Earl E. "Smokey" Deneen

Deneen, Earl E. “Smokey” 90, Cairnbrook, died March 27, 2020 at home after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born July 3, 1929 in Hyndman, the son of Melvin and Mildred (Gaumer) Deneen. Preceded in death by parents; his wife of 64 years, the former Helen Dooley; son Earl Jr.; and brother, Tom. Survived by his daughters, Deslee (Thomas) Hanlon, Huntingdon; and Robin Leap, Laurel Run; granddaughters, Dr. Caitlin Hanlon, CT, and Dr. Meridith Hanlon, Boalsburg; grandson, Russell (Patty) Leap, Laurel Run; and  great-grandson, David Leap.  Also survived by sisters, Mary (John) Dooley, Myrna (Jim) Gianakis, and Gloria (Chuck) Gibbons; brothers, Robert (Florence), and Teddy “Shab” (Maryann).  Also numerous nieces and nephews.  After graduating Shade High School in 1949, where he was a standout football player nicknamed “Killer”, he enlisted in the US Army during the Korean War.  He was stationed in Germany and France and was discharged as a sergeant.  He retired after 35 years as a craft welder at the Johnstown plant of Bethlehem Steel.  During long lay-offs at the plant he traveled all over the United States to find work and support his family.  He also had a welding business, and after long shifts at the mill he would spend his evenings working second jobs at the mines around Cairnbrook.  After retirement he worked part-time at the town water plant and we would always have to schedule visits around “pumping time”.  Smokey was a member of the United Steel Workers, Cairnbrook Improvement Assoc., Shade-Central City Joint Authority, Masonic Lodge 358, American Legion Post 449, VFW Post 7457, and Graef Lutheran Church.  He also served as a past school board member of the Shade-Central City School District.  We never went anywhere with Dad that he didn’t find a friend.  All who knew him will remember his stories about growing up in poor coal patch towns where he began his legacy of hard work.  He was a born story teller and will always live on in the stories he told his family and friends.  He was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend to many.  He cared for his wife at home during her long illness.  An avid sports fan, he always cheered on his Steelers and Pirates.  Your old dog Molly will be waiting for you begging for a treat, and we hope you get to go on that coon hunt with Old Belle.  The family wishes to thank Windber Hospice, especially Elaine, Peggy and Melanie for their loving care. Also family friends Mikey Kubek and family, Dave Levar and family, neighbor Dave, Aunt Mary, brother Shab & Willie, Louann and Roxanne.  Private visitation at the Mulcahy Funeral Home.  Graveside Service will be held at McGregor Cemetery, Cairnbrook.  Pastor Jeffrey Bassette.  Graveside Military Rites by Central City VFW and American Legion Posts.  A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date.  Friends who wish may make contributions to Windber Hospice in Smokey’s memory. www.mulcahyfuneralhome.com.      

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