Hugh Bridge

1920 - 06

Hugh Bridge, 92, of North Huntingdon, son of the late Lawrence and Hannah Marron Bridge, died Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, at his home. He was born June 20 1920, in North Irwin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy M. Drylie Bridge; brothers, James, Larry and Andrew Bridge; and sisters, Mary Alice and Hannah. Surviving are a daughter, Patricia Landsperger; a granddaughter, Bridget Berard and her husband, Eli; a grandson, Andrew Landsperger and his wife, Melissa; a great-grandson, Andrew R. Landsperger; and sisters, Helen Bruno, Agnes Zakutney, Mary Fletcher and Rita Rain. Hugh was a member of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Irwin, where he served as an usher for many years, was a member of the Golden Echo's and a member of the VFW Post 781 of Irwin. Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a wireman for Westinghouse Electric. Hugh enlisted in the Air Force in 1942, and was a waist gunner on a B-17. Hugh's plane was shot down Feb. 4, 1944, on a mission over Germany; it was his ninth. He bailed out and was taken as a prisoner of war. He remained in Germany as a POW for 15 months, was liberated April 29, 1945, and returned home June 17, 1945. He was discharged Nov. 1, 1945. Friends were received Tuesday and Wednesday at the JOSEPH F. OTT FUNERAL HOME INC., 504 Oak St., Irwin. Parting prayers were held at 9 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home, followed by a 9:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial celebrated in the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Interment followed in the Irwin Union Cemetery North Huntingdon. John F. Ott assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences, please visit http://www.ottfuneralhome.com.