Elia R. Ofiesh, 67, Hollidaysburg, passed away Wednesday at UPMC Altoona.
He was born in Altoona, son of the late Richard Elia and Maloky Mae (Aboud) Ofiesh. On June 28, 1987, he married S. Jean Bleicher at the Antiochian Village in Ligonier.
Surviving are his wife; a sister, Linda M. Ofiesh of Altoona; three brothers-in-law: Tom Matthews of Duncansville, Gordon (Kathy) Bleicher of Newry and Brian (Bonnie) Bleicher of Woodbury; two aunts: Helen Bahou of Watertown, N.Y., and Pauline Mansour of Grand Blanc, Mich.; an uncle, Fred Ofiesh in Maryland; six nieces and nephews: Leanne Dengler, Kris Marie Bleicher, Scott Bleicher, Amanda Hammel, Michele Bleicher and Brian Michael Bleicher Jr.; five great-nieces and great-nephews; and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Kathleen Matthews; and several aunts and uncles.
Elia was a 1969 graduate of Altoona Area High School and a 1973 graduate of Duquesne University. He retired as vice president of finance at Skills of Central PA, and he was previously a director of finance at Presbyterian Homes.
He was a member of St. George Orthodox Church, Altoona. He was also a board member of ABCD Corporation, where he was chairman of the Audit Committee. He was a member of Blair County Hospital Authority, Central PA Community Foundation, Art in Common, Fellowship of the Carpenter and Institute of Management Accountants, and he was campaign cmmittee treasurer for Bruce Erb.
Elia enjoyed photography and listening to classical music. He also enjoyed going to the Chautauqua Institute, the theatre and visits to the ocean. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and he was known for making great coffee.
Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, at The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona, where a Trisagion service will be held. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, at St. George Orthodox Church, Altoona, Father Isaac Danevicius officiating. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Altoona.
The family requests that memorial contributions in Elia’s memory be made to St. George Orthodox Church, 519 58th St., Altoona, PA 16602.
http://stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com
Timothy Little
I just happened to see Elia about a month ago and we chatted. He knew time could be short. It is always hard to lose a classmate let alone one you knew from grade school. He was a quiet gentleman. RIP
William Rudy
Very fond memories of Elia and his family.Quite a gentleman .
Mary Lee Fleck (Kelly)
I am just seeing this...must have missed it while we were out of the state in November. Elia was a classmate since first grade. He was a quiet and unassuming student. I'm sorry that I didn't get to see him again in adulthood. RIP.