Alvin D. Murtha, age 94, of Greensburg, formerly of Indiana, died Saturday, December 1, 2018 at home in Greensburg comforted by his loving family.

He was born in 1924 in McKeesport to Charles E. and Dorothy (Schultz) Murtha.

Mr. Murtha was a faithful member of Christ Episcopal Church, Indiana, and The Episcopal Church of the Advent, Jeannette.

He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great grandfather who was very involved with his family.

Alvin was a veteran of WWII, serving in the Army Air Force as a Flight officer and lead bombardier. He was shot down over Germany and was a POW before being liberated. He was honored by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017 during their inauguration of the POW-MIA seat of honor and veteran recognition by Steeler dignitaries. Alvin was a supporter of the Disabled Veterans, Wounded Warriors, and various other veteran causes. Acquaintances loved hearing his stories about his experiences in the big war and as a POW.

Upon returning home, Mr. Murtha was employed by Bell Telephone and attained an Associate's Degree in Engineering. He was a bell supervisor for 38 years. He and his family lived in North Huntingdon before retiring to Indiana.

During his membership at the Indiana Country Club, he enjoyed golf, ballroom dancing and was an avid gin player. Alvin was a member of the American Legion White Oak Post #701, a lifetime member of the VFW, a member of the Masonic Order, a member of the Al-o-mon Forest #138, past Grand Tall of the Tall Cedars Post #33, Masonic Lodge Aliquippa, Polaris Lodge #375, and a life member of the Sierra Temple Shrine, Pittsburgh. Alvin spent numerous hours as a spectator at his grandchildren and great grandchildren's athletic competitions.

Al is survived by his two daughters - Jeanne Zelenak and Janet Murtha, Greensburg; six grandchildren - Darci Noonan (Patrick), Lisa Mankins (Craig), Ryan Murtha, Chad Zelenak (Janet), Michael Murtha (Sarah), Jared Murtha (Tiffany); and eight great grandchildren - Robert Noonan, Jeffrey Mankins, Catrina Noonan, Abigail Mankins, Kaitlyn Mankins, Riley Murtha, Cora Murtha, and Max Murtha. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his infant son William, his son Alvin "Tex" Murtha, his brother and sister-in-law Charles and Isabelle Murtha, his brother and sister-in-law William and Margaret Markland, and his beloved wife of 73 years Ruth Chapman Murtha.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 902 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701; or Church of the Advent, 51 South 1st Street, Jeannette, PA 15644; or the VFW, 824 Indian Springs Road, Indiana, PA 15701. Friends and family will celebrate Al's life at a memorial service on Sunday, January 6, 2019, at 2:00 P.M. at the Christ Episcopal Church, Indiana, with the Reverend Father William Geiger officiating. Bowser-Minich Funeral Home of Indiana, PA, has been entrusted with arrangements.

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