Albert E. “Whitey” Werdal, 82, of Clearfield passed away at Mountain Laurel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Tuesday, June 3, 2008.
Born April 12, 1926 in Yonkers, NY, he was the son of the late Albert and Gunvor (Matheson) Werdal.
On October 30, 1948 he married the former Helen Lytle at the West Side United Methodist Church, who preceded him in death on February 26, 2002.
He is survived by three children: Terry Lynne and her husband Terry M. Collins of Clearfield; Kristina “Tina” and her husband Gregory Murray of RD Tyrone; and Ted L. Werdal and his companion Mary Aiello of Centre Hall. He is survived by three grandchildren: Thomas M. Collins of Clearfield; Amy B. Bloom and husband Dennis of State College; Mathew James Murray of RD Tyrone; two great-grandsons, Patrick Thomas Collins and Brett Michael Collins both of Hyde; and a great-granddaughter, Hannah Mae Bloom of State College.
He is also survived by two brothers Obert “Ted” Werdal and his wife Audrey of Greenville, NC, Rudolph Werdal and his wife Ann of the Bronx, NY, and three sister-in-laws Evelyn Werdal of Rye, NY, Eleanor Kester and Ethel Mayhew both of Clearfield, and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by an infant brother Arvid in 1929, a sister Gloria Grimes of Purdys, NY in 1996, and a brother George in 2005.
He came to Clearfield in 1947 with Western Electric. Upon his departure from Western Electric he was employed by Penelec and Krogers. He retired from Kurtz Brothers in 1991 after 35 years of service.
“Whitey” belonged to many organizations including: B.P.O.E. Elks, Masonic Lodge, Eagles, American Legion, VFW, and Clearfield Fire Co. No. 3, and the West Side United Methodist Church.
He served in the US Navy during World War II on LST 376 in the Pacific Theater.
He was a stamp collector from World War II until his residence at Mt. Laurel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He loved music, especially Big Band, Jazz, and Classical. A lover of sports, particularly baseball and football in which he participated in during his high school years. Last, but not least, he was an excellent trivia and card player.
Memorial Services for Mr. Werdal will be held at the West Side United Methodist, Nichols St., Clearfield on Saturday, June 7, 2008 at 11 a.m., with the Reverend Jay E. Jones. Interment will be in the Crown Crest Memorial Park, Hyde, PA. Military Honors will be accorded at the cemetery by members of the Clearfield American Legion and VFW Joint Honor Guard.
Friends will be received at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services.
The family suggests contributions be made to either the Shaw Public Library or the charity of the donors choice.
The Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home, Inc. of Clearfield is in charge of the arrangements.
