Merle T. Smay

Smay, Merle T., 92, Gallitzin, passed away November 29, 2023 at his home. Born March 22, 1931, Cresson, son of Eugene and Kathleen (Rudolph) Smay. Preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Betty Lou Shay. Survived by his loving wife, Dorothy (Eckenrode) Smay, whom he married August 22, 1959; children, Wayne and wife Sheryn, CA; Charlotte, Cresson; Chris and wife Virgina, AL; Carl and wife Susana, CA; Mark and wife Faith; and Gene and wife Carla, all of Gallitzin; 6 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and sister, Alma Jean Smay, Cresson. Merle was a graduate of Cresson Joint High School, where he played basketball. He was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict. Merle worked as a carpenter for DeGol Bros. and retired from Mount Aloysius College, Cresson. He enjoyed woodworking and was a master carpenter. Merle was a member of the Gallitzin American Legion Post 174 and the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, where a funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, December 4, 2023 at 10 a.m., the Very Rev. Fr. John Byrnes celebrant. Military honors will be provided by the Gallitzin American Legion and other local military organizations. Committal and inurnment will be held at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Cresson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gallitzin American Legion. Arrangements have been entrusted to Anderson Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Cresson, “Honored Provider of Veterans Funeral Care™.” Condolences may be made at AndersonFamilyFuneralHomes.com