Alexander Lawrence Talaga, 92, of Carroll Township, died Sunday, August 6, 2017 at Nevaeh Cove, Charleroi. Born in Donora on May 28, 1925, he was the son of the late Maciej and Sofia (Mierocha) Talaga.
Alex was a chemist for US Steel at their Universal Plant in Monroeville and was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Church in Donora. A veteran of the United States Army during WWII, he was a Medical Corpsman with the 36th Infantry Division. He was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries received in combat. He also received the Bronze Star from Major General John E. Dahlquist for heroic achievement in combat on the 28th of August, 1944 in France where he braved sweeping bursts of machine gun fire to advance beyond the friendly lines to aid another injured solider. He enjoyed many hobbies over his lifetime including, fishing, photography, gardening, vacationing at the Outer Banks, and loved walking at Palmer Park with his wife and friends. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is survived by his children, Paul E. Talaga of Carroll Township, Barbara T. (Bernie) Sylvester of Lancaster, PA and William R. (Diane) Talaga of Carroll Township; grandchildren,William (Erika) Talaga, Jennifer (Jesse) Bowen, Benjamin Sylvester, Gabriella Murray, Elizabeth and Samuel Talaga; and great grandchildren, Andrew and Charlotte Talaga and Alex Bowen.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Evelyn A. Gast Talaga on October 21, 2006; an infant daughter, Susan; son, Matthew; and three brothers Charles, Theodore and Edward.
Friends will be received on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Dalfonso-Billick Funeral Home Inc. and Cremation Services, 441 Reed Avenue Monessen, where a Blessing Service will be held on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of the Valley Church, Donora, with Rev. Pierre M. Falkenhan Jr. as celebrant. Interment, with Military Honors, will follow in Mon Valley Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Yukon Pet Rescue, 150 Spring Street, Yukon, PA 15698.
Condolences accepted for the family at www.dalfonso-billick.com
Charitable donations may be made to:
Yukon Pet Rescue
150 Spring Street, Yukon PA 15698