Allen R. Werkmeister, age 91 of Wexford, passed away on Saturday, April 9, 2022. He was born in the Southside neighborhood of Mt. Washington on July 29, 1930, the son of the late Raymond and Bertha Watten Werkmeister.
He enjoyed an active youth in the company of his family, particularly brothers, Don and Earl, with whom he shared countless adventures that would later serve as the subjects of many beloved stories he enjoyed sharing family. Allen joined his brothers in enlisting in the Air Force in November 1950 as the Korean War was expanding.
He was proud of his service as a mechanic and attributed it to his ability to repair almost anything that he found needing repair around the house. He returned to the civilian workforce as a pressman for the Pittsburgh Press and later the Post-Gazette. A loyal member of Local #9 of the Pittsburgh Newspaper Printing Pressmen’s Union, Allen would often manage 12 shifts a week in order to support his growing family.
After his honorable discharge in 1954, Allen married Mary Lou McCabe to whom he devoted 37 years before her passing in 1995. Together, they raised five children who survive them; Allen R. “Skip” Werkmeister (Nancy), Dr. James R. Werkmeister (Diana), John P. Werkmeister (Lorrie), Sally L. Werkmeister, and Patricia A. Werkmeister. He is also survived by grandchildren Alaina, Patrick, James Jr. (Megan), Megan, Joshua (Myah), Erin Anderson (James), Julia, Alex (Katie), and Michael “Mickey” Carter. Allen was also able to see the birth of four great-grandchildren, Shelby, Myra, Eliza, and Benjamin.
Allen remarried in 1999 to Olga Sireneva who survives. Together, they enjoyed travel and spending time with his children and a growing number of grandchildren. Throughout his life, he selflessly devoted himself to his family. His example has and will continue to bless the generations that follow in his wake. Friends received Tuesday 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Schellhaas Funeral Home, Ltd., 5864 Heckert Road, Bakerstown. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Sts. Martha and Mary Parish, St. Richard Church. Interment will follow in Christ Our Redeemer Cemetery.
