Obituary of Howard C. Luther

LUTHER Howard C. Jr., 59, Nanty Glo, died Dec. 21, 2014, at Memorial Medical Center. Born Dec. 1, 1955, in Johnstown, son of Howard Sr. and Mary (Palmonari) Luther. Preceded in death by father, Howard Sr.; grandparents, Leroy and Alma Luther and Serafino and Elide Palmonari; uncles and aunt, Joseph and Yolonda Bishop, John Semonich and Robert Luther. Surviving are mother, Mary Luther, Nanty Glo; brother, Mark (Carolyn) Luther, Baltimore, Md.; sister, Leanne (Henry) Miller, Bluff City Tenn.; niece and nephew, Lauren and Matthew Miller; aunts and uncles, Ruth Semonich, Patton; Richard (Betty) Luther, Bradford; James (Patricia) Luther, Millville, N.J.; and Dr. Ugo (Vinnie) Palmonari, Princeton Junction, N.J..; and numerous cousins. Member of St. Mary s Church, Nanty Glo. Employed by Conrail, Mississippi Tie Plant, Illinois Central Railroad and Copper Plant as inspector of manufacturing and treatment of railroad ties. Graduate of St. Mary s School, Blacklick Valley High School in 1972 and Penn State University with a bachelor of science and major in forestry science. While attending college, he worked summers with the forestry service, where he was leader of forest preservation fighting fire in areas of Alabama, Arkansas and Idaho. While livingin Marion, Ill., he was president of the church men s group, Knights of Columbus, and played guitar for folk Mass at Church of the Holy Spirit. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and swimmer. He took part in all sports and was proud of his many experiences in life. He enjoyed camping with his family at Racetown Lake and numerous state parks. He loved the outdoors and was proud of his experience performing the duty of lifeguard and water safety instructor at Yellow Creek State Park. He will be remembered as a loving son, brother and uncle. Special thanks to the staff in the ICU at Conemaugh Hospital, especially Marc Hritz. Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Bowser-Ondriezek Funeral Home, Nanty Glo, where liturgical wake will be held Friday. Funeral Mass/Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary s Church, Nanty Glo, the Rev. Father Leonard Voytek, celebrant. Interment to follow at Holy Name Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary s Church or Cambria Somerset Multiple Sclerosis Society.