George T. Bright, Sr.

George T. Bright, Sr., 89, of Carroll Twp., Monongahela, died Wednesday, May 28, 2014 in his home. He was born November 25, 1924 in New Eagle, the son of the late Frank K. and Sophia Kirschner Bright. George attended The Church of Jesus Christ in Monongahela. He was a 1942 graduate of Monongahela High School. He began his career in the US Army Air Corps in 1943 during WW II, flying for over 41 years in multiple aircrafts, from the P-47 Thunderbolt to the KC-135E Stratotanker. In 1972 he was appointed to the rank of Colonel. At the time of his retirement he had logged over 10,000 flying hours. In 1984 George retired from the Air National Guard 171st Air Refueling Wing as vice commander and safety officer. He was told, at the time, he was the last US Air Force pilot that had flown in WWII to still be actively flying in the Air Force. During his retirement ceremony, he was awarded the Legion of Merit and given the honorary promotion to Brigadier General by the state of Pennsylvania. At home he enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing and flower gardening. His latest passions were wood working and mowing the lawn. He is survived by seven sons and five daughters, Lee Alan and his wife Ramona Bright of Monongahela, Melodee Bright of Carnegie, Malcolm and his wife Rhonda Bright of Westminster, CA, Robert and his wife Jayne Bright of Monongahela, Valarie and her husband George Marynchak of Dawson, Gary and his wife Jan Bright of Morgantown, WV, Melissa and her husband Alex Cherry of Monongahela, Roy Bright at home, Ray and his wife Cindy Bright of Pemberton, NJ, Connie and her husband Paul Robinson of Monongahela, George Bright, Jr. of Roscoe, Jessie and her husband Rick Scaglione of Herndon, VA; thirty three grandchildren; twenty nine great grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Alice Rogers of Little Rock, AR, Bertha May and her husband Albert Reichel of Monongahela; and a brother, Charles K. Bright of Monongahela. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah Elizabeth ?Liz? Seighman Bright, who died on March 4, 2012, a daughter and son in law, Sharon and her husband John Finnerty and three brothers, Harry, Ralph and Earl Bright. Friends will be received on Friday, May 30, 2014 from 2-9 PM in the Frye Funeral Home, Inc., 427 West Main Street, Monongahela, where funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 11:00 AM with the Elder Karl Kirschner and the Elder William Chepanoske, co-officiating. Interment will follow in Jefferson Memorial Park, Pittsburgh with full military honors accorded at the graveside.