William A. Pingatore

Pingatore –William A., “Pinky”, 98, East Conemaugh, went to be with the Lord on March 30, 2015 at Arbutus Park Manor. Born on February 17, 1917 in Johnstown, son of Pietro and Carmella (Martire) Pingatore. Preceded in death by parents; wife, Florine A. “Babe” (Kline) Pingatore; 7 brothers and 4 sisters. He is survived by his loving daughters, Patricia E., wife of Donald F. Scholly, Johnstown and Marsha A., wife of Thomas Hughes, Cary, NC; grandchildren, Aimee, wife of Joshua Tracy, Raleigh, NC, Caitlin, wife of Adam Bram, Apex, NC, William Scholly, Hoboken, NJ, and Kelsey Hughes, Raleigh, NC; twin great grandsons, Leo and Maxwell Bram, Apex, NC; sisters, Jean Baeder, Alice Prince, and Ruth Stumpo all of Johnstown, and Olga Paruch, East Conemaugh; sisters-in-law, Mary Pingatore, Florence Pingatore, and Helen Pingatore; numerous nieces and nephews. Pinky was a 1937 graduate of East Conemaugh High School, where he was a standout football and basketball player; member of various clubs and coach of the senior girls basketball team. He was a US Marine Veteran serving with the 1st Marine Division in the South Pacific during WWII. Pinky received the Distinguished Service Award in 2007. In 2008, he was named Marine of the year by The Conemaugh Valley Det. #287 Marine Corps League. Pinky was also authorized to wear the Bronze Distinguished Service Medal. He earned multiple Dedicated Service Awards from the League throughout the years. Pinky retired in 1979 from Bethlehem Steel, with over 30 years of service as a millwright. He was a member of the Church of the Transfiguration, where he was head usher for many years, and former member of the Holy Name Society. Pinky was a life time member of the Conemaugh Valley Det. #287 Marine Corps League. He was a former board member of Franklin Johnstown Credit Union, and a Trustee at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie #1811. Pinky was a former accredited AFL-CIO Union Counselor for the Local #2635 USWA, and a member of SOAR, United Steel Workers. He remained an active member of the Conemaugh-Franklin American Legion Post #633; and was a former member of the Franklin V.F.W. Post #5107, and the Conemaugh Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed dancing with his late wife, Babe, every Saturday night to Big Band Music and playing poker. Pinky loved life and never met a stranger. He was a dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather. Friends will be received from 3-7 p.m. on Monday at the Baker-Harris Funeral Chapel, Conemaugh, where Vigil for the deceased will be held. The Conemaugh Valley Det. #287 Marine Corps League Ritual Team will have a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. on Monday at the funeral chapel. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at the Church of the Transfiguration, Fr. Alan E. Thomas. Committal will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery with military rites conducted by Conemaugh Valley Det. #287 Marine Corps League Ritual Team. The family suggests contributions be directed to Arbutus Park Manor, 207 Ottawa Street, Johnstown, PA 15904 or to the Church of the Transfiguration, 340 Second Street, Conemaugh PA 15909 in memory of William. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.