Obituary of George R. Stairs

George Ray Stairs, 93, of Norvelt, passed away Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at Latrobe Hospital, surrounded by his family. Born December 6, 1920 in Mt. Pleasant, he was a son of the late Ray and Myrtle (Begonia) Stairs. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Donald Stairs and son in law Harry F. Prue. George was a member of Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, New Stanton. He graduated from East Huntington High School in 1938, where he was quite the track star participating in the half mile and pole vault and claimed to have never lost a debate. George was a WWII veteran having served as an officer in the legendary 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Company "L" in Italy and France. The 442nd has the proud distinction of being the most decorated unit in the war. He was in four major battles, Rhineland, Po Valley, Appennine and Rome-Arno and earned the following: Silver Star, 2 Purple Hearts, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Ribbon w/4 battle stars, 2 Unit Presidential Citations, and 1 Combat Infantry Badge. He was also named an "honorary Texan" for rescuing the Texas Lost Battalion. The unit's slogan, "Go For Broke" served them well. Throughout his life Lt. Stairs always spoke with utmost respect for the Nisei, Japanese-Americans, with whom he served. He was a genuine war hero but was never eager to speak about his war experiences and would say something like, "The good old days are not always the good old days, I lost many good buddies in the war." Then he would follow it with, "I prefer to look at life through the windshield rather than the rear view mirror". Prior to retirement, he had been employed by I-T-E (now ABB) in Greensburg for 33+ years. George always stayed busy with many hobbies and interests that included fly tying, hunting, fishing, wood working, gardening, wine making, Jeopardy at 7 pm, rooting for the Steelers and Penguins, and he never gave up on the Pirates. He was the loving husband of 68 years to Evelyn M. (Crouse) Stairs whom he married January 24, 1946. Also surviving are three daughters, Virginia A. Prue, Connie R. (Dennis) Baluh both of Norvelt, Lori L. (Dave) Ball of Irwin and son Roger (Gail) Stairs of Florida; 10 grandchildren Randy, Scott and Brook Prue, Jeremy and Brandon Baluh and Bethany (Baluh) Black, Nathan Stairs, Jenna (Stairs) Simmons, Summer (Stairs) Clark and Joshua Ball; 9 great grandchildren Shelby, Jacob, Savannah, Edina and Danica Prue, Brianna and Brynlee Baluh, Grace Black, and Jax Simmons. George/Lt. Stairs/Dad/ Grandfather /Great Grandfather will be greatly missed by all those that had the honor and good fortune of knowing him. Family and friends will be received 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Sunday in the JAY A. HOFFER FUNERAL HOME, 2245 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Norvelt, 15674 where his funeral service will begin at 12:30 p.m. with Reverend Donald Simpson officiating. Private entombment in Westmoreland Co. Memorial Park, Greensburg with military honors accorded by American Legion Post 446. In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of George may be made to Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Military accolades that are so justly deserved will be extended to the departed veteran at 12:15 p.m Sunday in the funeral home.