The former chief of the Hilltop Volunteer Fire Department Don Ishman died Saturday afternoon after being accidentally hit by a tanker at the firehall. Police say the 60 year-old Ishman of Cyclone was struck by the tanker while providing assistance to the driver, 79 year-old Richard Beckman, who was backing into a garage bay at the station on Route 646 in Keating Township. Ishman was pronounced dead at the scene by McKean County Coroner Mike Cahill. Police say the incident was accidental and no charges will be filed. Ishman was a 43-year member of the Hilltop Volunteer Fire Department.
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Donald R. “Chunk” Ishman, 60, of Cyclone, passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2016 in Cyclone.
He was born on September 5, 1955 in Olean, NY, a son of Theresa M. Ault Ishman and the late Raymond L. Ishman.
He was a 1973 graduate of the Smethport High School.
He was a 43 year member of the Hilltop Volunteer Fire Department. While with the fire department he trained in EMS, Vehicle Rescue, First-Aid, CPR Training, an Ambulance EVDT Course and he took basic and advanced courses at the Tri-County Fire School. He was awarded the Bradford Rotary Club 2006 Fire Fighter of the Year. He held numerous positions in the fire department over the years such as Fire Chief for 8 years, 1st Assistant Chief for 2 years, 2nd Assistant for 1 year and 3rd Assistant for 2 years; he served as Relief Association officer, Tri-County Delegate, Vice President and also on the fire department’s Board of Directors. He was a common fixture at the local race tracks for many years; where he was a crew chief for several racing teams and a push truck driver.
He was employed by Zippo Manufacturing Co., Inc. for many years until he had to retire due to health issues.
In addition to his mother, Theresa Ishman of Cyclone, he is also survived by one sister-in-law, Cheryl Ishman of Portville, NY; one niece, Michelle Ishman of Portville and two nephews, Travis (Tessa) Martin of Philadelphia and Shawn King of Bradford.
In addition to his father he was also preceded in death by one brother, Melvin Ishman and one sister, Penny Cross.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday at 1:00 PM with the Rev. Frank Eppley, retired pastor of Grace Chapel Full Gospel Church, Farmer’s Valley and Rev. Max Simms, pastor of the Hilltop Baptist Church, co-officiating.
Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park, Lafayette.
Memorial Contributions in his memory can be made to the Grace Chapel Full Gospel Church, 203 Rt. 446, Smethport, PA 16749, or the Hilltop Baptist Church, P.O. Box 76, Gifford, PA 16732.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.
Online Condolences can be expressed at www.maschofuneral.com.