Obituary

Wendell H. Routch, 93, of Hastings, stepped into Heaven on October 27, 2022. Born in Hastings, he spent his long life contributing to the town he loved and to those around him. He is survived by his loving wife, his ‘sweetheart’, Virginia “Ginny” (Ferry), with whom he recently celebrated his 70th anniversary. They were married on the live television program, “Bride and Groom,” on March 10, 1952. Together, they built a family who greatly benefitted from his life lessons and love: His children, Patricia (Russell) Stiles, of Rehoboth Beach, DE, Mark (Nancy) of Boiling Springs, PA, Kris (Linda) of Imperial, PA, and Jill (Rick) Berardi of Pittsburgh, PA, as well as grandchildren: Jordan (Carrie) Routch, Allison (Ralph) Canterbury, Sean, Megan, Liam Routch and Maya and Kate Berardi, and great-grandchildren Timmy, Charlie and Wesley Routch and Owen and Abram Canterbury. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Helen Madis of Olmstead Township, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer Routch and Olive (Trimble) Routch, sister Elizabeth Endler, and brothers Valgene, Edson, Sam, Donald, and James. After graduation from Hastings High School, Wendell served two years in the Signal Corps of the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He then built a successful insurance career, retiring from the Prudential Insurance Company in 1991 after 34 years. He devoted much of his life to volunteering at his church and in his community. He was a life-long member of the Hastings United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School and sang in the choir for 40 years while also serving as Trustee and Chairman of its Administrative Council. He was a past director of the Cambria Heights School Board for 25 years; a director of the Cambria County Industrial Development Corporation and Authority for 20 years; a member of the Cambria County Library Board for 20 years; past chair of Hastings Park and Recreation Committee; past chair of Hastings Area Hockey Association and Director of Hastings Area Industrial Development Association, where he was instrumental in bringing HAIDA Nursing Home and Conemaugh Miners Medical Center to Hastings. He cared for the Union Cemetery and was responsible for the design and furnishings of its chapel. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #0574 for more than 50 years. Wendell was instrumental in helping to build several recreational facilities in the Hastings Park including its baseball fields, a basketball court, pavilions, playground equipment, and tennis courts.  At 90 years old, he was still working on these projects, painting the tennis courts and lining them for pickleball. Wendell had a dream that community youth would get ‘hooked on hockey’ so in 1993, he raised the money and organized volunteers to build the Hastings Hockey Rink, which he also helped design. He then maintained the rink and stocked its concession stand during each hockey season for 27 years. Approximately 100 youth now play competitively each season. Wendell also enjoyed reading; attending Altoona Curve games; hunting with family at the family camp; and decorating elaborately for Christmas. He treasured his time with children and their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Friends will be received at Hastings United Methodist Church, 4th Ave & Spangler St. There will be a visitation held on Friday, November 18, 2022 from 6-9 pm and also on Saturday, November 19, 2022 from 12-2 pm. The funeral service will be Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 2:00pm, at the church, followed by burial at Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Wendell’s beloved hockey rink so that his legacy will continue making young people happy for years to come. Donations may be mailed to: Hastings Area Hockey Association (HAHA),151 Sportsman Road, Carrolltown, PA 15722