Anton ''Tony'' Zalar, 85, Inspector

He was born February 15, 1922 in Lloydell PA. He worked 4 years in the coalmines before enlisting in the Army in August 1942. He began enlistment in the 506 Parachute Battalion and then transferred to Company A 334 Engineer Regiment. He was deployed to the Persian Gulf and spent 2 years building a 300-mile road through the desert. He finished his tour of duty in France and Germany, then returned home November 25, 1945. He had attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and received 2 bronze stars.

Mr. Zalar relocated to Lorain on February 26, 1946 to work at US Steel and retired as an inspector in the pipe mill. He worked there 37 years. Tony was an active member of Saints Cyril and Methodius Slovenian Catholic Church and a member of the church's Holy Name Society. He was also a member of the United Steel Workers Union 1104, Lorain S.N.P.J and American Fraternal Union Lodges, Senior Aging and American Legion. He loved the outdoors and spent much time gardening, hunting, fishing and golfing.

Among the survivors are his daughters Gale Wenger and Jane Balogh both of Lorain and Diane Taylor of Medina, Ohio; a brother Arthur Vidrich of Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, 3 grandsons and 1 great grandson.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years Betty (nee Kragely) Zalar in 1992 and his parents Anton and Mary (nee Swegle) Zalar.

Friends may call Sunday, September 16, 2007, 4:00 to 8:00 PM in the Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain where a parish rosary will be 7:00 PM in the funeral home. Funeral services will be Monday, September 17, 2007 with closing prayers at 9:30 Am then 10:00 Am Funeral Mass in Saints Cyril and Methodius Slovenian Catholic Church, East 31st Street and Globe Avenue, South Lorain. Reverend Father Paul Krajnik, pastor will officiate burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain where the American Legion Post 30, and the Veterans of Foreign post 451, will conduct military honors.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, 43099 North Ridge Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035.