John Collage

John W. Collage, 86, of Rices Landing, Pa., died at 4:48 P.M. on Thursday, February 1, 2007 at The IHS Greenery of Canonsburg, Pa. He was born July 7, 1920 in Luzerne Township, Fayette County, Pa., a son of the late Joseph and Josephine Barbara Kost Collage. Mr. Collage resided in Rices Landing since 1949 and retired from the Gateway Mine. He served with the U. S. Army during World War II in the Wakde-Sarmi Area, Noemfoor Island, Dutch New Guinea, Lingayen Gulf Area, Province of Batangas and Bicol Peninsula, Luzon and Philippine Islands campaigns in the Pacific Theater. Mr. Collage served in the Bushmaster Corps and was commissioned a second lieutenant while in combat. He was a member of the United Mine Workers of American and a former member of American Legion Post 816 of Rices Landing. Mr. Collage enjoyed gardening, boating and fishing. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and was known for his loving devotion to his family and friends. On July 5, 1946, he married Clara Marie Nevedale, who died November 27, 2006. Surviving are three daughters, Margaret A. (Peggy) Shockley, at home, Karen L. Hartley and her husband, David of Rices Landing and Melvina M. Behrens and her husband, Klaus of Houston, Pa.; three grandchildren, Shannon B. Smereczniak and her husband, Jeff, Jennifer M. Felton and her husband, Samuel and David J. Hartley and his wife, Jenn; six great grandchildren, Hannah and Justin Smereczniak, Julia M. and Joseph A. Felton and Jonathan and Dylan Hartley and several nieces and nephews. He was the last of his immediate family. Deceased are three brothers, William, Edward and Frank Collage and two sisters, Mary Chase and Margaret Alexander. Family and friends are welcomed from 7 to 9 P.M. on Saturday and Noon to 3 and 6 to 8 P.M. on Sunday in the Yoskovich Funeral Home, Martin J. Yoskovich, Funeral Director, 300 South Vine Street, Carmichaels, Pa. where funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, February 5, 2007 with the Rev. Kenneth N. Schott officiating. Interment will follow at Greene County Memorial Park with full military services accorded by Cumberland American Legion Post 400 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3491. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016 or to the American Heart Association, 1019 Mumma Rd., Wormleysburg, PA 17041.