John "Smokey" Harter

John H. “Smokey” Harter, 79, of Washington, died Monday, April 8, 2013, in his residence. He was born December 17, 1933, in Washington, a son of the late George William Harter and Frances “Rachel” Anderson Harter. Mr. Harter attended a one-room school in Lincoln Hill and in the 1950s was the PA State Marble Champion. For 33 years, he worked as a laborer for American Bridge and US Steel Corporation in Ambridge and for 17 years at X-Mark Industries in Washington. Mr. Harter enjoyed playing cards, horse racing, gambling and going to the casinos. On July 23, 1955, he married his wife of 55 years, Lily May Naylor, who died August 31, 2010. Surviving are four daughters, Vickie Bedillion (Don) of Washington, Franny Pieper (David) of Marianna, and Tracy Huffman (Zach Martin) and Jody Startare (Joseph), both of Washington; grandchildren, Stacy Armstrong (Rob), Misty McMasters (Chuckie, Jr.), Tammy Bedillion, Nicole Pieper, Taylor Pieper, Morgan Pieper, Melissa Andreone (Rodger), Amanda Huffman, Savannah Startare and Jeremiah Startare; and great-grandchildren, Rylie Armstrong, Aaron Armstrong, Lily Armstrong, Lucas Andreone, Alissa Garner and Zane Garner. He is also survived by his best friends, Jim and Margaret Howard. Deceased are a sister, Shirley Kauffman, and a brother, Billy Harter. Friends will be received Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 11th, with Rev. Rick Bruckner officiating.