Melvin “Gypsy” W. Stiffler, Sr., 76, of Indiana, PA died Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at his home in Indiana, PA.
The son of Wayne and Edna (Luzier) Stiffler, he was born on December 13, 1947 in Spangler, PA.
A Vietnam veteran, Melvin served in the US Army as SP4 from 1966-1969. He was serving in Vietnam, when he received a hardship discharge following the death of his father.
Prior to his retirement, Melvin had worked for years as a foreman in the deep coal mining industry. After high school, Melvin received training at IUP for coal mine engineering and certification as an EMT as part of his duties as a coal mining foreman.
Melvin had membership in several military service organizations, including the Barnesboro American Legion Post 508 in Northern Cambria, PA; the Homer City American Legion and the Northern Cambria VFW. He was proud to assist with the Barnesboro American Legion military honor guard at the funeral services of other veterans.
Two of Melvin’s favorite pastimes were spending time with his family, including his dog, Bear and going fishing.
Surviving are his two children: Melvin Wesley Stiffler, Jr; Denise J. Haas and fiancé, Jeff Ober of Homer City, PA; his four grandchildren: Monica Stiffler and companion, Adam of Daytona Beach, FL; Krysta Stiffler of Atlanta, GA; Lorraine Golightly and husband, Tyree of Lockland, OH and Keegan Haas and girlfriend, Valerie Ratay of Homer City, PA; his three great grandchildren: Koa Golightly; Amelia Golightly and Atlas Stiffler and the mother of his children, Deloris (Stewart) Stiffler Kiesel and her husband, George of Seward, PA.
Additional surviving family are his siblings: William Stiffler and wife, Hazel of Aliquippa, PA; Kathy Van Dien of CT; Barbara Ann Malberg of NC; Janice Moreland and husband, William of Maine and David Stiffler and wife Christine of Mars, PA; his uncle, Joseph Luzier of Cherry Tree, PA; his aunt, Barbara Williams of CT and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Betty (Luzier) Stiffler; his sister, Robin Tates and his longtime companion, Jean Fancella in September 2023.
Family and friends will be received from 1-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at the Rairigh Funeral Home, Ltd. in Hillsdale, PA, where a 3:00 p.m. funeral officiated by his uncle, Brother Joe Luzier, will immediately follow the visitation. Military honors will be observed.
Visit www.rairighfh.com to sign Melvin’s guestbook and share condolence message.
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