Bernard Rocco "Bernie" Holva Jr., age 27, of Gates, PA, died on Tuesday, September 13, 2011. He was born on March 5, 1984, in Ravenna OH.

He was preceded in death by his father on October 23, 2010.

Bernie graduated from Albert Gallatin High School in 2002, where he excelled as a great athlete in football, from a young age. Bernie previously attended California University of Pennsylvania and was employed in the Cumberland Mine as a Coal Miner.

Those left to cherish his memory are his Mother, Joanne Lopez Holva; a special grandmother, Rose Smodic, of Gates, PA; Aunts and Uncles, Buzzy and Irene Raymond of Ohio, Ray and Mary Louise Crayton, of Maryland, Florian Holva, of Ohio, and Steve and Rose Holva, of Ohio; a special cousin, Gregory Smodic of Gates, PA; a cousin, James and Paulette Judy and their son Jimmy of Uniontown, PA, a close friend Chris "Whitey" Whitteman, of Uniontown, PA, Jared Szerensci, of Masontown, PA, Matt and Cindy Brady, of Gates, PA, Mark "Bird" Ansel of McClellandtown, PA; and many other friends and relatives.

Bernie will be sadly and greatly missed by all those who touched his life.

Friends will be received in the Haky Funeral Home, 515 North Main Street, Masontown, PA 15461 on Friday, September 16, 2011 from 2-8 PM.

Interment will be Private.