Obituary for Alonzo Kalp, Jr. (Lon) Alonzo Kalp, Jr. (Lon) 93, of Champion, passed on to eternal life on Tuesday morning, July 3, 2018 reuniting with his beloved wife, Maxine (September 24, 2016) and son, Jerry Wayne (April 27, 2017) in the presence of his loving daughters. He spent the last four days of this life with his girls and only grandson, Bryan Scott. Many friends and family came to say their final farewells, which brought happiness to his eyes.
Alonzo was born June 12, 1925 at Melcroft Hospital, a son of the late Alonzo Kalp, Sr. and Sophie Tinkey Kalp. A member of the Greatest Generation, Alonzo served his country in the Navy during World War II as Yoeman Second Class aboard the USS Riverside. He was very proud of his service to our country and enjoyed Veteran’s Day Programs at various schools over the years, especially at R. K. Mellon Elementary in Ligonier, where he delighted in the children’s patriotism.
In May of 2004, Alonzo witnessed the dedication of the World War II Memorial. He attended many band concerts over the years which included patriotic songs and was always honored to stand during the playing of the Navy tribute march. Alonzo attended the Washington School, a one-room schoolhouse with grades 1-8 on Calvary Church Road, close to his final resting place.
He always told us, “The older students helped the younger one and everyone knew how to read. ! ” Alonzo was a graduate of Connellsville Joint High School.
He worked as a carpenter in Heavy Construction, retiring in 1987, and was a 67 year member of Union Local 2274. He pointed out many Pittsburgh area bridges that he worked on over his many years of service. Alonzo was a member of the Indian Head Church of God.
He served for many years a trustee, spearheading the building of the Social Room/Parsonage in the 1980’s. He enjoyed using his talent for the church. Alonzo was a Board Member of the Mountain Watershed Association.
He was instrumental in extending the Indian Creek Valley/Hike Bike Trail to the Jones Mills. Although he was in his mid-eighties, he toiled tirelessly to make the vision come true. The Watershed honored him by naming that portion the Alonzo Kalp Extension.
He was a member of the Mt. Pleasant VFW and had been a member of the Saltlick Township Volunteer Fire Department,, An avid outdoorsman, Alonzo cherished the time spent at this hunting cabin. Hiking, woodcutting, feeding the birds, gardening and enjoying nature were his passions.
He loved taking hikes with his family on trails he blazed using a sythe. Picnics in the mountains and sitting around a crackling fire made him happy. He looked forward to his spring ritual of hunting morel mushrooms.
He enjoyed taking ride through the mountains and farmland. His last ride with his daughters occurred the Wednesday before his death. Alonzo was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
He lovingly cared for his wife during her six year battle with dementia. He believed family takes care of family. His strength and guidance will be sorely missed.
He was hard-working, built his home and provided for his family. In addition to his wife and son, Alonzo was predeceased by his brother Clifford (Ava) Kalp and sisters. Goldie (Earl) Sleasman, Stella (Samuel) Martin, and Violet (Harry) Miller and a special niece Beatrice Pletcher (July 24, 2017).
He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He attended the Kalp and Tinkey Reunions annually. He is survived by his daughters, Nancy Sue (Gary) Green of Acme and Linda Jo Kalp of Ligonier, grandson Bryan Scott and his wife Wendy and their sons, Cross Anthony and Colby Bryan Kalp of Grand Island, NY, and nieces and nephews.
Bryan will miss his weekly phones to his Pap for updates and advice. The family would like to thank Lon’s dedicated friends and relatives who visited him the Ligonier Gardens, whose compassionate cared and friendship was a blessing to him in his time of need. The caregivers and nurses along with Amedisys Hospice, were wonderful with our father and we will never forget their kindness.
He always said that they have the toughest job on the world. Friend will be received at the Clyde Brooks Funeral Home, Melcroft, at the corner of route 711 and 146 Municipal Building Rd. (724-455-2310) Friday from 2-4 and 6-8:00 PM and Saturday 10:00-11:00 AM, the hour of service with the Rev.
Douglas E. Nolt officiating…Interment will following at the Calvary Cemetery, Acme. Military rites will be conducted at the cemetery. To leave a message or send condolences please visit our website at www.
brooksfuneralhomes.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Alonzo Kalp, Jr. (Lon) please visit our Sympathy Store. Upcoming Events Visitation 2018 JUL 6. 02:00 PM – 04:00 PM Clyde-Brooks Funeral Home in Melcroft 146 Municipal Building Rd Melcroft, PA, US, 15462 (724) 455-2310 www.
brooksfuneralhomes.com Order Flowers for the Visitation Guaranteed delivery before Alonzo’s Visitation begins. Visitation 2018 JUL 6. 06:00 PM – 08:00 PM Clyde-Brooks Funeral Home in Melcroft 146 Municipal Building Rd Melcroft, PA, US, 15462 (724) 455-2310 www.
brooksfuneralhomes.com Order Flowers for the Visitation Guaranteed delivery before Alonzo’s Visitation begins. Visitation 2018 JUL 7. 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Clyde-Brooks Funeral Home in Melcroft 146 Municipal Building Rd Melcroft, PA, US, 15462 (724) 455-2310 www.
brooksfuneralhomes.com Order Flowers for the Visitation Guaranteed delivery before Alonzo’s Visitation begins. 2018 JUL 7. 11:00 AM Clyde-Brooks Funeral Home in Melcroft 146 Municipal Building Rd Melcroft, PA, US, 15462 (724) 455-2310 www.
brooksfuneralhomes.com Order Flowers for the Service Guaranteed delivery before Alonzo’s Service begins.
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