Earl Lee McCreary – Collinsburg

Earl Lee McCreary, 72, beloved father of Amanda, Jeffrey and Christopher (Heidi) McCreary, died Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, at his home in Collinsburg. He is also survived by Christine McCreary; grandchildren, Dallin and Shea Harris, Geoffrey, Erin, Sean McCreary and Colin (Dawn) and Zackery McCreary; as well as great-grandchildren, Samuel, Alexander and Olivia McCreary and Jackson Swank; his sister, Earlene Kalakewich; and his brothers, Barry McCreary and Arnie Santavicca; and several nieces and nephews; as well as many treasured friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Bernice Gahosky Santavicca; his father, Earl McCreary; his stepfather, Isadore Santavicca; and his brother, Dale McCreary. Earl was a proud U.S. Army veteran who saw active combat duty in Vietnam. He served in the 173 Airborne Division during the height of the conflict. He came back home after the war to work at the USX Clairton Coke Works, retiring after a 40-year career as a boilermaker. He was a member of several local clubs including the West Newton VFW, the Slovakian Singing Society, the German club and his beloved Polish Club in Arnold City. Earl loved music, especially oldies, and had an incredibly beautiful singing voice. He had just begun to learn to play the harmonica. He loved animals, especially goats and dogs and will be greatly missed by his pack, Max, Diesel, Moose and his special buddy, Skye. Earl will be remembered as a loving, caring and dedicated parent, grandparent and friend. He began every morning with a prayer for everyone who needed one. He was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew him. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020 in the ELEY/MCCRORY FUNERAL HOME INC., 334 Main St., Fayette City, Pa. www.eleymccroryfuneralhome.com. Graveside committal service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20, 2020 in the Belle Vernon Cemetery with full military honors.