Travis S. Wackwitz                   “Shovelhead”

Travis S. “Shovelhead” Wackwitz, 42, of Shinglehouse, passed way unexpectedly at the home of his parents in Shinglehouse, PA, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, after suffering an apparent heart attack.

Born on Monday, December 19, 1983, in Olean, NY, he was a son of Melvin T. Wackwitz, Sr. and Lydia V. Stevens Carpenter.

Travis was a graduate of Bradford High School. He was employed by George Jones as a logger in Shinglehouse. He was a concrete specialist having installed but also constructed wave pools in New Jersey, Pennsylvania (including Waldameer Park in Erie, PA), and Darien Lake in New York. He also built log homes and was an electrician. He was a talented person.

His many hobbies and interests included hunting, fishing, kayaking, riding his Harley, snowmobiling and riding his side by side. He loved his dog, Kara.

Left to cherish his memory are his father, Melvin T. “Todd” Wackwitz, Sr. of Bradford; his mother, Lydia V. (Harold) Carpenter of Shinglehouse; his longtime girlfriend, Tracy L. Bliss of Shinglehouse; his siblings, Shambra L., Melvin T., Jr., Dustin L., Harold M. Jr., Brittany L., Michael T., Steven L., Sharon A., Selena L., and Samantha L.; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; and so many friends he called family.

Travis was predeceased by a sister; a brother; his paternal and maternal grandparents; and his stepmother, Angie B. Wackwitz.

Family and friends may gather from 5pm to 8pm on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, PA, where funeral services will follow at 8pm with Pastor Hank St. Amour of Hebron Union Church, Coudersport, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Travis’ name may be made to the Oswayo Valley Rod and Gun Club, PO Box 186, Shinglehouse, PA 16748 or to Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530, 1365 SR 44S, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.

Travis’ family has entrusted his care and funeral arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Travis, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.