All Obituaries

Victoria C. “Vickie” Gjurich 100, Cresson died October 14, 2019 at UPMC Altoona. Born November 11, 1918 in Gallitzin the daughter of the late Carlo and Zelmira (Bertoccini) Fabbri. Preceded in death by her husband Milan Sr. on October 3, 1985, sisters, Alice, Theresa Roach, Agnes Bricca, Louise Sprouse, Eleanor Longosky and Nellie Tragon and brothers Fedo and Gino. Survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Milan and Janice Gjurich, granddaughter Dr. Dana Gjurich and her husband...

Jon Mark McTavish, 70, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on September 21, 2019, following an extended illness. Jon was born August 21, 1949 in Tunnelhill to Francis and Kathleen (Carrig) McTavish. He was a 1968 graduate of Penn Cambria High School and a 1970 graduate of the Williamsport Area Community College where he studied machining. He worked in the machine shops  at Conrail/Norfolk Southern for more than 30 years before retiring in 2005.Jon...

Wanda J. Benzie 68, Gallitzin died September 20, 2019 at her home. Born January 30, 1951 in Altoona the daughter of James and Doris (Rhoades) Sendzik. Preceded in death by her father, a sister-in-law, Janice Sendzik and a niece Stacy Sendzik. Survived by her husband of 25 years Jerry whom she married February 14, 1984 and children, Toni Sorichetti (John Barlick), Aimee (Brian Gailey), Gerald Jr. (Joelene) Benzie, and Brittany (Louis) Maria, grandchildren Brendan, Bryan, Lakyn, Chase, Nevaya,...

Nancy A. Knee 75, Gallitzin died September 18, 2019 at UPMC Altoona. Born March 19, 1944 in Gallitzin the daughter of the late Celestine and Gladys (Sweeney) Dashner. Preceded in death by a grandson Nicolas Cisco Rodriguez, son-in-law Nicolas Rodriguez, brothers, Bernard and Francis and sister Marion Surma. Survived by her husband RobertE.. Knee whom she married Jan. 28, 1967 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Gallitzin and daughters, Roberta Rodriguez, Celeste (David) Morris and Jonette Knee,...

John E. Kochara Jr.71, Gallitzin died September 9, 2019 at UPMC Altoona. Born April 6, 1948 in Altoona the son of the late John E. Sr. and Eileen (Chirdon) Kochara. Preceded in death by a brother Daniel “Dink”. Survived by brothers and sisters; Ann (Ed) Sweet, Mick (Barb), Marie Burns, Joe, Paul (Deb), Jane Maurer, Kate Vinglas, Tom (Mercedes), Pat (Evelyn), Jim (Isabelle), Mark, sister-in-law LeAnn Kochara and numerous nieces and nephews. Worked at the Cresson Plastic Factory...

Gallitzin, PA – Francesco (Frank) A. Montesanti 88, formerly of Dunedin, FL died September 7, 2019. Frank leaves behind his son Pasquale “Pat” and wife Sharon, daughter Vicki , son Francesco, son Gennaro “CJ” and wife Tami; eight grandchildren Pasquale, Andrea,  Tommy, Laura, Elizabeth, Tiana, Giovanni, Michael;  three great grandchildren Giacomo, Lydia, and Sofia; and two brothers Gennaro “Jerry” wife Claire and their children and Pasquale...

Curtis W. Wilt 34, Pittsburgh formerly of Gallitzin died September 6, 2019 in Pittsburgh. Born April 24, 1985 in Johnstown the son of Jeff and Cathy (Greene) Wilt. Survived by his parents, sisters Nevaya and Kelsey and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. A 2003 graduate of Penn Cambria High School. Curtis enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing baseball, skateboarding and the Steelers. Former member of St. Demetrius Catholic Church, Gallitzin where Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am Tuesday...

Frank M. Pilarz  March 20, 1944- Sept 02, 2019 It is with great sadness, the family of Frank M. Pilarz announces his passing on September 02, 2019 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Frank was born March 20, 1944 in Gallitzin, the son of Frank and Helen (Pastewski) Pilarz-Clay. Frank was a selfless, intelligent, extraordinary man impacting the lives of many. He was a 1962 graduate of Greater Gallitzin High school and a 1966 graduate of Saint Francis College. After his...

John L. “Jukebox” Cherico, 80, Gallitzin died August 18, 2019 at UPMC Altoona. Born February 9, 1939 in Coupon the son of the late Arthur and Stella (Kent) Cherico. Preceded in death by a brother, Richard and a sister Cynthia Skupien on June 30, 2019. Survived by his wife of 50 years the former Patricia Olshavsky whom he married February 15, 1969 at St. Patrick’s Church and sons Keith and Kris, Brother of Raymond (Joyce), Carmen, Michael (Kathy) and numerous nieces and...

Lillian B. “Eig” Cameletti 81, Cresson, a resident of St. Benedict Manor died August 14, 2019 at the manor. Born January 27, 1938 in Munster Twp. the daughter of the late Pius and Grace (Hite) Krug. Preceded in death by her husband Tony, siblings, Norma Rickens, Betty Peters, Carl Krug, Eugene Krug, Marie Clinemyer and Florence Jones. Survived by her siblings, Virginia (Bernice) Strohmeir - Loretto, Dori, (Ray) Archihofsky - Harrisburg, Russ (Jeanne) Krug, Loretto and Nancy...