Oct 6, 2018

Wayne “Lanny” Sphar, 81, of Avella, passed away Friday, October 5, 2018, in his home, surrounded by family.

He was born September 3, 1937, in Washington, a son of the late Wayne Russell and Molly Lou Riggle Sphar.

Mr. Sphar received his General Education Development equivalency certificate from Trinity High School in 1956. He had lived in Avella since 1950.

While growing up, he worked and stayed on farms in the area. Wayne was a hard worker and he had numerous jobs and careers throughout his lifetime.

His first job was for Washington Ice Co. He then worked as a mechanic for Guy Woodward, Scott Motor Co. for 10 years, until it went out of business. Mr. Sphar owned and operated an auto repair shop in Washington for five years, specializing in Volkswagens. He was owner of Interstate Skateland in Waynesburg for five years.

Wayne was a member of United Mine Workers Union Local 1196 of Cokeburg for more than 40 years. He was a coal miner at Bethlehem Steel until it closed, and he then worked for Consol in the 84 mine, until he retired in 2000.

Mr. Sphar and his wife Nancy owned and operated an animal cage manufacturing business, TSRS Manufacturing Co., for 18 years and received U.S. and foreign patents for their designs.

He was a former member, chairman and trustee of Grove United Presbyterian Church and was a current member of Grace Bible Church.

Wayne loved antique cars; he owned two Studebakers and was a member of National Studebaker Club. He also belonged to the Covered Bridge Car Club in Washington. In his free time, he was a backup bus driver for GG&C Bus Co.

Mr. Sphar spent most of his life gathering and refurbishing Delco-Light generators. For 40 years, he welcomed the public to view the collection at his Delco-Light Museum in Avella. Wayne had a true passion for his collection and was affectionately known by others as “Dr. Delco.” He sold the entire collection and closed the museum in 2004.

On June 26, 1982, in Grove United Presbyterian Church, he married Nancy Carol Stahl, who survives.

Also surviving are a daughter, Debra Bedilion of Madison; two stepdaughters, Kathy Ann (Larry) Strawaniak of Mt. Lebanon and Sharon Lee Quinn of Washington; eight grandchildren, Greg, Jennifer, Brian, Lori, Christina, Richie, Dennis and Robbie; and 11 great-grandchildren, Bailey, Colhman, Clayton, Ashlyn, Tyler, Allison, Hailey, Lydia, Emerson, RaSean and Raniyah.

Deceased, in addition to his parents, are a son, Richard Allen Sphar, and a brother, Drayton Sphar.

Friends and family will be received from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., the time of service, Tuesday, October 9, in Grace Bible Church, 4592 Jefferson Avenue, Avella, PA 15312, with Pastor Stephen Spence officiating. Burial will be in West Middletown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Bible Church.

Condolences may be expressed at www.stefkovichfuneralhome.com.