Charles E.Widmer

Charles E. Widmer, 90, of Connellsville, died Sunday, May 12, 2013, at Walnut Ridge Memory Care Center, Greensburg. He was born Jan. 6, 1923, in Connellsville, a son of late Karl and Catherine (Malsavage) Widmer.

Charles was a graduate of Immaculate Conception High School Class of 1940 and was a veteran of the Army, having served during World War II and the Korean War. After multiple enlistments, he retired with the rank of Colonel.

While serving active duty, he received The Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Service medal with three bronze stars and the Victory Medal. Prior to his retirement, he worked as a superintendent of mail for the U.S. Post Office, Connellsville, for more than 34 years. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Elks Club, American Legion Post 301 and the Knights of Columbus, where he served as a Grand Knight, all in Connellsville. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Josephine (Alesantrino) Widmer; a son, Richard Widmer and wife, Marsha, of Connellsville; a daughter, Mary Margaret Labutta and husband, Stephen, of Waynesboro; grandchildren, Justin Widmer and wife Dana and daughter, Ali, Jessica Widmer and husband Adam Davis and daughter Eva, Kevin, Keith and Colleen Labutta; two brothers, Joseph Widmer, of Rochester, and Victor Widmer, of Morgantown, W. Va.; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Bernard, Robert and Albert Widmer; and a sister, Joann (Widmer) Palazzo. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the PAUL G. FINK FUNERAL HOM EINC., 418 N. Pittsburgh St., Connellsville, where Prayers of Transfer will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. with Father Robert Lubic as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Roman Catholic Cemetery, Connellsville, with full Military rites accorded at the graveside by the VFW Post 21 and American Legion Posts 301 and 762. Charles' family would like to thank the staff at Walnut Ridge and his caregivers from Heartland Hospices for their kindness and care.