Leonard L Birtle

Birtle, Leonard L., 81, of Richland Township. Died December 3, 2010, at Windber Hospice. Born August 15, 1929, in Adams Township. Son of the late Leonard M. and Velma R. (McMillan) Birtle. Survived by wife of 60 years, Lois J. (Wingard) and these children; Arlene, wife of Earl Shawley, of Berlin, Pa; Crystal Birtle, Berlin; Lisa Harteis and companion, Allen Chaplain, Windber; and Michael Birtle, Richland. Grandchildren; Yvonne Stahl, Amanda Albert, Casey Leasock, Justin Harteis; and Theresa Wenderoth. Great grandchildren; Lauren, Bayley, Tristann, Drew, Chelsey, Katelyn, Hunter, Zaine, and his little “buddy” Gavin. Brother of Robert F. married to the former Lois A. (Trent), Richland. Retired as an inspector in the Car Shop Dept., Johnstown Plant, Bethlehem Steel Corp. served as a Director for the Rural Electric Co-op, with 46 years’ service. Member of Fourth Degree, Knights of Columbus and the Buckhorn Grange. Life member of Solomon  Run Vol. Fire Co. Leonard was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who was always looked upon as a “Beacon of Light” to all people that surrounded him.  He enjoyed working with his tractors and gardening.  Leonard will be missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. Friends received 2-8 PM Monday at the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, where Vigil Service will be held. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM Tuesday at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, South Fork. Fr. Robert Reese, Pastor. Committal at Grandview Cemetery. Relatives and friends will meet at Church for Mass. (www.wharris funeralhome.com)