Gilbert Seese

Gilbert ("Gib") Tannehill Seese, 92, of Scottdale, passed away Wednesday, November 14 at his home. He was born August 13, 1920 in Uniontown, a son of the late Gilbert Seawright Seese and Florence Tannehill Seese. He attended Washington and Jefferson College and later earned a Bachelor's of Public Education from California University of Pennsylvania. Gilbert received his Master's Degree of Education at the University of Pittsburgh. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. At the Midshipmen's School at the University of Notre Dame he received his commission as an Ensign and was sent to the South Pacific as a "Skipper" of a Landing Craft Tank (LCT), which was no easy task. An article printed in The Sun, Baltimore, Thursday Morning, May 13, 1945 stated, 'Poems are made by fools like me. But only God can steer an LCT." During his three years in the South Pacific, he and his twelve crew member's primary orders were to transport the wounded and supplies to and from Cebu in the Philippines and New Guinea. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant after his service in the Philippines. Once the war ended he continued active duty in Germany. During the 1950s he was in the Naval Reserves and had assignments at the Panama Canal, in Cuba, Germany, Spain and in Switzerland. After retiring from active duty, he returned to his teaching career at the then Scottdale High School where he taught math and science. After the formation of the Southmoreland School District he taught Physics and Physical Science. He retired in 1981 after teaching 43 years. He was a member of the General Arthur St. Claire Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and a member of the Marion Masonic Lodge and a member of and a teacher for the Wesley Brotherhood of the Trinity United Methodist Church. He organized a group of men called "The Laurel Hill Society." The name originated from the fact that for the first five years or so, the meetings, which often included overnight camping in the coldest months of the winter were held along Laurel Hill Creek at a location not to far from Normalville, PA. The group was primarily made up of school teachers and other men from Scottdale who met every Wednesday evening for fellowship, food and relaxation. As time went on the group continued to meet at various locations. The last meeting with Gilbert present was held at his home this month. Gilbert's family were avid travelers and were fortunate to make numerous trips throughout the States, first by camping in tents and eventually by using various types of RVs. They enjoyed visiting national parks, historical sites, as well as fishing and rock hounding. Gilbert is survived by Rita, his loving wife of 63 years, and their two sons Gilbert Tannehill Seese, II and his wife Nancy Seese ( formerly Nancy Klingensmith of Scottdale) of Glen Allen, VA and Dr. Robert Michael Seese and his wife Lydia of New Braunfels, TX. His grandchildren are Jennifer and husband Bruce Ayres of Kailua, Hawaii, Gilbert Tannehill Seese, III and Jeffrey Trew Seese of Glen Allen, VA , Chad Michael Seese, who attends Carolina Coastal University and Sarah Renai Seese of New Braunfels, TX. Family and friends will be received from 2 -4 & 6-8 pm Friday at GRAFT-JACQUILLARD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC. 303 Pittsburgh St. Scottdale. Funeral services will take place Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in Trinity United Methodist Church, Scottdale with Pastor Steve Moore officiating. Interment will follow in the Scottdale Cemetery with full military honors bestowed by the Mt. Pleasant American Legion Post 446. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church or Salvation Army. For online condolences and information, visit www.gjfuneral.com

---