1914
Clarence
2008
Clarence Pritts
January 11, 1914 — March 15, 2008
Clarence G. "Skip" Pritts, 94, longtime Scottdale resident and civic leader, passed away peacefully, Saturday, March 15, 2008 at his home. He was born January 11, 1914 at Iron Bridge a son of the late John H. and Nellie Fry Pritts.
Mr. Pritts was a graduate of East Huntingdon High School with the Class of 1932 and during that time worked at his father's feed and grocery business. After serving in the US Coast Guard as a motor machinist from 1942 to 1946 he married Helen Jean Newcomer on April 27, 1946.
In 1931 Pritts Feed and Supply Company was established in Smithton by Skip, his father and brother Bill. He took over sole management in 1940 and became sole owner in 1960. He added appliances and hardware to the feed and farm supply product line. He retired in 1979 after 45 years in the feed business.
Skip served as president of the Smithton Lion's Club and for over 30 years co-chaired the annual "Farmer's Night." He received the "Farmer of the Year" award in 1974 in recognition of his many years of service to the farm community. He also served as president of the Pa. Miller's and Feed Dealers Association in 1963.
A community and civic leader, he served on the board of directors of Laurel Highlands Regional Family YMCA and was actively involved in the fund raising campaign for the new facility. He was awarded the YMCA "Person of the Year" Spirit Award in 1990. In addition he served as treasurer of the SCCIA. A member of Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ, he held the positions of elder, deacon and treasurer.
Skip also belonged to Marion Lodge #562 F & AM, Scottdale and received recognition for his 50-year membership in 2001. Other fraternal organizations include, Uniontown Lodge of Perfection, Pittsburgh Consistory, Syria Shrine of Pittsburgh, Syria Shrine Legion of Honor, National Grange #855, Mendon Grange, the American Legion of Smithton and the Agri Business Council.
Skip is survived by his loving family of four daughters, Sandy Eckenrode and husband Richard of Patton, PA; Phyllis Schemmel and husband Kenneth of Springfield, OH; Suzanne Ansell and husband Ben of Mt. Pleasant and Cathy Jinks and husband Andrew of North Huntingdon; nine grandchildren, Josh and wife Megan; Matt, Kari, Stephanie, Jan, Benjamin, Lisa, Brian and Michelle and a great-granddaughter, Emily. Also surviving are two sisters, Esther Newlin of Scottdale and Dorothy Coffman of Mt. Pleasant.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Helen Jean Newcomer Pritts on August 30, 2000 a sister, Ferne Pritts and two brothers, John "Bud" and William "Bill' Pritts.
Family and friends are welcome on Monday from 6-8 pm and Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at GRAFT-JACQUILLARD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC. 303 Pittsburgh St. Scottdale (724-887-7110. A parting prayer will be held on Wednesday at 10:30 am in the funeral home followed by services at 11:00 am in Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ, Chestnut St., Scottdale with Rev. Jeffrey A. Welsh and Rev. Ronald Pritts officiating. (Everyone please go directly to the church). Interment will follow in Westmoreland County Memorial Park. Marion Lodge #562 will conduct a memorial service on Tuesday at 6 pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to the Scottdale Public Library, Regional Family YMCA, Trinity Reformed Church of Christ, Medi-Home Hospice or a favorite charity. For online information or to send a condolence, visit www.gjfuneral.com
Mr. Pritts was a graduate of East Huntingdon High School with the Class of 1932 and during that time worked at his father's feed and grocery business. After serving in the US Coast Guard as a motor machinist from 1942 to 1946 he married Helen Jean Newcomer on April 27, 1946.
In 1931 Pritts Feed and Supply Company was established in Smithton by Skip, his father and brother Bill. He took over sole management in 1940 and became sole owner in 1960. He added appliances and hardware to the feed and farm supply product line. He retired in 1979 after 45 years in the feed business.
Skip served as president of the Smithton Lion's Club and for over 30 years co-chaired the annual "Farmer's Night." He received the "Farmer of the Year" award in 1974 in recognition of his many years of service to the farm community. He also served as president of the Pa. Miller's and Feed Dealers Association in 1963.
A community and civic leader, he served on the board of directors of Laurel Highlands Regional Family YMCA and was actively involved in the fund raising campaign for the new facility. He was awarded the YMCA "Person of the Year" Spirit Award in 1990. In addition he served as treasurer of the SCCIA. A member of Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ, he held the positions of elder, deacon and treasurer.
Skip also belonged to Marion Lodge #562 F & AM, Scottdale and received recognition for his 50-year membership in 2001. Other fraternal organizations include, Uniontown Lodge of Perfection, Pittsburgh Consistory, Syria Shrine of Pittsburgh, Syria Shrine Legion of Honor, National Grange #855, Mendon Grange, the American Legion of Smithton and the Agri Business Council.
Skip is survived by his loving family of four daughters, Sandy Eckenrode and husband Richard of Patton, PA; Phyllis Schemmel and husband Kenneth of Springfield, OH; Suzanne Ansell and husband Ben of Mt. Pleasant and Cathy Jinks and husband Andrew of North Huntingdon; nine grandchildren, Josh and wife Megan; Matt, Kari, Stephanie, Jan, Benjamin, Lisa, Brian and Michelle and a great-granddaughter, Emily. Also surviving are two sisters, Esther Newlin of Scottdale and Dorothy Coffman of Mt. Pleasant.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Helen Jean Newcomer Pritts on August 30, 2000 a sister, Ferne Pritts and two brothers, John "Bud" and William "Bill' Pritts.
Family and friends are welcome on Monday from 6-8 pm and Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at GRAFT-JACQUILLARD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC. 303 Pittsburgh St. Scottdale (724-887-7110. A parting prayer will be held on Wednesday at 10:30 am in the funeral home followed by services at 11:00 am in Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ, Chestnut St., Scottdale with Rev. Jeffrey A. Welsh and Rev. Ronald Pritts officiating. (Everyone please go directly to the church). Interment will follow in Westmoreland County Memorial Park. Marion Lodge #562 will conduct a memorial service on Tuesday at 6 pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to the Scottdale Public Library, Regional Family YMCA, Trinity Reformed Church of Christ, Medi-Home Hospice or a favorite charity. For online information or to send a condolence, visit www.gjfuneral.com
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