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CLAIR J. PRICE, 97, Ebensburg formerly of Johnstown, died June 23, 2020 at Memorial Medical Center. Born at home in Conemaugh, April 27, 1923, son of Clair M. and Blanche (Shoemaker) Price. Preceded in death by parents; former wife, Zeitha (Campbell) Price-Hammer; infant daughter, Karen; son Jeffrey "JP; brother, Robert M.; and sister, Doris Lovekin. Survived by brother, James Price, Belleview; children Doris D. Bucci, Nanty Glo, Sharon L. (Jacob) Salem, Ebensburg; Sonia C. (Jan) Patcher, Richland; Clair "Bud", (Terri Shaffer), Johnstown; Melody J. Price, San Bernadino, CA; Laura (Gregorich) Price Shrift, daughter-in-law, St. Michael; Grandchildren, Karen Bucci (Bryan) Mayes; Frankie Bucci; Jeffrey Salem;
Tawni Salem; Amy Patcher (PJ) McMullen; Melissa Patcher (Steve) Cooper; Cody Price, Adam Price, Sean Price, Joel Price and Tyler Price. Great Grand Children, Brandon Mayes, Matthew (Brittany) Bucci; Amber Salem; Jake Salem; Christopher (Nicole) Kriak; Alex Kriak; Madison Kriak; Mackenzie Kriak, Ashlee McMullen (Austin) Seese; Zack McMullen; Ava McMullen; Stephen Cooper; Laken Cooper; Cameron Cooper; Rachel Cooper; Aiden Cooper; Carson Cooper; and Lacey Cooper; Great-Great Grand Children, June Seese, Jayce Cook and Garrett Bucci Clair's death ends five generations in his family. As a young boy, Clair enjoyed playing the violin and tending to his ponies, pet chicken "Betty" and beekeeping on the family farm in Mineral Point, PA. After retirement, some of his favorite past times and hobbies included deep sea fishing, refurbishing older cars and train collecting. He was an avid electrician and loved remodeling projects, especially carpentry which he enjoyed well into his late eighties. Clair was a 1942 graduate of East Conemaugh High School, Conemaugh, PA. He was employed by the PA Railroad until he enlisted in the US Navy during WWII and proudly served in the Pacific theatre from 1943 - 1946 as an RM3 radio operator. Clair served on several landing ship tanks (LST) and was part of the invasion and occupation of Okinawa. He was the recipient of many military awards including the Victory medal, American campaign medal, Asiatic Pacific and Phillipine Liberation medals. Clair was employed at Bethlehem Steel's coke plant, Johnstown, PA for over 30 years and served as manager of East Taylor Water Authority during the 1960s. He loved family gatherings and looked forward to holiday dinners with his loved ones. Everyone who knew Clair was blessed to have them in their lives. He was always willing to help others when he could and ended his conversations with "God Bless You". He shared a witty sense of humor with those he knew and loved. Clair spent the last five years at Amber Hill Personal Care in Ebensburg, PA. where he was lovingly nicknamed "Clair Bear" by his caregivers. He looked forward to family member visits knowing they would bring him his favorites including scratch-off lottery tickets, milky way candies and other goodies. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Amber Hills who took such wonderful care of Clair during his stay. They were truly Clair's second family, especially during the past three months of his life with visiting restrictions imposed due to Covid-19. Their professionalism, compassion and kindness will never be forgotten. Special thanks also to those involved with Clair's medical treatment at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. A special thank you to his amazing and compassionate ICU nurse, Amanda Griffith, who went above and beyond her duties. She is a true Angel. Many thanks also to the staff in the Palliative Care unit, especially to Clair's nurse, Brian Miller, who kept a watchful eye over Clair making sure he was as comfortable as possible. His dedication and devotion to Clair and his patients made this difficult time so much easier for the family. Friends received from 10 until the hour of service at noon Friday at Henderson Funeral Home-East Hills, 2503 Bedford St. with Pastor Jim Gay officiating. Military rites will be conducted at the funeral home immediately following the service by Chas. Menoher Post 155 VFW Ritual Team. On line condolences can be given at www.hendersonfuneralhome.com. Masks and social distancing will be required for those attending the viewing and service.
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