Kelcher
George C. Kelchner III, 77, died peacefully in his sleep Sunday at Presbyterian Village in Hollidaysburg.
George proudly called Blair County home for most of his life. He was born in Altoona on July 8, 1942, to the late William C. Kelchner and Jane (Berkowitz) Kelchner.
Surviving are a nephew, David Wingert of Lebanon, his wife, Kathy, and their children; Dr. Daniel Wingert and Katie (Wingert) McArdle; and a niece, Polly (Wingert) Tabeling of Peachtree Corners, Ga., wife of William Tabeling, and their children, Andrew Tabeling and Kate Tabeling.
George was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Judith (Kelchner) Wingert, in 1990; and his brother-in-law, Dr. J. Paul Wingert, Jr., in 2013.
After graduating from Altoona High School in 1960, he earned a B.A. in History from Penn State University in 1964. A member of the U.S. Air Force Reserves from 1964-70, George began working for Curry, Cannon & Co., an Altoona wholesale grocery business, in 1964 and continued working as a salesman for the business after its purchase by Sky Brothers Inc. In the 1980s, George worked for Pittsburgh-based Berhorst Wholesale Groceries, which eventually became Kraft Foods. He continued working for Kraft until his retirement in 1993, when he returned to his beloved Blair County.
George’s interests included a voracious appetite for reading, with a special passion for American history. George was a lifelong supporter of the Republican Party and a member of the Bavarian Aid Society. George will be remembered most, however, for his relationships with his friends and family. He was a founding member of PALs (Pals Always Loyal), a club formed in the early 1950s among a group of boys from the Llyswen neighborhood of Altoona. The boys grew to men and have remained friends throughout their lives, meeting regularly for dinner together since 1972, even until today.
At George’s request, there will be no funeral or visitation. A private graveside service will be held at the discretion of the family. Arrangements are by The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona.
In lieu of flowers, at George’s request, donations may be made to Ward Avenue Presbyterian Church, 101 Coleridge Ave., Altoona, PA. 16602.
stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com
Richard D Hess
June and I were so saddened to hear of George's passing. So many wonderful things have been said about him already that are cerainly true. He holds a specialy place in my life. He was such a good friend and fun guy to be around. I always enjoyed talking with him at class reunions. We were classmates from grade school (Baker) through high school. George was an usher in our wedding. We were battery mates on the Braves little league baseball team and so much more I could say. Our condolences and prayers go out to the family.
Gerald E Benton
Betsy and I were sad to hear about George's death. George was a very unique person with a wonderful personality. I first met George at Roosevelt Junior High School where we participated in band/music activities. George was quite the drummer!!!!!!
We were friends throughout high school and later a fraternity brother at Penn State. Beiing involved in potitics we often referred to George as the Governor.
George is going to be missed by many!
Betsy and Jerry Benton
C Kay Oswalt (Gaylor)
I was saddend to hear of George's passing even though I know his health was not good. I remember his friendly smile and outgoing personality. In high school I was certain that one day we would have a President Kelchner!Harold W. Stitt
Oh George, you will be sorely issed by so many. May you rest in peace my friend. Harold Stitt
Robert D Park
George, aka Mr. Republican, I remember you as a representative to the convention in 1964 and telling you not to vote for the nomination of Barry Goldwater, but to nominate Bill Scranton. I don't know if you did or not, but you were and will always be the stereotypical GOP member. God bless you!
Bob & Barb Park
Sandra L Kenner (Pritts)
So sorry to hear about George's passing. He was always a gentleman, immaculate dresser, kind and friendly.
George and I have been friends since Roosevelt. I visited with him in Hollidaysburg at his home. He was always kind and took time to talk with you. I worked for awhile with him at the Curry Canan building in the 70's and say him often. He enjoyed coming to the luncheons, but lately he has been unable to come.
The world has lost a guiet Gentleman! Rest in peace George.
Ralph L Wise
IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS I READ OF GEORGE'S PASSING...HE WAS A WONDERFUL GUY ..SEROUS AND LEARNED BUT ALWAYS WITH A TWINKLE IN HIS EYE AND A HEARTY LAUGH...I RARELY REMEMBER SEEING GEORGE WITHOUT THAT HUGE WELCOMING GRIN ON HIS FACE....HE WAS A GRAND SUPPORTER OF ALL THINGS ALTOONA AND ALWAYS HAD A WELCOMING SMILE WHEN OUR PATHS CROSSED ON MY RARE TRIPS HOME...HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO HAD THE PLEASURE TO KNOW HIM...REST IN PEACE GEORGE....YOU WERE A VERY SPECIAL GENTLEMAN !
ALFIE WISE
James M Loy
George, we miss you already. A definition of ‘loyal friend’ in Webster’s would have George’s picture beside it. Great musician and fellow bandsman through Roosevelt and AHS, I remember so many fun times with George’s smile radiating all over. We also worked together in the ‘ecumenical’ movement among churches and synagogues in our day. George, our classic politician and dear friend ... be well and get the place ready for those of us to follow. Jim
Alexander McNamara
Like so many others, I was deeply saddened to learn of George's passing. George was among the first I met in Altoona when we moved to Altoona and Baker School in 1952 and was certainly among our most memorable classmates. A number of years ago I was driving my then young daughter home to DC from a field hockey tournament in Scranton and decided to show her the old neighborhood in LLyswen. As we were driving along a main street whom should we spot out for a walk but George. Although we had not seen each other in many years, as I got out of the car I was imediately greeted with a booming "Mac", that huge smile, and the outstreched arm for a firm handshake. George was a friend to all and will surely be missed.
Darlene W Askey (Zink)
I just found out today George had passed. Sweet memories of him playing in the band in AHS, and even more recently being part of the 1960 Class Reunion Committee.
Thank you for all the special love you had for Altoona and for the things you did to help us.
You will be missed!!!
Darlene Askey