Earl Preston Eshelman

On Sept. 4, 2024, the Pittsburgh sports world lost its greatest fan, possibly of all time, with the passing of Earl Preston Eshelman, 73, of New Enterprise.

Born May 24, 1951, Earl was the son of John Russell Eshelman and Helen Louise Eshelman (Brown).

Earl is survived by his siblings, John L., Patricia George, Ronald (Marilyn), Linda Jones, and Cynthia Giles; along with nieces and nephews, Michael (Cassandra), Tonia Evans (Thomas), John R., Donald Adams, Benjamin Adams, Jeremy George, Rachel Swope (Ryan), David Jones (Kimberly), Daniel Waters (Susan), Jessica George, and Sean Jones (Kayla); as well as several great-nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a community who will miss him, and a church whose members' generosity during Earl's final years will never be forgotten.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents and his brother, Joseph.

As a graduate of Northern Bedford and Robert Morris University, and an avid sports fan, Earl was passionate about his Pittsburgh teams, especially his beloved Pitt Panthers, all having held a special place in his heart.

An employee of Galliker's Dairy for years in both Altoona and then Johnstown, Earl was well known throughout the tri-county area, befriending people from all walks of life.

Famous for his unique laugh, Earl loved talking to people, making everyone immediately feel like a life-long friend.

His dedication in all aspects of his life never faltered, as evident by his contributions towards local youth sports throughout the years, sharing his love of sports with his family and friends of all ages, and spearheading group events to Bucco games.

Earl's love of Pittsburgh was only outmatched by his love of Bedford County, where he lived most of his life. While he traveled all over the country to support his Pittsburgh teams, his home was always New Enterprise. He spent decades rooting on the Panthers of NBC. Multiple generations of former Panthers can speak to his devotion to sports of all age groups at Northern Bedford.

A funeral was held Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at New Enterprise Church of the Brethren. Rev. Paul Snyder officiated.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Earl's name to the New Enterprise Church of the Brethren.

Arrangements by Stone Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc .; Woodbury, (www.stonefuneralhomewoodbury.com).