Philip Joseph Palutro, 79, of Irwin passed peacefully Sunday (Nov. 17, 2024) in Cheswick.

He was born Dec. 17, 1944, to the late Philip and Emilie (O’Bradovic) Palutro.

Philip was a very sensitive, caring man. He loved God, golf, his family and law programs. He was a little stubborn sometimes too! This quality would be needed later on in his life though …

Following graduation from Norwin High School in 1962, Philip was involved in military duty in Fort Knox, Ky. After returning home, he dated and then married the love and greatest support of his life, Penny. Little did they know what adventures lay ahead.

Philip began working as a welder at Westinghouse near Pittsburgh. While at this job, although having everything a family would need, Philip became increasingly unhappy and very angry at life. Many people could attest to that who knew him then. One day he met God in the living room of his house while his wife and small children went to church without him. He refused to go. He explained how this unconditional love and peace filled the room and his heart. And thus he and his family were to get ready for a ride.

He attended WPBI Bible Institute in Butler. The school moved to Chambersburg and they followed. After graduating with an Ordained Minister License, he took a small independent church in Clinton. After this, they moved to Clarion, where he became an assistant pastor at Alpha A/G Church. His last and final position was in Bradford, where they started a church called Abundant Life A/G. He remained there for approximately 35 years until retirement due to health problems.

He suffered from major back pain problems and then was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. His wife, Penny, developed mild dementia as well. During this time as well, he lost one of his twin sons, Curt, to Lewy body dementia at age 54. His family moved them to Concordia at the Orchard in Butler, then just recently to Concordia at Fox Chapel.

Despite all the trauma he has endured, Philip kept his sense of humor and easily laughed at himself. He knew he wasn’t perfect, and that’s what made him an effective pastor who touched many, many lives. He was a warrior to the end and would continue to try and stand but would keep falling. His one last fall would be into the arms of Jesus, his Lord. We will greatly miss him. We look forward to the day we can embrace him once again.

He is survived by his loving wife, Penny (Hursh) Palutro of Cheswick; a son, Craig (Kylene) Palutro of Jackson Center; and a daughter, Gina Marie (John) Kibbie of Butler; daughter-in-law, Amy Palutro; eight grandchildren, Caitlin, Grace, Nathan, Ben, Chris, Nic, Sam and Justin; a great-grandson; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Curtis Palutro.
Friends will be received 10 a.m. to noon Thursday at Ott Funeral Home Inc., 805 Pennsylvania Ave., where a funeral service will immediately follow. Burial will be private.

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Published by The Bradford Era from Nov. 19 to Nov. 27, 2024.