Donald C. Petras, 80, of Ford City, died Monday, Aug. 18, 2014, at Armstrong County Memorial Hospital. He was born Dec. 30, 1933, in Ford Cliff, a son of Paul F. and Ethel M. (Wolfe) Petras. Don was a lifetime resident of the Ford City area and was a member of Appleby Manor Presbyterian Church. He worked as a millwright at PPG, retiring in 1994, and also owned Don Petras Backhoe and Trucking Services for many years. Don loved working on farms and being outdoors. He enjoyed working with his equipment and each year plowed the gardens of his neighbors. Don was happiest when spending time in the mountains at his camp in Mix Run and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. His memory will be cherished by his children, David Petras and wife, Diane, Timothy Petras and Barbara Emmonds and companion, Bob Shaul, all of Ford City; grandchildren, Joshua, Jacob and Tyce Petras, Katie Emmonds-Bailey and husband, John, and Brooke Emmonds; great-grandchildren, Owen and Anna Bailey; brothers, Bob Petras and wife, Norma, of Ford City, and Carl Petras and wife, Mary, of Galion, Ohio; and sisters, Louise McIntire and husband, Ron, of Kittanning, Dorothy McIlwain, of Ford City, Mary Jane Shankle and husband, Tom, of Worthington, Janet Lux and husband, Al, of Ford City, and Patty Fennell, of Ford City. Don was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Sandra L. (McCarthy), whom he married July 10, 1954, and who died Sept. 6, 2013; son, Michael Petras; and brothers, Ed, Bill, Dick and Glenn Petras. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014, at the BAUER FUNERAL HOME, 515 N. McKean St., Kittanning. Additional visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014, at Appleby Manor Presbyterian Church, 810 Main St., Ford City, with the Rev. Laurie Milligan officiating. Contributions can be made in Don's memory to Appleby Manor Presbyterian Church, 810 Main St., Ford City, PA 16226. Arrangements are being handled by Bauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc. To send a condolence to Don's family or view a tribute honoring his life, visit

(Leader Times 8/20/2014)