Donald D. Pelaia

Donald D. Pelaia, 75, of Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully at home on Valentine’s Day with his wife and 4 daughters by his side after a 3-year battle with cancer.

Born April 24, 1946, in Beaver Falls, he was a son of the late Ernest & late Victoria (Galonski) Pelaia.

Don was a humble, most honest & loyal family man with a strong work ethic and a great sense of humor and a strong faith. He valued family above all else. He treasured the Ocean City, MD family vacations, loved his hobby of building street rods, but many times said “it’s only a hobby” because family came first. He was a member of Holy Family Parish, New Brighton. He and his brothers were fierce Fighting Tiger fans, and you could always find them in the alley for the Friday night games. “Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger”. Pap-Pap most dearly loved his grandchildren visiting and sleeping overnight.

Don graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1963 and began a 52-year career in structural steel detailing & design. He knew all aspects of structural steel from detailing to fabrication to field work and loved his trade. He was retired from Finite Design, Inc. in Canonsburg, PA.

He leaves his wife, his high school sweetheart, Nadia (Hudak) Pelaia; his daughters and 3 sons in law, Amy Pelaia, Oakdale; Joy (Sean) Tanner & their 4 children, Madison Yonlisky, Sean, Anna, & Max, Midland; Lisa (Bill) Nardone & their 3 children, Adrienne, Angelina, & Will, Ellwood City; Jennifer (Tony) Joseph & sons Anthony & Gino, Ellwood City; 1 great grandson, Alex Jackson; 2 brothers & 2 sisters in law, Mick Pelaia; Bob (Nancy) Pelaia; Sandie Pelaia; 1 sister & brother in law, Regina (John) Main. Also survived by many loving nieces & nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Ernie and his niece Allison.

All honor, praise, and glory to God in the highest.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday morning at 10:00 AM in the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church- 521 7th Avenue, New Brighton. Arrangements were entrusted to the HILL & KUNSELMAN FUNERAL HOME- 3801 4th Avenue, College Hill, www.hillandkunselman.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice- 134 Marwood Rd. Cabot, PA 16023 or to your favorite charity.

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