Raymond G. ‘Gus’ Cropples, 82 passed away unexpectedly, Thursday morning, January 17, 2013 at his Monaca residence where he had lived his entire life.

Born January 11, 1931, he was a son of Greek immigrants, Gus and Anna Cropples.

He entered the U.S. Army in November, 1955 at the end of the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Korea. Gus was honorably discharged in 1957 with the rank of SP 3(T). Gus’ first ten years of employment was with Pittsburgh Tube Mill as a pattern maker. He then gained employment as a crane man at J&L Steel’s Aliquippa works until the plant’s closing. His last employment was with Agden Allied at the former Pittsburgh Airport and later at the current Pittsburgh International Airport escorting passengers. This job afforded him the opportunity to meet numerous celebrities traveling through the airport.
Gus was a talented woodworker who had a knack for woodcrafts. Most of his finished items were carted to Rodgers, OH where they quickly sold. For the last ten years, Gus had turned his attention to crossword puzzles and to making frequent shopping trips.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Florence Hojdila and three brothers, Vasil Ungarean, John Ungarion and Victor Ungarean.

He leaves his wife, Gladys (Yoho) Cropples. A daughter, Kellie Marich and her husband, Terry, Sr. of Aliquippa. Three grandchildren: T.J., Ryan and Jilliane Marich and his sister, Ann.

Friends will be received Monday from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Ave., Monaca, where prayers will be offered on Tuesday at 9:30 am followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10 am in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Monaca. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery with full military honors by the Beaver County Special Unit at 10:45am
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made to the ASPCA, 620 Liberty Ave., 10th Fl., Pittsburgh, PA. 15222-2722 due to his love of animals.