Elmer “Elmo” Frank Gasper

Elmer "Elmo" Frank Gasper

Elmer “Elmo” Frank Joseph Gasper of Carnegie, PA (formerly of Muse, PA) passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 27th, 2023, at the age of 91 in St. Clair Hospital.

Elmer was born and raised in Morgan, PA a son of the late Jozsef Gaspar, and Harriet Dalverny Gaspar. He graduated from South Fayette High school in 1949. After graduation, he was employed by The O. Hommel company in Carnegie for 47 years until his retirement in 1997.

He was always the funniest man in the room, with an incredible sense of humor and lightning quick wit. He loved all types of music and was a great dancer. The ladies used to line up to dance with him at Mario's in Muse. One of his favorite types of music was polka music and he helped Gil Yurus send out polkas on WKEG radio in the 1970’s. He was a former member of the Cecil Township VFD #2 in Muse and was very active for many years and served on many committees. He also served as president of the Washington County Fireman’s Association (1972-1973) and was a lifetime member. He served one year as tax assessor for Cecil Township in the same decade.

He was a current member of the Glendale Fireman's club, and Little Jim's club in Glendale. He was a lifelong member of the SNPJ Lodge #6 in Sygan. He was an avid bowler. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Muse for most of his life where he served as commentator and sang in the choir in his younger days. He started running for fun in his late 50’s, and after retiring at age 65 he became a competitive runner in four states where he won numerous trophies, medals, mugs and plaques in his respective age group. He ran dozens of 5K and 10K races, his biggest accomplishment was completing a half Marathon. He also competed in the 4-man Team races. He was a member of the West Penn Track Club. He loved spending time with his children.

On February 23rd, 1957, he married Catherine Stajduhar, who passed away on April 7th, 2010. Surviving are his sons, Robert Gasper of Pitcairn, PA, John Gasper of Cecil PA, and his daughter, Kaye Gasper of Canonsburg, PA; a grandson Bob (Amy) Gasper of Bradenton, Florida, a granddaughter Katie (John-Michael D'Arcangelo) of Denver, CO; a great grandson Dexter D'Arcangelo and several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his ex-daughter-in-law Clara Smeltzer and his longtime friend, Linda Rajchel. Deceased in addition to his wife are his siblings, Russell, Eugene, Harry, Raymond, and Mildred Gasper, and Mabel Micklege, and Granddaughter Cara Gasper. He was the last of his immediate family.

Friends and family are welcome from 6-8 pm Tuesday January 2,2024 and 2-4 pm or 6-8 pm Wednesday January 3, 2024, in SALANDRA FUNERAL and CREMATION SERVICES, INC. Joseph P. Salandra LFD owner/supervisor 304 West Pike Street Canonsburg (724) 745-8120, where departing prayers will be recited at 9:20 am on Thursday January 4, 2024.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am in Holy Rosary Church of St. Oscar Romero Parish 246 Muse-Bishop Rd Muse Pa 15350.  Private interment will be in Oak Spring Cemetery. To view or extend condolences please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, send donations to the following:

Country Meadows Co-Workers Foundation  830 Cherry Drive, Hershey, PA. 17033