Posted by Rev. Father Michael G. Hritz on November 27, 2000 at 20:09:11:
I was born at Armstrong County Memorial Hospital on 02/15/1955, to Margaret Kittka. My father was Howard Wendell (or maybe Wendell Howard) Gray. Because of major complications, my leg was broken during birth (breach) & I spent my first weeks strapped to a hospital bed in traction.
I am told that pictures were taken of my pitifukl entry into this world, but my mother could not afford copies.
Shortly after my birth, my father left us (Mum, brother, sister), I was told due to my crippled state. we were raised with great help from my grandparents in Yatesboro, til my Mum remarried in 1969, & we moved to Texas.
I have been searching for any record of my father, or his brother Darrell (Darrel) (Daryl). My father was a truck driver from Elmira, my Mum was a coal miner's daughter, worked at Pina's Restaurant in Rural Valley forever. Is there anyone in Kittanning that would have access to old records, or that could point me toward them? I was told that my hospital records were lost in a flood long ago, but I have come to disbelieve most of what I have been told about family.
Our heritage is the path upon which we walk; without knowing our heritage, we canot reach our destiny.
Rev. Father Michael G. Kittka/Gray/Hritz
Pastor, Church of the Light
Bastrop, Texas