Jul 8, 2013

Air Force retiree was UMWA Local 2244, Legion member

Robert A. Vihlidal, 84, of Bentleyville, died Saturday, July 6, 2013, in Golden Living Center, Waynesburg.

He was born May 21, 1929, in Richeyville, a son of the late Joseph and Mary Durdines Vihlidal.

Mr. Vihlidal served with the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953 and retired from the U.S. Air Force after serving from 1953 to 1972. His service included both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He served as a flight line supervisor. He received many citations and decorations for his services. Some of those included the Korean Service Medal with one bronze service star, Vietnam Service Medal, U.N. Service Medal, Bronze Star and Good Conduct Medal.

After his military service, he worked 26 years for Consol Mathies Mine. He was a member of United Mine Workers of America Local 2244.

He was a member of Hancock-McCune-Horne American Legion Post 705 in Centerville.

Mr. Vihlidal enjoyed fishing and coin collecting.

Surviving are two sisters, Elizabeth Palyas (Matthew) of Bentleyville and Priscilla Cook (Robert) of Deemston Borough; a brother, William Vihlidal (Mary Ann) of Bentleyville; and nine nieces and nephews, Beth Anne Ulens, Macie Palyas, Barbara Urcho, Bali Cook, Robert Vihlidal, Kayla Palyas, Matt Palyas, Cheryl Connley and Margie Becham.

Deceased, in addition to his parents, are a sister, Mary E. Lynch; a brother, John Vihlidal; and a nephew, Billy Vihlidal.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, 2830 Main Street, Beallsville, where a prayer service will be held at 9:45 a.m. Thursday, July 11, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in Ave Maria Roman Catholic Church, Bentleyville, with the Rev. Edward Yuhas, as celebrant. Interment will be in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township. Military rites will be accorded graveside by the American Legion Post 705 and United States Air Force. Guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.