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Cresson tavern owner remembered for community impact

Sloan, who passed away Sept. 29 at 88, was community staple

By Colette Costlow 4 min read

During the early days of PJ's Tavern, owner Patrick J. Sloan almost threw in the towel before someone advised him to sell chicken wings.

"He couldn't sell them for 10 cents, so he lowered them to 5 cents, and (business) boomed," daughter Linda Audley said.

Audley said one of her father's greatest joys in life was running his tavern at 7874 Admiral Peary Highway in Cresson, which has been a community staple for almost 60 years. He was known to serve drinks and a smile behind the bar.

Sloan passed away Sept. 29 at 88 years old from ongoing health issues at UPMC Altoona, surrounded by his family.

Besides running PJ's Tavern, community members also remember Sloan for founding the Cresson Township Veterans Park and adding playground equipment, a gazebo and a pickleball court for visitors to enjoy.

"He loved life, and he loved people," daughter Karen Venesky said.

Growing up with 11 siblings, Sloan graduated from Lilly-Washington Joint High School in 1957 before serving in the U.S. Marine Corps as a member of the Marine Corps Silent Drill Team and Ceremonial Guard during the Eisenhower era. He also traveled to Scotland and took part in the World's Fair.

While stationed in Washington, D.C., Audley said her parents met through a mutual friend, and Sloan married Norma Jean (Payne) Sloan on Dec. 12, 1959. Together, they had their two daughters, Audley and Venesky.

After leaving the Marines, he noticed a bar for sale in Cresson and decided to try his luck, nephew and tavern owner Robert Sloan said. The bar's Irish theme pays homage to his Irish roots stemming from his great-grandfather.

"When he opened PJ's, there were 17 bars between Cresson, Gallitzin and Lilly," Robert said.

Sloan launched his business in 1964, with help from adding chicken wings to his menu. Soon enough -- with some help from the chicken wings -- business flowed into the bar, busy with coal miners clocking out for the day.

Venesky said her father preferred to spend time with his customers, as he was a "very social person."

"He stayed out of the kitchen as much as he could," she said with a laugh.

Green thumb

While managing PJ's Tavern, Sloan also founded the Cresson Township Veterans Park in 1972, dedicated to veterans and built for future generations.

Sloan worked on raising money and making connections to build the park, friend Scott Eberhart said, adding that they served on the park board together.

"He never went looking for the spotlight," Eberhart said. "'What can I do for the community? How can I help veterans?' That's the kind of guy he was."

Over the years, he said they added grass, planted trees and installed pavilions throughout the allotted six acres of land in Cresson.

Overall, he raised more than $100,000 for the park with a ski trek from Blue Knob to PJ's Tavern and a bike ride. Bill Wilkinson, former president of Wilkinson Bus Lines, remembered supplying transportation for bikers.

"He was such an icon and such a benefit to our community," Wilkinson said.

Sloan was inspired to build a gazebo near the park's entrance more than 20 years ago, inspired by a similar structure that existed in the Mountain House Grounds in Cresson Township until 1920.

"You could never tell him no," friend and Cresson Township Supervisor Scott Decoskey said with a laugh. "He always had a plan, and somehow, it always got done."

The new pickleball courts at the park were his last project, Decoskey said, adding that Sloan raised the money and coordinated its installation.

"That park is used a lot by everyone," he said, mentioning that many Penn Cambria sports teams use the space for football, softball and cross country practices. During COVID-19, Penn Cambria students used the space for their makeshift prom.

Sloan retired at 62 and left the restaurant to his family before his nephew eventually took over about three years ago. He enjoyed golfing at the Summit Country Club, riding his bike and spending time with his four grandchildren.

The restaurant's appearance may have changed over time, including the new addition to the building that accommodates more business, Robert said, but its heart remains the same, as Sloan's impact is still felt today by staff and customers.

"When you leave a big impact, it's hard to forget a person like that," Robert said.

Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.

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