Harry Edward Claypoole, Jr.

Harry Edward Claypoole, Jr., of State College, Pennsylvania, died Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at home in the company of his loving family.  He was born on June 12, 1935, in Margaret, Pennsylvania, to the late Harry E. Claypool, Sr. and Jessie (Shoop) Claypool.  The youngest son and third youngest of thirteen children, Harry had a reputation as a jokester with a playful sense of humor that he maintained until the end of his days.  

As a young man, Harry enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his county for eight years.  After his honorable discharge from service, he met and married his beloved wife of sixty years, Sara D. (Smith) Claypoole.  Harry's job with Morris Coupling required the newlyweds to move to Erie, Pennsylvania.  After 5 years, Sara gave birth to the couple's only child, a daughter, Melanie K. (Claypoole) Zajac.  A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Harry retired in 2000 from GE Transportation in Erie, Pennsylvania, to spend more time with his two young granddaughters.  Harry and Sara then relocated to State College, Pennsylvania, in 2012, as their daughter Melanie had also moved there with her husband and daughters.  

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers, Lawrence, Elmer, Russell, and Paul (died in infancy) Claypool, 7 sisters, Violet Manley, Lois Jean Zurney, Martha Luke, Delma Ollinger, Vivian Sabato, Gloria Kelly, and Gladys DeChance.  He is survived by his wife, Sara, daughter, Melanie (William) Zajac, and granddaughters Allison and Jessica Zajac, all of State College, Pennsylvania, and one sister, Beverly Casella of Apollo, Pennsylvania.

A private viewing and memorial service was held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the Snyder-Crissman Funeral Home in Kittanning and interment was at Center Hill Covenant Brethren Church Cemetery in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, with Revered Doctor Ron Shafer presiding.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harry Edward Claypoole, Jr., please visit our floral store.