Arthur James Felty, 96, former resident of Pine Grove, passed away peacefully April 19, 2024, at his home in Saint Clair, Pennsylvania with family at his side. He was a loving husband to Faye Elizabeth (Geier) Felty for 72 years.
Arthur was born on June 30, 1927, in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Adam and Florence (Newcomer) Felty. He was a graduate of Pine Grove High School, class of 1945. Arthur was an Eagle Scout, earning two Oak Leaf Clusters and the Order of the Arrow. He served in the Army Air Corps during 1945 and 1946, training as a weather observer at Sheppard Field, Texas and Chanute Field, Illinois. He achieved the rank of Sergeant prior to discharge from Maxwell Field, Alabama.
Arthur worked at Alcoa Aluminum, Cressona as a Laboratory Analyst until the company closed operations in Cressona. He continued to work in the Lab at the former Cressona Aluminum Company until he took over operations of the Cressona Aluminum Employees Federal Credit Union, which he managed for 13 years.
Arthur was President of the Anthracite Chapter of the Pennsylvania Credit Union League from 1993 to 1998. He volunteered for AARP as an income tax preparer for over 25 years and was a 70 plus year member of the Pine Grove American Legion.
Faith in God was an important aspect of Arthur’s life. He was a Christian, a man of faith and grace. As an active member of Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church in Pine Grove he served many roles, which included adult Sunday school teacher, superintendent, church treasurer (18 years), lay leader for over 40 years and chairman of the administrative council. He also served as a lay speaker at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Pine Grove, at United Presbyterian Church in St. Clair and at Donaldson United Methodist Church in Donaldson.
Singing was a passion for Arthur and it brought great joy to his life to share his talent with others. During his time at Penn State Schuylkill Campus, he sang 1st tenor under Jimmy Beach with the Men’s Quartet and Chorus. In church, he sang in the Senior Choir. He sang solos for many special occasions, including performing “Oh Holy Night” at Christmas Eve services for 50+ years. His musical talents extended to playing both the piano and organ for much of his life.
Arthur enjoyed learning, was creative and had a phenomenal talent for handicrafts and mastering new skills. He built and maintained his house, assembled two organs and a grandfather clock from kits. He loved to sew and was a tailor- quality seamster, making robes for the Church Choir and clothing for special occasions for family members. He crocheted scores of afghans and countless washcloths as a hobby over the years, which have become treasured keepsakes among family and friends.
Most of all, Arthur loved his family. He was a man of great character and integrity, a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His consideration and generosity for others will remain in his legacy.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters. Laura (infant), Ada (Zechman), Adam, Alma (Gibson), Alberta (Wolfe), Alda (Eichert), and Allen.
In addition to his wife, Arthur is survived by a sister, Alice (Ohlemacher); sister-in-law Fay (Cox) Felty; daughter Susan Shappell and her husband Andrew, Saint Clair, Pennsylvania; son, Rodney Felty and his wife Donna (Blevins) of Ripley, West Virginia; grandchildren Monica (Ryan) Kent, Ryan (Amanda) Felty, and Ross (Leigh) Felty; great grandchildren, Jude, Adelynn, Leo, Finn, Asher, Luna, Emersynn, and Lyla; many nieces and nephews.
Special thanks are extended to the staff at Lehigh Valley Hospital Schuylkill, All Care Home Care and Hospice for the care and concern shown to him.
Memorial services and interment at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery will be scheduled at a future date at the convenience of the family.
Bruce Hart Funeral Home, St. Clair, is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences can be sent to www.brucethartfuneralhome.com.
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My beloved grandfather, “Granpa.” An incredible man of faith, family, and service. His actions taught me the importance of generosity, frugality, and finding joy in the simple pleasures. He was my gateway to computers, Looney Tunes, and even filing my taxes. A deep voice and boyish chuckle. He was a loving man through the end.
Throughout his reflective 80’s, I took advantage of quiet moments to ask Granpa for his nuggets of wisdom and life advice. It was a blessing to receive them and it is a privilege to share:
1. Serve God. Everybody lives their life in service of something beyond themselves. Choose God. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you are your own master… you are serving God or something else.
2. Marry Your Best Friend. If you are lucky, you are going to be spending a lot of time together through life’s ups and downs. Go through them with your best friend by your side.
3. Give. When you can and what you can, even if it is the smallest of gestures. You will never regret giving. You will regret the moments you could have and did not.
My grandfather had many stories. I am forever grateful he was part of mine.
Our deepest sympathy to Mr Felty’s wife and family. It’s been years, but we will never forget his deep melodious voice at St. Paul’s in Pine Grove. The Kendall’s: Suzanne, Cheryl, Michael and Virginia