Obituary of Joseph J. "Jay" Killar

Mount Pleasant, Joseph J. "Jay" Killar Jr., age 96 of Mount Pleasant, PA, died Saturday October 29, 2016, surrounded by his loving family in the Excela Health- Westmoreland Hospital ,Greensburg, PA. Mr. Killar was born April 17, 1920 in Mount Pleasant, PA, the son of the late Joseph and Mary Kramarz Killar. He was a member of St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church, and a member of the former Transfiguration Parish. Jay was a graduate of the former Hurst High School. Jay was a proud veteran of the United States Army-Air Corps who served during World War II as a Crew Chief on the P47 Thunderbolt, 366th Fighter Group, always making note that he never lost a plane. He served in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Ardennes, and was the recipient of the Bronze Star. He had been employed for over 35 years as a Tool and Die Machinist for Robertshaw Control Company. Jay was a member of the Kosciuszko Club, Sewickley Creek Watershed Assoc., Mountain Watershed Assoc., the VFW Post 3368, the American Legion Post 446 , the Bridgeport Sportsman's, and the Hecla Sportsman's Club. He was an avid fisherman for all of his life. He devoted his life to his family and to his faith. Jay was a quiet man, a true gentleman, who will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He is survived by his loving and devoted family: his beloved children; Sharlane Firmstone of Greensburg, Kristin Biller and her husband Leo "Corky" of Mechanicsville, VA, Mark J. Killar of Mt. Pleasant and Joseph W. Killar and his wife Bonita, of Connellsville. Jay will be greatly missed by his grandchildren; Allison White (Tom), Chad Firmstone (Julie), Jillian Biller, Chris Firmstone (Samantha), Neil Biller (Shannon), and by his great grandchildren; Mason, Abigail,Morgan,Parker, Ryan, Dylan, Alura, Aaron, Madison and Brandt, and a soon to arrive baby boy. Jay is also survived by his brother and sister, Walter Killar (Vivian) of Ohio, and Mary Jane Huffman of New York. In addition to his parents, Jay was preceded in death by his wife, Genevieve "Gen" Zarycki Killar in 2011, by his brothers, Stanley and Edward Killar, and by his sister; Betty LaMarca. Family and friends will be received Wednesday from 2 to 4 & 6 to 8 PM at the Galone-Caruso Funeral Home, 204 Eagle St., Mount Pleasant. A blessing service will be held Thursday at 9:30 AM in the funeral home, followed by Jay's Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM in St. Pius X RC Church, Mount Pleasant, with the Rev. Richard J. Kosisko as celebrant. Interment will be in the Transfiguration Parish Cemetery, Mount Pleasant, with military rites accorded by the American Legion Post 446 and the VFW Post 3368. The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church in memory of Joseph "Jay" Killar. A parish wake service will be held on Wednesday at 3PM in the funeral home. To offer an online condolence, please visit our web site at: www.galone-carusofuneralhome.com »(Do not delete this line. It does not print. Text that is to appear on web must be entered before this line)