Obituary for Allan "Al" R. Thal Sr.
Allan “Al” R. Thal, Sr., 89, of Bellefonte, passed away on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Eagle Valley Personal Care Home in Milesburg. Born on July 4, 1932, in Bellefonte, he was the son of the late Andrew and Lucille (Quici) Thal. On January 18, 1956, in Bellefonte, he married his wife, Barbara J. “Butsy” (Ivicic) Thal, who preceded him in death on July 8, 2007, after sharing over 51 years of marriage together.
Al was a 1950 graduate of Bellefonte High School. The caption under his senior yearbook photo stated, “There will never be a dull day as long as Thal’s around.” Immediately upon high school graduation, Al worked at the PA Fish Hatchery (Commission) for a year and then became employed at Cerro (Titan). While at Cerro, Al was drafted into the US Army for two years, during the Korean Conflict. After serving his country, Al returned to Cerro and while working fulltime, he completed an apprenticeship at Williamsport Technology Institute (now Penn College) to become proficient in the trade of Tool and Die. Al worked for 56 and ½ years at Cerro, until the plant closed.
He is survived by his five children, Cynthia (“Cindy”) Harter, Barbara J. (“BJ”) Arkans, Allan R. (“Pepper”) Thal, Jr. (Robin), Ross Thal, and Y’Ana Thal-Irwin (Scott); five grandchildren, Matthew (“Mickey”) Harter (Heather), Dr. Matthew Arkans (Dr. Elaine), Joshua Thal, Dr. Karissa (“Kissy”) Thal, and Nash Irwin; and three great-grandchildren, Aurora Harter, Anastasia Harter, and Grayson Arkans. Also surviving is one sister, Rebecca Coates (Gary), and one brother, Andrew (“Andy”) Thal (Denise), and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by one son, Anthony (“Tim”) Thal, one son-in-law, Rick Arkans, and one sister, Helen Thal Lytle.
Al had a zest for life and always said that Bellefonte was the best place to live in Centre County. He was a coach for the Bellefonte Little League for 53 years and devoted his heart and soul to the organization. Al coached many all-star teams and Fall-ball teams and was an active member of the Little League Board. He took great pride in being a coach.
He developed many life-long friendships with the coaches and players. Al never forgot the kids he coached nor the plays they made. Even as he was physically unable to 'throw batting practice' he would still attend practice and games, sitting in a lawn chair coaching the kids.
He often assisted family members with home repairs and remodeling jobs. Al loved the outdoors, the PA mountains, hunting wild game and morel mushrooms, and fishing. Al instilled in his family a solid work ethic, music appreciation, the love of a good “one liner”, and the joy of owning a dog!
The family would like to extend their heart-felt thanks to the excellent staffs from Arcadia Home Care & Staffing, Centre Care, Kindred Hospice, and Eagle Valley Personal Care home. While at Eagle Valley, Al became especially close with the staff (“Al’s Girls”). He was known for getting "many miles on his good looks and charm" with his caretakers.
A private burial service will be conducted. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Bellefonte Little League on May 14, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Allan’s memory to the Bellefonte Little League at PO Box 517 Bellefonte PA 16823 and the Bellefonte Emergency Management Services at 369 Phoenix Avenue, Bellefonte PA 16823.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com.
Al was a 1950 graduate of Bellefonte High School. The caption under his senior yearbook photo stated, “There will never be a dull day as long as Thal’s around.” Immediately upon high school graduation, Al worked at the PA Fish Hatchery (Commission) for a year and then became employed at Cerro (Titan). While at Cerro, Al was drafted into the US Army for two years, during the Korean Conflict. After serving his country, Al returned to Cerro and while working fulltime, he completed an apprenticeship at Williamsport Technology Institute (now Penn College) to become proficient in the trade of Tool and Die. Al worked for 56 and ½ years at Cerro, until the plant closed.
He is survived by his five children, Cynthia (“Cindy”) Harter, Barbara J. (“BJ”) Arkans, Allan R. (“Pepper”) Thal, Jr. (Robin), Ross Thal, and Y’Ana Thal-Irwin (Scott); five grandchildren, Matthew (“Mickey”) Harter (Heather), Dr. Matthew Arkans (Dr. Elaine), Joshua Thal, Dr. Karissa (“Kissy”) Thal, and Nash Irwin; and three great-grandchildren, Aurora Harter, Anastasia Harter, and Grayson Arkans. Also surviving is one sister, Rebecca Coates (Gary), and one brother, Andrew (“Andy”) Thal (Denise), and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by one son, Anthony (“Tim”) Thal, one son-in-law, Rick Arkans, and one sister, Helen Thal Lytle.
Al had a zest for life and always said that Bellefonte was the best place to live in Centre County. He was a coach for the Bellefonte Little League for 53 years and devoted his heart and soul to the organization. Al coached many all-star teams and Fall-ball teams and was an active member of the Little League Board. He took great pride in being a coach.
He developed many life-long friendships with the coaches and players. Al never forgot the kids he coached nor the plays they made. Even as he was physically unable to 'throw batting practice' he would still attend practice and games, sitting in a lawn chair coaching the kids.
He often assisted family members with home repairs and remodeling jobs. Al loved the outdoors, the PA mountains, hunting wild game and morel mushrooms, and fishing. Al instilled in his family a solid work ethic, music appreciation, the love of a good “one liner”, and the joy of owning a dog!
The family would like to extend their heart-felt thanks to the excellent staffs from Arcadia Home Care & Staffing, Centre Care, Kindred Hospice, and Eagle Valley Personal Care home. While at Eagle Valley, Al became especially close with the staff (“Al’s Girls”). He was known for getting "many miles on his good looks and charm" with his caretakers.
A private burial service will be conducted. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Bellefonte Little League on May 14, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Allan’s memory to the Bellefonte Little League at PO Box 517 Bellefonte PA 16823 and the Bellefonte Emergency Management Services at 369 Phoenix Avenue, Bellefonte PA 16823.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com.