Obituaries by LocationSARAH EASTON HOOK
Sarah Easton Hook, 100, on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2000. Beloved wife of the late Howard J. Hook; mother of Howard J. Jr. of New York and Donald E. Hook of Pittsburgh; mother-in-law of Kay Hook; sister of Stella Easton; grandmother of Sally, Sharon, Donald Jr., Jeffrey, Gregory, Lee Anne and the late Jay; also survived by seven great-grandchildren. Friends will be received at JOHN A. FREYVOGEL SONS INC., 4900 Centre Ave. at Devonshire Street, Oakland, Thursday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Friday in St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 1965 Ferguson Road, Allison Park, 11 a.m. Remembrances may be made to North Hills Community Outreach, 1975 Ferguson Road, Allison Park, PA 15101.
JOHN C. CHAKLOS SR.
John C. Chaklos Sr., of Somerset, formerly of Forest Hills, died Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2000. He was a World War II Army Air Corps veteran serving in the Aleutian Campaign in the Pacific Theater. He retired with 37 years of service from A&P as the produce manager at the Wilkinsburg store. He then became certified as a nursing assistant and worked for five years at Kane Hospital in Scott Township. While at Kane, he received an Award of Merit for Humanitarian Endeavor. Husband of the late Helen S. (Halahan) Chaklos. Father of John C. "Jack" Jr. of Nevada, Gregory M. of Pittsburgh, Susan Encke of Somerset and Michael K. of Harrison City. Brother of Clarence of Massachusetts, George of Sharon, Raymond of Turtle Creek and Donald of Pittsburgh. Also seven grandchildren and a great-grandson. Friends may call Friday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the PATRICK T. LANIGAN FUNERAL HOME, 700 Linden Ave., East Pittsburgh. Mass of Christian Burial will be in St. Maurice Church Saturday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Monongahela Cemetery, North Braddock. Memorial donations may be made to the World War II Memorial, P.O. Box 96766, Washington, DC 20090.
ROBERT J. RANDALL
Robert J. Randall, was born on Oct. 20, 1926, and went to Heaven on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2000. Bob was spiritually born again and received the promise of God's Eternal Life. I John 2:25, Jesus Christ proclaimed "He that believeth in me shall never die." Precious, beautiful Bobby always exclaimed: "Our lives will soon be past, and only what's done for Jesus Christ will last." Robert J's mother was Stella Rehm who went home to Jesus in December of 1997. Bob's most precious and beautiful wife was Viola Emiline Bumford who went to Heaven with Jesus on June 29, 1993. Bob's favorite Bible verses were Job 24:1, "Why, Seeing times are not hidden from the Almighty, Do they that know Him not see His days?" and "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, " Proverbs 17:22. Beautiful Bobby went through 10 days of tribulation in Latrobe Area Hospital, Rev. 2:10. Thank you Almighty God, Most Holy Father for being so gracious and merciful unto Bob Randall and redeeming his precious soul into the Everlasting Heavenly Kingdom of Eternal Life. I Peter 1:23. "Thank you Jesus, for your Holy Word is Life to all that find it and Health to all their flesh, " Proverbs 4:20, 22.
FRANCIS PAUL REAGAN
Francis Paul Reagan, 72, of Everson Valley Road, Connellsville (Upper Tyrone Township), passed away Tuesday morning, Jan. 25, 2000, at his residence. Paul was born in Mt. Pleasant, June 2, 1927, a son of the late Francis B. and Rose W. Barnett Reagan. Paul was employed at the Robertshaw Controls Division in New Stanton as a tool designer, having retired in 1990 with 40 years of service. He was a longtime and faithful member of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Scottdale, and the former Holy Name Society of the church. Paul was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served as a Tech 4 during World War II and the Korean conflict. He received the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal/Japan for his service. He was very active in local veterans organizations including, a life member and past commander of the Thomas A. Lewellyn Scottdale American Legion Post #240, where he had also served as financial manager of the American Legion Baseball Team and Legion Bowling League. In addition, he was a 50-year member of the Everson VFW Hamilton Maloy Post #595; the Scottdale Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1007 and was a faithful member of the Southmoreland Veterans Association Burial Detail. Paul held memberships with the Scottdale B.P.O. Elks #777, where he was a life member; the Robertshaw Retirees; and was an honorary member of the USW Local #2169. He was also a graduate of Scottdale High School with the Class of 1945. Paul is survived by his loving family, his two sisters, Janet Urbaniak and Fay Reagan, both of Connellsville; his two brothers, Donald E. Reagan and wife, Anne, of Parma, Ohio, and Vincent "Dick" Reagan of Mt. Pleasant; four nephews, Steve Reagan and wife, Peggy, Jeff Reagan and wife, Joni, Ron Reagan and wife, Aimee, and Matthew Reagan; a niece, Michelle Geary; and five great-nieces and a great-nephew; also his special friend, Marge Bradley of Scottdale. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Madonna Luxner Reagan, in November of 1951; a brother, James J. Reagan, on Feb. 20, 1992; a sister, Joann Ostrowski, on July 6, 1997; and two brothers-in-law, Joseph F. Urbaniak on Feb. 5, 1992, and Paul Ostrowski in September 1992. Family and friends will be received at the ROBERT B. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, 105 Spring St., Scottdale, (724) 887-5300, Thursday from 1 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. A prayer service will be held Friday at 11:30 a.m. in the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at noon in St. John the Baptist R.C. Church, Scottdale, with the Rev. Father Emil S. Payer as celebrant. Graveside committal services and interment
will follow in the church Cemetery. A parish wake service will be held Thursday at 3 p.m. and the following organizations will conduct memorial rituals Thursday in the funeral home: Southmoreland Veterans Association at 7 p.m., the Scottdale Fraternal Order of Eagles at 7:15 p.m., and the Scottdale Elks Lodge #777 at 7:30 p.m.
VERNA C. GEDDA
Verna C. Gedda, 70, of California, Pa., died Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2000, in Greensburg. She was born June 16, 1929, in California, Pa., a daughter of William and Alfreda (Shelton) Childs. She was born and raised in California and was a graduate of East Pike Run High School. She was a retired secretary for California University of Pennsylvania. She was active in California's Center in the Woods and several Bible study groups. Survived by her husband, Frank Gedda; a daughter, Kathy Heidenreich of Greensburg; a sister, Carole Wisor of McDonald, Ohio; a granddaughter, Rebecca Orczeck of Honolulu, Hawaii; four nieces, Bonnie Filoni of California, Pa., Paula Fasulo, Erica White and Robin DeBow, all of Ohio; and a nephew, Tom Gedda of Charleroi. Friends will be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the MARISCOTTI FUNERAL HOME INC., California, Pa., where services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Norman C. Hunt officiating. Interment Howe Cemetery.
LEO B. KELLY JR.
Leo B. Kelly Jr., of Pittsburgh, died Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2000, in his home. Born in Pittsburgh, June 25, 1921, Mr. Kelly graduated from Duquesne University in 1942, where he was the division president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Immediately after graduation his ROTC group was called to serve in the field artillery. He spent the majority of his 3 ½ years of military service with the 45th Infantry Division in Europe as a forward observer. During his time of service as a second lieutenant, he was awarded two Purple Hearts. Mr. Kelly began his business career in 1946 as a certified public accountant, and after four years became vice president of Mahoning Stores, a 13-store industrial chain. In 1952, Mr. Kelly joined Penn Machine Co., a diversified company whose principal business was manufacturing replacement parts for the coal industry. Mr. Kelly served as vice president, secretary, treasurer, as well as president of Canton Malleable Iron, a subsidiary of Penn Machine Co. In 1966, he became vice president of finance for Ryan Homes Inc. in Pittsburgh. In 1967, Mr. Kelly co-founded BMI Inc., a primary manufacturer of refractory product and construction services to the steel industry. Mr. Kelly served as secretary and treasurer until 1985, when BMI Inc. was acquired by Adience Equities Inc. Mr. Kelly remained with Adience as chief operating officer and president until his retirement in 1992. Mr. Kelly served as a member of the board of directors of Iron and Glass Bank in Pittsburgh, The Fox Fund of Boca Raton, Fla., and West Elizabeth Lumber Company in West Elizabeth. He was past president of the board of trustees of South Side Hospital and also of South Hills Country Club. His professional memberships included those of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Young Presidents Organization. An avid golfer, Mr. Kelly belonged to Oakmont Country Club and the Duquesne Club. He was formerly a member of Indian Creek Country Club, Florida, Lake Nona Golf Club, Florida, Seaview Country Club, New Jersey, The Surf Club, and Palm Bay Club, both in Florida. Mr. Kelly had a strong affinity for his Irish heritage and was proud to be an Irish-American. Mr. Kelly will truly be missed by his nursing staff who were privileged to care for a perfect gentleman. Mr. Kelly was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Donnelly Kelly, and a sister, Kathleen. He is survived by his loving children: son Leo B. Kelly Ill of Cranberry, daughter Kathleen Dudro of Pleasant Hills, and son Kevin of Boca Raton, Fla.; his grandchildren, Christopher and Kelly Dudro, Patrick, Sean and Caitlin Kelly; and his sisters, Mary Delehaunty of Pinehurst, N.C., and Helen Chirumbole of Orrville, Ohio. Friends received at the JOHN F. SLATER FUNERAL HOME INC., 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood, Thursday 7-9 p.m. and Friday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral prayer Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in Holy Angels Church at 11 a.m. If desired, family suggests contributions to Holy Angels Church.
JOHN M. PALLA
John M. Palla, 77, of Shermansville, Pa., died Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2000, at his residence. He was born in Lugerville, Wis., Sept. 29, 1922, a son of the late Martin and Mary Palla. He was employed by Talon-Meadville as a wire roller, and self-employed in a plumbing and heating business. He was a devoted father, husband, grandfather and family person; and also an avid gardener. He was a World War II Army Air Corps veteran, surviving the Japanese air raid at Pearl Harbor. He was a member of the American Legion Post of Linesville. He is survived by his wife, Mary E. Knox Palla, whom he married on Sept. 25, 1954; three daughters, Mrs. Timothy (Mary Ellen) McVay of Sharpsville, Linda Wilson of Shermansville, and Mrs. Roy (Virginia) Wilson of Conneaut Lake; a son, John Michael and wife, Jacky Palla, of Shermansville; sisters, Mrs. Bill (Mary) Kuchar of Mt. Pleasant, Mrs. John (Margaret) Hegedus of Ruffsdale, Mrs. Steve (Elizabeth) Uhrin of Pittsburgh, Mrs. Joseph (Vernie) Lovish of Mt. Pleasant, and Mrs. Marion (Dorothy) Garsteck of Cleveland, Ohio; brothers, Martin and wife, Agnes Palla, of Harrison City, Steve Palla of Pennsylvania, and Joseph and wife, Mary Lou Palla, of Greensburg; and nine grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Tony Palla. Friends will be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the DICKSON FUNERAL HOME, Conneaut Lake. Service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in Our Lady Queen of Americas, Conneaut Lake.
ELLEN F. MESSNER SMITH ROMEO
Ellen F. Messner Smith Romeo, 93, of Elizabeth Township, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2000, at home. Born March 16, 1906, in Elizabeth Township, she was a daughter of the late Benjamin and Maude Molisee Messner. She was also predeceased by her first husband, Joseph T. Smith; two sisters, Corrinne McElravey and Vida Patterson; and a brother, Noland Messner. She was a retired meat cutter with Marraccini Supermarkets, a member of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Elizabeth Township, and a former member of the Mt. Vernon Women's Bowling League. Survivors include her husband, Roy A. Romeo; three stepdaughters, Maria Romeo of East Lansing, Mich., Carole Veits of Orrington, Maine, and Helen Darrow of Palmyra, N.Y.; six stepgrandchildren; four stepgreat-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. Friends received in the PAUL E. BEKAVAC FUNERAL HOME, 221 Second St., Elizabeth, Thursday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial Friday at noon in St. Michael's R.C. Church with the Rev. Timothy Evans as celebrant. Interment to follow in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth Township. Family has suggested memorial contributions to St. Michael's R.C. Church.
KATHLEEN H. SELWAY
Kathleen H. Selway, of Washington, Pa., died Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2000, following a lingering illness. Born Dec. 2, 1915, in Sheffield, England, a daughter of Leonard W. and Hannah Stacey Hague. Member of Fairhill Manor Christian Church, church choir, and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. Survived by husband, Edward D. Selway; two sons, David E. Selway of Irwin and Edward M. Selway of Houston, Texas; two sisters, Clarice Beecham and Bessie Killen, both of Washington, Pa.; two granddaughters, Darlene, wife of Dr. Lou D'Oro, and Dian, wife of Neil Cataldo; and eight great-grandchildren. Deceased are a brother, Cyril Hague, and sisters, Dorothy McKeefrey and Ethel Clara Wagers. Friends will be received by the family Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the WILLIAM G. NEAL FUNERAL HOMES LTD., 925 Allison Ave., Washington, Pa. Funeral services 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, with the Rev. Robert D. Brooks officiating. Entombment Forest Lawn Gardens. Memorials may be made to Diabetes Foundation.
BETTY F. THUMM
Betty F. Thumm, 74, of Port Vue, on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2000. Born March 14, 1925, in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of Frank and Laurie Murdy Schultz. She was a retired manager from the Art Store at Carnegie Mellon University. She was also a member of the First Free Evangelical Church and past president of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary 447 in Port Vue. She is survived by her husband, Robert J. Thumm; a son, Robert T. Thumm of West Mifflin; two daughters, Laura Ruszkoski of Glassport and Shirley White of Cincinnati, Ohio; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and three stepgreat-grandchildren. Friends will be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the JAYCOX-JAWORSKI FUNERAL HOME, 2703 O'Neil Blvd., McKeesport. Funeral service will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at the First Free Evangelical Church with Pastor Jack E. Kelly officiating. Interment will follow in Richland Cemetery, Dravosburg.
