Fithian

Jesse A. Fithian, 98, formerly of Northern Area Homes in Russell, Warren County, died Saturday evening at Warren Manor after a brief illness.

He was born Sept. 8, 1913, in Butler, to the late James Herbert and Carrie Mae Parker Fithian.

He had lived in Russell since 2001 and was formerly of Parker and Titusville.

He was a graduate of Parker High School, Class of 1932.

Coming from a musical family, Jesse took trumpet lessons as a child. In his high school years, he had his own band called the “Star Dusters.” He played with the Butler Symphony Orchestra and many other musical groups after he was discharged from the service. His love of music lasted throughout his lifetime.

Jesse served as a sergeant technician 4th grade with the 82nd Army Ground Forces Band from April 4, 1942, to Dec. 22, 1945. Some of his duties included playing marches for military formations, occasional bugling and playing in the dance band for the USO.

Jesse was employed with the former Glass Containers Corp., retiring after 40 years.

He was a member of the Parker United Methodist Church and attended the Russell United Methodist Church.

He was a 60-year member of the American Legion Post 598 of Parker. He was a 32nd degree Mason with the Coudersport Consistory and his home Allegheny Masonic Lodge 521 of Parker City. He also was a member of the Connoquenessing Lodge 278 of the IOOF for more than 50 years.

Jesse spent his retirement years enjoying nature while riding his bicycle on trails in Western Pennsylvania. He moved to Titusville to be closer to the Oil Creek Bike Trail, which he rode almost every day. Even at 91 years of age, he rode his bike three to five miles a day on the North Warren Bike Trail. He made many friends on his rides.

He is survived by one son, Brad W. Fithian and his wife, Kathleen, of Russell; one daughter, Lauren Johnston and her husband, Daniel, of Kane; one sister, Betty Smith of Washington, D.C.; one brother, Richard Fithian and his wife, Alma, of Beaufort, S.C.; four grandchildren, Stacey (Shannon) Powell of Langhorne, Bryan Johnston of Raleigh, N.C., and James and Kristina Fithian of Russell; and three great-grandchildren, Sydney, Shaelee and Stone Powell. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Bettye Florence Wilkes Fithian, who he married June 25, 1945, in Louisville, Ky., and who died Aug. 25, 1971; four sisters, Maude McIntire, Helen Ramsey, Sarah Jane Fox and Florence Parker Krathge; and one brother, Herbert R. Fithian.

<B>FITHIAN </B>— Friends of Jesse A. Fithian, who died Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, may call at the <B>Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home</B>, 304 East St., Warren, Pa., from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with the Rev. David Heckman, pastor of the Russell United Methodist Church, officiating. A committal service will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the Parker Presbyterian Cemetery, Parker, where full military honors will be conducted.Those wishing to place memorials may do so through the Russell United Methodist Church, Box 28, Russell, PA 16345 or to the Hospice of Warren County, P.O. Box 68, Warren, PA. 16365.Those wishing to submit e-mail condolences may do so by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com.