Obituary of Jay B Claster

Jay B Claster, 83, of State College, died Monday, November 2, 2015, at his home. Born November 6, 1931, in Lock Haven, he was the son of the late A. H. "Orie" and Miriam Herr Claster. Jay is survived by his wife, Grace Grove Claster; daughter, Saundra M. Claster of New York City; Grace's children, Beth Remick Gillio, and husband, Robert Gillio, M.D. and their five daughters, of Lancaster and Eric Remick and his wife, Tathiana, and their daughter and two sons, of Sparta, NJ; sister, Linda C. Wilkenson, and her two sons, of Hanover, NH; and his former wife, Barbara Claster, Ph.D. of New York City. He graduated from Lock Haven High School in 1949 and the former Carnegie Technical School in 1953, with a bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering. Jay served in the U.S. Army as a MP. In 1955, he joined his family's business, a home center chain. He retired in 1993 as President of the company and it was later sold to Your Building Center. Jay was a volunteer for over 30 years with the American Heart Association, serving as State Board Chairman and as the National Vice President for four terms. He also served on the boards of Penn State, Geisinger, and the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association. Jay was of good humor and a positive attitude, always ready to quietly help many other groups and individuals. He was instrumental in the development of the Centre County Airport Authority to bring improved airline service to University Park Airport. He was an aircraft owner for 50 years, a member of the National Quiet Birdman Association, and an avid car buff. Burial will be private in Centre County Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Home Nursing Agency Hospice, P.O Box 352, Altoona, PA 16603, or to the Salvation Army, 2603 E College Ave, Suite G, State College, PA 16801, in memory of Jay B Claster. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.