William Pryor
Navy vet enjoyed flower gardening
William “Frank” Pryor, 86, of Washington, died Sunday, November 24, 2013, in his daughter Janice’s home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born July 22, 1927, in Washington, the second of seven sons of the late Victor C. Pryor and Alma Wilson Pryor.
Mr. Pryor attended Washington and Chartiers Township High School, going directly from school into military service. He was a World War II veteran having served in the U.S. Navy SeaBees 121st Naval Battalion in the South Pacific Theater of Operations. He earned the South Pacific Ribbon, American World War II Ribbon and the Victory Medal.
He was employed by Hazel Atlas Glass Co. and Jessop Steel (Allegheny Ludlum) as a machinist for a combined 49 years.
Mr. Pryor was a member of Buffalo Grange 1523, American Legion, Edwin Scott Linton Post 175, Arms Club and BPOE Elks 776. He was also a 56-year member of Sunset Lodge 623 F&AM and the three York Bodies of the Washington Masonic Center, Washington Chapter 150, Washington Council 1 and Washington Jacques DeMolay Commandery 3, Wa-Cha-Gree Forest 149, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Syria Shriners AAONMS in Pittsburgh and Washington Greene County Caravan 2.
He enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening. He was an award-winning exhibitor at the Washington County Agricultural Fair with floral arrangements, vegetables, jellies and various canned goods for many years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, having belonged to Washington Sportsmen Association and Marienville Rod and Gun Club in Marienville. In the 1950s, he was a member of Frazier Simplex Rifle Team and a past member of the Amateur Trap Shooting Association. He participated in several of the local trap shooting leagues.
His beloved wife, Nancy Riser Pryor, passed away November 17, 1996, ending a loving 41-year marriage.
Surviving are three daughters, Cathy S. (Peter) Insana of Warwick, R.I., Janice M. (Geoffrey) Weinstock of Washington and Beth A. (Jon) Roux of McMurray; three brothers, Duane “Bo” (Patty) Pryor and Carl Pryor, both of Washington, and Olan (Loretta) Pryor of Littleton, Colo.; six grandchildren, Erin E. (Jonathan) Marr, Craig P. Insana, Adam C. (Amy) Weinstock, Megan J. Weinstock, Jason J. Roux and Dustin C. Roux; and a great-granddaughter, Adeline G. Marr.
Deceased are a sister, Alice Pryor; three brothers, Victor “Clyde” (Lois Ann) Pryor, Harold (Geraldine) Pryor and Charles “Chuck” (Elizabeth) Pryor; and a grandson, Nathan A. Roux.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 to 11 a.m., the time of service, Saturday, November 30, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, with the Rev. Stuart Broberg officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded graveside by American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Interim Hospice, 1789 South Braddock Avenue, Suite 340, Pittsburgh, PA 15218-1835, or Tall Cedars Foundation (MDA). Please make checks payable to “Tall Cedars Foundation” and send to Tall Cedars Foundation, 286 Trinity Drive, Washington, PA. 15301. Additional information and a guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.