LeRoy D. "Whitey" Schaller

LeRoy D. "Whitey" Schaller, 98, of Fairfield Township, died Monday April 26, 2021 at
the Bethlen Home. He was born November 19, 1922 in Fountain Hill, PA a son of the late
Roy R. and Grace E. Fenstermacher Schaller.
Whitey had his BS in Forestry, BS in Horticulture (Plant Genetics) and a masters in education.
He had worked as a research forester for two plus years, pioneered herbicide use to clear Valley Forge Park of Japanese Honeysuckle,
was self employed in dairy and general farming for ten years, and was a classroom science teacher for 25 years retiring
in 1985. For over 50 years he had associations with the Society of American Foresters, Ligonier Rotary International,
the 28th Division Heritage Association and 3rd & 32nd degree Mason. He was a life member of; the American Legion, VFW Post #733, 28th Division Heritage Association
and American EX POW's. His civic activities included Laurel Valleys School Board (short fiery times of jointures), Founder of the Loyalhanna Watershed Association
(chair first 5 years), member and founder committee-Ligonier Valley Education Trust-chair first 2 years, founder of Western PA Chapter XIV, Veterans of the BOB-Chair
forever and Member (since inception) Conemaugh Valley Conservancy, Loyalhanna Watershed Association, and St. Vincent College-Fellow of Center for Appalachian Studies.
He was a proud WWII Army veteran having served Huertgen Forest: Worst of ETO- Led to PTSD 6 years after discharge, Battle of the Bulge, Led to POW Stalag IX B-Bad Orb, Germany.
Military awards included; National Infantry Association, Order of St. Maurice: Infantry Hall of Fame, USArmy Disabled American Veteran, Bronze Star,
POW Medal, Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, ETO Medal 3 battle stars, WWII Victory Medal and a Combat Infantry Badge. He was the Environmental Citizen of the Year for 2015.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Nancy Spencer Schaller, his son Kirk, a daughter
Jane, and his sister Lorraine Englander.
He is survived by his daughter Lynn McDermott of Fairfield Township, 4 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
A family celebration of life will be held at a later date.
McCabe Funeral Home, 144 East Main Street, Ligonier was in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be made to wwwmccabefuneralhomespa.com.