Joseph A. Laino Sr.

LAINO – Joseph A. Sr., 76, Cresson, died Dec. 18, 2007, at home. Born Feb. 28, 1931, in Gallitzin, son of the late Joseph A. and Geraldine (Grove) Laino. Preceded in death by an infant brother. Survived by wife, the former Gloria McClure, whom he married Feb. 14, 1953; children, Joseph Jr. (Susan Eash) and Thomas (Nancy Buck), both of Cresson; Ronald, Lewisburg; James (Jean Oxford), Lilly; and Linda Harker (Victor), Grampian; grandchildren, Robyn, Rebecca, Stephanie, Seth, Richard, Eva, Jared, Sean, Anna, Nicole and Jaden; stepgrandchildren, Jackie, Eric and Joshua; great-grandchildren, Isaiah and Connor; and aunt, Grace DeSantes, Virginia. Was member of Pennsylvania National Guard 28th Division, Johnstown, from 1949 to 1950. Activated in 1950 and served in the Army until 1952. Started as a lineman for Bell Atlantic-Pa. in 1953 and retired in 1992 as a communications serviceman with Verizon. Life member of Cresson Volunteer Fire Company, where he held the offices of assistant chief, second assistant chief, deputy chief and presently trustee, and remained active as a firefighter and driver. Was a member of the Cresson Battle of the Barrel team who won numerous first place trophies throughout the state and out-of-state for many years. Other memberships include Cresson Borough Council from 2005 to present, Volunteer Firemen’s Assn. of Cambria County and Vicinity, State Fireman’s Assn. of Pa., Western Pa. Volunteer Fireman’s Assn., Central District Volunteer Fireman’s Assn. of Pa., Allied Volunteer Fireman’s Assn. of Blair County, Cresson Community Sportsman’s Assn., Cresson Area Heritage Park Committee from 1997 to present, Cresson Centennial Committee and was co-chairman of parade held in 2006, Cresson Railroad Preservation Society, Allegheny Ridge Heritage Park Committee, Telephone Pioneers of Pa., Communications Workers of America, Cresson American Legion Post 238, Sankertown VFW Post 7377 and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Cresson. Joe’s accomplishments and awards include Pa. State American Legion Firefighter of the Year 2006 Award; 50-year member from Cresson American Legion in 2002; Volunteer of the Year Award from Cresson American Legion in 2000; plaque presented by Cresson Borough Council; Cresson Area Volunteer of the Year Award in 1999 for the unselfish giving of his time and energy to the Cresson area; plaque presented in 1999 by Cresson Fire Company Battle of the Barrel Team members who are current champions to Champion of Champions; plaque presented by brother firefighters in 1999 in appreciation for unselfish and continued devotion to community and fire department; Life Membership Award from Cresson Fire Company in 1997; Bell of Pa. Meritorious Service Award in 1977, for saving the lives of two people from a burning car hit by a tractor-trailer on Route 22 near Ebensburg on Aug. 11, 1976; was the 15th person in Pa. to receive AT and T’s Theodore N. Vail Silver Medal for Noteworthy Public Service since AT and T started the award in 1920 for saving the two people in the above accident; and numerous certificates throughout the years from Cresson Fire Company, the state of Pennsylvania and other agencies for completion of courses taken. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Charles M. Kennedy Funeral Home, Cresson, where vigil for the deceased will be held. Fire company memorial service at 7:30 p.m. Friday, followed by American Legion memorial service. Funeral Mass at 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Francis Xavier Church, the Rev. Father George Gulash. Committal, church cemetery. Military graveside rite by Cresson American Legion, Sankertown VFW and other local veteran’s organizations. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cresson Volunteer Fire Company and Cresson Area Ambulance Association.