Comperatore celebration of life packs hall in Freeport
FREEPORT, Armstrong County — Laube Hall in Freeport Community Park is normally the site of joyful occasions like wedding receptions or commencement ceremonies. But the only smiles there Thursday afternoon, July 18, and evening were on the faces of those remembering their friend, family member and co-worker, Corey Comperatore.
A celebration of life was held at Laube Hall in two sessions for Comperatore, who was gunned down while shielding his family from a would-be assassin’s bullets Saturday, July 13, at the campaign rally for former President Donald Trump at the Butler Farm Show grounds.
A steady stream of cars carrying mourners with concerned and somber faces slowly made their way through Freeport Community Park to Laube Hall, past police officers, a box truck with digital messages of love and support for the Comperatore family and the political messages he believed in, and three state police snipers on a roof next to the hall.
A long line of mourners snaked out of the entrance to the hall, which holds up to 500 people.
Media were directed to a parking lot below the park’s baseball field, which was full. Cameras were set up under multiple canopies near the ball field’s bleachers as young and old alike passed by on their way to share their condolences with Comperatore’s grieving family.
“Corey Comperatore was our beloved father and husband, and a friend to so many throughout the Butler region. He was a local leader and veteran, a former fire chief, and a committed Christian who found peace and joy through our church. He loved and cared for us, his family,” said a statement provided to the media.
“Our family is finding comfort and peace through the heartfelt messages of encouragement from people around the world, through the support of our church and community, and most of all through the strength of God.
“We thank the countless people who have prayed for us throughout the past week. We deeply appreciate your kindness.
“We ask for your continued prayers and privacy as we mourn and adjust to the realities of Corey’s unthinkable passing.”
Those walking to the venue seemed to struggle to face the reality of Comperatore’s senseless and untimely death.
Two men, who asked not to be named, worked with Comperatore at JSP in East Butler.
“I’ve been working with the guy for 29 years,” said one of the men. “We were more or less like family.”
He described Comperatore as a “great guy” who was friendly and had a kind word for everyone.
He said the mood at work is somber, and grief counselors were brought in for any employees who need to talk someone.
The man said he was not surprised that Comperatore died protecting his family.
“It’s what any husband or parent would do,” he said. “I’m a husband and a parent, and I would do the exact same thing.”
Ashley Graff, of Buffalo Township, works with Comperatore’s daughter, Allyson, at UPMC St. Margaret in Pittsburgh.
“It’s devastating,” Graff said of the fatal shots that rang out at the Trump rally.
She said she knows many people who attended the rally, which ended in chaos.
“Its unfathomable that we know a relation of someone shot there,” Graff said.
She attended the celebration of life to support her co-worker.
“It’s so great how the community is supporting the family,” Graff said. “It’s very nice to see everyone rallied behind them.”
