James P. Degruttola

James P. DeGruttola, 81, of Hazelcroft Avenue, died Saturday, September 15, 2012 at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was born November 14, 1930 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania a son of the late John and Josephine (Nessenthaler) DeGruttola. He was married for 54 years to Alice K. ‘Putzi’ DeGruttola, she survives in New Castle. Mr. DeGruttola was owner and operator of Varsity Service Station since 1960. First location was an Amoco on Neil Street, then in 1972 he opened Varsity Service on Highland Avenue which he still operated. He was also owner the Mobile Gas Station for a short time on Wilmington Road in the 1970's. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War serving from 1950 to 1953. He served with the 523rd Engineer Co B and was wounded and received a Purple Heart. He then served in Europe in Salzburg, Austria for 3 years. Mr. DeGrattola was a life member of the Amercian Legion and NRA, a member of the American Hunters Club and VFW and a former member of the Elks Club. He was also a member of the Military Members who served in Europe club and was an avid hunter.

He is survived by one daughter, Jessica Kneisl and her husband Josef of New Castle, one brother, John DeGruttola, Jr. of Ellwood City, two sisters, Jacqueline Mazzarini and Josephine Jones, both of Ellwood City, and one granddaughter, Kendra Maria Kneisl.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at St. James the Apostle Church. Father Frank Almade will be officiating. A funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 10:15 AM. The New Castle Area Honor Guard will perform Military Funeral Rites at the cemetery. Burial will be in the Villa Maria Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be sent to the VFW.