Father Clarence "Chuck" Bridges

Father Clarence "Chuck" Bridges, 82, of Johnstown, went to be with the Lord on January 16, 2024. Born on March 13, 1941, in Johnstown, he was the son of Bernetta Bridges Mihalich.

Preceded in death by his mother, and sister Mary Louise Wyandt.

Survived by his sisters Suzanne (Mihalich) Weslager, wife of Charles; Kathleen (Mihalich) Oravecz; nieces and nephews Chanen Mihalich, Athena Oravecz, Tracey Petrusic (Scott), Joel Weslager (Tricia), Alesa Weslager, Marlena Montagna (Albert).

Chuck started his career in Broadcasting with WCRO in 1958, after graduating from Johnstown High School. He later moved to WARD, where he specialized in news. He did morning news through the 1970’s and 80’s at WARD and WJNL, until he entered the seminary. After becoming a priest, he is best known for the Live Sunday Mass telecast that aired on channel 8 and later channel 23.  Chuck also used to do record hops back in the late 50’s and early 60’s for WCRO radio at local playgrounds. Chuck was also one of the co-anchors for “The Big News”. “The Big News” aired on WARD TV in 1969 from atop Colver Hill in Johnstown. Chuck was also Editor-in-Chief of “The West Hills Herald” in the 1970’s. It was a local tabloid serving the West End of Johnstown. Chuck wrote it, printed it, collected the advertisements, and distributed it. When they were installing the Sanitary Sewer System in Lower Yoder Township in Johnstown, Chuck took action. He bought a backhoe and dump truck. Thus, Bridges Excavation was born. After a couple years and the sewer project was complete, Chuck sold his equipment. He had a love for narrow gauge railroads and visited Colorado several times to ride the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad in Durango, Colorado. Chuck always wanted to write and film a Hollywood Movie. He had begun a movie transcript about a group of young kids who buried a time capsule. They later return as adults in their golden years to open it and relive their childhood adventures.

Chuck was ordained on May 14, 1988, by the Most Rev. Joseph V. Adamec at Saint John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown. He served as Parochial Vicar at Saint Benedict Parish in Johnstown from June 7, 1988 - June 9, 1993, Parochial Vicar at Saint Mary Parish in Altoona from June 9, 1993 - June 29, 1995, and Parochial Vicar at Saint John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown from June 29, 1995 - August 1, 2020

Viewing will be held from 4-7 PM on Monday, January 22, 2024, at Frank Duca Funeral Home, Westmont Chapel, 1622 Menoher Blvd. Johnstown PA 15905, where Vigil will be held at 6:30 PM.

Reception of Body Rite followed by visitation from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at St. John Gualbert Cathedral, with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 2:00 PM, Bishop Mark Bartchak, homilist Fr. James Crookston, and priests of the diocese. Committal will take place at St. Francis Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to Proclaim Tv Ministry, c/o St. John Gualbert Cathedral, 117 Clinton Street, Johnstown PA 15901 in Father Bridge's memory.

Condolences and other information can be found at www.ducafuneralhome.com.

TO VIEW THE LIVE STREAMING OF THE FUNERAL LITURGY, GO TO:  https://www.stjohngualbert.org/proclaim-tv-mass-ministry

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