Apr 8, 2013

John H. “Smokey” Harter, 79, of Washington, died Monday, April 8, 2013, in his home.

He was born December 17, 1933, in Washington, a son of the late George William Harter and Frances “Rachel” Anderson Harter.

Mr. Harter attended a one-room school in Lincoln Hill and in the 1950s was a Pennsylvania state marble champion.

For 33 years, he worked as a laborer for American Bridge and U.S. Steel Corp. in Ambridge. He worked for 17 years at X-Mark Industries in Washington.

Mr. Harter enjoyed playing cards, horse racing, gambling and going to the casinos.

On July 23, 1955, he married his wife of 55 years, Lily May Naylor, who died August 31, 2010.

Surviving are four daughters, Vickie Bedillion (Don) of Washington, Franny Pieper (David) of Marianna and Tracy Huffman (Zach Martin) and Jody Startare (Joseph), both of Washington; grandchildren Stacy Armstrong (Rob), Misty McMasters (Chucky), Tammy Bedillion, Nicole Pieper, Taylor Pieper, Morgan Pieper, Melissa Andreone (Rodger), Amanda Huffman, Savannah Startare and Jeremiah Startare; and great-grandchildren Rylie, Aaron, Lily and Lucas Andreone, and Alissa and Zane Garner. Also surviving are his best friends, Jim and Margaret Howard.

Deceased are a sister, Shirley Kauffman, and a brother, Billy Harter.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 11, with the Rev. Rick Bruckner officiating.

Additional information and a guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.