Charles Kolence

Charles Kolence, 81, of Avella, died at 6:40 p.m. Thursday, October 21, 2004, in his home. He was born January 28, 1923, in Moon Run, a son of Louis and Agnes Kolence. Mr. Kolence was Catholic and attended Robinson High School in Moon Run, where he was captain of the soccer team. He was a World War II veteran who served in the 8th Air Force, 91st Bomber Group, with the 323rd Bombardment Squadron in the European Theater. He flew 30 combat missions over Europe as a tail gunner on a B-17. He received the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with a bronze star and Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Kolence, a staff sergeant, received a citation "for exceptionally meritorious achievement in combat missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe. The courage, coolness and skill displayed reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States." Mr. Kolence was employed as a steelworker at Fort Pitt Bridge Works in Canonsburg and retired from Diamond Fabrications in Washington. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed golfing and hunting. On November 5, 1949, he married Dorothy Clark Isenberg, who died February 2, 2002. Surviving are two sons, Charles B. Kolence of Avella and Curtis B. Kolence and wife Tammy of Claysville; a daughter, Gail Lis and husband Regis of Parkersburg, W.Va.; a sister, Mary Kozak of Moon Run; two grandchildren, Chase and Brandon Kolence; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are four brothers, Louis, John, Michael and Joseph Kolence; and two sisters, Frances Stepek and Anne Winning. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, October 25, in St. Hilary Roman Catholic Church, Washington, with the Rev. Thomas D. O'Neil as celebrant. Interment will follow in Washington Cemetery, Military rites will be accorded by Robinson Township American Legion Post 862.