Latest news with #Honkus
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Yahoo
Davidsville man rides GAP trail to raise awareness for Easterseals
DAVIDSVILLE, Pa. – As Dan Honkus considered his approaching retirement from Somerset Trust Co., he decided he wanted to mark the occasion with a special trip in May. After some consideration and research, the Davidsville resident chose to bicycle the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage that connects Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. 'When I decided it was time to retire ... I wanted to do something that's outdoorsy and a challenge,' Honkus said. He had heard about the GAP throughout the past 10 years, and read about the attractiveness of the trail to people around the world, which piqued his interest. While preparing for the trip, Honkus added another level to the journey. He decided to combine his retirement adventure with another longtime passion of his, Easterseals. He has served on the Easterseals Cambria-Somerset Division advisory council since the 1980s, and recently took a position on the Easterseals Western and Central Pennsylvania board. Honkus started a fundraiser for the nonprofit titled 'Bridging the GAP for Easterseals' and set the goal at $2,500, which was quickly met. He has kept donations open since completing the ride to raise as much money as he can for the organization, which helps children and adults with speech and hearing disabilities, autism and other developmental delays. As of Monday, the total raised was $5,596. Contributions may be made through May 31 by visiting 'I'm pretty proud of where it stands now, and hopefully it will grow,' Honkus said. His interest in Easterseals started with his late boss John Stewart, who served on the Cambria-Somerset Division council and encouraged Honkus to join. Honkus said that he found the group's mission to be inspiring and he wanted to support it. That's why he dedicated so much time to the council, joined the board and created the fundraiser. Honkus said the fundraiser also served as a motivator during the difficult portions of the GAP trail. 'For me, personally, riding for somebody who stepped up and supported my charity was a real incentive,' he said. Annette Shearman, Easterseals Western and Central Pennsylvania division manager, said everyone is 'very grateful to Dan' for his charitable journey. 'He's an awesome guy,' she added. 'We're just really excited about it.' Shearman said one of Easterseals' main challenges is raising awareness about what it does, which makes Honkus' advocacy so important. According to the website, the nonprofit offers 'programs and services to ensure that people with disabilities or other special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.' Honkus said he was glad to help, and to have a longtime friend join in. When he considered who could accompany him on the journey, former college roommate Rick Ferris made perfect sense, he said. Honkus and Ferris met at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and have remained friends for decades since. Honkus asked Ferris to join him earlier this year, and within a few days, the college buddy was on board. The two had a blast riding the 150 miles from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Honkus said. They started May 1 and wrapped up May 5, with a rest day at Ohiopyle in between. The beauty of the Laurel Highlands and the solitude along the trail were remarkable, Honkus said. 'It exceeded my expectations,' he said. 'It was truly a great trip.' Honkus gained an interest in bicycling within the past 10 years after his daughter, Jackie Honkus, purchased a trail bike. He said he found bicycling invigorating, and since he lives so close to the Quemahoning Family Recreation Area, it was a natural hobby to pick up. The now-retired Somerset Trust Co. controller spends a lot of time at the reservoir, and described the scenic space as his 'happy place.' For more information about Easterseals, visit
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Wings of Hope Western PA founder remembered for grace, determination while battling cancer
A Hooversville woman who had a heart for service and a positive outlook on life died Wednesday. Tina Honkus, 68, is being remembered by friends as a 'warrior princess' who faced her pancreatic cancer diagnosis with grace and determination. Stacie Hickman, a State Farm insurance agent, said she will remember Honkus' tenacity on how she approached everything in her life. 'She found a way to bring out her knowledge and her experiences and elevate whatever the situation was whether it was selling Girl Scout cookies or raising money for her nonprofit or mentoring young business owners,' she said. 'She could make everything bigger, better and brighter.' Hickman said Honkus has inspired her to be involved, to make a difference and to push the ordinary. 'She pushed you to get out of your comfort zone and to make something impactful,' she said. 'She ran marathons with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, so it just goes to show you that anything that comes your way you can handle if you have right attitude and mentality.' Honkus was employed by MetLife for 38 years, rising from the mailroom to the position of vice president of the Human Resource Service Center. She was the founder of Wings of Hope Western PA, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to those battling cancer. Honkus served on several community boards, and was honored by YWCA Greater Johnstown with its Tribute to Women award. She also penned 'Pennies of Hope,' a memoir which chronicled her cancer journey. 'She touched so many lives in our community in one way or another, and I think everyone who knew her is better for knowing her,' said Andi Palmar, founder of Operation BeYoutiful. 'She made an impact on my life as a fellow nonprofit organizer, and through Wings of Hope she had many of our recipients, so she was able to meet other women who were going through similar battles as she was and help them.' She said Honkus' zest for life and will to live was extraordinary. 'She exemplified 'live like you're dying' because she did everything she wanted to do,' Palmar said. 'She ran marathons, she traveled, she spent time with her family and she was out in the community.' Eileen Graham, who worked with Honkus through the Stiletto Network, said she loved working with Honkus on community projects. 'She was the most positive, inspirational person and just full of perseverance,' she said. 'She was the most unselfish person I've ever met. She was beautiful inside and out, and would do anything for anybody.' Graham said Honkus lived everyday to the fullest. 'She's going to leave a long-lasting mark on this community,' she said. 'She's going to be missed by so many people, but she will never be forgotten.' Arrangements are being handled by Hoffman Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Davidsville. Kelly Urban is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. She can be reached at 814-532-5073. Follow her on Twitter @KellyUrban25.
