Albert M. Whitlatch
July 14, 1934 ~ May 2, 2017
Albert M. Whitlatch, 82, died peacefully and went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at the Marquette Hospice House.
Albert was born on July 14, 1934 in Canonsburg, PA, the son of Moody and Elizabeth Whitlatch. Al was raised and grew up in Roscoe, PA. He was a 1952 graduate of California High School and went on to graduate from California State Teacher’s College of Pennsylvania where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1956.
He married Dorothy E. Kolich on November 19, 1955. Albert served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. After his honorable discharge, Al returned to the states to begin his career in public education.
Mr. Whitlatch spent his teaching years at Townville Elementary School and Maplewood Middle School. He touched many students’ lives over the course of his 35 years in Penncrest School District.
Albert’s passion for hunting and fishing led him to serving as a Deputy Game Protector with the Pennsylvania State Game Commission for 43 years. He enjoyed teaching Hunter Safety classes, going on night patrol, and working at the Pymatuning Wildlife Museum.
Al leaves to cherish his memories his wife, his daughter, Cheryl Fortner and her husband Kent, grandson Everett, granddaughter Christina and her husband Chris, and three great grandchildren.
Family and friends are welcome to call on Friday, May 12, 2017 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Ryan M. Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 33353 N. Main Street, Townville, PA. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Bobbie Nelson, officiating.
Please take a moment to share a memory, a condolence, or order flowers for the family on Al's Book of Memories online at www.WarrenFH.com.
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Al was kind and welcoming when I first arrived at Townville Elementary School in 1971. He was a fun and caring coworker all the years I had the honor to know and teach with him. My sincere condolences to his family. He will be dearly missed.
Dottie, Cheryl and family, I know these few words can do little to help in the great sadness that has come to your family. Please know that I share your grief, and treasure the time we spent chatting. I will always cherish our connection to Albert, Dorothy and Cheryl! Love and sincere condolences.
I never had Mr Whitlatch in the classroom while I was at Maplewood. That did not matter, he was an influence in my life anyway. He knew everyone and cared for everyone. I know how difficult losing a loved one is. He is someone who cast a long shadow and left the world he touched better than when he found it.
I will always remember Mr. Whitlatch for fostering in this non-hunter a love for wildlife stewardship. My condolences to his family.
To the family of Mr. Al Whitlatch;
My Deepest Condolences go out to Mrs. Whitlatch and to Cheryl, his Beloved Wife and Daughter! I was honored to have this man for a teacher at Townville! We were blessed at Townville to have the best of teachers and Mr. Whitlatch was right at the top. Please know that you are both in my thoughts and prayers. May the Almighty God hold you tight in his arms during this very sad time.
Respectfully,
Shirley M. Westfall
As my 6th grade teacher (’63/64′), Al was the most influential teacher I had in school. He would take our class on field trips behind the school and actually allow the students to explore and touch nature. He would provide us with fishing line; taught our hunter safety class and interacted with the students. I could go on… Al (Mr. Whitlatch)was a great teacher,a darn good deputy game protector and a very caring and influential educator. The family has my condolences. Rest in peace Al.
Dottie. So sorry for your loss. Many memories from times long past.
Cheryl~
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know Brian and I are thinking of you.
Whitlatch Family,
Mr. Whitlatch was a great teacher. He cared about others. I remember being in his class as well as the hunter safety classes. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. RIP AL. R. Lara
Mr. Whitlatch was my first male teacher and really made going to school enjoyable. Sometimes we may have thought that we were getting him off task by getting him to share his wildlife stories, but he was really still teaching us and we didn’t know that he was. The year with him made me, while in the sixth grade, decide that teaching was what I wanted to do. I recently retired after 44 years in the classroom, and I can’t tell you how many of his strategies that I used over the years. He was a great teacher and motivator. My sympathy goes out to the family.
Dottie.. So sorry to hear of Al’s passing and praying now for peace for you and Cheryl. I was flooded with memories of my times with Al and remember fondly his kind voice and caring demeanor as he taught me the ropes. Nancy and I have never forgotten how you both went out of your way to make us feel welcomed and cared about. Though the trial of time, lives and distance may have kept me from Al, I’ve never stopped thinking of him and you – especially when I’m fishing. RIP good Sir, and may we meet again.
Dottie, Cheryl & family members, I am so very sorry for the passing of a wonderful man. Al was always so nice, sweet & caring. What a wonderful man. He will be missed. What a wonderful neighbor. Love to you all. God Bless.
Renee