Jack A. Loya

Jack A. Loya,  78, of  Schellsburg, died Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at Rest Assured Residental Living, Meyersdale.

Mr. Loya was born in Johnstown on December 26, 1940,  son of the late John and Lucille (Gillen) Loya.

On June 26, 1969 Jack married Mary (Hinzman) Loya in Fairmont, WV.

In addition to his wife he is survived by Son- Lane husband of  Amy Loya, Hollidaysburg; Son- Lance husband of  Rachel Loya, Orlando, FL; Daughter- Lora wife of  Matthew Puffenberger; Son- Landon husband of  Kala Loya, Salisbury, PA; Son-in-law William Phillips, Cumberland; Close family friend Phil husband of  Wanda Rimmer, Tyrone; Sister-in-law Jean Hinzman of Fairmont, WV; Sister- Dianne Sikurinec, Johnstown; Grandchildren Ivy Loya, Violet Loya, Laken Loya, Lakota Loya, Braden Puffenberger, Brent Puffenberger, Gerrit Puffenberger, Ryan Rimmer and Baby Loya on the way.  Jack is preceded in death by his Daughter Lana Phillips.

He was a 1958 graduate of Franklin High School, Johnstown. He then attended Clarion State College where he was a 4 year member of the Clarion Football team and was nicknamed "Iron Man" because he was a three way starter- offensive and defensive end, and punter. Jack later earned his Master’s degree from West Virginia University.

Jack retired from Conemaugh Valley High School Johnstown, PA. where he was a Health and Physical Education Teacher. He also taught at Gallitzin High, Delmar High School, Barrackville High School and worked in the A/V department at Baltimore Community College as well as Fredrick Community College.

Jack loved basketball of any kind, especially watching games with his family and playing pick-up games with his friends at the Roaring Spring YMCA. Jack's passion for basketball led him to an amazing coaching career. He was the head coach at Gallitzin High, Delmar High, Frederick Community College, Barrackville High, Shanksville High, Mount Aloysius College, Cambria County Area Community College, and most recently North Star High School  from 2005-2011 where his team won multiple District V titles. Jack also served as an assistant coach at Pitt-Johnstown, Seton Hill College, and Penn Highlands Community College. Jack had a great passion for basketball that lead him to winning over 50 basketball shooting awards in his life, including the senior Keystone Games.

He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, New Baltimore, PA.

Jack was the former owner/operator of the Ship Hotel, and he also ran the "Loya Camp of Aggression" Summer Basketball Camp in Johnstown, PA.

He was a generous man who loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and watching them in their various activities. Most of all Jack loved spending time and traveling with his wife Mary.

Friends will be received on Monday, October 7, 2019 from 5-8PM at Mickle-Geisel Funeral Home, Schellsburg.

A Funeral Mass will be held  at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, New Baltimore at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 with Father Mark Pattock- Celebrant.

Committal Service will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Conemaugh.

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

Arrangements entrusted to Mickle-Geisel Funeral Home, Schellsburg.