George D. Lavella

George D. Lavella, 91, of Fairview Road, Kersey, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 4, 2024 with his loving family by his side. 

He was born at the homestead in Coal Hollow on January 21, 1933, a son of the late Victor Lavella, Sr. and Edith Angelo Lavella. 

On August 13, 1956, he married the love of his life, Helen Bauer Lavella, who preceded him in death on October 1, 1995. Together they shared nearly 40 years of love, laughter, and marriage.

George was a lifelong resident of Elk County and graduate of Kersey High School class of 1950, where he excelled as an athlete and was an outstanding third baseman for the baseball team. He was also a lifelong parishioner of St. Boniface Church. 

George proudly served in the United States Army as a combat veteran during the Korean War, and was by all accounts an excellent soldier. After his discharge, he returned to Kersey, married the love of his life, and started a family. He worked in the grocery business for many years as a manager of the A&P and also proudly served as an Elk County Commissioner. Later in life, George could often be found at the Brockway Golf Club, where he had a large circle of friends. A man for all seasons, George was a very good golfer and bowler.  He once rolled 299 at Olympic Lanes. He rode in many Dice Runs on his Harley Davidson he called "Big Blue". He enjoyed hunting with his bird dogs and kept himself in shape working out with his grandsons at Physical Industry Training. 

George is survived by one daughter; Jeanette Donaldson and her husband Chase of Melbourne Beach, FL, by one son; Jeff Lavella of Dagus Mines, and by his four beloved grandchildren; Nick Lavella, Tom Lavella, Jack Donaldson and Amelia Donaldson and by one great-grandson; Landon. He is also survived by one sister; Hazel Luchini of Kersey, several sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, and by numerous nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents and his wife, George was preceded in death by two brothers; Anthony Lavella and Victor Lavella, Jr., and by one sister; Patricia Catalone.

A Mass of Christian Burial for George D. Lavella will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 12, 2024 at St. Boniface Church, 337 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846 with Fr. Kevin Holland, Pastor, as celebrant. 

Military Honors will be accorded by the Fox Township Burial Detail.

Burial will be in the St. Boniface Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Aug 11, 2024, at Krise Funeral Home, 339 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846, from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Fox Township Burial Detail.

Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 339 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com