Editor’s Note: GANT has teamed up with local law enforcement agencies throughout Clearfield County to develop a listing of persons for whom there are arrest warrants. Anyone with information about wanted persons is asked to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency. GANT will update its warrant page monthly based upon information provided by the participating law enforcement agencies.

Annette M “Boris” Trella, 78, of Houtzdale and a guest of Mountain Laurel Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Clearfield, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017 at the center.

Born Jan. 13, 1938 in Houtzdale, she was the daughter of Paul and Marion (Nida) Murawski.

She was an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church, Houtzdale, and had taught religious education.

She was a 1956 graduate of Moshannon Valley High School. She enjoyed caring for animals and loved bingo.

Until her retirement, she was employed by Sylvania, Zulick Chevrolet and Goodwill Industries in sales, and she served as a tax collector for Woodward Township.

On Oct. 29, 1968 in the Polish Catholic Church, Houtzdale, she married Thomas Trella, who survives at home.

She is survived by her siblings, Doris (Phil) Kitko and Paulette (Tom) Hopkins, both of Houtzdale, Allen Murawski of Duke Center, Patrick (Sandie) Murawski of Yorktown, Va., Denis (Jacquie) Murawski of Clearfield and Joyce (Tom) Ridgway of Osceola Mills; two sisters-in-law, Delores “Dory” Archibald of Harrisburg and Pat (Bill) Waltman of Everett; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was an adoring sister and aunt, and she cherished and helped raise Tom, Craig, Nathan, Zachary and Mackenzie.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Marion Murawski, Joan Simmons and Melanie Murawski; and a brother-in-law, Lee Archibald.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday at the Christ the King Catholic Church, Houtzdale, with Father Zab Amar as celebrant.

Friends will be received from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Birger A. Freeberg Funeral Home Inc., Houtzdale.

Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Brisbin.

The Rosary will be recited by the Altar and Rosary Society at 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to your local animal shelter.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.birgerafreebergfuneralhome.com.

Obituary Notice: Elmer David Fulesday (Provided photo)

Elmer David Fulesday, 93, of Clearfield died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017 at home.

He was born April 16, 1923 in Clearfield, the son of Charles and Sophia Fulesday, both immigrants from Hungary.

The original spelling of their surname was “Fulesdi.” The extra vowel was added to “Americanize” their name.

Mr. Fulesday was married for 49 years to Irene Thompson Fulesday, who preceded him in death Aug. 31, 1998.

He retired after 43 years with Penelec, joining the company as a lineman in Oil City before transferring to Clearfield.

He worked as a lineman and retired as supervisor of the division line department.

He is survived by two children, David G. Fulesday and his wife, Elizabeth of Curwensville and Beth Fulesday Hallstrom and her husband, Rick of Clearfield and three granddaughters, Kathryn Murawski and her husband, Rich and Amy Fulesday, all of Curwensville, and Sunny Reitmyer of Erie.

Also surviving are his great-grandchildren, Alex, Sophia Irene and Lucas Murawski; a foster son, John Snyder, his wife, Rebecca and their children of Hastings; a brother-in-law, F. Clair Thompson of Clearfield; two sisters-in-law, Ann Kyler and her husband, Ardell and Helen MacDowell, all of Johnstown; and numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives, both here in America and in Hungary.

Following the fall of Communism, he and his five brothers and sisters traveled to Hungary to meet their relatives and, until 2001, they made an annual trip there.

The last member of his generation, Mr. Fulesday was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and siblings, Joseph, who died in childhood, Charles, Edward, Sophia, Marian and Joseph, who was named for his deceased brother.

He was a U.S Army veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion John Lewis Shade Post 6.

Mr. Fulesday was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church, Clearfield, where he served many terms on church council, chaired numerous committees and volunteered countless hours.

Until 2015, he organized the outside planting of geraniums that decorated the church at Pentecost. He was also a Eucharistic minister, taking Communion to church members and other residents of area nursing and personal care homes.

He was a 50-plus year member and past master of Clearfield Lodge 314, Free and Accepted Masons and, two years ago, was honored as a 50-year member of the Coudersport Consistory.

A senior member of the Kiwanis Club of Clearfield in the 1990’s, he served as District 11 lieutenant governor and for many years, he organized the club’s annual Halloween parade.

Mr. Fulesday and his wife were very active with the American Red Cross. He was a 23-gallon blood donor and served on the Disaster Services Committee. Twice they traveled to California to oversee shelters following the Los Angeles and San Francisco earthquakes.

At various times in his life, Mr. Fulesday was a board member or volunteer for DeMolay, Boy Scouts, 4-H, Habitat for Humanity, Camp Sequanota of the Lutheran Church, the county foster parent program, Clearfield County 911 Committee, Clearfield County Local Emergency Planning Committee, the county’s Emergency Operations Center staff, Clearfield Hobby Garden Club and Clearfield YMCA.

Mr. and Mrs. Fulesday were among the first volunteers for Clearfield Hospital’s Hospice Program and, in 1992, the Clearfield Rotary Club honored them for outstanding achievement in civic responsibility. This was followed by a citation by the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

A Committal Service and interment for the family and those who wish to attend will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Hillcrest Cemetery, Clearfield.

A memorial service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the St. John Lutheran Church, 217 E. Pine St., Clearfield, with the Revs. Chuck Swenson and Robert J. Way officiating. A brief visitation will be held prior to the service at the church.

Friends and family will be received from 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Kevin A. Beardsley Funeral Home, 113 N. Third St., Clearfield.

The family suggests memorial donations to the Kiwanis Club of Clearfield’s Kenneth “Bull” Gearheart Scholarship Fund, which may be mailed to Randy Lemmo, 2406 Meadow Rd., Clearfield, PA, 16830.

To sign the online guestbook, go to www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com.

Mary M. Astare, 97, a resident of TLC Manor, Brisbin, and formerly of Hawk Run, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017 at the personal care home.

Born May 25, 1919 in Hawk Run, she was a daughter of the late Matthew “Mike” and Mary (Kardohely) Astare.

She was a member of the Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Hawk Run, and of the church Altar-Rosary Society.

She was also a member of the First Catholic Slovak Union, Jednota Lodge No. 456, Hawk Run.

She was employed at Charles Navasky & Co., Philipsburg, until her retirement.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Margaret Ashcroft, Anna Fenush and Helen Butterworth; and two brothers, John and Rudolph Astare.

She is survived by one sister, Elizabeth Kasubick and her husband, Joseph “Mick” of Houtzdale and 25 nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at the Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Hawk Run, with Fr. Robert J. Horgas as celebrant.

Friends will be received from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home, 719 E. Spruce St., Philipsburg. The Rosary will be recited at 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Burial will be at the Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery, Hawk Run.  

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and share memories at www.beezerheathfh.com.

These easy-to-make cookies simply melt in your mouth! I’ve passed the recipe around to many friends. After I gave the recipe to my sister, she entered the cookies in a local fair and won the “best of show” prize! —Sylvia Ford, Kennett, Missouri

View the recipe at TasteofHome.com >>

HERSHEY, Pa. — Even though the Zika virus hasn’t been in the news as much lately, it remains a serious public health concern.

“People think it is not a problem anymore, but it is. Those mosquitoes are alive and well,” said Wallace Greene, director of the diagnostic virology laboratory at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

In early 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Zika outbreak in the Americas to be a public health emergency. That sparked an urgent international response that led to the understanding that Zika virus infection and its consequences were significant long-term issues. In November, WHO ended Zika’s status as a public health emergency and moved to a long-term response plan for the virus.

Dr. George McSherry, chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Penn State Children’s Hospital, said that shows the problem isn’t going away.

“They felt it has escalated in importance, so that allows for a more sustained focus and more dedicated resources to it,” he said.

Greene said many of those infected with Zika never get symptoms. Or they may develop a mild fever, rash or joint pain that goes away on its own.

The real concern, however, is that an infection increases the likelihood that a fetus could develop birth defects such as microcephaly and neurological complications. Guillain-Barre syndrome may develop in adults.

Although the Zika virus is transmitted primarily by the Aedes mosquito, it is also passed through sexual intercourse. That’s why public health organizations caution couples who may become pregnant to take extra precautions.

The virus has been transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes in southern Florida and Brownsville, Texas, but most U.S. cases have been associated with travel in the Caribbean and Latin America, where the virus is prevalent.

Although Aedes mosquitoes live in many parts of the United States, McSherry said Zika actually spreads among the mosquito population by having a mosquito bite an infected person, allowing the infection to be passed along to other mosquitoes that way.

“It has the potential to come back this summer,” he said.

Public health organizations recommend travelers use mosquito protection that includes use of personal repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and staying away from areas that are known to have a lot of mosquitoes.

“If you’re not pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it doesn’t seem to be a big issue,” McSherry said. “Travelers should read what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says and make decisions based on who they are and what their plans are.”

Using protection against mosquitoes in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America is also recommended due to other viruses circulating there. They include Dengue virus and Chikungunya virus, which often cause severe illness in children and adults.

Because Zika can also be contracted through sexual intercourse with an infected person, travelers should avoid sexual contact with those living in places where Zika is prevalent, or use condoms.

Women infected with Zika should wait a month before trying to get pregnant. For men, the virus can be transmitted by semen longer than by blood, so public health organizations recommend they wait six months before attempting pregnancy, and use condoms during this period of time.

A blood or urine test can confirm a Zika infection, and while there is still no treatment available, the CDC has developed guidelines for healthcare professionals for evaluating and diagnosing pregnant women and babies who may have been infected.

Greene said a number of Zika vaccines are in the first phase of clinical trials.

“Some of them look hopeful, but it’s at least two years away,” he said. “So that isn’t going to help anyone who wants to travel this winter.”

The Medical Minute is a weekly health news feature produced by Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Articles feature the expertise of faculty physicians and staff, and are designed to offer timely, relevant health information of interest to a broad audience.

(Provided photo)

CLEARFIELD – The Moshannon Valley 10th grade students had a full day at the Clearfield County Career & Technology Center (CCCTC) on Thursday.

Students had the opportunity to visit each of the 14 programs that the CCCTC offers in the morning. Students then were treated to lunch prepared by the culinary arts program.

After lunch the students then chose up to three programs to spend more time in to help decide which one is a good fit for them. The students will be able to enroll in these programs their 11th grade year.

ST. MARYS – January in any branch of AmeriCorps means celebrating Martin Luther King Day by honoring his commitment to service. Typically, this day is “a day on and not a day off” for AmeriCorps volunteers.

After a long struggle, legislation was signed in 1983 creating a federal holiday marking the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The federal holiday was first observed in 1986.

In 1994, Congress designated the holiday as a national day of service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) with leading this effort. 

Dr. King recognized the power of service to strengthen communities and achieve common goals. The MLK Day of Service is a way to transform his life and teachings into community action that helps meet national challenges on issues such as increasing economic opportunity, education, supporting veterans and military families and help communities prepare for and recover from disaster.

In addition to helping solve serious problems, service brings together people from different backgrounds and benefits those who serve. On MLK Day, it is especially fitting that Americans come together in service that not only honors Dr. King, but also builds lasting change in communities.

In 2016, Mayor Robert Howard of St. Marys issued a proclamation on MLK Day designating it as an official day of service.  People of all ages, backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to serve on King Day, and to make the day the beginning of an ongoing commitment to address needs in their community.

(Provided photo)

CLEARFIELD – Employees from the PennDOT District 2 graciously took more than 75 tags from the 2016 Giving Tree.

Then, they shopped for just the right items to brighten the day of elderly citizens throughout Clearfield County. 

They also provided financial contributions to help with fuel assistance. The items were given out to elderly citizens throughout Clearfield County as part of the Giving Tree.

Shown in the picture (left to right) are Officer Nathan Curry, Buddy Brown, Janet Caldwell, Mayor James Schell, Jon Freeberg, Garnet Ninosky and Michelle Hampton.

For more information on the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging Inc. or the Auxiliary, please visit www.ccaaa.net. 

Programs and services of the agency are funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging Inc., Mature Resources Foundation, local and consumer contributions and generous donations such as this.

The PA Wilds Center is pleased to announce it has secured grant funding for a forthcoming photojournalism exhibit featuring juried artisans creating their artwork in their unique workspaces throughout the Pennsylvania Wilds.

The gallery show will tell the story of the region’s creative makers who are a vital piece of the region’s identity.

Presented by The Wilds Cooperative of PA, the exhibition will explore representations of artists in their workspaces and will capture the splendor and uniqueness of the Pennsylvania Wilds landscape and rural lifestyle. 

This project is supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

Individual grants were awarded by the Pennsylvania Partners for the Arts project stream program by the Elk County Council on the Arts, Bradford County Regional Arts Council and Galaxy – the Arts in Education Program of Central Intermediate Unit 10. A total of $4,859 was awarded to the PA Wilds Center for the project.

“We are really grateful for this PPA grant support from these three organizations,” said Ta Enos, executive director of the PA Wilds Center.

“So many talented artists and craftspeople live in the Pennsylvania Wilds. This project will help us capture and tell this story, all while creating another work opportunity for a local artisan.”

The PA Wilds Center has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to hire a Juried Photographer from The Wilds Cooperative of PA to capture the images of juried artists in their workspaces. Proposals are due by 5 p.m. Jan. 16. The contracted photographer will select 24 Pennsylvania Wilds artists to photograph.

The images will be curated into a gallery show that celebrates the creative spirit and skill of the region’s rural artists and craftspeople, many of whom practice their craft in a room at their house on a back country road, out of sight.

The Wilds Cooperative of PA provides arts business development services to nearly 100 local juried artists and craftspeople in its membership.

The Wilds Cooperative of PA is one of rural Pennsylvania’s largest networks of creative entrepreneurs, working together to bringing handcrafted Pennsylvania products that reflect the region’s natural beauty and rural traditions to diverse marketplaces throughout the region, and on a soon-to-be launched PA Wilds e-commerce Web site.

Set to premiere in June, the show will be a free public art experience for residents and visitors to enjoy and learn from. The exhibit will travel to various galleries throughout the Pennsylvania Wilds; show dates and locations will be announced in the summer.

For more information on The Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania and its services and members, please visit www.pawildsartisans.com.  

The photojournalist Request for Proposal can be viewed here.

For more information on the PA Wilds Team and its programs and services, please visit online. 

The Pennsylvania Wilds region includes the counties of Warren, Forest, Elk, Potter, McKean, Tioga, Clinton, Lycoming, Clearfield, Jefferson, Cameron and Clarion and Northern Centre.

You can celebrate National Marriage Week, held Feb. 7-14, by attending a free weekend retreat for married couples.

Real Relationships, a program of Children’s Aid Society, will hold a free retreat Feb. 10 and Feb. 11 at the Hampton Inn & Suites in DuBois.

Couples will be treated to a free overnight hotel stay, catered meals, Sheetz gas cards and more.

Topics include exploring expectations, working as a team, resolving conflict and strengthening commitment.

To enroll, call 814-205-4193 or e-mail realrelationships@childaid.org.

National Marriage Week is a collaborative campaign that aims to strengthen marriages, reduce the divorce rate and build a culture that fosters strong marriages. To learn more, visit www.nationalmarriageweekusa.org.

Clearfield– Enter to win 2 tickets to the Groundhog Wine Trail Festival.

Click HERE to enter!

The festival will be held Saturday, January 28, 2017 at the Clearfield County Fairgrounds, Expo II.  Winners will be selected from random drawing to receive 2 tickets to the afternoon session, 1- 4 p.m.  Please visit contest page for official contest rules.

Real Relationships, a program of Children’s Aid Society, will hold free relationship education classes in Clearfield and Philipsburg, starting in February.

Each weekly class includes free child care, free meals and free Sheetz gas cards. Classes are available to both couples and singles.

Classes for singles will be held Mondays, starting Feb. 6, at Trinity United Methodist Church, Philipsburg, and Thursdays, starting Feb. 9, at Centre Grove United Methodist Church in Clearfield.

Couples classes will be held Tuesdays, starting Feb. 7, at Centre Grove UMC, Clearfield, and Wednesdays, starting Feb. 8, at Trinity UMC in Philipsburg. All classes are held from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

To enroll in free weekly classes, call 814-205-4193 or e-mail realrelationships@childaid.org.

John R. “Zookie” McGonigal Sr., 76, of Karthaus was surrounded by family when he died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017 at the Center for Compassionate Care, Pittsburgh.

He was born Sept. 13, 1940, the son of the late Raymond and Helen (Rauch) McGonigal.

Mr. McGonigal worked construction and lastly was a heavy equipment operator for River Hill Coal Company, Karthaus.

He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was well-known for his many hats and songs.

He is survived by his wife, Genevieve (Gill) McGonigal, at home; his sons, John (Lora) McGonigal Jr. and Tim (Michele) McGonigal; his daughter, Tammy (John) Couteret; grandchildren, John, Jason, Jacob and Jessi,; eight great-grand-children; and step-grandchildren, Kyle and Bryan Richner.

Also surviving are his sisters, Emily (Ed) Narehood, Mary Teats, Nancy (John) Lesko and brothers, Bill (Ruthann) McGonigal and Don McGonigal.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Ronald Glace; sisters, Dot Teats, Betty Heichel, Helen Glace and Patsy Narehood; and a brother, Robert McGonigal.

There will be no public visitation or funeral services.

D’Alessandro Funeral Home and Crematory, Pittsburgh, is in charge of the arrangements.

Obituary Notice: David L. Lytle (Provided photo)

David L. Lytle, 59, of Pinchy died Friday, Jan. 13, 2017 in Black Moshannon.

Born Aug. 2, 1957 in Philipsburg, he was the son of the late Hollis and Mary Coble Lytle. His long-time companion, Sharon “Sis” K. Smeal, survives at home in Pinchy.

Also surviving are step-sons, Michael Lutz and his wife, Nikki of Bigler, Jeffery Lutz and his wife, Jamie of Winburne and Timothy Lutz and his wife, Shannon of Saylorsburg, 11 grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, sisters, Deloris Sudik of Winburne, Ruth Blake of Chester Hill, Betty Lytle of Punxsutawney and Diane Teats of Florida and numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, John and James Lytle.

He was owner/operator of Dave Lytle Logging, RR Morrisdale. He loved working and being outdoors. He was a life member of the Morris Township Volunteer Fire Company, Station 17, Morrisdale.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 20 at the Chapel of Strange & Weaver Funeral Service, Morrisdale, with the Rev. James Hollister officiating. Burial will be in Fairview United Methodist Cemetery, RR Morrisdale.

Family and friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday and again from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Friday at Strange & Weaver Funeral Service, Morrisdale.

Obituary Notice: Neil W. McCartney (Provided photo)

Neil William McCartney, 97, of Walltown/Grampian died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017 at his residence after an illness.

Born Aug. 8, 1919 in Grampian, he was the son of Thomas and Annie (Clark) McCartney.  Mr. McCartney was a welder and had retired from the Budd Company in Philadelphia. 

He was also a U.S. Army Air Corp veteran of World War II, and he’d served with the engineers.

He was a member of the St. Bonaventure Roman Catholic Church in Grampian where he had been a member of the Holy Name Society.

On Sept. 6, 1942 in Barnegat, NJ, he wed the former Anne L. Jarossy, who preceded him in death March 14, 2011. 

He was also preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Sister Carole McCartney IHM; a sister, Margaret Hogan; and six brothers, Paul, Lee, James, Edward, Patrick and Martin McCartney.

Surviving are four children, Cheryl Doherty and her husband, Robert of New Park, Neil McCartney Jr. and his wife, Teresa of Williamstown, NJ, Michael McCartney and his wife, Sharon of Walltown and Kevin McCartney and his wife, Vickie of Owensboro, KY.

Also surviving are 19 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and three sisters, Edith Wheeler and her husband, Virgil “Dick” of Walltown, Ruth Ann Dunlap and her husband, Willard of DuBois and Ethel Haugen of Oklahoma City, Okla.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the St. Bonaventure Roman Catholic Church, Grampian, with the Rev. Father Mark J. Mastrian as celebrant.  Burial will follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Grampian.

Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. of Curwensville and again from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Wednesday when the procession will depart for the church.

The Rosary will be recited at 1:45 p.m. by members of the St. Theresa Guild of St. Bonaventure Church and a Scripture Vigil Service will be conducted at 7:45 p.m., both Tuesday at the funeral home.

The family suggests contributions be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.chidboyfuneralhome.com.

The Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. of Curwensville is in charge of the arrangements.

HALFMOON TOWNSHIP – State police at Philipsburg are “actively investigating” a shooting incident that occurred at the Pennsylvania Game Commission Scotia Shooting Range in Halfmoon Township.

State police said it occurred at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, and a 12-year-old State College juvenile was transported to a hospital. He was still receiving treatment at the time state police issued the report.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the state police at Philipsburg at 814-342-3370.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP – A fire destroyed a motor home and an 18-foot boat Saturday at 4934 Route 1830 in Washington Township, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

The PSP fire marshal and the Falls Creek Fire Department investigated the origin and cause of the fire. The fire originated in the motor home and spread to the boat.

State police said the owners were working on the motor home about 45 minutes before discovering the fire. Both the motor home and boat were unattended when they ignited, however.

Damage has been estimated at $25,000; no injuries were reported as a result of the fire, according to state police.

Leo James Haky, 76, of Sykesville died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017 at UPMC Shadyside Hospital. He was surrounded by the love of his family for whom he cared so deeply.

He is survived by his loving wife, Eleanor; devoted daughters and son, Shannon Shaffer, Marcia Snyder and Mike Haky; his beloved grandchildren, Josh Krach, Briana Carr, Ben Shaffer, Isaac, Sarah and Megan Haky; his beloved daughter-in-law, Karen Haky; and his son-in-law, Brian Shaffer.

Mr. Haky was a kind man. He was the most optimistic human being you could ever meet. He always believed that everything would be OK, no matter what.

He was an avid sports fan, attending many local events.  He enjoyed playing poker with his friends and also competitively. He was considered a top-rated player.

He had a soft spot in his heart for special needs children. He often reached out to those children and their families as well as other folks in need.

Mr. Haky was from Ford City, Pa., and the only child of Elizabeth and Leo Haky. After losing his parents at an early age, he moved to Yatesboro, Pa., to live with his grandma, grandpa, and uncle. 

He was a 1958 graduate of the Shannock Valley High School, and he attended Staunton Military Academy in Virginia. 

During his high school years, he was a local sports legend in football and baseball, but he was most famous for basketball. He actually is considered one of the best high school basketball players in the history of Pennsylvania.

He was named first team all-state for two consecutive years, and he was inducted into the Armstrong County Hall of Fame. He was a veteran who served his tour of duty in Germany.

On Aug. 24, 1963, he married Eleanor (Mehok) Haky.  She survives.

Mr. Haky retired as a supervisor from Beverage Air, and he was the truant officer for the DuBois Area School District.  He also drove the special needs school van for Jewell Bus Company for 10 years.

He was a wonderful, caring and kind person with the heart of a giant and a love for his family that was without equal. In dying, he taught us how to be strong, brave, dignified and he exhibited such a will to live in such dire circumstances.

Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Goble-Baronick Funeral Home.

A Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church in Sykesville with Fr. Vasyl Banyk as celebrant. 

Burial will follow in Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Cemetery.

Although flowers are appreciated, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Sykesville Library, 21 E. Main St., Sykesville, PA 15865 and or the Sykesville Ambulance, Attention: Victor Kosko, 218 W. Liberty St., Sykesville, PA 15865.

Online condolences may be sent to www.gbfuneralhome.com.