Staff Sgt. Bryan A. Hoover, 29, of the Boston section of Elizabeth Township, died June 11 in the line of duty in Afghanistan.

He was born April 19, 1981, in Pittsburgh to Melvin "Sam" Hoover and Debra Jean (Bradford) Hoover.

He was a member of the North Street Christian Church in Butler.

He served two tours in the Middle East as a Marine before joining the Pennsylvania Army National Guard Company C 1st Battalion, 110th Infantry, based in Connellsville.

He was a 2000 graduate of Elizabeth Forward High School where he returned as an assistant track and cross-country coach. He received an associate degree from the Community College of Allegheny County and a bachelor's degree in sports management from California University of Pennsylvania, where he volunteered with many youth sports programs. He also was a volunteer at the Monongahela YMCA.

Surviving are his father, Melvin "Sam" Hoover of West Elizabeth; brothers, Richard M. Hoover of Whitehall and Ben R. Hoover of West Elizabeth; sister, Samantha M. Hoover of Pittsburgh; grandfather, Ray Bradford of McKees Rocks; stepmother, Blaina Evans of Buena Vista, Pa.; and his fiancee, Ashley Tack of Lyndora. He also is survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.

<B>HOOVER</B> — Visitation for Bryan A. Hoover, who died Friday, June 11, 2010, will be from noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday at <B>Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home</B>, 221 Second St., Elizabeth, Pa. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Elizabeth Forward High School Auditorium. Chaplain Russ Brown and Pastor Robert Huber will officiate. Internment will be at Round Hill Cemetery in Elizabeth Township.The family requests donations be made to Patriot Guard Riders of Pennsylvania, 5108 Valley Stream Lane, Macungie, PA 18062.Visit the funeral home online at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com for more information.