Earl L. May

James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | April 18, 2021

Earl Layton May, 84, of Irwin, passed away April 16, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.  He was born in Johnstown, PA, on August 11, 1936, son of the late William and Beulah May.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, June (Wampler) May; children, Timothy May and his wife, Laurene, Wendy (May) Miller and her husband, Ron, Eric May and his wife, Lisa. 

Also survived by sister, Darlene Felus, daughter-in-law, Penny May; and son-in-law, Ray Crowell; 14 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his children, Quentin May and Rebecca (May) Crowell; sister, LaRue Wilt. 

Earl graduated from Gallitzen High School in 1954, achieved a perfect SAT score, then went off to Pitt to earn his Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering in 1959.  He was a certified Professional Engineer.  After graduation, Earl worked for Lee C. Moore Corp., American St. Gabain Glass, then began a 35 year career with PPG in the Glass Research Division.  He was a graduate of PPG's School of Glass Technology.  At PPG, Earl was a constant source of new ideas that made a significant difference in advancing the technology of glass forming. He was awarded 14 design patents. 

A faithful and devout Christian his whole life, Earl served his country and his church.  He was a member of the US Army Reserves and very active member of Brush Creek Lutheran Church.  He was a leader in council, Sunday school and bible study and a member of the choir.  In addition to serving on many committees, he was chairman of the church’s 200th anniversary in 1973, where he and June designed and built a parade float.  He was also treasurer for Thrivent Financial Services.   

Earl liked to watch his grandkids play softball and hang out with them in his pool.  He was always there for family events and anything they needed.  Earl enjoyed hosting family cookouts, keeping his yard, James Bond movies, reading history and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and his evening phone calls to sister, Darlene.  But most of all Earl loved spending time with his best friend, June, whether at home, cruising in his BMW, or out for one of their lunch or dinner dates.

Friends will be received on Monday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  Additional viewing will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Brush Creek Lutheran Church.  A funeral service to follow at 11 a.m.  PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHURCH.  Interment in Irwin Union Cemetery.   www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

Originally published April 18, 2021.

Other deaths:
"Mary F. Pavlik" || "George W. Whitehead"