George L. Barto

George L. Barto, 79, of Blairsville, PA passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024 at St. Andrew’s Village, Indiana, PA.

The son of George and Mary (Medvetz) Barto, he was born on September 14, 1944 in Apollo, PA, the youngest of six children.

George graduated from Laura Lamar High School, Class of 1962.  He proudly served his country in the Army, working in the finance office in Germany.  He travelled all over Europe during his service, teasing, “been there, saw that!” when Paris, Rome, London, etc. were mentioned on TV.

He worked at Westinghouse, and despite losing his Dad in a tragic mine accident when he was a little boy, he became a coal miner/roof bolter and served over 30 years at R & P Coal then Consol Energy at Lucerne #6 mine.

George was a proud UMWA Local #488 member, when the mines closed, he missed his friends and fellow miners, but not the mine itself.  He then worked part time at Arone Hardware for 10 years.  He worked hard his whole life and bounced back from serious injuries, illnesses, and a stroke.  He did all of it to take care of his girls, and the girls enjoyed spoiling him with lots of love and delicious home cooking.  He was an excellent card player, and loyally followed local and Pittsburgh sports teams.  He loved Micky Mantle and enjoyed several trips to both old and new Yankee Stadium.

George was a long-time member of the former Blairsville Italian Club, where he enjoyed talking with the guys.

He is survived by his loving daughter Beth, his faithful poodle, Tammy, and several dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his beloved wife, Suzie on March 1, 2005.

George will be terribly missed by his girls and those who knew and loved him.

Beth would like to thank Dr. Alexa Marconi, Dr. Matthew Klain, and all the outstanding nurses and staff at St. Andrew’s Village for their loving care and support.

Per George’s wishes there will be no visitation or funeral service.

Interment will be in the Blairsville Cemetery, Blairsville, PA.

Shoemaker Funeral Home, Inc., 49 N. Walnut St., Blairsville is entrusted with the arrangements.