Donald R. "Dino" Uzelac Sr.

UZELAC – Donald "Dino" R. Sr., 70, Bon Air, went to heaven Nov. 1, 2009. Born Dec. 19, 1938, in Franklin, to Sava and Minnie (Varnish) Uzelac. Loving husband of 49 years to devoted wife, Joanne (Lehman) Uzelac. Preceded in death by parents; brother, Peter; and great-grandson, Carson. Survived by wife, Joanne; son, Donald Jr., married to Brenda (Moss), South Fork; daughters, Pamela Schreyer, Felton, Pa.; Suzanne, married to James Reed, Fryburg, Pa.; Trudy, married to Steve Reighard, Bon Air; and Linda, married to Tony Freidhoff, Conemaugh Township, Cambria County; and son, Sam, and fiancee, Melissa Adams, Woodvale. Dino's love and dedication to his family, especially to his grandchildren, was unmatched. He said that he was a man of simple things, but he was blessed with so much because of his family. He was so proud of his grandchildren who are as follows: Brandy (Myers) Womer, and husband, Randy; Alan Myers; Kristal Uzelac (Brad Bodenschatz); Donnie Uzelac (Jessica Adkins); Blaise Schreyer (Madison Torbert; Bryce and Braxton Schreyer; David and Jennifer Reed; Travis Uzelac; Tori and Stephanie Reighard; Sarah, Katie and Lydia Freidhoff; and Dylan Uzelac. His great-grandchildren are Sierra, Tyler and Jayden Womer, Andrew and Brody. Brother of Millie Romano (and the late Tony), Sylvia Brisko (Mike), Irene Mesaros (Al), Helen Malysko (Bob), Bernie (Peggy), Sally Sharpe (Tom), Steve (Judy), Natalie Ofsanko (John), Carol Nagy (Bill), Darlene Hobar (Nick), Sam and Rich. Brother-in-law to Ray Lehman (friend, Audrus), Paul Lehman (Gayle), the late Jack Lehman, Bill Lehman (Vonnie), Dick Lehman (Carol) and Dolly Connor (and the late Ron). Dino also is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Dino had a very strong work ethic. He was an accomplished welder and was proud of his long career in the steel industry. Dino was an avid sports enthusiast. His favorite teams having been the Steelers, Penn State football, the Penguins and the Pirates. He desired fishing, nature (especially walking in the woods to see wildlife) and watching and participating in various sports. Dino was a man of many talents. He was a master craftsman and artist, having created a variety of woodwork and painted objects. God blessed him with a fabulous voice. He loved to entertain people and was active in hosting karaoke at the Senior Center in Johnstown. In his earlier years, Dino was a Boy Scout leader, Little League coach and honorary member of the Franklin VFW, American Legion and the Eagles. He also helped at the Franklin Fire Department. He died a happy man with his boots on while outdoors feeding deer and turkey. Although Dino was not an active participant in church, he believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and this was reflected in his work, art, words and family. He was a lifetime member of St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church, St. Clair Road. Friends received from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Henderson Funeral Home, East Hills, 2503 Bedford St., where Pomen will be sung at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday and at 11 a.m. Thursday. Funeral service will be held at noon Thursday at St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church, Father Dejan Obradovic. Interment, church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dino Uzelac Memorial Fund, 976 Mount Airy Drive, Johnstown, Pa. 15904.