Elmer B. Guckert

Elmer Bernard "Coach Guckert" Guckert, 84, of McCandless Township, died peacefully Thursday, June 6, 2013, and went onto glory, with his family by his side. It was his and his wife's 60th wedding anniversary. He was the beloved husband of the late Gloria J. Guckert; loving father of Kathy (Dent) Allison, Karen (David) Morris, Jim Guckert and Sarah (Philip) Rizzitano; proud grandfather of Laura and Thomas Allison, Thad, Hanna, Ellie and Jennie Morris, Amanda Guckert, Shannon (Eric) Franklin, Marissa Guckert, and Anthony and Nicole Rizzitano; great-grandfather of Gianna and Kylee Roak; cousin of David (Ruth) Palmer; brother-in-law of the late Robert and Maryann Ganter; uncle of Gary Ganter, of Odessa, Texas, Barbara Wagon, of Midland, Texas, and Debra Ganter, of Denver, Colo. Elmer graduated from Oliver High School in 1947 and lettered in basketball and baseball. He attended The University of Pittsburgh and majored in teaching. He also played baseball as a left-handed pitcher. He later earned a master's degree in teaching in 1957. He played with baseball sandlot teams in Pittsburgh and in a farm league for the Pittsburgh Pirates. After graduating, he taught for one year at Shanksville Stoney Creek High School. Drafted Aug. 6, 1953, he served in Fort Knox, Ky. for two years. He then taught physical education, driver's education and health at Shanksville and Fifth Avenue high schools. He coached several sports including basketball, swimming, baseball and cross country. His cross country teams were three time City Champions. His basketball teams at Fifth Avenue were City Champions in 1974, 1975 and 1976 and State Champions in 1976. After Fifth Avenue closed, he taught at Brashear High School, where his basketball team won several City Championships. His basketball coaching record included 10 City Championship teams, three Western Pennsylvania Championship teams, one Runner-up State Champion team and two State Championship teams. He was awarded multiple titles and was a three time winner of the Western Chapter Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame Coach's Award, four times Post-Gazette Basketball Coach of the year, P-G Dapper Dan Award recipient (1986) and was inducted into the Western Pennsylvania Hall of Fame May 5, 1996. He coached several notable athletes including Sam Clancy, Warner Macklin, Dwight Clay, David Kennedy, Wynorris Banks and Major Harris. Elmer was also a PIAA official for basketball, baseball and softball. May 21, 1976, Elmer umpired a National League baseball game (Pirates vs. Cubs) when scheduled officials refused to cross a foodservice picket line at Three Rivers Stadium. Elmer was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church and served on the Vestry and as an usher. He was a 50-year member Mason and Shriner. Always busy, Elmer packed and delivered Meals on Wheels in retirement. All who knew him enjoyed his sense of humor. Hot Ziggy Zagnuts, he was the life of the party, enjoyed people and will be greatly missed. Honor his memory with the family 12 noon to 9 p.m. Friday at HP BRANDT FUNERAL HOME INC., 1032 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15237, 412-364-4444. A funeral service will be held 9:30 a.m. Saturday in Christ Episcopal Church, 5910 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237. Everyone please meet at the church. Interment will follow at Allegheny County Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations suggested in his name to the Christ Episcopal Church.