Albert A. Elias, 84, of 786 Kinzua Road, Warren, PA, passed away on Friday, March 8, 2013 at his daughter's residence in Bradford, PA. .

Al was born January 30, 1929, in Smethport, PA., the son of the late Edwin and Elvera Hector Elias. He grew up in Smethport, and was a 1937 graduate of Smethport High School. He later managed a grocery store in Mt. Jewett, where he met his wife, Courtney Nelson Elias, whom he married in 1954. He and his wife moved to Greensburg, PA., for a short time, then returned to Warren as a Metropolitan Life Insurance agent for over twenty five years, from which he retired. All the while he was a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows, Warren Lodge # 339 for over sixty years.

He was currently the President of the Board of Directors at the Oakland Cemetery, a position he has held for more than thirty five years. Al was also a member of the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club, a member of the American Legion Post #135, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie # 313, and a member of the United Commercial Travelers, Council 563 since 1972, of which he was a Past Commander. Al was also a longtime member of the Smethport Senior Center, where he enjoyed playing washboard in the Kitchen Band.

In addition to his longtime commitment to the I.O.O.F. # 339, he was also very accomplished with many other Masonic involvements, including, the Farrah Grotto; the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Coudersport; the Joseph Warren Lodge # 726, Free and Accepted Masons; the Vasa Order of America, Thule Lodge # 127; The Kosuth Encampment # 98, I.O.O.F.; and a Past Grand Patriarch of the state of Pennsylvania, 1989-1990.

Al enjoyed golf, playing in the senior league at Blueberry Hill Golf Club; hunting and fishing; and especially enjoyed time with his family.

Al is survived by his three children, daughter, Kim Dittman and her husband Dennis, of St. Pete Beach, FL.,  their children, Jack Albert Dittman, and Morgan Courtney Dittman and her fiance' Brian Helminiak; daughter, Marcy Tully and her husband Kenneth, of Bradford, PA., and their children, Lindsay Ann Bottorf and her fiance' Charles Doyle, and Michael William Bottorf; son, Brent Elias and his wife Barb, of Penn Yan, N.Y. and their children, Avary, Cara, and Courtney; great grandchildren, James Elias Doyle, and Charles James Doyle; step grandchildren, Brandon and Kelsie Tully; a brother, Bertil Elias, OR.; many nieces and nephews; and his good friend and companion, Helen Cole. Al is also survived by three stepsons, Ed, Tom and Michael Carr, all of Warren, PA; and seven step grandchildren.



In addition to his parents he was preceded in death in 1987 by his first wife and mother of his children, Courtney Nelson Elias; his second wife, Marion "Pug" Carr Elias in 1997; and four brothers, Paul, Donald, Robert, and Gerald Elias.

Friends will be received at the Peterson - Blick Funeral Home, Inc., 1003 Penn Ave., E., Warren, PA., on Monday, March 11, 2013, from 6 to 8 p.m. and at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, 306 Conewango Ave., Warren, PA. 16365 for one hour prior to a funeral service to be held there on Tuesday, March 12, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Mark Fischer, pastor, officiating.

Members of the Joseph Warren Lodge, F & A.M. will conduct a Memorial Ritual at 5:45 p.m., as will members of the I.O.O.F. # 339 at the close of visiting hours.

Burial will follow in the Oakland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Smethport Senior Center, 119 West Main St., Smethport, PA., 16749, or to Hospice of McKean County, 52 Davis Street, Suite 1, Bradford, PA. 16701.


e-condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.peterson-blickfuneralhome.com