Louis F Newara

Louis F. Newara, 99, of North East, passed away Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at Brevillier Village.  He was born on March 9, 1922 in North East, one of 13 children of Antonino and Josephine (Rizzo) Newara.  “Louie” attended North East High School.  In April, 1941 Louie began his career at the General Electric Company.   He was drafted and inducted into the U.S. Army on November 12, 1942.  He began active service on November 26, 1942.   On January 8, 1944 Louie married the love of his life, Grace (“Gracie”) Signorello.   Upon receiving orders, Louie left for duty in Europe arriving in France on September 24, 1944 where he performed the duties of field artillery, which consisted of supervision, procurement, and distribution of ammunition, as well as keeping the ammunition inventory and supervised construction operations to protect the ammunition from the elements.  Louie was with Battery C- 381st Field Artillery Battalion – 102 Infantry Division.  He achieved the rank of Sergeant.  Louie was very proud of his service with the United States Army.  While serving in Europe he participated in several campaigns and was awarded medals: Rhineland Central Europe; Good Conduct Medal; American Campaign Medal; European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars; World War II Victory Medal; Honorable Service Lapel Button; WWII Marksman Badge/Carbine Bar.  For his service in Germany from November 4, 1944 through March 14, 1945, Louie received a Certificate of Merit Citation and medal for the Battle of the Bulge.  

Soon after his Honorable Discharge on February 6, 1946, Louie returned to work at the GE as a welder/assembler in Building 5 in and retired in February, 1983.   In the interim, he also attended and obtained a Certificate from the Technician Training School in Erie after completing the courses in carpentry on June 1, 1950.   Louie and his brother, Charlie, constructed Charlie’s home in 1957.  In 1960, Louie and Charlie constructed Louie’s family home on Tannery Street.  Louie always enjoyed golfing (had a hole in one at Lakeside), whistling, gardening, playing cards, traveling, dancing and woodworking - in particular, making furniture, wooden trains, toys, birdfeeders, etc.  He could repair and/or build just about anything.   Throughout their 73 year marriage, Louie and Gracie enjoyed many Sunday dinners with the family.  Louie was a member of St. Gregory Catholic Church, the American Legion Post 105, VFW, Brotherhood of St. Joseph’s Club, and Loyal Order of Moose.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by sisters, Sarah, Rosalie, and Shirley, brothers, Paul, Joe, Charlie, Anthony, Bob, and his son-in-law, Joe.   Louie is survived by four children, Dennis (Brenda) of Erie, JoAnn Kloss, Carol Rouse (Rick), and Steven (Joyce) all of North East; ten grandchildren, Wendy, Gregory, Ryan, Janelle, Jordan, Michael, Tracy, Tammy, Terri, and Nathan as well as seven great-grandchildren.  Also survived by brothers, Raymond, Jerry, and Vincent, and sister, Angie, and sister-in-law, Lena Newara, and several nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received at the W. Tad Bowers Funeral Home, 92 South Lake Street, North East, PA on Sunday, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  The funeral mass at St. Gregory Catholic Church will begin on Monday at 10:30 a.m.  Interment will be at St. Gregory Catholic Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to the North East Fire Dept., P.O. Box 559, North East, PA 16428 or to the Community Nursing Services of North East, 7 Park Street, North East, PA 16428.  To send condolences, please visit www.bowersfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Louis F Newara, please visit our floral store.