James Takitch

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James P. Takitch, 91, of Mt. Pleasant Township, passed away Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. Born June 28, 1926, in Hecla, Pa., he was a son of the late Joseph and Julia Kopas Takitch. He was a veteran of the Navy, having served in World War II in the Pacific Theater on the USS Kidd, where he earned a Purple Heart. Prior to retirement, he worked as an inspector at Westinghouse in Cheswick. James was a lifetime member at Hecla Sportsman, the Amvets, Norvelt Fireman's Club and St. Florian Catholic Church. James liked farming and the outdoors. He was a strong man but a gentle man. James had five miles of Route 981 dedicated in honor of his military service. He was the loving husband of 69 years to Elizabeth "Betty" Lucas Takitch. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by infant daughter Margaret Jean Takitch; and brothers and sisters Pauline, Julia, John Edward, Edward John, Joseph, George, Eugene, Helen, Robert and Margaret. James is survived by two sons, James Michael Takitch and wife Marcia, of Radcliff, Ky., and Thomas P. Takitch and wife Tammy, of United; six grandchildren, Jimmy, Joe, Jon, Jessica, Stephanie and Thomas; four great-grandchildren, Jack, Mia, Macclain and Gage; brother, Charles Takitch and Roz, of Greensburg; sister, Mary Agnes Dillon, of Mt. Pleasant; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He is also survived by his special and loving niece Mary Ellen Sopko. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, and Monday, Nov. 13, 2017, at JAY A. HOFFER FUNERAL HOME, Norvelt. Vigil prayers will be at 7:45 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Transfer prayers will be at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home, followed by his funeral Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Florian Catholic Church, United, with the Rev. John A. Sedlak as celebrant. He will be laid to rest at St. Vincent Cemetery, where military rites will be accorded by Armbrust Veteran Association. Special thanks to Dr. Jerome Gera of Norvelt Family Medicine and the staff of the Grove at Latrobe Rehab.