Fred R. Connacher

Connacher, Fred R., 94, Cresson, passed away in his home on Feb. 17, 2017.. Born Oct. 19, 1922, in Cresson, son of the late Robert S. and Mary (Northammer) Connacher. Preceded in death by siblings: Brian; Clifford (Clara Lutton); and Zella Gailey (James); and infant son, James Patrick. Fred was married for 72 years to Camilla (Lantzy), and the couple lovingly raised 5 children: Charles, Ashville; Cathy Mikula (Edward), Hollidaysburg; Michael (Marcella Keagy), Hollidaysburg; Theresa McConnell (Mark), Ebensburg; and Kevin (Cynthia Hollen), Cresson. Fred was lovingly known as "Pappap" and "Pappy" by his cherished 17 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He is also survived and lovingly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews. A veteran of World War II, Fred served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946, serving with the 562nd AAA AW Battalion as an artillery mechanic in the European Theater, where he saw active duty during the Battle of the Bulge, the Rhine Crossing, and served with the Occupation Army in Germany. A member of the Cresson American Legion, Post 238, Fred received the Americanism Award from that organization in Nov. 2016, for his dedication and years of service to the Cresson community. He was also a life member of Sankertown V.F. W. Post 7377, and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Cresson. Employed as a machinist and draftsman by various companies over the years, Fred retired in 1986 from L. Robert Kimball Corp., Ebensburg, where he was employed as a structural draftsman in bridge design. Over the years, on his own time, Fred took an active interest in preserving local history through his artwork and historical models. His art promotes an awareness of our rich, local heritage while honoring the contributions of past generations in the community's growth and development. Fred was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and was a wonderful role model for all of them. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Charles M. Kennedy Funeral Home, Cresson, where vigil for the deceased will be held. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Francis Xavier Church, Rev. Leo Arnone. Committal, church cemetery. Military graveside rites by Cresson American Legion, Sankertown V.F.W. and other local veteran organizations. Special Thanks to the staff of Home Nursing Agency and Hospice. www.cmkennedyfh.com

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Visitation
Monday, February 20, 2017