Bell Township fire claims life of 80-year-old man weeks after blaze

An 80-year-old man has died after he suffered injuries during a fire at his Bell Township home last month, according to his obituary.

Bernerd Andrew Zanavich died Friday at UPMC Mercy hospital, where he was taken following the Dec. 28 fire. His 52-year-old son, Frank R. Zanavich, also died in the fire, the Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office reported.

Fire crews responded to the Route 286 home, about 2 miles west of Saltsburg, about 9:30 a.m. after they were alerted by a passerby who saw smoke coming from the one-story structure, officials said. The house was filled with smoke when firefighters entered, Saltsburg fire Chief John Dice said.

Firefighters quickly contained the fire, but it caused substantial damage to the basement. It was not immediately clear if a cause has been determined.

Neighbor Dana Restori told the Tribune-Review the home was owned by Bernard Zanavich, who lived there with his two sons, Bernie and Frank.

Dice said firefighters rescued the father and a son from the first floor, and they were flown by medical helicopter from the nearby Kiski School in Loyalhanna Township to the hospital. Frank Zanavich was found in the basement and pronounced dead at the scene, Coroner Ken Bacha said.

According to his obituary, Bernerd Zanavich was born Aug. 5, 1940, in Tinsmill. He worked as a pipefitter for U.S. Steel and as a toll collector on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. He was a Marines veteran who enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and watching the Steelers and Pirates.

He is survived by his son, Bernie Andrew Zanavich II.

Funeral services were handled by Corridoni Funeral Home of Avonmore.