Elmer Laslo Obituary, Death – Elmer Charles Laslo, 74, passed away following a two-year fight with lymphoma and leukemia. On November 16, 1948, he was born in Johnstown to Elmer and Matilda (Matchik) Laslo, who both died before him. His 51-year wife Barbara (Beddow) Laslo is left behind. He is also survived by his brother Richard (Mary Jo) Laslo, his sister-in-law Kathryn (Eric) Gibson, his two daughters Jill (Dan) Bauer and Lauren (Matt), and his four grandchildren Andrew and Julia Bauer and Keira and Brooke Whitman.
Numerous friends, uncles, cousins, and other family members are still alive. He played football at Geneva College, where he eventually was inducted into the Hall of Fame, then attended Westmont Hilltop for his undergraduate studies in 1966. He attended the School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin as well, and he later returned to manage it for two summers. He spent six years in the Pennsylvania National Guard (1970-1976). In 1977, he was named the Salix State Bank’s president and chief executive officer. Elmer continued to expand the business, which subsequently adopted the name 1st Summit Bank.
He served in this capacity for 43 years, during which time many of his employees grew to be very close friends and members of his family. He was president and CEO of the First Summit Bank Holding Company up until his passing. In 2022, Elmer was honored when he was inducted into the Cambria County Business Hall of Fame. Over the years, a variety of groups have praised him for his commitment, labor of love, and devotion to his neighborhood. Elmer placed a high priority on volunteering and working on boards and committees.
Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Johnstown Area Heritage Association, Community Arts Center of Cambria County, Enterprise Venture Capital Corporation, and The Johnstown Business District Development Corporation were among the organizations on whose boards he served. In 2007, he served as Pennsylvania Bankers of America’s president and received recognition for his 50 years of dedication to the banking sector. He spent more than 30 years as a member of the Young Presidents Organization, during which time he made a lot of priceless relationships.
Elmer served on the church council and was a devoted member of the Christ Lutheran Church. He consistently volunteered of his time to the Johnstown neighborhood. Elmer loved going to his second home in Marco Island, Florida, when he had free time. He looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren in addition to taking in the sporting events and festivals that Johnstown has to offer. Elmer always found a way to be active, whether it was through racquetball, basketball, cross-country skiing, tennis, running, or pickleball.
Family and friends may pay their respects to the dead on Sunday from Noon to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15904. They may do so at Christ Lutheran Church, 337 Elknud Lane, Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15905, on Monday between 1 and 2 p.m. and 2 p.m. funeral service. The final step is the interment at Grandview Cemetery. The family advises donating to the Community Foundation so they can help some of the causes that were important to Elmer.
