Bernard "Ben" E. Schaltenbrand, Jr.

Bernard "Ben" E. Schaltenbrand, Jr., 79, of Wexford went to be with the Lord Monday, March 12, 2012 with his loving family at his side.

He passed into life eternal after a prolonged illness. He was the husband and "friend" of Joan C. Schaltenbrand and the son of the late Bernard E. Schaltenbrand, Sr. and Genevieve J. (Kaiser) Schaltenbrand. He was born June 2, 1932, in Pittsburgh.

Schaltenbrand graduated from North Catholic High School in 1950. He met the "Love" of his life in March of 1951. They married August 21, 1954. Their romance lasted more than 56 ½ years until his passing. Together they had one son, Bernard J. Schaltenbrand, husband of Nancy (Donnelly) Schaltenbrand and one daughter, Mary K. (Schaltenbrand) Allison, wife of Curtis R. Allison. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Heidi (Schaltenbrand) Moeller, Erika Schaltenbrand, Troy Schaltenbrand, Greta Schaltenbrand and their mother, Laura (Theobald) Schaltenbrand; three sisters, Betty (Schaltenbrand) Hengelsberg, Mary Ann (Schaltenbrand) Coholic and Nancy (Schaltenbrand) Pinsdorf. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in death by his brother, Robert Schaltenbrand. 

Schaltenbrand was a Graduate of Carnegie Mellon University where he earned his bachelor and masters degree in mechanical engineering. He also served his country in the Navy and was a veteran honorably discharged in 1957. He worked for Alcoa from the late 1950s until his retirement in late 1996. He achieved the status of Eagle Scout in his youth. He was a life long member of A.S.M.E. (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) and also of A.W.S. (American Welding Society) and was a licensed professional engineer.

He was an avid fisherman and loved gardening. His strong, skilled hands could mend, fix or create just about anything. Schaltenbrand, along with Joan, was one of the original members of Northway Christian Community of Cranberry Township, both serving as Deacons for the church. "Ben" was head usher and head Deacon for many years at Northway and mentored and shared his knowledge, wisdom and time freely with those who asked. His constant, patient, gentle nature won him the nickname of "Gentle Ben," and those same character attributes, along with his faith were what sustained him through his long and difficult illness. He was a "true and faithful servant." He worked hard all his life to provide for his family and loved ones and many who were in need. He was well loved by many and will be greatly missed. He touched many lives. A "Bright Light" in this world has gone out, but the memory of that light will continue to warm us and all the lives he touched. He fought the good fight, kept the faith and finished the race.

A celebration of Ben’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 31st, 2012, with luncheon to follow at Northway Christian Community, 12121 Perry Highway, Wexford. Arrangements by , West View 15229. Please pay tribute at www.schellhaasfh.com.