Obituary of Bryce J. Kupchella

KUPCHELLA - Bryce J., 20, of Chestnut Lane, Strongstown, passed away November 11, 2007 at home. Born September 22, 1987 in Johnstown, beloved son of John P., Jr. and Patricia (Szekeresh) Kupchella. Preceded in death by infant sister Claire and paternal grandmother, Dora Kupchella. Bryce leaves his parents, brother, and sisters: Alena Kupchella (Matt)Gourley, Punxsutawney; Joshua (Mallory) Kupchella, Boiling Springs, South Carolina; and Devon, at home. Also maternal grandparents Martin and Elizabeth Szekeresh, Mundys Corner; paternal grandfather John P. Kupchella, Sr., Nanty Glo, and his devoted aunts and uncles: Bernadette Remic; Rosemary (Richard) Mercik; Daniel (Angela) Kupchella; Mary Ann (Bill) Smith; Elizabeth (Ron) Ford; Martin (Helen) Szekeresh; Rosemarie (John) Kuhar; Joseph (Simone) Szekeresh; Robert (Isela) Szekeresh; Thomas Szekeresh; Margaret (Tim) Kasper; Andrew Szekeresh; Colleen Szekeresh; Susan (Jerry) Huber; and a large group of cousins and friends each of whom he touched in a very special and heartfelt way. Bryce considered himself the best friend and mentor to each and every one of them. Bryce will be sorely missed by all he touched. Bryce was a sophomore at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he was majoring in Elementary Education. He felt honored to serve as a cadet in the ROTC Program at IUP and was a member of the A Co, 2 BDE, STB in Johnstown. A graduate of St. Mary's Elementary School in Nanty Glo. He was a dedicated altar server at both St. Mary's and Saints Timothy and Mark's parishes. Bryce graduated with honors from Bishop Carroll High School in 2006. He had many interests including sports and theater. Bryce played football, participated in track, and while at B.C. was active with supporting and lead roles in the Bishop Carroll Drama Club's Spring Musicals. He volunteered as an Outdoor Odyssey mentor and will long be remembered for his passionate involvement in all things related to Star Wars, GI-Joe, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Spiderman. Bryce has been a long-standing member of Saints Timothy & Mark Roman Catholic Church, Twin Rocks. Friends will be received from 6-9 PM, Tuesday and from 2-9 PM Wednesday at the Askew-Houser Funeral Home, Nanty Glo, where a vigil prayer service will be held Tuesday evening. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Thursday, at St. Mary's Church, Nanty Glo, with Rev. David S. Peles and Rev. James Conrad S.T.L. as celebrants. Committal will be at St. Charles Cemetery, Twin Rocks. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Bryce J. Kupchella Scholarship Fund c/o Bryce's parents. "Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force. Mourn them do not. Miss them do not." - YODA. A military memorial service will be held on the IUP campus on Friday at 12:00 noon. Bryce was a C.O.R.E. organ donor.