It's been a rough couple of months for my family.  On New Years Eve we lost my Grandmother, and then on March 8 my Grandfather passed away. 

Here is his obituary, from the Johnstown Tribune Democrat:

Robert C. Wolfe
WOLFE –  Robert C., 83,  Belsano, passed away surrounded by his loving family March 8, 2009. Born April 20, 1925, in Indiana, Pa, son of the late Glenn and Edna (Bryan) Wolfe. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He is preceded in death by wife, the former Betty Jane Roles, who passed away Dec. 31, 2008, ending a marriage of 65 years; brother, William; and sister, Martha Louise Bence. Survived by children, Robert J. (Joyce), Nanty Glo; Patricia, (George) Warholic, Maryland; Richard G. (Lucinda), Munster; Karen, (Patrick) Gallagher, Mundys Corner; Brian (Nancy), Buffington Township; and Rodney (Lana), Johnstown. Loving grandfather to Rob (Kathleen), Mark (Renee), George, Michael, Jennifer, Rob, Rebecca (Ben), Scott (Jami), Megan, Matthew, Kylie, Elijah, Ashley, Alexis, Amanda and Autumn; and eight great-granchildren. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He attended Belsano United Methodist Church for many years. Former quartermaster of Belsano Boy Scout Troop 90 in the 1950's. Retired member of UMWA Local 1368, with 42 years of service. Former employee of BethEnergy Mines 33. World War II Army veteran, having served campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe.  He was awarded the European Campaign Medal with four bronze stars, American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Longtime electrician at the Cambria County Fair. Bob enjoyed working outdoors, hunting and spending time with his family. We will miss his stories of growing up in Indiana and working at the Cambria County Fair and the coal mines. He was a very kind hearted, friendly man who will missed by all. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Askew-Houser Funeral Homes Inc., Nanty Glo, where funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, the Rev. Clayton Harriger, officiating. Military rites by Twin Rocks, Vintondale and Nanty Glo Posts Ritual Team. Interment, Edwards Memorial Cemetery (United Methodist), Belsano.

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My grandfather was a real friendly person.  He would always find someone to talk to wherever he went.   He loved to talk about hunting, or cars and trucks and wouldn't pass up an opportunity to tell a story.   I spent time during the summer at their house up through about 8th grade.   I remember going back to school in the fall, and schoolmates talking about going on vacations, or going to summer camp.   At the time being a kid I was jealous of some of the "what I did on my summer vacation" stories.  My story was always the same.  I stayed a couple of weeks with my grandparents in PA, nothing fancy.  Just like so many other things I didn't appreciate as a kid you don't really understand the important things until you are an adult and get to look back. Then you wish you could remember more.  I have bits and pieces of memories of him when I was younger, going up to the fairgrounds, going to the Indiana Mall, going out one night to spot deer with him.  I wish the memories were more complete. I remember their 40th Anniversary Party, but then I look at their picture from the party and I can't remember them looking that young.  I also remember bits and pieces of stories he told me from his time in the WWII.  One story about his buddy sneaking him cans of cherry pie filling.  Another one where him and a buddy snuck behind the mess tent thinking they found fresh water and it turned out to be dirty dish water, they found this out after taking a drink.  And another about breaking into a motor scooter factory at the end of the war and him and his buddies ripping around on motor scooters.  I wish I remembered the stories more completely, but even if I could I wouldn't be able to tell them like he would.  He told me and my brother he started smoking when he was 7 years old.  He had a funny laugh, and slurped his soup, which drove my grandmother nuts.

 

My father did a great job eulogizing him at the Funeral.   Here is a link to a really nice memorial my father put together for him Robert Wolfe Memorial. There are some really good pictures of him in there, and the eulogy.

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My Grandma's Obituary from the Johnstown Tribune Democrat

Betty Jane Roles Wolfe
WOLFE – Betty Jane (Roles), 83, of Belsano, passed away peacefully on Dec. 31, 2008, at Memorial Medical Center. Born April 19, 1925, in Belsano, daughter of the late James Martin and Clara Elizabeth (Nipps) Roles. The last surviving member of her immediate family. She is preceded in death by brothers: Melvin, Leroy, Russell, Norman and Thomas Roles and sisters: Nora, Goldie, Thelma, Pauline, Dorothy, Charlotte and Shirley. Survived by husband, Robert C. Wolfe, to whom she was married 65 years, and these children: Robert J. (Joyce) Wolfe, Nanty Glo; Patricia, wife of George Warholic, Rockville, Md.; Richard G. (Lucinda) Wolfe, Munster; Karen, wife of Patrick Gallagher, Mundys Corner; Brian (Nancy) Wolfe, Buffington Township; and Rodney (Lana) Wolfe, Johnstown. Loving grandmother to Rob (Kathleen), Mark (Renee), George, Michael, Jennifer, Rob, Rebecca (Ben), Scott (Jami), Megan, Matthew, Kylie, Elijah, Ashley, Alexis, Amanda and Autumn; and seven great-grandchildren. Life member of the Belsano United Methodist Church, where she played the piano, participated in Sunday school and Bible school, and was an active member of the Willing Workers Organization. Betty enjoyed cooking and baking for her family. We will miss her smile, her sense of humor and especially her homemade goodies. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes Inc., Nanty Glo, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, the Rev. John H. Snyder, officiating. Interment at Edwards Memorial Cemetery (United Methodist), Belsano.

 

Grandma getting a kiss from my Niece Kayla

 

My sister my mother, my grandmother and my niece Kayla at our family reunion