do that a woman can’t. The sky’s the limit!” she emphasizes. “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life but it’s also the most rewarding – just knowing I’ve made a difference in someone else’s life.” Smith adds that “women should not be afraid to join. Anyone willing to volunteer is welcome!” Both McFarland and Smith have their
going to do my best to protect your kid to the best of my ability.” He concludes: “I look out for my own family and I’ll look out for yours too.” Fisher adds: “New members need to be willing to learn and listen; it’s important to work as a team. Phones and computers need to go away. When we take safety seriously, the loss of life is fairly low. We always try to provide more personal safety, and we have safety officers in place. If you do your job right, the risk is low. We go through a lot of training to avoid injury, and training is ongoing. Everyone takes care of each other. Parents have to let their kids stretch their legs a little bit.” “We don’t see many serious injuries. Just know our number one goal is to not let
anyone get hurt,” says Bowers. “I tell new guys, worry about your job, worry about your family. As chief, I will look out for what’s best for each member and the company.” McFarland, Smith, Fisher, and Bowers all say it’s important to note that training in this line of work is ongoing and never ending. The minimum training for firefighters is currently 160 hours, but that is just the beginning; being a firefighter is an ongoing training experience, with unlimited potential to grow and learn. “Because the technology behind building materials is evolving and changing constantly, our training in learning how to fight fires involving these materials goes along with that. The tools we use to fight
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The brotherhood and sisterhood that exists among department members truly is like family. (submitted photo)
theories as to what is holding people back from volunteering. McFarland empathizes that the idea of committing to one more thing – one meaningful, extraordinarily selfless thing at that, but still another thing – can be intimidating. “The idea of putting all of the hours into it – 160 hours plus of training – might scare people off. Between employment and family, there just aren’t enough hours in the day. There’s so much going on in people’s lives that there just isn’t enough time to volunteer,” she explains. “But once you get in, we are a brotherhood and a sisterhood. We are a family. We have each other’s back. It’s hard to walk away from a family meal, but when I do that, it means someone needs my help. It’s the best thing I could give to someone.” Smith adds to McFarland’s speculation that volunteering is harder for younger people than it was when he joined, because now, many families consist of two working parents. As the cost of living continues to rise, parents are occupied with earning a living and don’t have the time or alternative ways to transport young people to the training necessary to complete the volunteer requirements. Fisher and Bowers both have children who became first responders at a young age and have continued their path of volunteerism, and would reassure parents with reservations about the risks of the job. “We’ve taken in younger people, had parents in to ask questions and get to see everything. We ask them to try not to worry. We will take care of your child, won’t put them in harm’s way until they have hundreds of hours of training,” says Bowers. “There’s always a risk of injury. You can’t protect your kids from everything but you can be darn sure I’m
fires are constantly changing,” Smith says. Big Run Open House Big Run Station 17 will hold an Open House on June 4. Anyone interested is welcome to attend and learn more. “This [volunteering] is an excellent way to give back to the community, to your family, to yourself? It’s a fulfillment you can give yourself, knowing you’ve given back, knowing you’ve made a difference. It’s a good feeling,” concludes McFarland. “It’s a good cause to be passionate about. And we have fun – there are a lot of fun things we do. Honor guard, boot drives, gun bashes, the Firemen’s Parade, and Pizza and Prevention, among others. And it’s something respectable that you can feel good about.” •••
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TROLLEY LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM OF 1912 The Eleanora team won the championship of the old Trolley League in 1912 and 1913, beating out Punxsutawney, Adrian, Ramsaytown, Sykesville and Helvetia. The Bat Boy is Steve Roney, of Punxsutawney. First Row: (l. to r.) Andy Volansky, Bob Patterson, John Nelson, Blair Wright and Clyde Blose; Second Row: Tom Collins, Jolly Hunter, George Mottey, Jack Lavosky, Jim Madden, Rube Hagerty and Jack Pollock; Third Row: Pete Nelson (scorer), Merle McGee (driver), Jim Nelson (umpire), Father Bachnock, Oney Flannigan, Jock Donnelly and C.C. Curry. Andy Volansky, in the first row married Margaret Mottey. George Mottey, in the third row was the eldest son of George and Elizabeth Mottey. Photo Courtesy of PAHGS.
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8 – Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2022 - Issue #260
By the Coal Memorial Committee for Hometown magazine une is the month we honor fathers. Many residents of the Punxsutawney area are able to trace their heritage back to a time when their fathers worked in some aspect of the coal industry. Some fathers worked as pick and shovel miners underground, others worked on the coal tipples, many worked at the coke ovens where they converted coal to coke, and others worked on the railroads transporting coal and coke to market. The availability of jobs attracted immigrants seeking a better life. George Mottey was one of the many immigrants who came to the Punxsutawney area seeking a better life. He arrived in the United States in 1880. Little is known of his early days in this country. He was from the Austrian Empire and may have found work building railroads. What is known is that by 1887 he had become a naturalized citizen and was married to Elizabeth Hadbovny, who was also from the Austrian Empire. And by 1896 they were living in Jefferson County where George worked for the Rochester & Pittsburg Coal and Iron Company at their newly opened Eleanora Mine. The Mottey name first came to public attention in the December 7, 1896, issue of the Punxsutawney News, which reported that a dinkey engine and six larrys had collided with twelve cars of slack while coming down the grade off the coke ovens at Eleanora. The larrys, a coal car, and the dinkey were smashed. George Mottey, the engineer, had saved his life by jumping from the dinkey window. George Mottey had good reasons for saving his life. He had four small children, and his wife was expecting their fifth child. The coal company wasted no time in replacing the dinkey. In the same issue of the News it was reported that, “The new dinkey engine Eleanora has arrived and she is a ‘dandy.’ She was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works and weighs fifteen tons. It is rumored that the Coal
J
Co., will in the near future add four or five hundred ovens to their coke plant at this place.” The next time the Mottey name appeared in print was in the News on March 29, 1899, when it was reported that “George Mottey has been treating his friends to extra good cigars for the past few days. Twins are the cause of his generosity – a boy and a girl.” The twins, Carl and Anna, joined the other children, Margaret, George, Rose, Julia, and Helen in their home in McCalmont Township. According to the 1900 Census, the Mottey family was still living in McCalmont Township. George Mottey was listed as a day laborer. Seven Mottey children and two boarders were living in the home. This was not unusual. There were many men at the mines who needed housing and the rent paid by these boarders helped immigrant families to sustain themselves. Shortly thereafter the family moved to Adrian, where 400 bee-hive ovens were in operation, enabling George Mottey continued working as an engineer at the coke ovens for the next 20 years. During the decade between the 1900 and 1910, five additional children were born to George and Elizabeth Mottey: Francis, Andrew, Paul, and William, and a child born between Andrew and Paul had died. Adrian at that time was becoming a thriving community reaching a population of just over 2,000. It had the largest company store in the county, the first hospital in the region, churches and schools, both public and parochial schools, and unending sports. They had baseball teams that nearly equaled the professional ranks, football teams that rivaled the best, and soccer teams that were challenged only when they met the teams from Eleanora and Wishaw and Soldier. The Mottey’s sons were prime participants in this sports paradise. They each left outstanding records as team members, and several made records for themselves. - Continued on page 10
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Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2022 - Issue #260 – 9
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10 – Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2022 - Issue #260
Francis J. Mottey, son of George and Elizabeth Mottey was a man on a mission to achieve his goal to become an attorney. He knew he had to work to earn the money to pay for his education. Following his graduation from St. John’s College In New York City, he took a summer job playing professional baseball with Johnstown, in the Middle Atlantic League, where he logged 13 home runs and earned a .390 batting average. When he returned to Law School at St. John’s College in New York that fall he found a job with the Stapletons, one of the best professional football teams in the east as a right tackle. In this position Mottey played against teams including “Red Grange’s Giants, the Wilson Bearcats, the Chicago Bears and the Cleveland Panthers. Francis J. Mottey received Bachelor of Science Degree in Law from St. Johns Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY 11 Jun 1934. His Dad was proud of his achievements. He returned to Punxsutawney and was admitted to the Jefferson County Bar in 1944. He practiced law in the Punxsutawney area until his death in 1961. Photo courtesy of PAHGS.
George Mottey’s Continued from page 8 By 1910, the family was living at Adrian and the three older children ages 17 to 20 were working and becoming involved in community activities. His eldest son, George Mottey, was working as a miner at Eleanora, and playing with the Eleanora Base Ball team which won the Trolley League Trophy in 1912 and 1913. Daughters, Margaret and Rose, were employed as servants in private homes. In this time before modern conveniences, such as indoor plumbing, electricity, and central heating there was a great deal of work to be done to maintain a home. Young women were much in demand to assist mothers and homemakers with the chores related to laundry, housekeeping, and assisting with caring for children. The Motteys’ 13th child, Celestine, was born at Adrian in 1914. By the time Celestine started the first grade, the older Mottey children, Margaret and George, were adults with families and homes of their own. Margaret was married to Andrew Volansky, who worked in the local coal mines, and lived in Punxsutawney. George, his wife, Mary, and their family moved to Clymer in Indiana County, where he worked in the newly opened coal mines and became an active member of the United Mine Workers Union. He began as a field worker for the union and then served as a district board member of the union for 35 years. The Mottey children living at home were: Rose and Julia, employed as servants in private homes; Helen, a stenographer in a lawyer’s office; Carl, a stationary engineer; and Frank, a fireman, worked in the Power House. Andrew, at age 16, had decided that working in the mines was not for him. He found employment as a butcher at a grocery store, an occupation he continued in his adult life in the Pittsburgh area. Tragedy struck when George and Elizabeth Mottey’s son Carl died in 1922, as a result of complications of diseases. His obituary described him as one of the finest young men in this section, having a magnificent physique and as having been a wrestler of promise and a good ball player. Education and baseball were the major occupations of Frank, Paul, and William Mottey. They each pursued advanced education, and they played baseball. William Mottey’s life was one of service. He attended Providence College, Providence, Rhode Island. In 1936 he was ordained a priest in the Dominican Order. He served as a U.S. Navy chaplain from 1944 to 1946. At the time of his death, he was teaching general science at the Aquinas High School in Columbus, Ohio.
Paul Mottey also chose a life of service as an educator and priest. He served his family as well as members of his congregations. Francis Mottey chose sports as his occupation of his younger years. After completing high school at St. Adrian’s he attended college preparatory school at St. Francis College at Loretto, before studying law at St. John’s in New York City. He played both professional baseball and football while attending college. After graduating with his law degree, he practiced law in New York and was an instructor in the St. John’s Law School. In 1944 Francis returned to Jefferson County where he was the first new lawyer admitted to practice in this county since December, 1937. Francis Mottey would continue his career in law and would run for public office. He married Kathryn Barliar, a local teacher. The daughters of George and Elizabeth Mottey who married, raised strong families, included Margaret, Julia who married Joseph Esposito, an insurance agent, and Helen who married John Maisch, a real estate agent. Of these Julia faced the greatest test, that of being widowed with five young children to raise. Rose, Anna, and Celestine remained single. Rose remained with her parents. After their deaths, she lived in Punxsutawney where she was active in church and civic activities. Anna helped maintain the family home and later moved to Pittsburgh with her sister Helen, as did Celestine who became a nurse. Although there is no record of George having become a millionaire, his legacy was twelve children who became solid citizens of the United States of America, each having lived a dignified and honorable life and having contributed to the greater good of the Punxsutawney area community. What better honor could a father receive for Father’s Day? This article has been prepared by the Coal Memorial Committee of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society. Resources used in preparing his article are from PAHGS, Punxsutawney News @ Newspapers.com., and the Library of Congress. Direct comments to PAHGS, P.O. Box 286, Punxsutawney, PA 15767. Individuals desiring to honor a coal or coal related industry worker are encouraged to purchase their tile by June 30, 2022. A Coal Memorial tile may honor persons who worked in any aspect of the coal industry including railroads and ancillary services. Additional information and forms may be found online at www.punxsyhistory.org or may be requested by an email to: punxsyhistory@outlook.com, or calling (814) 938-2555 and leaving a message. •••
The Infantinos: A Picture of Family Service During WWII By Marty Armstrong for Hometown magazine ine members of the James and Rose Infantino family gathered in the 1940s for a family portrait. James Vincenzo (1877-1962) and Rose Cavalieri Infantino (1886-1982), both born in Italy, came to the Punxsutawney region in 1903 and 1908, respectively, and were married in 1908. Both became naturalized citizens. In 1921, Mr. Infantino established a grocery store, described as Infantino’s Golden Valley Market according to a brief article in the “Punxsutawney Centennial” which was published in 1949. Their store was located at 314 East Mahoning Street and was reported to be at that location in Punxsutawney directories of the 1960s and ’70s. The “Centennial” article went on to say that, during the flood of 1936, eight inches of water invaded the store. They raised to adulthood six sons, all pictured, and one daughter. In the search for World War II servicepersons whose surnames begin with “I,” a check of the “Centennial” listing shows that, of the 1,150 veteran names, only nine begin with “I.” This is not an auspicious beginning if one is looking for siblings who served. However, of the nine listed, six bore the surname Infantino – brothers, cousins, unrelated persons – this could quickly be determined by review of the index prepared by volunteers of the Punxsutawney Area
N
Historical & Genealogical Society as a finding aid for the WWII clipping file compiled by Punxsutawney Librarian, Mildred Harlan, and now held by PAHGS. This index includes data extracted from the clippings such as names, branches of service, and fathers’ given names. The six were indeed brothers, all sons of James Infantino. In the “I” folder of the clipping file there are numerous mentions of all six men and a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette picture of the family grouping described above. The caption printed with the clipping identified the lone daughter as an “RN serving on the home front.” As noted in the Frantz article in Hometown No. 255, there was a shortage of nurses during WWII. The name listed in the Post-Gazette for the young lady is Josephine. That presents a problem. Census records for the Infantinos list only one adult daughter by the name of Geraldine. All the obituaries where survivors and predeceased siblings are named only mention Geraldine. Her own obituary lists “A” as her middle initial. And Geraldine was definitely a nurse. Internet research reveals that Geraldine Infantino graduated from Indiana, Pennsylvania Nurses’ Training School in September 1941. Her entry into education for this field of service would have predated her brothers’ entry into military service. To describe to readers the six young men who served, they could be listed in birth
The family of James Vincenzo and Rose Cavalieri Infantino as pictured in the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette in December 1943. Having started their married life in McCalmont Township where James worked as a miner, the young family moved to Punxsutawney when Mr. Infantino established a food market in the 300 block of East Mahoning Street in 1921. Front row (l. to r.): Samuel, Rose, James and Angelo. (Back row) Anthony, Barclay, Geraldine, Thomas and John.
order as in prior articles or alphabetical order, another standard format when naming multiple persons. This article will go in a different direction; they will be listed in the order by which they entered the service. This is because, in the many clippings preserved, newspaper writers frequently mentioned new servicepersons as the second or third son of the family in question. This is true of the Infantinos, with continuing additions referencing a new recruit as one of two, then one of three, or four, or five and, finally, one of six, culminating with the family portrait which includes them all. In addition, service photographs
1ST LT. SAMUEL INFANTINO. Entered service 1941. Already a Reservist, he was called to active duty December 7. First to see service, Sam was discharged after flying 50-plus missions as a bombardier. Having trained horses before the war, the newspaper noted that after the war he was “enjoying his bent for riding running horses, at which he is an adept.”
for five of the six are available as is a snapshot of the sixth. Samuel Infantino (1915-2000) entered the service in early 1941 as a member of the Army reserves and was activated later that - Continued on page 15
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12 – Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2022 - Issue #260
F
rom the staff of Hometown magazine and the Community Calendar at Punxsutawney.com, here is a list of events coming up in our area: At press time, Coronavirus restrictions and mask requirements were changing. Please check with the host organization’s website or Facebook page for up-to-date information. n Pirates Contest Winner! The total runs scored in the May 10 game with the Bucs hosting the Dodgers was 12 with the Pirates losing 11-1. Pam Hankinson was the tie-break winner in Hometown’s Pirates contest and plans to redeem her gift card at Punxsy Shop ’n Save. Congratulations, Pam! n The Groundhog Club is hosting Sundays with Phil from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second & fourth Sundays of the month through the summer at the visitors’ center at Gobbler’s Knob. n Weather Discovery Center: Visit weatherdiscovery.org for current hours and admission. n The Big Run Fire Co. holds Honey Badger Bingo every first and third Wednesday of the month at the Big Run Event Center. Doors open at 4 p.m., early bird games start at 6 p.m. and regular games start at 6:30 p.m. Food & beverages available. n The Perry Township Vol. Fire Co. holds an All You Can Eat breakfast on the 2nd Sunday of every month at the fire hall, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Adults, $8. n May 29: Fish for Free Day, sponsored by the PA Fish Commission. No license needed. n May 29: Farmer’s Market, noon to 4 p.m., at Barclay Square, sponsored by the Punx’y Chamber of Commerce. Vendors should call the chamber at (814) 938-7700. n May 30: Memorial Day. Remember those who died in U.S. military service. A federal holiday, many businesses, schools, etc., are closed. n Through June 20: Spring Reading Challenge for adults aged 18 and over at Punx’y Memorial Library. Complete 2 BINGOs and win a new book. n Through June 30: Children’s Reading Challenge at Punx’y Memorial Library. Complete 2 BINGOs and win a new book. For children ages 18 months to 10 years old. n Farmer’s Market Vouchers will be available after June 1 at local senior centers. Distribution dates are being determined. Call (814) 849-3096 for more information. n June 1-6: American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course, hosted by the Brookville YMCA and the George C. Brown Community Pool. Cost is $155. Contact the Brookville YMCA at (814) 849-7355 for more information. n June 1, 11, 15, 25 and 29: Book donations accepted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Punx’y Memorial Library. Limit 2 boxes/bags per person. n June 4: Opening Day at George C. Brown Community Pool! n June 4: Chicken BBQ, 4 p.m., at Rossiter Vol. Fire Co. n June 4: 7th Annual Military Col-
lectibles Show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Jefferson County Fairgrounds. There is an admission charge. Benefits the Jefferson County History Center. n June 4: 4th Annual Child Evangelism Fellowship Golf Scramble at Beechwoods Golf Course. See their Facebook page or the cefjec.org website for more information. n June 4 & 5: Hazen Flea Market, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Warsaw Township Fire Co.’s grounds. n June 5: Farmer’s Market, noon to 4 p.m., at Barclay Square. n June 5: Hawthorn Fire Co. Annual Kayak/Canoe Poker Run, launch 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Summerville Bridge on Redbank Creek. Register that day at the Hawthorn Boat Launch or at hawthorn560.com. n June 5: Children’s Fishing Derby, 1 to 3 p.m., at Cook Forest. n June 6: Writing Group with Jane Murphy at Punx’y Memorial Library. This group will meet again on July 11 and Aug. 1. June 6, 13, 20 & 27: Adult Coloring Club, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., at Punx’y Memorial Library. Bring your own supplies or borrow some from the library. For those over age 18. n June 6-10: Summer Library Program – Oceans of Possibilities, 11 a.m. for Wee Group, ages 18 months to 35 months, at Punx’y Memorial Library. Registration is recommended. n June 7, 14, 21 & 28: Rainbow Round Table, 4-5 p.m., at Punx’y Memorial Library. Tween & Teen LGBTQ+ literature and pop culture discussion group. This group will meet Tuesdays through July 26. n June 8: Women’s Ministry June Fellowship Luncheon, noon, at First United Methodist Church. Call the church office at 938-7500 to RSVP. n June 9: Book Club, 5:30 p.m., for adults at Punx’y Memorial Library. Call the library to reserve a copy of this month’s book. n June 10-11: Grange’s Helping Hands free clothing. Friday, noon to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Grange Church of God. n June 11: Strawberry Saturday, various locations around Smicksburg. n June 11: Girl Scout Space Science Day at Punx’y Weather Discovery Center. Brownies & Juniors, 9:30 a.m. to noon; Brownies, 1-3 p.m. Pre-register by June 6 at (814) 938-1000 or email info@weatherdiscovery.org. n June 11-12: French & Indian War Encampment, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Cook Forest. n June 11-19 Laurel Festival Week, Main St., Brookville. n June 12: Farmer’s Market, noon to 4 p.m., at Barclay Square. n June 13-15: Vacation Bible School: “NORB-E,” 6 to 8 p.m., at First United Methodist Church. n June 13-17: Vacation Bible School: Rocky Railway, 9 a.m. to noon, for grades pre-k - 6th, at Grace UM Church in Punx’y. Register by May 30 at 938-8160 leave mes- Continued on page 14
A kickoff ceremony for National Hospital Week was held on May 9 at Punxsutawney Area Hospital. In attendance were (l-r) Herb Bullers, Jefferson County Commissioner; Dr. Clark Simpson, Chief Medical Officer; Daniel Blough, Chief Executive Officer; Paula Spack, Vice President of Patient Care Services; Jack Sisk, Chief Financial Officer; Scott North, Jefferson County Commissioner; Punxsutawney Mayor Richard Alexander; and Mark Volovic, Chief Information Officer. (submitted photo)
Punxsutawney Area Hospital Celebrates National Hospital Week
T
he Punxsutawney Area Hospital celebrated National Hospital Week May 8 through May 15. The hospital and staff celebrated the week with various events, which included a kickoff ceremony on Monday, May 9. Jefferson County Commissioners, Herb Bullers and Scott North, were in attendance and spoke to the workforce, who attended in person and virtually, about their appreciation for the care that is provided to the residents of Jefferson County. Punxsutawney Mayor Rich Alexander made a proclamation for the week in honor of the hospital’s efforts and impact on our community. Throughout the course of the week, PAH employees participated in activities such as an evening of bowling, a cornhole tournament, a match-the-pet contest, an ice cream truck visit, breakfasts, and more. With the help of Chef Barnes and Chef
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Reed from the IUP School of Culinary Arts, the hospital’s annual cookie contest was held, and the top cookies were selected based on a set of criteria established by these local professionals. Staff members at PAH were encouraged to “Pass on the Positivity” to other employees and departments. They were able to leave notes or words of encouragement for their fellow employees to brighten each other’s days or to recognize that their efforts are not going unnoticed. The running theme for the week was “PAH Proud.” The Punxsutawney Area Hospital has many things to be proud of including its national designation as a Top 20 Rural and Community Hospital in the United States. The employees also had the opportunity to participate in a scavenger hunt and trivia contest. They were able to participate by Your Small Hometown Attitude Company
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Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2022 - Issue #260 – 13
Hometown Community
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Continued from page 12 sage or punxsycrosstown.org. Presented by Crosstown United Methodist Ministries. n June 14: Flag Day. Fly the colors! n June 15: Summer Library Family Night: Oceans of Possibilities, 6 to 7 p.m., at Punx’y Memorial Library. All ages welcome for a Pirate Scavenger Hunt, costumes are encouraged. June 16: Community Classic Golf Outing at the Punx’y Country Club. Benefits the Punx’y Chamber of Commerce, the Punx’y Community Center, Make-A-Wish, and the Weather Discovery Center. For information, contact the chamber at 938-7700 or email chamber@punxsutawney.com. n June 16, 17 & 18: Coolspring Power Museum Expo & Flea Market. Museum closed Sunday. n June 19: Father’s Day! Remember your father with a gift from one of Hometown’s advertisers. n June 19: Father’s Day worship & celebration, 9 a.m. to noon, at First United Methodist Church. n June 19: Farmer’s Market, noon to 4 p.m., at Barclay Square. n June 20-24: Summer Library Program for Pre-K Group, 11 a.m., for ages 3-5, not yet started kindergarten, at Punx’y Memorial Library. Registration is recommended. n June 20-25: Sykesville Ag & Youth Fair at the Sykesville Fairgrounds. See www.sykesvillefair.com for information. n June 21: First Day of Summer! n June 21: Blood Drive, noon to 6 p.m., at Punx’y VFW. Benefits the American Red Cross. n June 22: Drive-Through Community Dinner, 5 to 6 p.m., at Punx’y Presbyterian Church. Enter the alley off East Mahoning St beside the Pantall and drive toward Union St. Meals will be handed to the driver. The meal will include an entrée to heat at home and a dessert. n June 23-26: Laurel Eye Monsters Fest 5 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Tickets required. For more information, go to www.LaurelConcert.com.
n June 25-26: Sts. Peter & Paul Byzantine Church Festival at Picnic Ground Delancey off Route 310. Opens with Divine Liturgy on grounds at 4 p.m. Saturday, closes 9 p.m. Sunday. Homemade ethnic foods, bingo, games, basket raffle. n June 26: Farmer’s Market, noon to 4 p.m., at Barclay Square. n June 27-July 1: Vacation Bible School: 5-Day Club, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., for ages 512, at Punx’y Alliance Church. Presented by Punx’y CMA and Child Evangelism Fellowship. Register by June 1 at 938-8505 or pcmachurch.org or see the link on the church’s Facebook page. n July 1: Blood Drive, noon to 6 p.m., at Punxsutawney VFW. Benefits the American Red Cross. n Punxsutawney Theater Arts Guild will be presenting their summer production "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike on July 1 and 2 in Punxsutawney at the Elementary School auditorium at 7:30 p.m.; and July 7 thru 9 at the Sawmill Theater in Cook Forest at 8:00 p.m. each night. n July 2: Punxsutawney Fire Dept. Parade, 4 p.m., down Mahoning Street. n July 2-9: Punxsutawney Festival in the Park at Barclay Square! Interested vendors should call the chamber at 9387700, ext. 2, for information. n The Salvation Army of Punxsutawney is offering registrations for summer camp at Camp Allegheny. For more information, contact TSA at (814) 9385530 or email punxsycorps@use.salvationarmy.org or contact them on social media. n The Multi-Phasic Blood Screening offered by the Punx’y Rotary Club will be July 16 & 23. Registration may still be available, see the Rotary’s website at www.punxsyrotary.com for registration information. n If you are 55+ call today 844-4565433 to find out if you or your loved one qualifies for LIFE! We can help you continue to live independently in your own home with the LIFE program’s all-inclusive healthcare program. For more info, visit our website at www.LIFENWPA.org •••
Hometown’s Mother’s Day ‘22 Giveaway Winners Christian Book Store $25 Gift Certificate Rebecca Hockenberry
Punxsy Shop ‘n Save $20 Gift Certificate Esther E. Miller
entered by Brittany Martz
entered Kate J. Miller
Pizza Town $20 Gift Card Holly Burg
Roseman's Florist $10 Gift Certificate Barbara Lee
entered by Norma Painter
entered by Melissa Michael
London's Country Creamery Grandma's Kitchen $10 Gift Certificate $20 Gift Card Carol Wehrle Autumn Vallies
- Continued on page 8
entered by Andrew Wehrle
entered by Tricia Waltman
CRW Home Center $25 Gift Card Megan Reed
McDonalds $20 in McBucks Sue Gleason
entered by Sue Gleason
entered by Shirley O. Caylor
Healing Touch Massage 1/2 Hour Massage Marcia Little
Hanzley's Garden Center Hanging Basket Kay Vanleer
entered by Kelsie Derik- Logan
New Anchor Inn $25 Gift Certificate Charlene Skarbek entered by Kelly Porada
entered by Gary Vanleer
Kengersky Insurance Blanket and Mug Samantha Caylor entered by Colton Buchheit
Call or text 814-952-3668 or email hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com if you are a winner who has not been contacted yet.
14 – Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2022 - Issue #260
The Infantinos Continued from page 11 year. A 1932 graduate of Punxsutawney High School, Sammy had worked as a horse trainer with Norman S. Scava. During the war, after attending Bombardier and gunnery schools as an Aviation Cadet, he was deployed to the European Theatre of Operations where he was part of the 26th Marauder Bombardiers. In one communication home, Sammy wrote that he lettered “Punxsutawney” on his first bomb and felt confident that it had hit its mark. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for meritorious service and the Air Medal with eight oak leaf clusters. Described as “jockey-sized,” Tommy and another airman were known as the Silver Streaks and were pictured together as the two smallest airmen in the ETO. SGT. ANTHONY JAMES INFANTINO. Entered service January 1942. An early enlistee, Tony, like all of his brothers, served in what is now known as the U.S. Air Force but was, during WWII, officially the U.S. Army Air Corps.
Anthony Infantino (19131955) entered the service in January 1942. A 1930 graduate of PHS, Tony later graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. During the war he attended officers’ training school and had served on a troop carrier. In 1949 he was married to Angeline Astorino of Walston. He subsequently operated the Infantino Funeral Home in Sykesville, having purchased it from the former owner,
L.H. Reed. They were members of the Roman Catholic Church in Sykesville and are buried at Calvary Cemetery in Punxsutawney.
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LT. BARCLAY INFANTINO. Entered service February 1942. One brief clipping notes that his parents were told of his safe arrival overseas in early 1943 but not told what sea he had crossed over. As his early months of service involved desert training, it would come as no surprise to them that his deployment was in the North African theatre of operations.
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Barclay Infantino (1911-1997) entered the service in February 1942. A 1928 graduate of PHS where he picked up the nickname, “Bones,” he subsequently earned a forestry degree from the University of Minnesota where he played quarterback for the Golden Gophers football team. Prior to the war and after he had been employed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Assistance where he had a career of 30-plus years. As a new recruit in desert training in Texas, he wrote a lengthy letter home in which he groused entertainingly about the weather (hot, dry, and windy), the food, the long hours, and the short haircuts he and the others endured. He served as an officer in the North African Theatre of Operations and retired as a captain in the 4th Howitzer Battalion of the 92nd Field Artillery, U.S. Army Reserves. He was a former commander of Battery A. 4th of the 92nd in Punxsutawney. This unit was activated during the Berlin crisis and spent a year at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was married to - Continued on page 17
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1. Complete the coupon on this page. 2. Guess the winning team and the total number of points you think will be scored in the Pirates vs. Cardinals Game and enter the guesses in the spaces provided on the coupon.
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4. Clip and forward the coupon to: ‘Pirates Giveaway,’ c/o Hometown magazine, 129 Aspen Road, Punxsutawney, PA 15767. PLEASE MARK YOUR TEAM PICK & TOTAL POINTS ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE ENVELOPE.
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5. All entries must be received by 4 p.m. Saturday, June 11. 6. No purchase necessary to participate. All entries must be original magazine coupon (no photocopies). 7. In the event two or more contestants correctly pick the winning team and total number of points, one winner will be randomly selected and awarded the winning prize. In event two or more contestants tie for closest to the total score, one winner will be randomly selected to win the $20 certificate. Each issue we will give one $20 certificate. 8. Hometown magazine retains the right to make any final decisions regarding the contest, and by submitting an entry, contestants agree to abide by the rules of the contest.
Hometown magazine ‘Pirates Giveaway’: Complete, Clip, Drop off or Mail to: Pirates Baseball Contest c/o Hometown magazine, 129 Aspen Road, Punxsutawney, PA 15767
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SGT. THOMAS GAETANO INFANTINO. Entered service January 1943. Shown here in 1945 (left) at a U.S. Ninth Air Force Bomber Base in France being greeted by his brother Samuel (right) who had recently completed his tour of duty and who was on hand to wish Tom “good luck and good hunting.”
burgh, eventually becoming commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. His service was as a B-24 navigator. In 1946, he married the former Bertha Astorino of Walston. They relocated to Erie in 1952. A member of the National Association of Letter Carriers, Ange retired from the U.S. Postal Service with 27 years of service in 1983. They were members of St. James Roman Catholic Church in Erie, Pennsylvania, and are buried in Punxsutawney at Calvary Cemetery. One wonders what the dynamic was for the family on the “home front” during WWII. Worry, stress of daily life in wartime, relief when the men all came home, pride in their service – all would have been part of the picture. •••
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The Infantinos Continued from page 15
the former Adeline Basciano. They were members of Ss.CD and are buried at Calvary Cemetery. Thomas Gaetano Infantino (1919-2009) entered the service in January 1943. He was a graduate of Ss.CD and had been employed by his father. As a member of the Silver Streaks, a medium bombardment group of the 9th Air Force Bomber Group, he arrived at the 9th’s headquarters in Belgium in time to be greeted by his brother, Samuel, who had completed his tour of duty with the same group. After the war, he continued employment in his father’s store. In the 1960s he is listed as the owner-operator of Infantino’s Market at 314 East Mahoning. Never married, he is buried at Calvary Cemetery. PVT. JOHN ANTHONY INFANTINO. Entered service March 1943. Oldest of all six brothers, John’s service was likely deferred as he was head of his own household with dependents.
John Anthony Infantino (1909-1982) volunteered for service with the U.S. Army Air Corps and was accepted in March 1943. A 1928 graduate of PHS, he worked in his father’s store both before and after the war. The 1940 Census records reveal John and his wife, the former June Reed of Worthville, and their baby girl as a separate household within the circle of his parents and siblings on East Mahoning Street. In mid-1944, he wrote home from Las Vegas, Nevada, where he had been stationed for over a year, signing himself an “old Punx’yite” and proclaiming that “Punx’y is still the best little town in the U.S.A.” The Punxsutawney directory from the 1960s lists John as a retired warehouseman for Craft Food. He was a member of Ss.CD, the Punxsutawney Eagles F.O. 1231, and the Punxsutawney Country Club and is buried at Calvary Cemetery. 2ND LT. ANGELO JAMES INFANTINO. Entered service November 1943, the youngest of the six Infantino brothers. He trained as an aviation cadet and received his wings early in 1945.
Angelo Infantino (19212009) entered the service in November 1943. A graduate of Ss.CD, he was accepted as an aviation student at the University of Pitts-
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(“From Our Past,” researched by S. Thomas Curry, features items of interest from past editions of Punxsutawney and area newspapers.)
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May 16, 1906 — Now that your cattle and fowls are prone to ‘roam over your neighbors’ gardens it is well to brush up on the fence law which applies to such cases. The law provides that you must fence in your own cattle and fowls, but need not build a fence to keep your neighbor’s chickens or cattle out. Fowls trespassing on a neighbor’s property may be killed and the owner has no remedy. (Punxsutawney Spirit) May 19, 1870 — On Monday evening two young gentlemen (?) at Keck’s tavern, under the influence of a fashionable beverage, attempted to reconcile a slight difference of opinion by pugilistic demonstrations, but they were prevented from doing each other any harm, and Constable Altman soon after appearing, they were taken to Esq. Miller’s office, where one of them left six dollars and a half, as an equivalent for the privilege. May 30, 1886 — John W. Barr, while in Pittsburgh last week, learned a new song which is said to be very pretty when sung with a full chorus. It is entitled “Punxs’y Takes the House.” (Punxsutawney News) May 30, 1894 — Two foreigners paraded our streets last Friday carrying with them an entire orchestra and brass band. One of them wore a brass cap from which jingled a number of small bells. He played five instruments at one time. (Punxsutawney News) June 11, 1939 — For the first time in its history of nearly 50 years, the St. Adrian’s School at Delancey will graduate a class of ten students who have completed a four-year high school course. The school was begun in 1889 and in 1914 the first three-year high school class was graduated. (Punxsutawney Spirit) June 13, 1887 — The only serious objections we have to the rapid growth of this town is that it will soon become so large that many of the good old ladies will not know everything that is going on. Imagine what torture it will be to some to think that there are events transpiring right in their own town that they have no knowledge of. (Punxsutawney Spirit) •••
18 – Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2022 - Issue #260
Nancy Mae Woodbury of Punxsutawney October 5, 1957 - April 26, 2022 Nancy attended the New Beginnings Church and drove a school bus for the Punxsutawney Area School District for nearly 30 years. She loved gardening, cooking, watching Westerns, and spending time with her family and grandchildren. She is survived by her mother, Dorothy (McMillen) Smith; her sisters, Joyce (Rob) Berdine and Patty (Gary) Heitzenrater; her caregiver, Ed Preston; her sons, Jason Smith and Scott (Kasey) Preston; her grandsons, Owen and Grayson Preston; and several aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents; her father, Levi Smith; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com) u
Damien Silverstein of Punxsutawney September 20, 1974 - April 29, 2022 Damien is survived by his spouse of 16 years, Ashley Minster; a daughter, Chloe Emma Silverstein; a son, Lucas Mason Silverstein; step-father, Mark Simpson; two aunts, Elizabeth Phelps and Mary Katsuleris; an uncle, George Katsuleris; and numerous cousins. Also, father-in-law, Ernest Minster; sisters-inlaw, Kristine (Josh) Jekielek, Erin (Evan) Minster, and Bridget Minster. His loving nieces and nephews include: Andrew, Cora, Ruby, Owen, Opal, and Thomas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Silverstein and Angel Simpson; his uncle Mason Phelps; his aunt, Karen Molloy; and mother-in-law, Mary Minster. Before settling in Pennsylvania, Damien spent his youth in California. He achieved his paralegal degree from the Sanford Brown Institute in 2009. He connected with the love of his life, Ashley Minster, meeting at their place of employment. Their life together began in Mt. Lebanon before they moved to Punxsutawney. Damien was a loving and dedicated father. He loved sports and he loved watching, coaching, and being involved with his children and their sports. He loved his nephews and nieces and supporting kids of all ages, especially in their sports endeavors. The love of sports was instilled in him at a young age by his father and the support and camaraderie of competition was a place in which he found deep connection and comfort with friends and family. He loved to help people, and this translated to his life-long career in the professional moving business. He loved pumpkin pie and cantaloupe, all the time. He loved Arnold Schwarzenegger’s full body work-out plan and milk – milk is necessary. He loved the ocean and boogie boarding, even during red flag events. He loved animals, especially dogs. He believed in a good and loving God and had a close personal relationship with God throughout his life.
Damien spent his life hustling around the bases and is now, finally, safe at home. McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com) u
Charles F. Hinderliter of Coolspring July 15, 1937 - April 30, 2022 Charlie served peacetime with the United States Army. He attended trade school in Tennessee to become a lumber inspector. Charlie then returned home and worked for Matson Lumber and Ames Lumber. He then opened Hinderliter Garage in Coolspring. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and spending time in his garage. He loved his wife, Beverly (Sutter) Hinderliter and enjoyed over 50 years of marriage before her death in 2012. He is survived by a son, Troy (Tammi) Hinderliter; a daughter, Amy Hinderliter; two grandchildren, Stephanie (Justin) Singleton and Devin (Ashley) Isbelle; four great-grandchildren, Atticus Isbelle, Addison, Hadley, Beau Singleton; two sisters, Ruby Hinderliter and Ginger Dove Valier; two brothers, Harry (Betty) Hinderlite and Terry Hinderliter; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, Ervin and Dorothy (Nulph) Hinderliter; wife, Beverly (Sutter) Hinderliter; and two sisters, Elsie Rendt, Betty Hinderliter. McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com) u
Vickie L. Waltman of New Bethlehem, formerly of Punxsutawney December 15, 1957 - May 3, 2022 Vickie was a foster parent for many years, but before that she was a Certified Nursing Assistant. Vickie married her best friend, David O. Waltman, on June 23, 1984. Vickie was a fan of the Steelers, crocheting, gardening, hummingbirds, and spending time with her family. She is survived by two daughters, Jessica Waltman and Carrie (Brian) Snyder; three grandchildren, Mackenzie Waltman, Mason Synder, and Brady Snyder; three sisters, Ginger (Don) Felgar, Penny Delucia, and Cindy (Howie) Tapper; two brothers, Mike (Gina) Wright and Randy (Kathy) Wright; sister-in-law, Carol (Ted) Wells; and brothers-in-law, Robert (Doreen) Waltman, John Waltman, Ralph Waltman, and George (Mary) Waltman; as well as numerous nephews and nieces. In addition to her parents, Robert and Mary (Price) Wright, she was be preceded in death by her husband, David Waltman; her mother- and father-in-law, Sophie and Ralph Waltman; her sister and brother-inlaw, Anna Mae and Jerry Pierce; sister-inlaw, Charlene Waltman; sister-in-law, Leticia “Laddie” Waltman; and nephew William “Bill” Waltman. McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com) u
Continued on next page
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Robert T. “Pickle” Milligan of Punxsutawney April 25, 1943 - May 4, 2022 He was born in Clairton, to Robert T. and Francis E. (Dilts) Milligan. Tom spent his childhood in Valier, later moving to Punxsutawney, where he married and raised his family. He was a Methodist by faith and an electrician by trade. Tom was a 50-year member of the I.B.E.W. Local Union No. 5 in Pittsburgh. He was a member of the 403rd Replacement Co. Army Reserve in Punxsutawney during the 1960s. He served as a volunteer fireman with the Elk Run Fire Department during the 1970s and was a member of the F.O. Eagles No. 1231 as well as the John Jenks Masonic Lodge. He was interested in everything autorelated, owning a stock car and racing on local tracks, running a junkyard and later partnering a service garage, inspection station and a used car lot. His favorite sport and hobby were sprint car racing, following the World of Outlaws for many years from New York to Florida to Iowa. He loved his dogs and cared for many over his lifetime. Mr. Milligan is survived by a son and daughter, Scott Milligan and Brand . Milligan; a brother, James Milligan; and a sister, Terri Milligan Baun. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. (www.deeleyfuneralhome.com) u Loretta J. Bernardo of Rossiter December 28, 1932 - May 7, 2022 Loretta enjoyed sitting on her porch watching wildlife and appreciating the beauty of nature, especially the flowers and trees. She was known for her immaculate housekeeping. She loved spending time with her family, especially her young grandson, Grant. She liked traveling and shopping. She attended polka dances and traveled with the Punxsutawney Polka Club to events with her sisters and her special friend, Angel. She is survived by two sons, Randy Bernardo and Timothy (Angela) Bernardo, and grandson, Grant. She is also survived by three sisters, Shirley Craft, Virginia Swisher, and Charmaine (Richard) Bennett, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Lenora Janni, and her husband, Herman Bernardo, who passed away January 8, 1993. McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)
Craft; his mother, Tracey Smith; brother, Dakota Fleming; a sister, Jensen Fleming; grandparents, Vernon and Linda Smith; one aunt, Sherry Kelly; an uncle, Jason (Cheryl) Smith; a cousin, Ty Kelly; a great-greataunt, Merenia Schrock; and numerous maternal great uncles, aunts, and cousins. He was preceded in death by greatgrandparents, Virgil and L. Marie Smith and Earl and Joyce Schrock, and his best friend, Daniel Shively Joey’s family wants everyone to realize that addiction is a deadly disease. It doesn’t matter how long you have been using, whether you have been using for 20 years or it is your first time, please understand it could be your last time. Joey always said, “It wasn’t going to take me and he was not going to die from it and it will all be okay.” He was wrong! Please do not let Joey’s death be in vain. If you are using or are addicted to any substance of any kind, PLEASE get help, so another family doesn’t have to lose someone they dearly love. If you need help with your addiction, call the PA addiction hotline 1-800-662-4357. McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)
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Joseph O. Fleming III of Big Run December 7, 1989 - May 7, 2022 Joey was employed by C&H Fencing in Worthville. He was a great person, being known to do anything for anyone. Joey didn’t even have to know the person and he would be there to help out. Joey enjoyed watching football and basketball and he was an avid Steelers fan. He is survived by a daughter, Marissa
Please visit the website of the funeral homes listed to view the complete obituary, sign their guestbook, plant a tree, and offer your condolences. u
If you have a loved one who has passed away and would like to publish the obituary in Hometown Magazine, please contact us at hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com or call (814) 952-3668. u
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Terry B. “H” Hinderliter of Valier May 26, 1954 - May 10, 2022 “H” was a member of the Valier United Methodist Church and attended One Life Church, Punxsutawney. He was a 1972 graduate of Punxsutawney Area High School. He started working at a very young age, baling hay with local farmers, and he also had a paper route. After high school he worked as a carpenter for various companies then for Delta Drilling, Defelice Construction, and Fayette Resources. He owned the former Half n’ Half Pub in Punxsutawney. He enjoyed vegetable gardening, playing pool, history books, western movies, and walking the trail with the various dogs he had over the years. He is survived by his son, Jesse Hinderliter; two sisters, Ruby Hinderliter and Virginia Dove; a brother, Harry (Betty) Hinderliter; special friends, Mike (Julie) London and Dee (Jeanine) Richardson, Carrie and Remi; numerous nieces and nephews; and his K-9 companion, Hobo. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and Dorothy (Nulph) Hinderliter; wife, Cynthia Hinderliter; two sisters, Elsie Rent and Betty Hinderliter; and a brother, Charles Hinderliter. McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)
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Welcome To The Pharmacy That’s Still Close By. With five pharmacists ready to serve you: • Michael Horner, R. Ph. • Kim Horner, R. Ph. • Jennifer Moore, R. Ph. • Joe Presloid, R. Ph. • Matt Kunselman, R. Ph.
2 PUNXSUTAWNEY 200 Prushnok Dr. LOCATIONS: 618-5957
132 West Mahoning St.
938-3077
Mon.- Fri 9 to 7, Sat. 9 to 2 Visit our website:
DRIVE UP WINDOW TO BETTER SERVE YOU Mon.- Thur 8 to 6, Fri 8-4
www.medicineshoppe.com/1094
Our family protecting yours, since 1932
• AUTO • HOME • FARM • LIFE • HEALTH • FLOOD • RECREATIONAL TOYS • COMMERCIAL • WORKERS COMPENSATION • & MORE John Kness, Agent Nancy C. Gotwald, Agent Mon-Fri 8:30-5, Sat 9-12 407 S. Main Street, DuBois
814-371-6756
Mon-Sat by Appointment only 2725 Rt. 36 N, Punxsutawney
814-938-7311
Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2022 - Issue #260 – 19
Providing Families the Best Care at Their Worst Time
McCabe
Waldron
FUNERAL HOME INC.
FUNERAL HOME
Andrew R. Philliber, Supervisor / Funeral Director
Lisa J. Waldron, Supervisor Andrew R. Philliber, Funeral Director
114 Maple Ave., Punxsutawney
831 Market St., Mahaffey
814-938-0400
814-277-9911
www.mccabewaldronfh.com 20 – Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2022 - Issue #260