Harry J. Zeznanski, Jr.

Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Harry Joseph Zeznanski Jr., 64, passed away unexpectedly on January 26th, 2021 at UPMC Bedford Hospital, Snake Spring Twp.

He was born September 30th 1956 to the late Harry Sr. and Lolita Zeznanski in Chicago, Illinois.

On March 24, 1978 Harry married Cathy (DeLozier) Zeznanski, together they shared 43 years of wedded bliss.

He was survived by his wife,  Daughter Samantha Smeltzer (Shawn), Daughter Julie Crist (Jason), and Son Eric Zeznanski (Lauren) and Mother-in-law Catherine Weyant. He was a very proud Pap to Katie, Alex, Amanda, Izzy, and Odin. Also niece  Becky Luckenbach (Greg) and her family who were like his kids. He had many brothers and sisters-in-law as well as nieces and nephews. He was one of 12 children: Cathy Terry (Bruce), Ada Mawhinney (Ron), Larry, Karen Sitkowski (Raymond), Christine Shramm, Cindy Buss, Gary (Kim) Zeznanski, Brenda Zeznanski, Danny Zeznanski (Amy) and Michael Zeznanski (Nita). He was preceded in death by sister Linda Haskett and beloved Brother-in-law Brian Jarrett.

He worked at Three Wire Systems in Ebensburg for 10 years and 30 plus years at F.L. Smithe in Duncanville as a Machinist and Union Steward for the local union. Harry was very involved in the community. He served on the local water board and volunteered for the Pleasantville Car Show. In years past he served as a Coach or President in the Chestnut Ridge Ball League, Chestnut Ridge Little Lions Wrestling, and Jr. High Football. He was a proud CR Lion. He enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren and their friends playing whatever sport or activity they were involved in, loudly cheering from the stands.

He was a highly decorated veteran of the United Army and United States Army Reserve. He proudly served his Country in the Vietnam War, Honduras, and the Global War on Terrorism with service in the Philippines, Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He was NCO (Non Commissioned Officer) of the Year in 1985 and achieved Command Sergeant Major during his prestigious career.

He received numerous awards including Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, US Navy Achievement Medal, Army of Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism service Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component, and Overseas Training Ribbon.

Upon military retirement, he continued his service to the military and its veterans by his involvement in Employer Support Guard and Reserves (ESGR) as Chairman of the Mountain Area Pa, Main coordinator as a mentor in Veterans Court, and an Ombudsman.

Harry was known to receive many phone calls from soldiers and friends seeking advice and counsel. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion. Harry loved sitting on his back porch and drinking black coffee with his wife. He was known as a leader and a mentor who had a huge caring heart. He was a patriot who loved his country and community, but most especially his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Friends will be received on Sunday, January 31, 2021 from 1-4 and 6-8PM at Mickle-Geisel Funeral Home, Schellsburg.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, February 1, 2021 at Mickle-Geisel Funeral Home, Schellburg with Pastor Robert Snyder officiating.

Interment at Bedford County Memorial Park.

Military Rites accorded by Fort Bedford Honor Guard.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.geiselfuneral.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Mickle-Geisel Funeral Home, Schellsburg.