Housholder

Allen Bernard Housholder, 88, of Sewickley, formerly of Zelienople, passed away Friday, Feb. 20, 2026.

Born June 24, 1937, in Josephine, Pa., he was the son of the late Hugh and Grayce (Reisinger) Housholder.

Allen’s sister moved him from Josephine to Evans City in the early 1950s. At 16, he started working at J&L. A few years later, he met his future wife, Jean Mohrbacher, at the Evans City skating rink — because they were the only two who could skate backward.

They went on to raise their four kids — Debbie, Diane, Darren and Darryl — in Zelienople over the next 60-plus years.

Allen was well-known around Zelie: from his long years at Halstead Industries, to being a fireman, to his daily walks where he’d stop and talk to everyone on Main Street. Everyone called him Al. His firemen buddies called him Crash. His fellow Masons called him “the Godfather.”

One of his favorite expressions: “I get along with everyone” and “day at a time — hope for the best.” Words for us all to live by.

Allen was a former member of St. Peter’s Reformed Church. He was a lifetime member of the Zelienople Fire Department. He was a volunteer for 31 years, with some serving as assistant chief.

Allen was a two-time past master of Harmony Lodge No. 429. He was a Scottish Rite Mason and was a member of the Syria Shrine. He was a 25-year member of Harmony Lodge and was honored for that. When he moved to Moon Township, he joined Doric lodge as a dual member. His leadership was outstanding and he embodied everything that a Mason aspires to be. One of the rules that Freemasons espoused is that Faith, Family and Community come first, then if you have time to spare, Freemasonry.

Allen was a mentor for many years to new members, and he always stressed that the family and your faith come first. He was actively involved in regionals and instructional schools at New Castle. If maintenance at the lodge was needed, Allen made sure it was done. He was an outstanding man and Mason. Rest well, Brother.

Allen leaves behind to cherish his memory his children, Diane, Darryl and Darren (Dianne) Housholder; his grandchildren, Melissa Marraway, and Dorian, Damon, Devin and Mason Housholder; and his great-grandchildren, Ava Housholder and Paul Marraway.

In addition to his parents, Allen was preceded in death by his wife, Jean A. (Mohrbacher) Housholder, whom he married Aug. 11, 1956, and who passed Nov. 23, 2022; his two daughters, Nancy Jo and Deborah Jean; his brother, Dune Housholder; and his sister, Eva Byers.

HOUSHOLDER — Friends and family of Allen Bernard Housholder, who died Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, will be received from 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME, 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople.

A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at the funeral home.

Allen will be laid to rest at St. Peter’s Reformed Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Allen’s memory to Masonic Harmony Lodge No. 429, 330 E. Beaver St., Zelienople, PA 16063.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.