Claude E. Wegley

Claude E. Wegley, 95, formerly of 693 N. Grant Street, Meadville and a resident of Wesbury United Methodist Community since October 2007 died there Friday, November 12, 2010.

He was born September 6, 1915 in Penn (Westmoreland Co.), PA the eldest of eight children of Merrill and Elizabeth Barnes Wegley.  He married Anna Marie Dolensky March 13, 1943 and she preceded him in death February 22, 1989.

As a young man, he enlisted in the Navy and served on the U.S.S. Earle during World War II in the Mediterranean and North Africa.

Mr. Wegley was a graduate of Jeannette High School and the University of Pittsburgh.  He continued his graduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh and Edinboro University.  He and his lovely wife Anne and his young son, Claude E. Wegley, Jr., moved to Meadville in 1947 when he began his long and illustrious teaching career at the Meadville Vocational School and its successor the Meadville Area Vocational Technical School.  While living in Meadville Claude and Anne's family grew with three daughters, Rita, Carol and Jennifer.

In addition to his contributions and positive influences in local education and career guidance for 34 years, he was an active member of Stone United Methodist Church and its Men's Bible Class.  He was also a member and Past Exalted Ruler of Meadville Elks Lodge #219, Masonic Lodge #408, VFW Post #2006 and was a volunteer and Past Board President of Crawford County RSVP.

He is survived by a son, Claude E. Wegley, Jr. and his wife Linda (Faivre) Wegley of Erie; three daughters, Rita Tingley and her husband John of Fairview, Carol Harvey and her husband George of Tempe, AZ and Jennifer Jacob of San Antonio, TX; two brothers, Merrill Wegley and Loughrey Wegley, six grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Claude E. Wegley III; four sisters, Georgia Wegley, Amanda Cariss, Esther Tonet and a twin sister, Claudine Metalko and a brother, Raymond Wegley.

Mr. Wegley will be remembered and celebrated as a devoted husband, a wise and loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, a loyal friend and a sweet and caring person.

Calling hours will be Sunday from 2 - 5 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, Inc., 581 Chestnut Street, Meadville with a Elks Service at 4:45 p.m. and a Masonic Service at 5 p.m.  Additional calling hours will be Monday from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. in McCracken Chapel of Cribbs Home at Wesbury United Methodist Community, 31 N. Park Avenue, Meadville.

The funeral service will be Monday at 1 p.m. at McCracken Chapel of Cribbs Home of Wesbury United Methodist Community, 31 N. Park Avenue, Meadville with Rev. Rebecca Lash, close family friend and Rev. John Spahr, Pastor of Stone United Methodist Church, officiating.

Interment with military honors will be in Greendale Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials be made to Wesbury United Methodist Community, 31 N. Park Avenue, Meadville, PA 16335 or Hospice of Crawford County, 464 Pine Street, Meadville, PA 16335.