Stephen Singel

SINGEL – Stephen, 82, Johnstown, passed away Jan. 25, 2010, surrounded by the love of his wife and family. Born Dec. 7, 1927, in Johnstown, son of the late Albert and Dorothy (Keblesh) Singel. Preceded in death by brothers, John and his, wife, Louise; and Andrew, and his wife, Geraldine; sisters, Mary, and her husband, Lou McCawley; and Dorothy; and brother-in-law, Stephen Swarney. Survived by brothers (spouses), Michael (Maryann Piatak) and George (Betty Lorditch); and sisters, Agnes Swarney and Magdalene (Joseph Sank). He was beloved by his many nieces and nephews and all family members. Steve Singel is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jean Ann (Mertle); and children and their spouses, Carol (Philip Buriak), Mark (Jacqueline Schonek), David (Joan Wu), Joyce (Joseph Dominguez), Myra (Lawrence Van Hoose) and Amy (William Livingston). Steve will be deeply missed by his sons and daughters, and his grandchildren, Stephen Dominguez (Christie Huff), Amy Dominguez; Kaitlyn Dreeson; Christine Dominguez; Adam Welch; Jason, Julia, John and Josh Livingston; Allyson (David Aldous); Jonathan and Christopher Singel; Lauren (Nick Van Horn); and Holly and Sarah Van Hoose; also great-grandchildren, Thomas and Felicity Aldous, Carolynn Dominguez, Lauren Gilmer, Garrett Huff, Hunter Van Hoose and Destiny and Dylan Van Horn. Steve Singel was born and raised in the Morrellville section of Johnstown with eight brothers and sisters on Maryland Avenue. He graduated from Johnstown High School in 1944 and enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served as staff sergeant. He served in Europe with the division of intelligence services at the end of World War II. He joined Bestform Foundations as a "bundle boy." He rose from that position to become production manager and plant manager and held a senior management position with the New York-based firm at the culmination of 52 years of service. Steve Singel served on the Pennsylvania MILRITE Council's Labor Management Committee and was active in numerous state and local committees. He traveled extensively and was instrumental in the expansion of the company in foreign markets such as China, South Africa, Indonesia and the West Indies. He received recognition for leading the development of manufacturing plants in Guayama and Ponce, Puerto Rico. Steve taught his children the value of diversity by having them live and participate in the educational and cultural experiences of the island. Steve Singel was deeply religious and dedicated to his Byzantine Catholic faith and St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church in Johnstown. He provided lay services to seven different pastors and remained a strong contributor to the parish all his life. He participated actively in religious services and imbued his children with a respect for religious faith. He led the church choir even in his retirement years and passed the musical tradition on to his children who carry the songs of his faith in their hearts to this day. Steve Singel was a benefactor of the Sisters of St. Basil the Great and SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary. He provided foundational support to those at the Mount St. Macrina Motherhouse. He was an active 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and held various leadership roles. He worked closely with leaders from all local parishes in the original "Catholic Day" activities. Enlivened by his example, his progeny include scientists, teachers, accountants, nurses, artists, politicians and other professionals who are committed to carrying on his legacy of service. Beyond his family, Steve Singel had an impact on hundreds of employees, friends and neighbors. His nurturing presence will remain with us all. Blessed repose and eternal memory. Friends received from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, and from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at Frank Duca Funeral Home, Westmont Chapel, 1622 Menoher Blvd., where Parastas will be held at 7 p.m. Friday. Funeral Liturgy will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, Monsignor Raymond Balta. Interment, Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, 413 Power St., Johnstown, Pa. 15906; or Sisters of St. Basil the Great, 500 W. Main St., Box 878, Uniontown, Pa. 15401; or SS. Cyril and Methodius Byzantine Catholic Seminary, 3605 Perrysville Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15214 in Stephen Singel's memory.