TEDROW – Arthur F., 74, Brownstown, passed away surrounded by family July 24, 2010, at Memorial Medical Center. Born June 29, 1936, in Johnstown, son of Earl A. Tedrow and Hilda (Litz) Brehm. Preceded in death by his parents; brother, Raleigh; sister, Helen Marie; stepfather, Paul Brehm; brother-in-law, Jim Piscitella; nephew, Jimmy Piscitella; and his precious daughter, Linda L. Duca-Means. Survived by wife of 39 years, Veronica A. (Polak), who lovingly called Art her "Teddy Bear"; sons, Timothy and Joseph; daughters, Cindy Vargo, Tracy Armstrong and Kimberly Tedrow-Burke; sister, Kathy (Brehm) Piscitella; 12 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and his precious granddog, Sadie Doo. He was in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953 to 1957, which he said "was the best educational system in the world." After those years, he worked at three jobs to support his family. Art then began a successful and inspiring career with Bethlehem Steel/Johnstown America Corp. Starting in a janitorial position, his hard work, intelligence and fabulous people skills resulted in numerous promotions and accolades. He was put in charge of the entire paint shop and retired as one of the head managers of the Paint and Finishing Department. Following retirement, he was in demand by the railcar industry as he continued working as a consultant. His contributions to his community are too many to list. He was a council member of Brownstown Borough and was instrumental in the Brownstown Ball Field project. He also was highly active at St. Michael's Church, where he organized yearly church picnics and held bingos, which drew large crowds. Art was a loyal Steelers and Penguins fan. He was an avid golfer and spent much time at Pleasant Valley Golf Course, where he ran a successful golf league for many years. He also arranged banquets and Steelers parties there, as well as volunteered his many woodworking skills for improvement projects. He loved cooking for his family and friends and even his granddog. He loved to dance and sing. He was always happy and optimistic no matter what hardships he faced. When asked how he was doing, he would cheerfully respond, "Good! And why shouldn't I be?!" He also was the inventor of his own "covabulary." Art was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, son-in-law, uncle and friend to all. He was loved by many and will be sadly, sadly missed, but never forgotten. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 27, 2010, at Frank Duca Funeral Home, Westmont Chapel, 1622 Menoher Blvd. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 28, 2010, at St. Michael Catholic Church, Brownstown. Committal to follow at Grandview Cemetery. While in the hospital, Art relayed the following message. "People are good. Thank you to all of the people that were good to me all my life and helped me, even strangers. Everyone who has been in my life from all the way back has contributed to the life that I had. I want to thank every single person. Because of you, I had a good life." Because of this and the difference that people made in his life, making a difference in the lives of others was of the utmost importance to Art. It was always his hope that he would make a difference. It is safe to say, that he certainly did. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Art's memory to Habitat for Hounds, Rear 805 Luray Ave., Johnstown, Pa. 15904 or a charity of your choice.

Published on July 25, 2010
Tribune-Democrat
Johnstown, PA
Contributor: Bob Valentine Jr (46603339)