Nicholas E. Debias

DEBIAS----Nicholas E., 92, Richland, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2021, at Windber Hospice, Windber. Born August 4, 1928, in Windber, son of Anthony and Nellie (Lippin) Debias, Preceded in death by parents; brothers, John and George and sisters, Dorothy Martin and Rose Orlovsky. Survived by wife of 66 years, Nina L. (Scrofani) whom he married on Aug. 21, 1954; children, Cindy (Gary) Shawley, Richland; Nick (Renee Kelly) Debias, Richland and Michele Hershberger (Greg Domonkos), Windber; grandchildren, Danie (Dave) Bryce, Carly (Aaron) Thomas, Tiffany Debias, Samantha (Ryan) Leibreich and Erin Debias; great-grandchildren, Isla, Austin, Finley and Rory. Brothers and sisters, Mary Potts, Gloria Boone, Judy Stoops, Evelyn Wadsworth, Anthony, Stanley and Robert. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and son-in-law, Rod Hershberger. 1946 graduate of Adams High School. US Army veteran of the Korean War, where he served as a medic. Retired from Conrail with over 25 years of service. Member of St. Benedict Catholic Church, where he was an usher and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Nick also belonged to Men’s Retirement Club, Johnstown, where he served as Treasurer for many years and member of Bethany UM Church men’s prayer breakfast. Nick loved to line dance, polka, going on casino trips with his brother, playing the guitar and scratching lottery tickets. Private visitation will be held for family. Family and friends are welcome to attend funeral Mass which will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Geistown, Fr. David S. Peles, Pastor. Committal, St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, with Military rites by Menoher VFW Post #155. The family suggests memorial donations to Windber Hospice or St. Benedict Catholic Church in memory of Nicholas Debias. The family would like to thank all the wonderful caregivers from Windber Hospice who cared for him over the past year. The family is being served by Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland. Online condolences may be posted at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.