John Brilla, 88, of State College died Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014 at the Fairways in State College.
Born April 29, 1925 in Hawk Run, he was raised in the home of his grandparents, Vasil and Anna Cerifko. He was married to Betty Cartwright Brilla for 66 years.
He was a member of the Morrisdale United Methodist Church. He retired from General Cigar in December of 1986.
Mr. Brilla was a veteran of World War II and received the Purple Heart. He served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. Mr. Brilla also received the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon and World War II Victory Ribbon.
He married Betty Cartwright Brilla on April 24, 1947 at the Morrisdale United Methodist Church. She survives him in State College.
Mr. Brilla is survived by a daughter, Beth A. Bauman and her husband, Eric of Pleasant Gap and his grandchildren, Spencer Bauman, Sasha Klock and her husband, Jared and Jeremy Bauman.
He was preceded in death by numerous aunts and uncles.
A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at the chapel of the Strange & Weaver Funeral Service, Morrisdale, with the Lay Servant Fredrick Ferguson officiating. Burial will be in the Grandview Cemetery, Morrisdale.
The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.