Pennsylvania
Donald G. Bailey Obituary February 8, 2026 – Charles O. Dimond Funeral Home, Inc.
Donald G. “Don” Bailey, 74, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, passed away on February 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in 1951 in Johnstown, Don was a pillar of the community whose influence reached far beyond the classroom and the football field.
Family and Legacy
Don was the devoted husband of Diane Rose (Carson) Bailey, with whom he shared a beautiful 53-year journey. Above all, Don was a family man who loved spending every possible moment with Diane. Together, they shared a love for travel, especially retreating to their second home in Marco Island, Florida, where they found peace and joy by the water.
His legacy lives on through his sons, Brandon (Heather) Bailey and Derek Bailey; and his five cherished grandchildren: Karsen, Morgan Rose, Koby, Adriana Rose, and Leo. He is also survived by his sister, Chyrle Kormanik, and her husband, Dave. Don was preceded in death by his parents, George L. and Nadine (Hillegas) Bailey, and his sister, Linda Bailey.
A Life of Perseverance
Don was a man defined by grit and faith. He fought a long and courageous battle with atrial heart disease, prostate cancer, metastatic melanoma, and the effects of a stroke. He faced each medical challenge with unwavering strength, supported every step of the way by his wife, Diane. Her selfless and devoted care throughout his illnesses was a testament to their enduring bond, allowing him to face his final years with dignity and comfort.
Education and Athletics
A pioneer in his family, Don was the first to graduate from high school, attend college, and earn advanced degrees. A 1969 graduate of Forest Hills High School, he was a standout three-sport athlete, earning nine varsity letters. He attended Southern Illinois University on a football scholarship before graduating from California University of Pennsylvania with both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. He furthered his commitment to leadership by earning his Principal certifications and his Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from Penn State University.
Professional and Coaching Career
Don dedicated his entire professional life to the Forest Hills School District, serving as a teacher, principal, and ultimately, Superintendent. On the sidelines, he became a legend as the Head Football Coach for 45 years, compiling 375 wins, 11 Laurel Highlands championships, and 10 District 6 championships. His contributions earned him inductions into the Pennsylvania Football Coaches Hall of Fame and the Cambria County Sports Hall of Fame, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Football Foundation.
Faith and Character
A man of profound faith, Don was a faithful member of the Salix Bethel Church for over 42 years. He was known for his fierce loyalty to his students and players. Though he had only two sons by birth, Don famously mentored thousands more whom he considered his “sons by choice.”
He lived his life by the words of 2 Timothy 4:7–8:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Service Information
Friends and family will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at Charles O. Dimond Funeral Home, Inc., South Fork. Visitation at Salix Bethel Church from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Saturday at Salix Bethel, Dr. Chad Brown, presiding. Interment, Mount Hope Cemetery.
Hersheypark in Pennsylvaniacould be forced to close this summer amid a dispute between the site’s operators and union employees, according to a report.
The amusement park is scheduled to open seven days a week starting May 21 in a shift from its weekend-only operation before the summer, despite a looming vote among employees about whether to go on strike.
Over 200 union maintenance employees at Hersheypark, The Hotel Hershey and Giant Center rejected a contract offer from Hershey Entertainment & Resorts on May 7, according to Inside the Magic. The park’s operators described the proposal as their “last, best and final” offer.
Over a three-day period this week, employees will vote on whether to strike after rejecting the offer, which is the third from the park’s operators. A strike could close the park just in time for the start of the busy summer season when families head on vacation.
The list of employees considering going on strike includes ride mechanics, electricians, plumbers, welders, painters, machinists, utilities technicians, carpenters, garage auto mechanics and sign artists.
In mid-March, the union and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts agreed to extend a former contract for 60 days to allow for continued negotiations.
According to Inside the Magic, union workers are seeking fair wage increases, more affordable care plans and higher pay premiums for less-desirable shifts. The union has also said that it will reject new contract offers that lower professional standards, devalue skilled trades or open the door to lower wages in maintenance roles in the future.
The Independent has contacted Hershey Entertainment & Resorts for comment about the possible strike.
Hersheypark, located 15 miles east of Harrisburg, is the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania. Founded in 1906, the 121-acre site boasts more than 70 rides, a water park with 17 water attractions and an 11-acre North American Wildlife Park, according to Hersheypark’s website.
It’s named for and themed in conjunction with the popular candy company.
However, a different park in the Keystone State was named as the top amusement park in the U.S. on TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best list.
It was Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, 42 miles north-northeast of Harrisburg, that topped the list. In doing so, the little-known park was ranked higher than Dollywood, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure that also made the top 5.
“It’s got it all: roller coasters, kid-friendly rides (bumper cars, a haunted mansion), swimming, camping, a mining museum, and even a championship 18-hole golf course,” TripAdvisor wrote. “The accommodating staff, clean facilities, and fun attractions make for a memorable family-friendly visit.”
Knoebels is the U.S.’s largest free-admission park, although tickets for individual rides cost a fee.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling on cast vote records creates uncertainty for counties
NEW CASTLE, Pa. (MyValleyTributes) – Charles “Yami” Frederick Jamison, age 83, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, formerly of Warren, Ohio, passed away, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Haven Convalescent Home.
Mr. Jamison was born December 2, 1942, in New Castle, a son of the late Charles N. and Anna (Callihan) Jamison and was a 1960 graduate of New Castle High School.
Charles worked as an order checker clerk for Packard Electric Company, Warren, Ohio, for 31 years, until his retirement in 1999.
A proud veteran, he served his country in the United States Navy.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Warren, Ohio and also attended Mass at Holy Spirit Parish – St. Mary’s Church.
Charles spent his free time hunting and playing Euchre.
He is survived by his four sisters, Margaret I. Klann, Mary E. DeMarco and Catherine “Kay” A. Houk (Robert), all of New Castle and Susan J. Olson (Donald), Winfield, Illinois; his brother, Richard Jamison (Linda) of New Castle; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the City Rescue Mission, 319 S. Croton Ave., New Castle, PA, 16101, and the Salvation Army, 240 W. Grant St., New Castle, PA, 16101.
The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the Haven Convalescent Home for the care and support that Charles received over the years.
Calling Hours will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on 10:30 a.m., Wednesday May 13, 2026, in Holy Spirit Parish – St. Mary’s Church, 124 N. Beaver St., New Castle, with Rev. Aaron Kriss, as celebrant.
Interment: Castleview Memorial Gardens, Neshannock Twp.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles F. Jamison, please visit our flower store.
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