Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

Age 93, of Upper St. Clair, formerly of Johnstown, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
Elmer was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years Mary E. (Cagley); loving father of Joseph (Becky), Patricia, Thomas (Sue) and Daniel (Jill); Pappy of Joshua, Lucas, Leah (Garrett), Hannah, and Jack, and the late Emma Marie; proud great grand-Pappy of Colden. Elmer was born in Johnstown, PA of Italian immigrants Giuseppe (Joseph) DePra and Clara (Funicelli); brother to John (Stella), Arthur (Ruth), Alfred (Janet), Angeline, Joanne (Richard), Rose (Edward), Richard, and Josephine, who died at birth. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.
After graduating high school, Elmer enlisted in the Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. He completed boot camp at Parris Island and was assigned stateside to the Philadelphia Marine Depot as a Clerk-Typist. He was a proud veteran, wearing the long faded USMC Bulldog tattoo on his forearm; a mirror to the “Mother” tattoo he wore on the other to honor Clara. After discharge in 1952, he worked multiple jobs to attend and graduate from DeVry Technical Institute with an associate’s degree in engineering. His first job in 1955 was as a cameraman with WQED Channel 13 in Pittsburgh. In 1956, Elmer started at WJAC-TV in Johnstown as a TV Engineer, was promoted to Director/Producer in 1966, and directed the evening news and produced local commercials until his retirement 30+ years later. In 1960, he married his beloved wife Mary, where they built a house in Johnstown and raised four children, helping all to attend college and attain advanced degrees. After nearly 60 years in Johnstown, Mary and Elmer moved to South Park to be closer to family in their retirement.
Elmer was one of a kind. “The Termite” was an expert woodworker with a shop to envy. He could make anything, fix anything, and was always quick with a joke, a smile, and a witty retort! Even his last days were filled with positive Elmer-isms -- “I’m in good shape for the shape I’m in!” We should all be so blessed to have lived such a long and wonderful life of nearly 94 years. Elmer’s love and devotion to his family and our Lord Jesus was steadfast as is our love for him. He will be missed every day until we meet again. We are comforted by the fact that he and mom are reunited in Heaven to continue their adventures together.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025 in Our Lady of Hope Parish, St. Valentine Church at 10:00 a.m. Burial in Queen of Heaven Cemetery immediately after Mass. A celebration and gathering will follow in the John F. Slater Funeral Home Venue, The Whitehall House from 1-3 p.m. Arrangements handled by the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227.