Stephen Harenchar
Member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church
Stephen Harenchar, 76, of Main Street, (Crescent Heights) Daisytown, died at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 4, 1998, in St. Francis Central Hospital, Pittsburgh. He was born January 12, 1922, in Daisytown, a son of Michael and Teresa Kopec Harenchar. Mr. Harenchar was a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church of Daisytown. He retired in 1978, as a steelworker for Jones & Laughlin Steel in Pittsburgh, now called LTV Corp., and he also had been a miner in area coal mines. Mr. Harenchar served with the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II in Okinawa. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. On September 1, 1949, he married Helen Morich Harenchar, who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Denise Assad of Marietta, Ga., and Margaret Martin of Acworth, Ga.; a son, Steve Harenchar of Greensburg; six grandchildren, Jamie, Danielle and Matthew Assad, Sara Maria, and Justin Harenchar and Jason Patrick Martin; a sister, Anne Monkovich of Richeyville; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are two sisters, Mary Nurminen and Theresa Molish.

William M. Herman
Former Pinkerton guard
Services were held Monday evening, August 3, for William M. Herman, 61, of Bentleyville, who died Sunday, August 2, 1998, in Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh. He was born August 13, 1936, in Canonsburg, a son of the late Gazve and Anna Belchner Herman. Mr. Herman formerly worked as a guard for Pinkerton Security Services. Surviving are a sister, Esther Bevec of Finleyville; and many nieces and nephews.

Chester C. Leveto
Owner and contractor of Leveto Construction
Chester C. Leveto, 73, of Watson Run Road, Conneaut Lake, died Tuesday, August 4, 1998, at Meadville Medical Center. He was born October 26, 1924, in McGovern, a son of Dewey Louis Leveto and Mary Grego. On November 24, 1944, he married Helen Rosello, who survives. Mr. Leveto was a member of Our Lady Queen of the Americas, the Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Society and the Italian Civic Club. He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He was owner and contractor of Leveto Construction and owned and operated the Beef and Dairy Farms in Crawford County. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and took many trips to Canada, Alaska and Florida to hunt and fish. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Surviving are four sons, David L. Leveto of Saegertown, and Dr. Daniel Leveto, Chester L. Leveto and Dennis A. Leveto, all of Meadville; one daughter, Mary Jane Leveto of Meadville; two sisters, Mrs. Louis Sebeila and Mrs. Anthony Colaizzo, both of Canonsburg; three brothers, Samuel Leveto of Atlanta, Ga., Carl Leveto of Warren, Ohio, and Lonnie Leveto of New Jersey; 11 grandchildren, Bruce, David, Andrea, Amy, Becky, Jessica, Ashley, Jacob and Andy Leveto and Marcy and Taylor Kline; five great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 11 a.m. Friday, August 7, 1998, at Our Lady Queen of the Americas Church, Conneaut Lake. Burial in Our Lady Queen of the Americas Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Heart Association, 169 East Bissell Avenue, Oil City, PA 16301, or the American Diabetes Association, Western Regional Office, 300 Penn Center Blvd., Suite 700, Pittsburgh, PA 15235.

Violette B. Lewis
Worked at Venetia grocery
Violette B. Lewis, 85, of Finleyville, died Saturday, August 1, 1998, in Monongahela Valley Hospital. She was born January 14, 1913, in Venetia, a daughter of Benjamin F. and Bessie I. Lutes Lewis. Miss Lewis worked at McConnaughey's Grocery Store in Venetia for many years until it closed with an auction in 1983. She was a member of Wright's United Methodist Church of Venetia and a member of AARP. Surviving are a brother, Dwight L. Lewis Sr. of Finleyville; a sister, Ruth Shipley of Baltimore, Md.; and many nieces and nephews. Deceased are three brothers, Benjamin, Thomas and Allen Lewis; and a sister, Leah Kernen.

Harold G. Mansfield
Retired state trooper
Harold G. Mansfield, 60, of Ford City R.D.3, Bethel Township, died Monday, August 3, 1998, in Armstrong County Memorial Hospital in East Franklin Township. He was born March 24, 1938, in Kelly Station, a son of Thomas Edison Mansfield and Hazel Mae Wiant. Mr. Mansfield was employed as a Pennsylvania state trooper. He retired in 1990 after 28 years of service, being stationed in Washington, Waynesburg, Uniontown, Butler and Kittaning. He was a member of the Pennsylvania State Police FOP, Masonic Lodge 805 of Kittaning, Coudersport Consistory, and was a former member of Bethel Township Volunteer Fire Company. He was also retired from Klingensmith N.C.S. Armstrong County. He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, Armstrong County. On November 9, 1963, he married Diane L. Traenkner, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Kevin H. Mansfield of Frederick, Md., and Keith A. Mansfield of Bethel Township; one daughter, Mrs. Anthony Lalli of Cranberry Township; three brothers, Thomas E. Mansfield Jr. of Arnold, Lloyd W. Mansfield of Whitesburg and Howard D. Mansfield of Palmer, Ill; and three grandchildren.

Nelson Morrison
Member of Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church
Nelson "Bill" Morrison, 80, of Sundust Road, Eighty Four, died Monday, August 3, 1998, at his home after a lengthy illness. He was born May 26, 1918, in Venetia, a son of Loman and Grace Devore Morrison. Mr. Morrison was a member of Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church and was self-employed. On June 2, 1939, he married Virginia McDonald, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Larry N. Morrison of Eighty Four; a daughter, Linda Knudson of Eighty Four; a brother, Harold Morrison of Eighty Four; three sisters, Velma Sumney of Bentleyville, Jennie Rizor of Eighty Four and Dorothy Byers of Washington; five grandchildren, Jeffrey and Todd Knudson, Michael, Freddie and Tony Morrison; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are a brother, Alfred Morrison; and a sister, Nettie Barney.

D. Evelyn Pettit
Member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church
D. Evelyn Pettit, 78, of Claysville (East Finley Township), died Tuesday, August 4, 1998, in Washington Hospital. She was born September 7, 1919, a daughter of Gilbert O. and Hazel Viola Frye. Mrs. Pettit was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and a member of the ladies auxiliary of the American Legion, James R. Hunt Post 639. She attended Harris School, East Finley Township, and was a homemaker. On November 24, 1941, at Nondiscressive Church of God, Washington, she married Harold G. Pettit, who died February 4, 1993. Surviving are two brothers, Donald O. Frye of Conway and Gilbert E. Frye of East Finley Township; four sisters, Verna Vittek of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Hazel Alberta Frye of Claysville, Dolly E. Grimes of Claysville and Geraldine Calvert of Spraggs; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are two sisters, Freda Frye Thomas and Marjorie Frye, who died at age 21.

Vincent E. Racioppi
Member if Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
Vincent E. Racioppi, 77, of Donora, died Monday, August 3, 1998, in Mon Valley Hopital Inc., Carroll Township. He was born April 3, 1921, in Canonsburg, a son of Phillip and Antoinette DiStefano Racioppi. Mr. Racioppi lived most of his life in Donora and worked as a coal miner and steel worker and retired from Babcock and Wilcox Industries in Donora. He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, Donora. Surviving are two sons, Vincent Racioppi of Houston and Phillip Racioppi of Donora; two daughters, Kathleen "Kitty" Dasta of Bellingham, Wash., and Mrs. James Morgan of Donora; four sisters, Rosalie Mlekush and Rose Racioppi, both of Canonsburg, Jeanette Sesky of Annandale, Va., and Madlyn Ferri of El Paso Texas; seven grandchildren; and several great grandchildren. Deceased are his wife, Mary Thomas Racioppi, who died February 7, 1978; one daughter, Antoinette "Tina" Roberts; one sister, Anne Campero; and two brothers, Joseph and Nicholas Racioppi.

David Thomas Roach
Born in Washington
David Thomas Roach Sr., 45, of Baltimore, Md., formerly of Altoona, died Sunday, August 2, 1998, in Baltimore after an illness. He was born December 14, 1953, in Washington, a son of the late Rafeal and Martha Roach. He was a drug and alcohol counselor for Right Turn of Maryland. Surviving are one daughter, Tracy McCartney of Washington; one son, Timothy Roach of Washington; six grandchildren, Shawn and Corey McMasters, David and Dylen Robbins, Clarence McCartney IV and Cody McCartney; one brother, Roy Roach of North Strabane; one sister, Nancy Bucanelli of Harrisburg; and two nephews. A son, David Roach, is deceased. Services and interment will be in Maryland.

JoAnn E. Simms
Long-time health aide with Community Action Corp.
JoAnn Elizabeth Simms, 64, of Southington, Ohio, and formerly of Deep Valley, died unexpectedly at 2:19 p.m. Tuesday, August 4, 1998, in St. Joseph Riverside Hospital, Warren, Ohio. She was born April 14, 1934, in Springhill Township, a daughter of Charles Lester and Letha Ena Bryner Barnhart. She resided most of her life in Springhill Township and Aleppo, prior to moving to Ohio in April 1996. Mrs. Simms was a Sunday school teacher and a member of the former Wind Gap Church of Christ, and had been attending the Church of Christ in Cortland, Ohio. She was a 1952 graduate of Waynesburg High School, and enjoyed reading and listening to Elvis Presley music. Mrs. Simms was a former employee of Packard Electric in Ohio. She was last employed as a home health aide with Washington/Greene Community Action Corp. for more than 25 years prior to retirement in the spring of 1996. Surviving are a daughter, Janet E. Hanck of Southington, with whom she made her home; a son, Michael N. Simms of Star Route Holbrook; a brother, James L. Barnhart of Newton Falls, Ohio; a sister, Linda Henderson of Southington; and three grandsons, Christopher and Marcus Simms and Timothy A. Hanck.

Edward Moffat Weyer
Anthropologist, author and world explorer
Edward Moffat Weyer, a Washington native and W&J graduate who distinguished himself as an anthropologist, author and explorer, died July 16, 1998, in Essex, Conn. He was 94. He was born July 12, 1904 in Washington, a son of Edward Moffat Weyer Sr. and Julia Morris Ross. Following his graduation from Washington and Jefferson College in 1925, he went on to earn his Ph.D from Yale University in 1930. On May 29, 1935, he married Susann Lenore Moffat, who died in December 1997. As an anthropologist, Dr. Weyer was primarily interested in the Eskimos, although he went on expeditions to Egypt, Brazil and Mexico, as well as the Arctic. He was associated with the American Museum of Natural History in New York for nearly 30 years, beginning in 1928 when he was archaeologist on the Stoll-McCracken expedition to the Aleutian Islands, Bering Sea and Bering Straits. In 1929, Mr. Weyer did archaeological and geographical research in the Southwest for the same institution, and in 1932 he was a member of the Peary Memorial Expedition to North Greenland. From 1935 until 1957, he was editor of Natural History Magazine. In 1958 he was acting curator and lecturer in anthropology at the Museum of Anthropology, University of California at Berkeley. In 1959, he was a consultant on the Commission on Civil Rights. From 1960 to 1964, he was director of the School of American Research, Santa Fe, N.M. From 1965 to 1967, he was editor-in-chief at the New York Academy of Sciences. He was a longtime member and past president of the Explorers Club. He was the author of numerous books and articles, including The Eskimos (1932), Jungle Quest (1955), Primitive Peoples Today (1959), and Two Star Position Finding (1969). Surviving are one daughter, Georgia Weyer York of Stonington, Conn.; and two sons, Douglas and Andrew of Montgomery, N.Y. Deceased is one brother, Elliott Ross Weyer.

R.J. Cheverine III
Serviceman dies in whitewater rafting accident
R.J. Cheverine III, 26, a member of the U.S. Air Force stationed at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., and formerly of Bridgeville, died accidentally August 1, 1998, from injuries received in a whitewater rafting accident. He was born February 6, 1972, in Wadsworth, Ohio, a son of Ralph and Ann Marie Urbani Cheverine of Bridgeville. Mr. Cheverine lived most of his life in Bridgeville and was a graduate of Chartiers Valley High School. He attended Fairmont State College from 1991-94, and in 1997, graduated from Cerocosa College in California. Mr. Cheverine was a hazardous materials specialist and firefighter in the Air Force. Surviving, in addition to his parents, are his wife, Patricia Jenkins Cheverine; and grandparents, Ralph and Esther Cheverine of Avella and Mary Urbani. Deceased is his grandfather, Paul Urbani.

Daniel James Lowers
Retired from Molycorp
Daniel James Lowers, 90, formerly of 62 South Main Street, Washington, died at 11:02 a.m. Wednesday, August 5, 1998, in Monongahela Valley Hospital. He had been ill since February 16, 1995. He was born January 24, 1908, in Washington, a son of William Irwin and Catherine A. Cummins Lowers. Mr. Lowers was a member of First Lutheran Church of Washington. He had been employed for 35 years in the maintenance department at Molycorp, a subsidiary of Unocal, retiring in 1963. Surviving are three nieces. Deceased are five brothers, Samuel, John, Andrew, William and Paul Lowers. Margaret Stimmel of Washington was his caregiver and friend for many years.

Beryl H. Morris
West Finley Twp. farmer and construction worker
Beryl H. Morris, 88, of Beryl Road, Claysville, West Finley Township, died Wednesday, August 5, 1998, in Kade Nursing Home, Washington. He was born January 20, 1910, in West Finley Township, a son of Manfred and Clarice Huffman Morris. Mr. Morris was Protestant. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army as a technical sergeant. He was employed as a farmer and as a construction worker with Labor Local 1058. Mr. Morris was a 50-year member of West Alexander American Legion Post 656, and enjoyed fox hunting, and raising horses and goats. In 1939, in Winchester, Va., he married Bessie Geneva Little, who died in 1994. Surviving are a son, Beryl W. Morris of Claysville; a sister, Dale Morris of Virginia Beach, Va.; two granddaughters, Renee and Tara Morris of Wind Ridge; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are two brothers, James and Tom Morris; and two sisters, Freda Thompson and Ruth J. Morris.

Michael P. Pitek Jr.
Employed at J&L Steel, Kurtz Monument
Michael P. Pitek Jr., 75, of Moon Township, formerly of Jefferson, Greene County, died Tuesday, August 4, 1998. He was born April 14, 1923, in Denbo, a son of Michael P. Sr. and Mary Ballon Pitek. Mr. Pitek served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and worked for 45 years for J&L Steel Co., Labelle Processing Co. and Kurtz Monument Co. Surviving are his wife, Anna Marie Basich Pitek; two sons, Michael P. Pitek III of Buffalo, N.Y., and Barry S. Pitek of Robinson Township; five grandchildren, Scott, Rachel, Christopher, Emily and Mary; two brothers, Andrew and John Pitek; and three sisters, Susan Senda, Margaret Ciervo and Elizabeth Harless. Deceased are three brothers, Joseph, Paul and George Pitek; and three sisters, Mary Pitek, Anna Chmura and Helen Horwath.

Esther O. Gratz
Owned farm, soda fountain
Esther O. Gratz, 90, of South Main Street, Washington, died Thursday, August 6, 1998, in West Penn Hospital, after a 10-month illness. She was born February 13, 1908, in Old Hundred, W.Va., a daughter of Frank and Eva Camp Hemelrick. Mrs. Gratz owned a grocery store soda fountain on Broad Street in the 1950s and later ran a domestic care home on South Main Street in Washington in the 1970s and 1980s. She also owned a farm called Vankirk Acres. She attended Prosperity schools, and enjoyed crocheting, gardening, quilting and canning preserves, and she loved to play the piano. Mrs. Gratz was Methodist. On February 22, 1932, she married Charles A. Gratz, who died in 1978. Surviving are a son, Ronald L. Gratz of Shadyside; a sister, Leta Madlem of San Bernardino, Calif.; two grandchildren, Terry Dennis and Shelva Jean Iams; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are a daughter, Erla Mae Gratz; two brothers, Edwin and Harold Hemelrick; and three sisters, Irene McCartney, Marie Steban and Grace Charlesworth.

Brenda C. Gugliotta
Schoolteacher also worked in family business
Brenda Carmela Gugliotta, 58, of Dilliner, died Thursday, August 6, 1998, in Shadyside Hospital, Pittsburgh. She was born July 26, 1940, in Waynesburg, a daughter of Helen Minor Gugliotta of Dilliner, and the late Herman S. Gugliotta Sr. She was a member of St. John's Roman Catholic Church, Morgantown, W.Va., and of St. John's Charismatic Prayer Group, Morgantown. A graduate of Mapletown High School, she later received her bachelor's degree from Penn State University and her master's degree in remedial reading from West Virginia University. She was a schoolteacher in Fox Chapel: Pittsburgh;Fairfax, Va; and St. John's School, Uniontown. She spent the majority of her life working as a partner in the family businesses. She also volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Morgantown. Surviving are a daughter, Danette Marcy Sigut, at home; a son, Brent Sebastian Sigut, at home; a sister, Marcia Brumley of Dilliner; a brother, Herman S. Gugliotta Jr. of Dilliner; and three nieces and one nephew.

John David Leasure
Monongahela man was 100, WWI vet
John David Leasure, 100, of Victory Hill, Monongahela, died Wednesday, August 5, 1998, at the Residence at Hilltop, Carroll Township. He was born November 9, 1897, in Lonaconing, Md., a son of John Daniel and Rose Davenport Leasure. Mr. Leasure was an engineer on the former Donora Southern Railroad. He was a member of the Gospel Hall, past commander of Monongahela American Legion Post 302, and a member of James Ford Post 949 American Legion of Carroll Township, Veterans of Foreign War Post 1409 of Black Diamond and Mon Valley Barracks of World War I Veterans. Mr. Leasure was a World War I veteran who entered the service July 13, 1917, and served in Company E 103rd supply train of the 28th Division in France. He was discharged from the U.S. Army on May 20, 1919. He enjoyed his memberships in veterans organizations and enjoyed participating in many parades. Mr. Leasure was one of eight children. Surviving are a daughter, Arlene L. McCurry of McMurray; four grandchildren, Valerie Colavincendo, Kimberly Leech, Craig McCurry and Scott McCurry; and six great-grandchildren. Deceased are his wife, Margaret Clendaniel Leasure; a daughter, Velma Jean Leasure; and a son, Louis David Leasure.

Palmina Loar
Former president of Girls Softball League
Palmina "Pauline" Guadagni Loar, 74, of Rosewood Avenue, Washington, died at 9:20 p.m. Wednesday, August 5, 1998, in her home, after a 16-month illness. She was born April 13, 1924, in Canonsburg, a daughter of Andrea and Genoveffa Ceremeli Guadagni. Mrs. Loar attended Canonsburg schools. She was employed by Hazel Atlas Glass Co. from 1942 to 1946, and also was employed at the Union Grill restaurant from 1980 until her retirement in 1993. Mrs. Loar was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Washington, where she was a member of the Christian Mothers Association, the Catholic Daughters of America, I.C. Friendship Club, and a former member of the Parish Council. She also was a member of the Washington Area Senior Citizens Singers and Dancers, with which she performed as Sophie Tucker in the 1997 spring show. She was a former semi-pro fast-pitch softball player in Washington and Canonsburg, and had a lifelong passion for the game. She also coached girls softball in Washington during its beginnings in the early 1960s and was president of the Girls Softball League from 1968 to 1973. She was the first woman to serve on the Washington Boys Baseball Council. On November 5, 1946, she married William M. Loar, who died May 31, 1980. Surviving are three daughters, Dr. Linda Loar of Pittsburgh, Marsha B. Williams of Washington and Nancy J. Tonies of Bangkok, Thailand; a son, William A. Loar of Washington; 13 grandchildren, Ryan, Lauren, Michael, Justin, and Christina Tonies, Kelly, Adam, Nichole, and Jacob Williams, Rick, Vanessa, Mallory and Amber Loar; three sisters, Sylvia Burich of Farrell, Carmella Gilmore and Stella Gregorski, both of Rio Vista, Calif.; several nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. Deceased are six brothers, Joseph, Dominick, John, Armando "Pete", Orasto "Ray" and Orlando Guadagni; and three sisters, Catherine Leber, Marianna Gardlock and Isabelle Flynn.

Stephanie J. Stechly
Member of Ave Maria Parish, St. Luke's Church
Stephanie J. Stechly, 82, of Ellview Road, Scenery Hill, formerly of Ellsworth, died Thursday, August 6, 1998, in Washington Hospital. She was born August 3, 1916, in Bentleyville, a daughter of Joseph and Julia Maninecki Potoczny. Mrs. Stechly was employed for many years at the former Marshalek's Grocery Store, Bentleyville. She was a member of Ave Maria Parish, St. Luke's Church, Bentleyville. On May 2, 1942, she married Stanley F. Stechly, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Robert F. Stechly of Wheeling, W.Va.; a daughter, Judy Snyder of Scenery Hill; a sister, Nellie Marshalek of Bentleyville; five grandchildren, Tracie and Aimee Stechly, and Dominic, Burt and Andrew Snyder; and a great-granddaughter. Deceased are a sister, Emily Puskavich; and a brother, Stanley "Birdie" Potoczny.

Mary Jane Watson
Obstetrical nurse at Washington Hospital
Mary Jane Underwood Watson, 73, of Washington, died Wednesday, August 5, 1998, in Allegheny University Hospital, Pittsburgh. She was born January 22, 1925, in Washington, a daughter of Roy and Elizabeth C. McGuffie White. Mrs. Watson was a 1942 graduate of East Washington High School. She graduated from the Washington Hospital School of Nursing and studied at Washington and Jefferson College. She was employed as an obstetrical nurse at New York Polyclinic and Washington Hospital. She was a long time member of the Church of the Covenant, where she served as president of the Garber Wallace Bible Class. She served as president of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Washington County Medical Society, was a board member of the Current Events Club, Washington Ice and Blades, the Pittsburgh Figure Skating Club and Washington YWCA, and was a committee member of the University Club. She was also an accomplished seamstress and created costumes for theater and skating. Mrs. Watson was also a sanctions officer for the United States Figure Skating Association, for which she served as a judge, as well as on the organizational committee for the National Skating Competition in 1983. On April 7, 1990, in Washington, she married Clyde M. Watson, who survives. She is a widow of Grant Underwood, who died February 18, 1977. Surviving are a daughter, Mary Elizabeth Sallinger of Pittsburgh; three sons, Grant David Underwood of Scottsdale, Ariz., R. Kevin Underwood of Bethel Park and R. Shawn Underwood of Hanover, N.H.; two stepchildren, Richard Watson of Washington and Joy Lauric of Verona; a brother, Roy White of Minnesota; three grandchildren, Elizabeth Sallinger, and Sarah and Grant Underwood; and three step-grandchildren, Douglas, Mark and Richard Watson. A brother, Archibald M. White, is deceased.