OBIT: H. Donald Emery (Kittanning)

H. Donald Emery, 79, of Kittanning, died on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

He was born on October 24, 1935, a son of Walter and Margaret (Clark) Emery. He was a lifelong resident of Kittanning.

Don retired from Drexel Refractories and Guido Oldsmobile. He was a member of St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic Church in Kittanning, the BPOE #203 in Kittanning, and Kittanning Hose Company #6 fire department.

He was always very active. In his younger years, he played in local baseball and basketball leagues. He was an accomplished bowler for a time. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, and spending time with nature at his camp, as well as a good card game at the fire hall with his buddies. Don always enjoyed a lively discussion, especially about politics. He was a Kittanning Little League coach for many years, a PIAA Official in several sports, and also served on Kittanning Borough Council for a time. He was an avid Pirates, Penguins, and Steelers fan, and was a keen game analyst.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years: Esther (Gaydos) Emery; five children and their families: Jacqueline of Pennsylvania, Joyce of Georgia, Don of Florida, Jon of South Carolina, and Mark of Virginia; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart and his life.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two sisters: Anna and Maydell; and a brother: James.

Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 PM Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at the Snyder-Crissman Funeral Home in Kittanning. Parting prayers will be held at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at Noon at St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic Church in Kittanning with the Reverend Douglas E. Dorula celebrating. Interment will be in the Kittanning Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Richard G. Laube Cancer Center, One Nolte Drive, Kittanning, PA 16201.