Clarence M. Lovasic

Clarence M. Lovasic, 89, of Greenock, died Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at home. He was born March 5, 1925 in Pittsburgh and was the son of the late Michael and Mary Frander Lovasic. He was the husband of the late Elizabeth L. Lovasic who died July 29, 2013. Clarence lived in the Peterson plan until he enlisted in the Navy in 1943 during World War II. Clarence was a Coxswain on LSTs 495, 283, 506, participating in the invasion of Normandy (Omaha Beach) and Southern France and Italy. After the war, he worked at USS National Tube, McKeesport until he retired in 1982. An old time Democrat, he was one of the first volunteers for the Central Food Bank. Clarence loved to travel via truck, camper, plane or horse, and ensured that his family flew on every jet/prop plane and saw every small town, mountain, and waterfall in every state. Like most Pittsburghers, he was an avid TV coach yelling instructions to every Pittsburgh sports team. He loved animals and they loved him, knowing instinctively that Pap and Grandma's house was a safe haven. Even though he ate like a piggy, he never gained a lick of weight. Clarence took care of his wife of 62 years for 13 years after she suffered a stroke, babysat the grandkids, and ran point and errands for anyone who asked, always wanting to be useful. He felt lost after Mummy died 18 months ago, missing her terribly. He was a member of St. Michael Roman Catholic Church in Elizabeth Twp, Central Food Bank, Croation Federal Union, LST organizations, and the greatest generation who sacrificed their young lives and never complained. He was a navy man, a strict disciplinarian with a dry sense of humor and a smooth jitterbugger. He had many health issues, including cancer but continued to stay the course. We see him sitting in Aunt Helen's kitchen, sitting next to mummy, our aunts, uncles and cousins petting the kitties, drinking coffee, eating cheregies, telling stories and giggling like school kids. Have fun daddy, keep the coffee on for us (and don't let Max the dog, drink it!) and save us a few cheregie and halupkies, Hopa! He is survived by daughters, Carol (Timothy) Dailey of Elizabeth Twp., and Michelle (Brian) Merten who lived next door, son, C. Michael (Amy) Lovasic of Greenock, grandchildren, Andrew Holsing and Emily Merten, childhood friend Michael J. Melosky, nieces, nephews, cousins, grand dogs and kitties and neighbors who always checked in on him and Betty, bringing food goodies and companionship. He was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Lovasic. Friends are welcome Friday, January 9, 2014 from 2-4 and 6-8:00 pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. Funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Saturday, January 10, at 10:00 am, with The Rev Thomas Wagner, officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow at the Mount Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Condolences may be made at gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com