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Andrew Dwight Pecsenye, 83, died Sunday, March 26, at Beacon Ridge Nursing Home in Indiana, Pa. He had been there since falling at his home last November. Dwight lost the love of his life, his dear wife, Louise, last May. He dearly missed her, and their children are happy that they are once again reunited in heaven.

Dwight was born January 4, 1934 in Johnstown, Pa to Mary Ellen and Andrew Pecsenye. Indiana State Teachers College was where Dwight received his undergraduate degree in Music Education. It is also where he and “Weezy” fell in love. Marrying right after graduation, he was hired as band director at United High School. He immediately pursued higher education and received his Masters in Directing from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

Dwight’s love of music and education led him to a long, full 36 years of directing/teaching students starting from the band at United high school, to directing the choir at Kiski Boys School, to his most well known position at Indiana Area High School as first Director of the marching band and then many years as Director of all the choral groups. His Madrigal Singers and A Cappella Choir were sought after groups to sing in community events such as Baccalaureate, Miss Evergreen Tree Lighting, Jimmy Stewart Dedication, and so many more. His students loved him because he pushed them to perform above their own expectations, and he made them feel that their lives and their contribution to life mattered. As recently as last summer, his children remember all the students who came knocking at their home to personally thank their father for his influence in their lives even as adults. He was so proud of them; even the ones from his “Sinner’s Row!” It didn’t matter where he went in the community up to this day, he would often hear kind words from his former students. Then they would go on to tell him of their accomplishments which always brought a big smile to his face.

Dwight’s passion for his Lord and music allowed him for many years, to direct the Chancel Choir and be Director of Music at Graystone Presbyterian Church in Indiana . During those years, he created a tradition; especially at Easter and Christmas services. The large groups of choirs and musicians are still fondly remembered by his children and church family.

After retiring, he and Louise were longtime members and one time President Couple of the Indiana Ballroom Dance Club where they forged new friendships and dance moves! He was President of AARP. They traveled to many Elderhostels across America, took camping trips with family and friends, spontaneous picnics were often, and new card games always added to times spent with friends and grandchildren.

Dwight is survived by his children, Timothy Pecsenye , Drew (Sabrina) Pecsenye, Susan (Howie) Turner; four grandchildren, Jessica Pecsenye, Erica Pecsenye, Ashley Turner, Madison Turner; and sister Shirley Kuyat.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 31 from 6 to 9pm and Saturday, April 1 from 1:30 to 3:30 at Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home in Indiana. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 1 at 4pm at Graystone United Presbyterian Church in Indiana. Private interment will be made at Oakland Cemetery.

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