Jan 22, 2013

Frederick E. Motto, 92, of Canonsburg, passed away Monday, January 21, 2013, in Kindred Hospital, Oakdale, following a brief illness.

He was born September 14, 1920, in Barnesboro, Cambria County, a son of the late Domenic and Lucy Zullo Motto.

Mr. Motto was a graduate of Washington High School and proudly served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He served in New Guinea, Northern Solomons, Bismarck, Archipelago and the Philippines. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Philippines Liberation Ribbon, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with four bronze stars and the World War II Victory Medal.

He lived most of his life in Canonsburg, where he was a faithful and generous member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church.

Prior to his retirement, he had been employed as an electrician at the former McGraw Edison Power Systems and Cooper Industries in Canonsburg.

In his youth, he was a talented amateur baseball player as a catcher. He was an avid reader who enjoyed gardening, most sports and loved being with his family.

Mr. Motto was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 of Canonsburg and American Legion Post 902 of Houston.

On June 9, 1945, he married Laura Travaglini, who survives.

Also surviving are three sons, Frederick (Sarah) Motto of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Larry Motto of Tampa, Fla., and Anthony (Sharon) Motto of Maple Glen; a sister, Antoinette Buchte of Lorraine, Ohio; four grandchildren, Amanda, Gabrielle, Katelyn and Charles Frederick Motto; two great-grandsons, Blayne and Braxton; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are a brother, John Motto, and a sister, Dolores Scandale.

Friends are welcome from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Salandra Funeral Service Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120, where a blessing service will be held at noon Thursday, January 24, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 p.m. in St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Canonsburg. Interment with full military honors by Veteranso Foreign Wars Post 191 and American Legion Post 902 honor guard will take place at 2 p.m. in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis TN 38101-9908. To view or extend condolences please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.