Gomer S. Emery

Gomer St. Claire Emery passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at the Lawrence County Geri-Care Assisted Living facility. Mr. Emery was born in New Castle, PA on September 26, 1926 to the former Charlotte Bernice Taylor and Gomer William Emery. In 1945 Mr. Emery married the former Mafalda “Muff” Sfreddo, they were married for 64 years when she died in 2009.

Mr. Emery served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1947 with two tours in Europe which included time in France, Austria and Czechoslovakia where he joined the 94th Division of General Patton’s Third Army for the May 6 liberation of Pilsen. During his time in the Army Mr. Emery was a part of the divisional boxing team, and after the war served as a Theatrical Technician in Bramberg, Germany. He was a great-grandson of William Sylvester Emery from Kentucky who served in the Civil war and spent time in the Libby Prison War Camp.

Mr. Emery worked as a Seamless Pipe Inspector at the Youngstown Sheet & Tube/LTV Company then upon their closing as a Custodian for the New Castle Area Schools.

Gomer was also a musician who played trumpet professionally with other local jazz musicians during 1950 - 1970 era. As a young man he grew up in a musical home where his mother taught piano, organ, voice & accordion. He studied classical music under the instruction of Mary Franchiser of Youngstown, Ohio and later transformed his piano playing from classical to jazz, often entertaining family and friends at the piano in his home.

Mr. Emery was an avid reader, spent countless hours watching C-Span and particularly enjoyed Book-TV.  He was a social member of the C. G.’s Club, the Calabrese Club and the Sons of Italy Lodge where until recently he enjoyed time with local friends and family on a regular basis.

Mr. Emery is survived by his son John P. Emery with whom he lived until moving to the Lawrence County Geri-Care Assisted Living facility. He is also survived by a daughter Anita M Emery and partner Betsy of Whispering Pines, North Carolina, daughter in law Sarah Emery, 8 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and a brother, Norman L Emery of Binghamton, New York. M. Emery is reunited in death with his wife, Mafalda, his oldest son, Gomer “Tony” Emery, his daughter, Jennie Cialella Smiley, his parents and his beloved grandparents.

A celebration of life service for Gomer S. Emery will be held at the William F. & Roger M. DeCarbo Funeral Home, 926 Cunningham Avenue, on Sunday, February 11, 2018 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. A Blessing Service will be held Sunday at 3:00 PM, Deacon John Carrann will officiate.