Luther Edward Stahl, 15, schoolboy, saved Robert F. Nadzam, 14, schoolboy, from drowning, Whitaker, Pennsylvania, June 12, 1956. While Robert and Luther were swimming in the Monongahela River, Robert suffered a severe cramp and began to submerge in water 12 feet deep 120 feet from the nearest bank. Luther swam 10 feet to Robert, who threw his arms around Luther’s neck, causing both to submerge. Luther, who weighed 18 pounds less than Robert, was unable to break Robert’s hold as they returned to the surface and were submerged again. Luther then succeeded in freeing himself. When both boys returned to the surface, Luther grasped Robert under the chin and started to tow him toward the bank. Robert attempted to break away but then lost consciousness. Luther towed Robert 75 feet and then was met by three other boys who had swum from the bank. The three boys took Robert the rest of the way to the bank. Luther followed and then administered artificial respiration, which revived Robert in 15 minutes. Robert was removed to a hospital and treated for shock. Luther was tired and nervous. Both recovered.
43899-4074Obituary
Luther E. Stahl, 84, of Monongahela, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in his home. Born Dec. 29, 1940, in Home stead, he was the son of the late Walter and Anne Smith Stahl. Luther was a 1958 graduate of the former Homestead High School (Steel Valley). After his graduation he began working at the Homestead Mill as an engineer until its closing in 1986. Following the mill, he worked at Giant Eagle in its customer service department until his retirement. Luther was an avid sports fan, especially of the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins. Known for his perfect garden, he was a member of the Arroas Haymakers Association in New Eagle and enjoyed fishing, hunting and picking mushrooms and anything outdoors. He was a great cook, always making unique things, and he won a county fair award in canning. When Luther was 15 years old, he saved his friend from drowning and was awarded the Carnegie Hero Fund Medal. Luther is survived by “his bride,” Theresa Deffobis Stahl, whom he married in 1979; a son and daughter-inlaw, Matthew (Kelly) Stahl of Peters Township; four grandchildren, Adam (Cara) and Eric (Kayla) Stahl and Connor and Carter Salvini; five great-grandchildren, Tanner, Warren, Carson, Millie and Sammie; and a daughter- in-law, Dawn Stahl of Franklin, N.J. He was preceded in death by a son, Luther Stahl Jr., who died March 8, 2009; a brother, Walter Stahl; and a sister, Janet Stahl.