Obituary

DIEHL – Peter R., Sr., 84, Johnstown, died July 12, 2009, in Good Samaritan Hospital. Born June 2, 1925, in Johnstown, a son of Walter F. and Clara Mowery Diehl.

Preceded in death by parents, brother, Ted and sisters, Rose Marie and Lula Pauline. Survived by wife, the former Mary I. Brown and son, Peter R. Diehl, Jr. married to Marilynn Salem Holt and grandchildren, Lisa M. Diehl, Pittsburgh and Jason D. Diehl married to Heidi Pyle, Friedens; and great grandson, Nicholas Aaron Diehl.

Peter was active in sports and a loyal fan of the Pirates and Steelers. While a student at Cochran Junior High School, he was on the track team and for many years his high jump record went unchallenged. Also, in 1942, he was a one-man track team for Johnstown High School. He was well-known as one of the leading fast-softball pitchers throughout Cambria County in the 1940s-1960s. For several years, he played for two or three teams in a season. He served in the U.S, Navy Seabees in World War II and was stationed in the South Pacific. Upon his discharge from the Navy, he attended the Veterans’ High School and obtained his high school diploma.

For a short time, he worked at Bethlehem’s Car Shop prior to joining the Johnstown Fire Department. He retired as a captain from the Johnstown Fire Department after 28 years of service. He was a member of the Johnstown Professional Firefighters Retired Association. He was a member of the Grove Avenue United Methodist Church, the Johnstown Heritage Association, the Community Arts Center and Friends of the Incline.

Peter will be sorely missed by his family. Although small in numbers, it was huge in love and companionship.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no viewing.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 15, 2009, from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Grove Avenue United Methodist Church. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Edward Schoeneck officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Grove Avenue United Methodist Church’s Memorial Fund at 501 Grove Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15902.

Arrangements in care of Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 1521 Franktown Rd. an “Exclusive Provider of Veterans & Family Memorial Care”