Apr 25, 2003 3 min read

Americus A. (Pantano) Bandes, 87, of Republic, Pa., passed away peacefully Wednesday at the Standish Personal Care Home in Washington, Pa. He was born September 1, 1915, in Uniontown, Pa., son of the late James and Dominica (Capomizza) Bandes (Pantano).

He owned and operated the Bandes Barber Shop in Republic, Pa., for nearly forty years, providing his community a friendly place to gather for engaging conversation, as well as a shave and cut, before retiring in 1984. He was an avid coin collector and a true sports enthusiast. He and his wife especially delighted in watching their nephews play football. Though never having children of their own, they doted on their nieces and nephews; reminiscing of those days cheered him most. He was proud to be a resident of Republic and was dedicated to serving his community. This pride and dedication was surpassed only by his love for, and devotion to, his family.

He was a parishioner of the Holy Rosary Church of Republic, Pa. He was also a member of numerous groups, including the Chamber of Commerce, the Numismatic Society, the Sons of Italy, the Passionate Fathers Provence of Saint Paul of the Cross, the Sacred Heart Spiritual Society, Redstone Booster Club, and the Pine Acres Sportsman Club.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary (Verbanic) Bandes, whom he had sorrowfully mourned since her passing in 1984; a sister, Mary; three brothers, Louis, Dominic and Anthony; and two nephews, Lewis and Jerome.

He is survived by nephews Roger Bandes and wife, Jackie, of Warren, Mich., and Bryan G. Bandes of Republic, Pa., grand-nieces Sharon Beszczynski and husband, Tim, of San Antonio, Texas, Debra Fowlkes and husband, Randy, of Kingsland, Texas, Maureen Fardell and husband, Keith, of Warren, Mich., Colleen Bandes of Warren, Mich., Lisa Anker and husband, Sean, of Farmington, Pa., Gina Cellurale and husband, Terry, of Uniontown, Pa., and grand-nephew and godson, Bryan L. Bandes, and wife, Debbie, of Uniontown, Pa.; four great-grand-nieces and five great-grand-nephews; a dear friend, Donna Chew; and by the dear family of Larry and Joann Standish, who adopted him into their family, not only giving him the greatest personal care for the last three years, but also their love and affection.

Friends will be received in the ROBERT T. KISH FUNERAL HOME, Legion St., Republic, Pa., on Sunday, April 27, 2003, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and on Monday until 9:30 a.m., when a prayer service will be held, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church, with the Rev. Fr. Stephen Bugay officiating. Interment will take place in Holy Rosary Cemetery.

As an alternative to flowers, the family suggests making donations to the Holy Rosary School, Abigal St., Republic, Pa.