Bernard L. Lojas

Bernard L. “Bernie” Lojas, 77, of Irwin, died Wednesday, December 4, 2024.  Bernie was a Graduate of Hempfield Area Senior High School Class of 1965. After graduation, he enlisted and served as a Sergeant in the United State Air Force in Power Production during the Vietnam War. Bernie continued his education at Gateway Tech in HVAC and Refrigeration in 1970. Bernie started working at Westinghouse Waltz Mill in Madison as a Service Technician and transferred to Field Factory Service, which was bought out by McQuay International where he worked his way up from the field to factory sales and service. He was the Northeast Regional Manager of the United States and Canada. He retired after 43 years of service as the District Manager of Daikin International of Pittsburgh. He was a member of St. Edward Catholic Church in Herminie. 

Bernie was a treasure, an amazing man, a wonderful husband, father, Pap, and best friend to all who knew him. He was loved by all and especially loved his girls. He was proud of his two daughters and kept himself busy after retirement lending a hand in both of their businesses. He enjoyed learning about his granddaughters’ days from sporting activities to daily life.   He was mild mannered and soft spoken. There wasn't a soul he wouldn't lend a hand too. He was the one you always went to for advice. 

In his younger years Bernie enjoyed working on his 1937 Chevy Street Rod, which he still has today. He enjoyed bowling and trying to play golf. He most enjoyed spending time with his family during the holidays and was Santa’s Helper played Santa Claus for various organizations and Christmas Eve for his nieces and nephews. Bernie loved Friday and Saturday nights when they would get together with their group of friends, where he reluctantly played Mexican Train and cards. He had a way with all animals big and small from cats to dogs, to his days on the family farm, to rescuing a lost donkey. 

He was a loving husband of 54 years to the love of his life. There wasn't anything he didn't do without his wife Beverly. They raised two beautiful, strong, independent, loving women. Bernie and Bev worked together all their lives from building their own home to working at the same company where Beverly was his secretary. They knew what it took for a real marriage. 

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Sr. and Josephine (Jakubas) Lojas; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Joseph, Charles (Mary Ellen), Ethel, and Carol Colarusso.

He is survived by his loving wife, Beverly J. (Colarusso) Lojas; two daughters, Anita Lojas (Chad Milliron), and Lisa Waryanka (James Grimmer); two granddaughters, Sydney Marie and Shelby Lee Waryanka; brother, Albert Lojas, Jr. (Annie); two sisters, Janie Cochran (Jack), and Rose Marie Kuhns (Elmer); brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Carl Colarusso, Julianne Thompson (Fred), Mark Colarusso, Eileen Colarusso, and Bonnie Colarusso; and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bernie from 6 to 8 Saturday, and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM Sunday at the LEO M. BACHA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 516 Stanton Street, Greensburg.  A funeral liturgy will begin at 10:30 AM Monday in the funeral home with the Rev. David J. Nazimek as celebrant.  Interment will follow in Greensburg Catholic Cemetery with Full Military Honors accorded by the VFW Post No. 33, Greensburg Honor Guard.  Memorial contributions may be made to All But Furgotten, 70 Carpenter Ln., Irwin, PA 15642.  www.bachafh.com

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