CTO3 US NAVY

Stephen Michael Gurtler, 57, of Cumberland, died peacefully at home on Tuesday morning, March 9, 2010.

Born July 10, 1952, in Cumberland, he was the son of the late Ophelia and Paul Gurtler. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Daniel and William Gurtler.

Steve grew up in Green Spring, W.Va., and then moved to Cumberland during high school.

Steve is survived by his wife of 38 years, Jeanne; his son, Matthew Gurtler and daughter, Erin Mycelia. He loved his family and was "Pap" to Gwendolyn and Andrew Gurtler. His granddaughter Elaina will be born in April. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Benjamin McElyea; a brother, Edward Fout; two sisters, Nancy Ellifritz and Dorothy Gabor; two brothers-in-law, Carl Nycum and wife Beverly and Michael Simpson and wife Peggy.

Steve was a loving father and devoted husband who had many friends and will surely be missed by all who knew him. He had a great sense of humor and a truly unique spirit, one-of-a-kind in every sense of the phrase.

A graduate of Allegany High School, Steve worked for CSX for 30 years as an engineer. He was a member of the BLE. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Navy having served from 1970-1974 and was a District of Columbia police officer from 1975-1980. He was a member of the American Legion, the Democrat Club and the Good Fellowship Club. He enjoyed golfing with his friends and traveled on several golf trips to Myrtle Beach. A highlight of his life each year was going on a family vacation to the beach.

Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Ave., Cumberland, (www.scarpellifuneralhomes.com) on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m.

Funeral services will be conducted at the funeral home on Friday at 1:30 p.m.

Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Benjamin McElyea, Bruce Nycum, Garth Nycum, Randy McMonigle, Carl Nycum and Michael Simpson.