Edward "Dick" Altemus

Edward “Dick” Altemus, (87), of Brush Valley, passed away on July 17, 2024, at Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh. Edward was born on May 11, 1937, in Brush Valley and has resided there ever since. For 35 years, Ed was employed as a machinist at Fisher Scientific in Indiana, PA. 

Ed was a devoted member of the Brush Valley Fire Department for 65 years and served as Fire Chief for 63 years. Ed was a part of the first crew to establish the Brush Valley Fire Department in 1959. He took pride in being one of the first to respond to each scene, and in the cleanliness of his fire trucks. 

Ed loved coaching youth sports for his sons and granddaughters, and enjoyed watching Penns Manor football and girls’ basketball games. Ed, also known as Pap, loved spending time with his grandchildren and never missed a single one of their events. When he wasn’t responding to fire calls or supporting his grandchildren, Ed loved to sit on his front porch and watch the cars go by, waving at anyone who honked. Everyone knew that they could stop and talk to Ed whenever they saw him sitting outside. 

Edward is survived by his three sons; Edward Altemus and wife, Peggy, of Brush Valley, Jeff Altemus, of Brush Valley, and Douglas Scott Altemus, of Bedford, PA; his four grandchildren; Evan, Marissa, Kayley and husband Nathan Zolocsik, and Skyler and husband Beck Branton. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren; Clay Zolocsik, “Baby” Branton, Harper, Kinsley, and Mazie. His brother, Don Altemus and wife Rose also survive him.

In addition to his parents, Charles and Mabel (Hileman) Altemus, Edward is preceded in death by his siblings and their spouses, Vera (Altemus) and husband Ray Douglas, Elizabeth (Altemus) and husband Dwight Miller, Clyde Altemus, Charles “Chick” Altemus and wife Agnes, Francis (Altemus) and husband Bob Poore, Jean (Altemus) and husband Richard Tomb, Nancy (Altemus) and husband Leroy Wida, and Bill Altemus and wife, Gretchen. 

Friends will be received Friday from 2PM-8PM at Bowser Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Homer City. Funeral Services will be held Saturday at 1PM at the funeral home. Interment to follow in the Brush Valley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brush Valley Fire Department, 5544 Rte 259 Hwy S, Brush Valley, PA.