Albert W. Speth

LOCK HAVEN - Albert W. Speth, 81, peacefully joined the Great Spirit in the sky on the early morning of April 1, 2010, April Fools Day. He lived a full life with his faithful and beloved cat, Spirit. Always a practical joker, he was an all star football player until the end. He is the father of Pat Corey (Bill) of State College, Pa., Judy MacLaren (Peter) of San Bruno, Ca. and Jean Von Trende (Michael) of Santa Rosa, Ca. and father-in-law to Curt Keays. His oldest daughter, Mary Susan Keays predeceased him in 2000. He is the grandfather of Iris and Jasmine Corey. He was born in Columbus Ohio, son of William Speth and Josephine Arkins Speth in 1928. His sister, Mary Josephine Leonhardt and brother, William Speth, live in Columbus, Ohio along with many nieces and nephews. Al was a fierce competitor on the football field at St. Mary's High in Columbus Ohio where he made the All State team. He earned a football scholarship to the University of Dayton. He was a Korean War veteran and married Marcella Devaney in 1952. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Masters Degree in Public Health. Mr. Piper, Mr. Claster, and Mr. Snowiss, who were on the Lock Haven Hospital Board, worked with " Big Al " to build the Lock Haven Hospital. He also managed the construction of Susqueview, The Extended Care Unit, and Pine Haven. He served as Chairman of the Hospital Association of Pennsylvania and a delegate for Region 3 of the American Hospital Association. He advocated and lived to see health care reform. He was a 50-year member of The Rotary Club and a public-spirited citizen. He loved the woods, the bears, and the birds. He was a natural gardener and known for his tomatoes and hot peppers. After retiring 35 years and a day from the LH Hospital, he became a PA State AARP Advocate, Consultant, and a columnist with the Lock Haven Express. Alas, football injuries, a weak heart, and time took its toll and he rested at home well cared for by his wonderful caregivers: Christy, Joyce, Erin, Amy, Ricki, Stefan, Stephen, Brenda, Kathy, Barb, Bill, and Mickey. His final wishes were to make a perfect ash of himself. A Celebration of Al's life will be held Tuesday April 6, at Helt Funeral Chapel, 232 Hogan Blvd., Mill Hall, PA. 17751 at 5:30 PM. Friends will be received from 4- 5:30PM. Memorials are requested to the Clinton County SPCA or the Dunnstown Fire Department through the funeral home.