Obituary of Anthony A. Ardire

ARDIRE - Anthony A., 84, Richland, died July 5, 2008, at Memorial Medical Center, Palliative Care Unit. Born April 22, 1924, in South Fork, son of Salvatore and Josephine (Messina) Ardire. Preceded in death by parents; and sister, Katherine Rolla. Survived by loving wife, Ida M. (Bellavia), of 57 years, whom he married Sept. 9, 1950; sons, Dr. Anthony J., married to Patricia (Kissell), Allentown; and Arthur A., married to Deborah (Modis), DuBois; grandchildren, Audra, wife of Thomas Crawford; Brian Ardire, and his wife, Katrina; Maria Ardire; Matthew Ardire, Kristin Ardire, and Danielle Ardire; great-granddaughter, Anna Catherine Ardire, and sister, Carmelina, wife of George Colton, South Fork. Anthony was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II having served in the European Theater with the 489 AA Battalion attached to Patton's Fourth Armored Division, which received five Battle Stars. Anthony was the recipient of the Purple Heart. He retired from Bethlehem Steel Corp. after 30 years of service as a foreman in the Gautier 36-inch mill. Anthony also worked for 40 years at the Charles O. Dimond Funeral Home while he resided in South Fork and for his son, Art, for 10 years at Ardire's Atlantic Service Stations, Ebensburg. He was a member of St. Benedict's Catholic Church, Geistown, where he was a Eucharistic minister; member of Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th Degrees; lifetime member and past president of South Fork Volunteer Fire Co.; member of Richland American Legion, Menoher Post 155 VFW, and Sons of Italy Johnstown Chapter. Tony bowled for over 40 years in various leagues at Richland Lanes and was a longtime season ticket holder for the Johnstown Hockey League. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Henderson Funeral Home, East Hills, 2503 Bedford St., where vigil for the deceased will be held Monday. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Benedict's Catholic Church, the Rev. Monsignor Robert Saly. Entombment, Richland Mausoleum. Military graveside service by Menoher Post 155 VFW. Arrangements by Charles O. Dimond Funeral Home Inc., South Fork. The family requests memorial donations be made to Conemaugh Regional Hospice.