Emil Salty Buchtan

Emil "Salty" Buchtan of Rices Landing, Pa., passed away peacefully with his family by his side at 6:30 A. M. on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at his home at the age of 81. He was born on October 7, 1928 in Star Junction, Pa. to the late Andrew and Kathleen (Koczi) Buchtan. "Salty" was an energetic, free spirited and fun loving man. He enjoyed being with his family and friends and his garage door was always open to anyone. Mr. Buchtan enjoyed fishing, gardening, scratch-off tickets and drinking his Schlitz beer for over 60 years. He was a proud member of the Crucible Citizens Club, Cumberland American Legion Post 400, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3491 and was a lifetime member of the Carmichaels Moose Lodge. Mr. Buchtan was also a member of the United Mine Workers of America. Mr. Buchtan attended school in Scottdale, Pa. and was a member of the St. Hugh Roman Catholic Church of Carmichaels. On August 24, 1949 he enlisted into the U. S. Navy and served during World War II and the Korean Conflict earning the rank of Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman. Mr. Buchtan worked for five years in the salt mines in Cleveland, Ohio before working at the U. S. Steel Robina Mine and later at the U. S. Steel and Consol Dilworth Mine for 24 years until his retirement in 1993. On September 30, 1963 he was united in marriage with his wife Diane (Voithofer) Buchtan who survives. The couple celebrated 46 memorable years together. Surviving in addition to his wife are seven children Nanette S. Buchtan Evosevich and her husband, Michael of Carmichaels, Pa., Andrew Buchtan and his wife, Jen of Greensboro, Pa., Albert Michael Buchtan and his wife, Vanessa of Carmichaels, Rebecca Ann Buchtan of Dilliner, Pa., Jennifer Lynn Buchtan Basiorka and her husband, Dennis of Lorain, Ohio, Emily Marie Buchtan Jellots and her fiancé, Brandon Ludrosky of Jefferson, Pa. and Sarah Elizabeth Buchtan and her fiancé, Eddie Robinson of Rices Landing; 12 grandchildren, Ian and his girlfriend, Kelleena, Zachery, Hannah, Victoria, Haleigh, Andrew, Rachael, Benjamin, Sebastian, Jaggar, Jaymison and Lucca Bella; a sister Irene Barna of Eighty Four, Pa., several nieces and nephews and special friends Bob and Todd Varesko. Mr. Buchtan was expecting his first great grandchild in September. In addition to his parents, Mr. Buchtan is preceded in death by a sister Helen Shubert, a brother Albert Nagi, a son-in-law John Jellots and his faithful friend Sir Dugan. Emil was an incredible father and always provided for his family. His family was blessed to have had him and it will be extremely difficult to go on without him. He will be loved and missed by all. The family extends their thanks to all who assisted in the care giving of Mr. Buchtan especially Joe, Tina and Rachelle. Family and friends are welcome from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 P.M. on Thursday in the Yoskovich Funeral Home (724-966-5500), Martin J. Yoskovich, Funeral Director, 300 South Vine Street (Route 88), Carmichaels, Pa. where a blessing service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, July 16, 2010, followed at 11:00 A. M. by a Mass of the Resurrection at St. Hugh Roman Catholic Church, Carmichaels with the Rev. John M. Bauer as celebrant. Cumberland American Legion Post 400 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3491 will accord military honors immediately following the funeral Mass at St. Hugh Catholic Church. A vigil service will be held at 7:30 P.M. on Thursday in the funeral home.