BROTHER CELEBRATED for

Service to God, Country, Family and Fraternity

active in the lodges; he can often be found in the Chaplain’s chair. He also enjoys guiding new initiates throughout their Masonic journey.

After high school graduation, Gene attempted to enlist in the Armed Services, but was denied because of his “flat feet.” In 1950, at age 21, he was finally drafted into the Army and served two tours in Vietnam. In 1954, Gene met his future wife, Mabel, at a local skating rink in New Jersey. The couple were married for 49 years until her passing. They raised six daughters and have 14 grandchildren, 13 greatgrandchildren, 10 step-grandchildren and 17 step-great-grandchildren.

A Senior Master Sergeant, Gene returned home from the service in 1966, was honorably discharged and went on to work for the U.S. Postal Service for the next 18 years. While there, two of Gene’s friends introduced him to Freemasonry, and he was given a petition to join the lodge.

“They [the brothers] seemed to have so much fun at their lodge meetings, and I wanted to be a part of that,” Gene said. “You meet a lot of people there, and they are all good people. I enjoy participating, and I try to never miss a meeting.”

McCloskey is a dedicated Mason who has lived a long and full life. A group of brethren from the 18th Masonic District gathered recently to celebrate his 94th birthday and honor him for his service to the fraternity and his significant impact on many brethren.

Gene was raised to the degree of Master Mason in 1976 at Ivy Lodge No. 397, Williamsport (which later merged with Lodge No. 106 and is now known as Ivy Lodge No. 106). He is also a member of two other lodges in the district: Lafayette Lodge No. 199, Lock Haven, and La Belle Vallee Lodge No. 232, Jersey Shore.

“The birthday surprise shocked the daylights out of me,” Gene said. “There were about 80 people at my lodge. I walked in, and they all screamed and carried on. I was so shocked and happy.”

A retired pastor, Gene remains

During his military service, Gene was trained in the fields of meteorology and aviation. While stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, Gene was introduced to a young private named Elvis Presley. He was instructed by his commanding officer to “take Elvis home and give him a home-cooked meal.”

Mabel offered to cook cheeseburgers for the famed singer, but he politely asked for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich instead (Elvis was known for his love of peanut butter sandwiches). The two men enjoyed a brief friendship until Elvis was deployed elsewhere.

“He was a very nice person and so respectful,” Gene said. “He used to play his guitar in the barracks. This was before he got famous, of course. I was an Elvis fan, but I lost all respect for him when he got into drugs. But he was a perfect gentleman when I knew him, and he enjoyed the military.”

Growing up in small-town Indiana County, Gene said he was inspired by his parents to help those in need. They were active in their church and encouraged their children to look after the sick and elderly. That’s what led Gene to become a pastor.

“Gene tries to visit with anyone who has time to chat,” said Darrin L. Feerrar, D.D.G.M.-18. “He is very proud of his family, his service to our country and his membership as a Pennsylvania Freemason.”

Although he can’t drive anymore after losing an eye in Vietnam, Gene said there’s always a brother ready and willing to take him to and from lodge meetings or help in any way they can.

“I live alone and take care of my house,” Gene said. “The brothers look out for me and check in on me. I stay involved with the lodges because I like to fraternize with other people. And I especially like the meals. I’m not a good cook!”

For the past three years, Harry S. Truman Lodge No. 765 and Omni Lodge No. 582, both of Dravosburg, have jointly hosted a Trunk-or-Treat event at the Dravosburg Lodge picnic grounds. Trunk-ortreating is a way for kids to safely and conveniently participate in Halloween without the fear of receiving tainted candies or interacting with strangers. Adults decorate the backs of their parked cars and distribute candy to the trick-or-treaters as they parade from one vehicle to the next.

The initial idea was conceived and promoted by Brother John W. Stein, Jr., now the Worshipful Master of Harry S. Truman Lodge No. 765. Employed in law enforcement for over a decade and currently the Chief of the Auxiliary Police Association of McKeesport and a Pennsylvania State Constable, John travels extensively. Realizing how the pandemic would curtail traditional Halloween festivities, he described his plan during a stated meeting for a Trunk-or-Treat, which the lodge enthusiastically embraced. The event has since grown into an annual occurrence; in 2022, 183 trick-or-treaters attended, most of whom were of grade school age. Around 50 brothers distributed candy and offered support, as well as Shrine Clowns, who entertained the kids with balloon tying and other acts. Representatives of the Order of the Eastern Star, American Legion, Dravosburg Volunteer Fire Department and members of the local community joined in, as well. According to Brother Michael Mochan, P.M., the feedback from all the organizers, volunteers and participants was amazingly positive, as they gained great satisfaction from witnessing the children’s happiness.

Lodge Breakfasts Are A Community Staple

In April 2004, Osceola Masonic Lodge No. 515, Osceola Mills, was a vibrant lodge with 321 loyal members within the coal mining and lumber harvesting region of the Moshannon Valley.

Three of the lodge officers were all members of the same family: Brothers Robert A. Hanna, Jr., Worshipful Master; Robert A. Hanna, Sr., Senior Warden; and Robert C. Hanna, Junior Warden. They started a monthly Saturday morning breakfast for the community, held in the lodge social room, to help financially support another endeavor that they were instrumental in organizing: a family lodge picnic at nearby DelGrosso Amusement Park in Tipton, PA.

The first breakfast consisted of an allyou-can-eat meal of pancakes, bacon, sausage and eggs. The prices were

$4 for adults and $2 for children.

Over the years, the lodge breakfast has become not only a well-attended community staple, but the proceeds are now a means for the lodge to provide financial support to local individuals, families and nonprofit organizations in need. From covering individual medical bills and assisting families with other hardships to aiding the food bank, community pool, library and veterans organizations, the lodge’s generosity has been a lifeline to many over the past 18 years.

According to Brother Richard L. Bush, P.M., Lodge Secretary, the all-volunteer crew looks forward to each breakfast with as much enthusiasm as the community patrons, who enjoy getting together to catch up on local happenings and demonstrate community pride.

From time to time, various local groups, such as the Boy Scouts, have requested to participate in the breakfast, and their help is readily accepted.

While there was a brief pause during the height of the pandemic, the community support for the event bounced back quickly. Prices have risen over time to $10 for adults and $5 for children, but the breakfast remains popular, serving 110-200 people every third Saturday, year-round.

Since its humble beginnings up to January 2023, the fundraiser has allowed the lodge to distribute $72,000 for community needs, as well as cover an occasional lodge endeavor, such as the summer picnic.