Donald M. Reighard

Reighard - Donald M., “Don”, 89, of East Conemaugh, passed away on May 26, 2017 at his residence. He was born on August 31, 1927 in Johnstown. Son of the late Chester M. and Rose M. (Koenig) Reighard. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann “Honey” (Piker) Reighard; infant granddaughter, Lindsey Reighard; brother-in-law, James “Babe” Clark and a sister-in-law, Dorothy “Tootie” Podolak. Survived by loving children, Donna J. wife of Keith  E. Dick, Dayton, OH, Thomas P. married to the former Mary Jo Unger, East Conemaugh, Robert W., East Taylor Township, and Michelle A. wife of Robert P. Margetan, East Conemaugh; grandchildren, Kellie A. wife of Nathan P. Kennard, and Stacey L. Dick, all of Dayton, OH, Thomas P. Jr. and Nicholas J. Reighard both of Harrisburg, PA, Joshua R. Reighard, Johnstown and Robert P. and Scott A. Margetan, both of East Conemaugh; great grandsons, Tyler A. and Ryan P. Kennard, Dayton, OH; sister, Ruth Miller, Johnstown; brother-in-law, John Thomas “Tom” Piker married to the former Irene Stanislawcyk, Mesa, AZ; sister-in-law, Shirley M. wife of Ronald Meredith, East Taylor Township; former daughter-in-law, Brenda (Box) Reighard, Johnstown; several nieces, nephews, and special family friend, Stephanie Jones. Don was a US Army Veteran serving during the Korean War, stationed in Japan, where he proudly served as a Cryptographer. He was employed for 30 years, at Kirchner Brothers Roofing Company. Don then went to work as a sheet metal fabricator at both Skone’s Advanced Inc. and Marc’s Service from where he retired. He was a member of the Church of the Transfiguration, and during his illness faithfully watched Sunday Mass on TV. Don enjoyed his trains and building his personal train table. He had a talent for building cardboard replicas of local buildings and attractions. Don was an avid Steeler fan. He also enjoyed calliopes, circus music, and going to the casino. He watched numerous Alaskan Nature shows on TV. His famous saying when you said good-bye to him, where ever you were, was “Don’t take any wooden nickels”. His family hopes if you’ve heard Don say this, you’ll always remember him. Don loved his family dearly and will be missed by all, especially at all the family gatherings during holidays. His family would like to thank all of his many doctors and nurses, especially Dr. Ellenberger and Dr. Voloshin, and all the care givers at the Palliative Care Unit at Conemaugh Hospital, Windber Hospice, and a special thank you to his personal care giver, Bridget Byich. Friends received from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday at the Baker-Harris Funeral Chapel, 229 First Street, Conemaugh, where Vigil for the deceased will be held. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the Church of the Transfiguration, Fr. Robert C. Hall, Pastor. Committal will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by Menoher Post #155 VFW Ritual Team. Family suggests memorial contributions may be directed to the Church of the Transfiguration, 335 Second Street, Conemaugh, PA 15909 in memory of Donald. Online condolences may be submitted at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.