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Obituary

Harry J. Tueche Jr., 89, of Monessen, died Tuesday, July 11, 2006, in Havencrest Nursing Center. Born June 27, 1917, in Fayette City, he was the son of the late Harry J. and Jane Daugherty Tueche. He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Carmen Beery Tueche, two sons, James W. Jerry Tueche and wife Marjorie, of Hershey, and Harry Beezy Tueche, of Rochester Hills, Mich., three grandchildren, Michele Kirsch, Jane Karnowski and Jon Tueche, one step grandson, Edward Coccari, five great-grandchildren, Taylor Kirsch, Sophie and Ella Karnowski, and Weston and Christian Mountz, and two step great-grandchildren, Hedy Paterno and Jade Popson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Tueche, a step granddaughter, Donna Popson, and his half sister, Irene Tueche Evans. During World War II, he served with the 28th Infantry Division, 110th Regiment Company D, rising to the rank of staff sergeant. Mr. Tueche participated in action across northern France and was wounded near Archen, Germany. He was awarded the European, African, Middle East Campaign medal with two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct medal, World War II Victory medal and the Purple Heart. Upon his return to Monessen, he enrolled at California State Teachers College and graduated in 1949. While a full-time student, he founded the Yell-o Cab Co. in July 1948. He sold the taxi business in 1951 and began selling homes for Admiral Co. By 1953, Admiral awarded Harry his own exclusive territory along Route 30 near Irwin, which quickly became the largest volume dealership. In 1957 he founded Keystone Homes in Belle Vernon and by 1965 had 27 dealers in five states. He later co-owned Laurel Ridge Coal Co. in Charleroi. Mr. Tueche was a member of Epiphany of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church, a 60-year member of the American Legion, and a 65-year member of the Elks Club, all in Monessen. He was a past president of the Monessen Industrial Development Corp., and a past member of the Monessen Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club. Mr. Tueche was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates fan. Friends will be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the ROBERT A. BILLICK FUNERAL HOME INC., Grand Boulevard and Marion Avenue, Monessen (724-684-3700). A Blessing Service will be held Saturday, July 15 at 9:30 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. Funeral Mass in Epiphany of Our Lord R.C. Church. Interment will be in Belle Vernon Cemetery. American Legion Post 28, Monessen, will conduct services on Friday at 7:15 p.m. in the funeral home.

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