Gary J. Wyrwas

WYRWAS—Gary, 67, peacefully rose into the arms of our Lord February 14, 2019, surrounded by his loving family, due to complications of Parkinson’s.  Gary grew up in East Conemaugh, a son of Edmund (Slick) and Sara Jane Wyrwas. He is predeceased by his parents, sister Cecelia, and her husband, Dr. Harold Ringler, mother and father-in-law Anthony and Josephine Ragno, brother-in-law Don L. Gallucci and sister-in-law Karen Wyrwas. He is survived by the love of his life since they both were 15, wife of 47 years Carmellina (Ragno) and his wonderful and devoted children, son Garrett (Susan Sefcik), twin daughters Melina (William) Hudec and Carisa (Ralph) Burrows, and daughter Gina (Shaun) Schellhammer.  He is also survived by his amazing and very loved grandchildren, Christian Wyrwas, Julia Hudec and Luke and Ava Schellhammer. He is also survived by his brother Leonard Wyrwas, sister Mary Jane (Charles) Frank and sister Roberta Wyrwas; brother-in-law Phillip (Belinda) Ragno and sister-in-law Marie (Ragno) Gallucci. Also many loved nieces, nephews and cousins. Gary was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish (formerly St. Anthony’s).  Gary worked in the Car Shop of Bethlehem Steel/Johnstown America for 35 years.  He started as a pipecutter and then became the manager of the Air Brake department.  During early years of layoffs, he went back to college and earned a degree from Saint Francis University and worked as a computer programmer.  He is a 1969 graduate of Conemaugh Valley High School. Gary put God and family first but he loved people.  He had a great camaraderie with the guys at work.  He would help anyone with anything.  He was a great fisherman, swimmer and loved family vacations at the beach.  Gary was Scout Master of Summit Chapel troop 205. He coached East Taylor/Jackson Little League team Dodgers, he owned his own Santa suit and would deliver packages to his friends’ children.  He could fix and do anything.  He was always our “Rock” and my “Knight in Shining Armor.” He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and especially loved going to his children and grandchildren’s concerts, plays and sporting events. The family will receive friends from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Baker-Harris Funeral Chapel, 229-231 First St., Conemaugh. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Clare of Assisi Church, Maple Avenue, Johnstown, Father Matthew Misurda officiating. Committal, St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Geistown. Special thanks to the Conemaugh Valley Regional Ambulance Association. The family requests that in lieu of flowers a donation may be made in memory of Gary to Arbutus Park Manor, 207 Ottawa St., Johnstown, PA 15904 for their thoughtful and compassionate care. Online condolences may be posted at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.