Herbert R. Ketterer

Herbie passed away surrounded by his loving family on March 16, 2025, at the age of 96 at the VA Hospital, in Pittsburgh. He is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Monica (Solomon) Ketterer; siblings Chuck Ketterer (Marie), Russell Ketterer (Pat), Ruth Meyer (Rod), Rosemary Hoover (Richard), Dorothy Broadhurst, Irma (Red) Needham; his life partner, Tresa Ketterer, and grandsons Jason Fleishner and Bryan Ketterer. Herbie is survived by his loving children, Janet (Gary) Fleishner, James (Susan) Ketterer, Douglas (the late Rebecca) Ketterer, and Sandra (Thomas) McGinn; Grandfather (Pappy Herbie) of Ashley (Jordan) Gruszkowski, Scott (Chelsea) McGinn, and Mark McGinn; Great grandfather to Olivia and Blair McGinn and Anna and Julia Gruszkowski, who knew him as “Pap with a Hat.”

Herbie was born on February 7, 1929, in Glenshaw Pennsylvania. After graduating from Etna High School, he joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate Second Class with Air Transport Squadron Five, traveling throughout the Mediterranean, and stationed in Japan. Herbie was small in stature but larger than life in his character. Herbie and Terry enjoyed a lifelong friendship with six other couples they lovingly referred to as “The Etna Gang”. He had many friends at the numerous social clubs he belonged to, notably serving as the President of the D.O.H. Club in Etna for 15 years and was an active member of the Shaler Mount Royal V.F.W. Post 9199. Some of Herbie’s favorite pastimes include attending annual summer picnics sponsored by the clubs, doing puzzles, sitting in his recliner or on the porch, offering unsolicited advice on projects, and going for a drive to visit family and friends, just for a few minutes. Herbie lived a very active life and only recently stopped driving. Herbie was well-liked in his social community and will be missed by all who knew him.

Celebrate Herbie’s life with his family on Wednesday from 3-7 PM at PERMAN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 923 Saxonburg Blvd., where services will be held on Thursday at 10 AM.