Charles J. Vatter

            Charles J. Vatter, 88, of Blairsville, PA passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at Cambria Care Center, Ebensburg, PA.           The son of Frank J. and Marie Anna Vatter, he was born August 14, 1928 in Pittsburgh, PA.           Chuck grew up in Baldwin Borough and worked at J & L Steel in Pittsburgh while still attending Baldwin High School. He was always intensely interested in cars that became his career and his hobby. In 1966, he established an auto body repair business, Vatter’s Auto Body in the Blairsville area, and he also restored antique cars. His work won him top honors at national level shows, including a first place win with his 1932 Pierce Arrow at the Concours d’Elegance.   He was considered an authority on professional restoration work and his skills were respected around the country.           He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving in the US Army as a truck mechanic in Paris, France.           Chuck was affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Blairsville. He was a longtime member of the Antique Automobile Club of America and the Horseless Carriage Club of America.           Surviving are his daughter, Lee Ann Miller and her husband, Ben, of Indiana; two granddaughters, Katy Miller and Amy Williams; twin great-granddaughters, Lucy and Lila Williams; and two younger brothers, Frank J. Vatter of Bethel Park and David Vatter of Tallahassee, FL.           He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Isabell R. (Mitchell) Vatter in 2015 and an older brother, Robert Vatter.           The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. Monday at the Shoemaker Funeral Home, Inc., 49 N. Walnut St., Blairsville, PA. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at the funeral home with Rev. John Buchmann officiating.           Interment will be in the Blairsville Cemetery, Blairsville, PA. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles J. Vatter, please visit our flower store.