Clarence G. Pritts

1914 - 01

Clarence G. "Skip" Pritts, 94, longtime Scottdale resident and civic leader, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 15, 2008, at his home. He was born Jan. 11, 1914, at Iron Bridge, a son of the late John H. and Nellie Fry Pritts. Mr. Pritts was a graduate of East Huntingdon High School with the Class of 1932, and during that time worked at his father's feed and grocery business. After serving in the Coast Guard as a motor machinist from 1942 to 1946, he married Helen Jean Newcomer on April 27, 1946. In 1931, Pritts Feed and Supply Company was established in Smithton by Skip, his father and brother, Bill. He took over sole management in 1940 and became sole owner in 1960. He added appliances and hardware to the feed and farm supply product line. He retired in 1979 after 45 years in the feed business. Skip served as president of the Smithton Lions Club and for more than 30 years co-chaired the annual "Farmer's Night." He received the "Farmer of the Year" award in 1974 in recognition of his many years of service to the farm community. He also served as president of the Pa. Miller's and Feed Dealers Association in 1963. A community and civic leader, he served on the board of directors of Laurel Highlands Regional Family YMCA and was actively involved in the fundraising campaign for the new facility. He was awarded the YMCA "Person of the Year" Spirit Award in 1990. In addition, he served as treasurer of the SCCIA. A member of Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ, he held the positions of elder, deacon and treasurer. Skip also belonged to Marion Lodge 562 F&AM, Scottdale, and received recognition for his 50-year membership in 2001. Other fraternal organizations include Uniontown Lodge of Perfection, Pittsburgh Consistory, Syria Shrine of Pittsburgh, Syria Shrine Legion of Honor, National Grange 855, Mendon Grange, the American Legion of Smithton and the Agri Business Council. Skip is survived by his loving family of four daughters, Sandy Eckenrode and husband, Richard, of Patton, Phyllis Schemmel and husband, Kenneth, of Springfield, Ohio, Suzanne Ansell and husband, Ben, of Mt. Pleasant, and Cathy Jinks and husband, Andrew, of North Huntingdon; nine grandchildren, Josh and wife Megan, and Matt, Kari, Stephanie, Jan, Benjamin, Lisa, Brian and Michelle; and a great-granddaughter, Emily. Also surviving are two sisters, Esther Newlin, of Scottdale, and Dorothy Coffman, of Mt. Pleasant. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Jean Newcomer Pritts, on Aug. 30, 2000; a sister, Ferne Pritts; and two brothers, John "Bud" and William "Bill" Pritts. Family and friends are welcome from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at GRAFT-JACQUILLARD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES INC., 303 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale (724-887-7110). A parting prayer will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home, followed by services at 11 a.m. in Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ, Chestnut Street, Scottdale, with the Rev. Jeffrey A. Welsh and the Rev. Ronald Pritts co-officiating. (Everyone please go directly to the church.) Interment will follow in Westmoreland County Memorial Park. Marion Lodge 562 will conduct a memorial service at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Scottdale Public Library, Regional Family YMCA, Trinity Reformed Church of Christ, Medi-Home Hospice or a favorite charity. For online information or to send a condolence, visit www.gjfuneral.com.