James T. Distler

1934 - 2015

James T. Distler, 80, of 126 Edward Rd., St. Marys, died Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at his home following an illness of the past several months.
He was born May 22, 1934, a son of the late Wallace "Boobie" and Florence Taylor Distler.
On Nov. 15, 1958 in St. Mary's Church, he married Joan Gabler Distler, who survives.
He was a lifelong resident of the area and graduated from SMAHS, Class of 1953. He then served in the U.S. Air Force as a classifications specialist with the 6486 Air Based Group, where he served overseas for three years. He attended the DuBois Business College and received a degree in accounting and business administration and retired from Airco-Speer after more than 25 years of service. He was a life member of the American Legion, VFW, CMF, PFL and the Elks.
He served on all levels of government throughout his life, having been a township supervisor from 1975-1983, chairman of the board for five years, county Veterans' Affairs director for four years and also with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He was honored with the prestigious award of the Chapel of the Four Chaplains and was a member of the St. Marys Servicemen's Burial Detail. He enjoyed playing cards, golfing, going to camp, and spending time with his family.
In addition to his wife of more than 56 years, Joan Gabler Distler, he is survived by three sons, James (Brenda) Distler of Kersey, Thomas (Karen) Distler of Palm Bay, Fla., and Frank (Lynn) Distler of Essex Junction, Vt.; a daughter, Diane (Jack) Seelye of St. Marys; nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He is also survived by a brother, Ronald (Julie) Distler of Maryland; two sisters-in-law, Carmella Distler of New York and Doris Distler of Illinois; and by a brother-in-law, Tony Caggeso of New York.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Wallace Distler and William Distler; and by a sister, Lavonne "Bonnie" Caggeso.
A Mass of Christian Burial for James T. Distler will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 7 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Church Street, St. Marys with the Rev. Alfred Patterson, OSB, officiating.
Military honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen's Burial Detail.
Interment will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Monday, April 6, 2015 from 5-8 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Marys Servicemen's Burial Detail, 168 Center St., St. Marys, Pa. or to the Community Nurses / Community Nurses Hospice, 757 Johnsonburg Rd., Suite 200, St. Marys, Pa. 15857.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N. Michael St., St. Marys, is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be made to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com.