Carl A. Kologie

Carl Albert Kologie, 91, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and long-time leader in the Indiana County community, peacefully passed away on Saturday October 31, 2026, at home.

A son of the late Frank J. and Dora (Damico) Kologie, he was born July 18, 1935, in Slickville, Pa., and lived a remarkable life filled with family, friendships, sports, music, and an unwavering commitment to the community he loved.

For him, being part of a community meant more than simply living there. It meant giving his time, sharing his talents, supporting young people, and helping make Indiana County a better place for everyone. Carl was a proud 1953 graduate of Saltsburg High School and later attended Duquesne University, where he further developed his gift for storytelling. From 1959 to 1961, he proudly served his country in the United States Army, combining his military service with his love of music as a member of the 7th Infantry Division Band in Korea and the Fort Bliss Band in El Paso, Texas.

In 1961, Carl began a distinguished career with The Indiana Gazette that spanned more than five decades. Starting as a one-man sports department, he served as sports editor until 1967, eventually rising to managing editor. Beyond sports coverage, Carl reported on local school board, township, and borough council meetings, and he penned a popular weekly column highlighting the people, places, and everyday life in Indiana County. His journalism career took him to the nation’s biggest stages: Super Bowls, multiple World Series, the U.S. Open, the Kentucky Derby, the Indy 500, and the historic 1966 Final Four featured in the movie “Glory Road.” Yet, no matter how big the stage, Carl’s heart always remained centered in Indiana.

For him, journalism was about much more than reporting scores and covering events. It was about people, stories, accomplishments, and the community he cared so deeply about. His work allowed him to celebrate with local athletes, recognize outstanding citizens, and share the many stories that make a community special. Beyond the newsroom, Carl's presence was deeply felt in the local community. For many years, his voice echoed from Indiana High School’s football stadium as the public address announcer.

A man of deep faith and musical talent, he served on the St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church Council and as an organist and choir member. He was the master of ceremonies across the region, serving as emcee for seemingly every banquet, honors dinner, and special event held in Indiana County. In later years, Carl even graced the silver screen, appearing in the movie “Southpaw.” Sports were always a big part of his life, especially baseball. He was one of the founders of the Indiana County American Legion Baseball Program and served as its commissioner for 20 years. He helped organize the Senior and Junior Legion Leagues, coordinating both programs and providing opportunities for countless young athletes. In 1981, he organized Indiana's first state Junior Legion baseball tournament. His dedication to baseball was recognized in 1975 when he was elected to the Pennsylvania American Legion Sports Hall of Fame. But of all the baseball he enjoyed over the years, some of his most cherished moments were spent watching his grandsons play, including at the 2015 Senior American Legion State Tournament.

Carl was also one of the founding members of the Indiana County Sports Hall of Fame, established in 1984, serving as its president for more than 10 years before his class of 2000 induction. He took particular pride in the scholarship program established to recognize deserving high school athletes. His commitment to young people extended to the Boy Scouts of America. He served as assistant scoutmaster of Troop 27, helped with Cub Scouts, and accompanied local scouts on a memorable trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He also served on the Penn's Woods Council Board and its Marketing Committee, helping promote the Scouting program. His dedicated service extended across numerous organizations, serving as board president and vice president of the United Way of Indiana County, president of the Jimmy Stewart Museum Foundation, and on boards for the Salvation Army, Jaycees, ICCAP, Indiana County Conservation District, Tourist Bureau, YMCA, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Chamber of Commerce. In 2007, Carl was named Indiana County Civic Leader of the Year.

Outside of his professional and community commitments, he enjoyed golf, fishing, bowling, and skiing. He was a member of the Indiana County Country Club, Allied Club, American Legion Post 141, Moose, Elks, and Eagles clubs in Indiana. Each gathering presented endless opportunities to nurture lifelong friendships. Known for his quick wit and endless energy, Carl never hesitated to raise his hand to help a neighbor or support a cause. More than his many accomplishments, Carl treasured his family and friends

Following his retirement, Carl volunteered on disaster relief teams with the American Red Cross. He enjoyed living in Lake Wales, Fla., before returning to Pennsylvania to spend his final years in Penn Hills with his brother, Frank, where the two lived out their real-life version of “Grumpy Old Men.” He leaves behind a legacy that lives on in the young athletes he encouraged, the organizations he helped strengthen, the charitable causes he supported, the stories he helped tell, and the many people whose lives he touched along the way. 

There is perhaps no more fitting reflection on Carl’s life than the words spoken by Clarence to George Bailey in the classic Jimmy Stewart film “It’s a Wonderful Life”: “Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives, and when he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” For a man who spent so much of his life serving the community he loved, and who once helped lead the museum honoring Jimmy Stewart, those words carry special meaning.

Carl is survived by his son, Craig and daughter-in-law, Carla (née Panaia) Kologie of Bethlehem, Pa.; two grandsons, Ryan Kologie (Natalie) of Conshohocken, Pa., Nathan Kologie (Amy) of Arlington, Va.; and his brother, Frank Kologie, of Penn Hills, Pa. He was preceded in death by parents, Frank J. and Dora (Damico) Kologie, sister in-law Arlene Kologie, and former spouse Sonia Kologie.

In keeping with Carl’s wishes, there will be no formal visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday November 16, 2026 at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Roman Catholic Church, 200 Clairvaux Drive, Indiana, with Fr. Jonathan Urlick officiating. The church will open at 9:00 a.m. for family and friends wishing to gather before Mass. Interment will immediately follow at St. Bernard Cemetery. Robinson-Lytle-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 36 N. 7th Street, Indiana, Pa., has been entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church.