Wilfred H. "Willie" Guth

Wilfred H. "Willie" Guth 75, a well-known Franklin business man and avid golfer passed away unexpectedly on Sunday June 1, 2014.

Born September 6, 1938 in Oil City, he was a son of the late Irvin and Mary Dechant Guth.

He was a graduate of St. Joseph's High School in Oil City.

Willie was a true self-made man. He began working in the automotive industry over 50 years ago, starting out as a wash boy at the former Howard Voit Chevrolet and worked his way up to general manager and eventual owner of the dealership.

In 1977 he opened Allegheny Toyota in Franklin and had continued to be active in the daily operations of the business until his passing.

Mr. Guth was very active in the community serving on the board of directors at VNA of Venango County, VARHA and many other community organizations over the years.

Willie loved to golf, and could frequently be seen playing at Wanango Golf Club. He traveled throughout the United States playing golf with family and friends at some of the most landmark golf courses including Pebble Beach.

He also enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, wildlife, working on his farm. Willie and his wife Nancy shared a strong passion for horses.

He proudly served his country with the United States Army Reserves.

Mr. Guth was an active and faithful member of St. Patrick Church in Franklin.

On December 31, 1960 he married the love his life the former Nancy McFadden at St. Venantius Church in Rouseville, and she survives.

Also surviving are three children; Stephen S. Guth and his wife Robyn of Franklin, Michael P. Guth and his wife Sarah of Franklin and Michelle L. Blass and her husband Guy of Pittsburgh; three sisters; Marietta Brumbaugh and her husband Bud, Deleen Foy and her husband Joseph, and Ardelle Leonard and her husband Gerald; four brothers, Donald Guth, Dwight Guth and his wife Nancy, Calvin Guth and his wife Sue Ann and Kurt Guth and his wife Karen.

Additionally surviving are seven grandchildren; Joshua Guth, Ryan Guth, Danielle Guth, Alexander Guth, Andrew Guth, William Blass and Michael Blass.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Samantha Guth.

Family and friends welcome Thursday from 12:00 - 4:00 P.M. & 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. at Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. 312 West Park St. Franklin.

A vigil service will be held at 7:30 P.M. Thursday in the funeral home with Deacon Richard O'Polka of St. Patrick Church, officiating.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick Church on Friday June 6, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. with Msgr. John Herbein as Celebrant.

Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Autism Society of Pittsburgh, 4371 Northern Pike, Monroeville PA 15146 or VARHA 150 Wagner Drive Franklin PA 16323.