Thursday, March 28, 2024

Obituary of Jack Bechdel , 73

Name of Deceased Jack Bechdel
Age 73
Date of Death 09/25/2014
Date of Birth 02/06/1941
Funeral Home Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral & Cremation Services

Jack Irvin Bechdel, 73, of Bellefonte, died Thursday, September 25, 2014 at the James E. VanZandt Medical Center at Altoona.

He was born February 6, 1941 in Howard, a son of the late Charles Irvin and Rebecca Jane James Bechdel.

On December 29, 1962 he married Donna J. Noll who survives at home.

Mr. Bechdel was a Viet Nam War Veteran having served with the U. S. Marine Corps in active duty for more than ten years

Following his discharge, he started his own business as a painting contractor known as J. Bechdel Painting.

He loved his country and community, and was always devoting time to the causes he believed in including Relay for Life and Special Olympics. He was extremely proud of his service in the Marines. He was a member of the Nittany Leather Necks Branch of the Marine Corps League having served as Commandant, and was part of the Devil Dogs Attachment. He also served as a state representative for the Marine Corps League, and was active in the scouting program and the Toys for Tots program. Mr. Bechdel also spent a considerable amount of time helping to keep the VA Hospital viable in Altoona and was instrumental in bringing the VA Medical Center to State College. His other veteran’s affiliations included the VFW Post 1600, and the American Legion Post 0033 both in Bellefonte.

Jack was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 1094 in Bellefonte, where he had served as Exalted Ruler for two terms. He was an avid golfer and a former member of the Nittany Country Club.

Surviving him in addition to his wife Donna are two sons, Jack I. Bechdel II of Bellefonte and C. Dean Bechdel (Deana) of Philipsburg; seven grandchildren, Nikkita, Kylie –Lynne, Joshua, Carson, Caitlyn, Carle Bechdel and Erica Confer; a brother Donavan Bechdel (Beverly) of Virginia Beach, VA; a sister in law Nancy Neal of Sanford, NC; his former daughter in law, Tina Bechdel of Bellefonte and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Harold Confair, and a granddaughter Hope Bechdel.

Friends will be received from 5 – 8 p. m. Monday, September 29, 2014 at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service, 1034 Benner Pike, State College, and from 10 – 11 am Tuesday, September 30, 2014. An honorary Elks service will be conducted at 8:00 p. m. Monday at the funeral home. Military honors will be provided by the Nittany Leather Necks, VFW Post 1600, and the Marine Honor Corps. The funeral will be at 11:00 am Tuesday, September30, 2014 with the Reverend Daniel Selvage officiating. Burial will be in Centre County Memorial Park, State College, PA

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made or to Toys for Tots, 1380 N. Atherton St., State College, 16803.

An on line guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.