OBIT: Richard Laube (Kittanning)

Richard G. Laube, 90, of Kittanning, PA, passed away Sunday, September 25, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born September 20, 1926 in Pittsburgh, PA, the son of Francis H. Laube, Sr. and Edith (Teeters) Laube.

Dick graduated from Freeport High School in 1944 and served on a destroyer escort in the US Navy during World War II. He became president of Kittanning Brick Company and served as the president and CEO for over 50 years. Dick worked hard at his business but was also dedicated to improving the community, serving in many local organizations.

He was involved with the Boy Scouts, earning the Order of the Arrow in 1939 and going on to serve on the executive board before receiving the Distinguished Citizen Award in 1998. He was awarded the DeMolay Legion of Honor Award, belonged to the Shriners of Syria Temple of Pittsburgh and was a member of the #239 Armstrong Masonic Lodge for over 50 years, where he was a Past Master.

Dick was admitted into the Armstrong County Sports Hall of Fame in 1966 for his work with Little League and Midget football. He built and maintained the fields and coached Midget football, and was recently recognized at the 50 year anniversary of the Midget Football League with a scholarship named in his honor.

During his life, Dick also worked with the North Buffalo Planning and Zoning Commission, the Industrial Development Council and the Jaycees, where he was given the Distinguished Service, Outstanding Businessman and Man of the Year awards. He served on the board of the Salvation Army, was the president of the Armstrong County YMCA board, the chairman of the Armstrong County United Way, and was the past president of the Chamber of Commerce, from which he received the community service award.

Another local cause that was close to his heart was being on the board of ACMH Hospital, where for 40 years he was active in all the committees and served as president. Dick was instrumental in the building of the current hospital building in East Franklin and was the chairman during the construction. The Richard G. Laube Cancer Center at ACMH Hospital was named in his honor.

Because of all he did during that time, he was presented with the Benjamin Rush Award in 1974. This distinguished award was given for an outstanding volunteer contribution by a layman to the health and welfare of the people of Pennsylvania. Along with serving on the hospital board, Dick also held a position on the Advisory Council of the Health Systems of Southwest Pennsylvania.

In addition to all he did for his community, Dick still managed to live life to the fullest. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and, along with his brother, founded Freeport Community Park. Golfing was by far his favorite pastime and belonged to several local country clubs.

Dick and his wife, Dottie, enjoyed traveling all over the United States to play at different golf courses. They also spent their winters in Florida for over 25 years and always liked playing golf throughout those months.

Photography was another one of his passions and he owned the Photo Electronic Center in Kittanning. Dick collected cameras and enjoyed all parts of the photography process, from taking the pictures, to the developing the negatives, to printing the pictures. He took pictures of the Midget football teams for many years and some of his photographs still hang in public places to this day.

Dick loved his family and especially cherished the time they spent together at their camp in Reesdale. He had many fond memories of holidays and weekends with friends and family.

His memory will be cherished by his loving wife, Dorothy (Livingston) Laube, whom he married February 21, 1949; son, Richard G. Laube, Jr., of Kittanning; daughters, Kay O’Connell and husband, Richard, of Sterling, Colo., and Amy Thiry, of Natrona Heights; grandchildren, Cecilia Moore and husband, Ed, of Tucson, Ariz., Sarah O’Connell, of Kittanning, John O’Connell, of Seattle, Wash., Charlie O’Connell, of Sterling, Colo., Josh Thiry, of Orlando, Fla., Amanda True and husband, Daniel, of Hagerstown, MD, Jay R. Laube, of Kittanning, and Richard G. Laube, III and companion, Crystal, of Ford City; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and twin brother, Francis H. Laube, Jr.

The family will receive friends from 1-3 and 7-9PM on Thursday, September 29, 2016 at Bauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 515 N. McKean Street, Kittanning.

Additional visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of funeral services at 11 AM on Friday, September 30, 2016 at St. John Lutheran Church, 218 N. Jefferson St., Kittanning, with the Rev. Carl A. Johnson officiating.

Interment will be in Freeport Cemetery in Freeport.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the ACMH Foundation, c/o Oncology Assistance Fund, One Nolte Dr., Kittanning, PA 16201, or St. John’s Lutheran Church, 218 N. Jefferson St., Kittanning, PA 16201.

Arrangements are being handled by Bauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.

To send a condolence to Dick’s family or view a tribute honoring his life, visit www.bauerfuneral.com.

OBIT: Edward “Ed” Matus (Ford City)

Edward “Ed” Matus, 83, of Ford City went to be with the love of his life – wife Coralee (Fichthorn) Matus – Monday, September 19, 2016 at Butler Hospital.

He was born March 3, 1933 in Logansport, PA to Martin and Pauline (Schmela) Matus.

Ed formerly worked at PPG, Linde Air, Penreco, Preston Trucking and Murray Auto Electric. He was also the former owner of The Office Restaurant and Lounge and Co-Ed Beauty Salon.

Ed was a Korean War veteran who served with the U.S. Army, and was a member of the Ford City Eagles the Masonic Lodge in Kittanning and the Syria Shriners.

He was well-known for his quick wit and words of wisdom, and enjoyed spending time with his friends and family.

Survivors include his daughter, Kori (and Steve) Russo of Ford City; three grandchildren – Ali Rae Matus and Dominic and Nicholas Russo; and daughter-in-law, Karen (Kik) Matus.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Coralee on December 23, 2004; his son, Eddie Mike Matus; four sisters – Julie Matus, Rose Cacurak, Frances Zydonik and Lois Kluciar; and three brothers – Frank “Buck” Matus, Martin Matus and John “Yonk” Matus.

Visitation will be held from 6-9PM tomorrow – Wednesday, September 21, 2016 – and from 2-4PM Thursday, September 22, 2016 at the Mantini Funeral Home in Ford City.

A prayer service will be held at 9:30AM Friday, September 23, 2016 at the funeral home before a Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM at Christ Prince of Peace Parish.

Father Alan Grote will officiate.

Interment will be in Ford City Cemetery.