Obituaries by Location
Marie M. Smarto
Marie M. Smarto, 74, formerly of Connellsville, died Monday, Sept. 11, 2000, at McMurray Hills Nursing Home, McMurray. She was born Oct. 22, 1925 in Everson, a daughter of the late Vincent and Rose (Kolacinski) Palka. She was a graduate of Scottdale High School. Prior to her retirement, she worked as a clerk for the Fayette County Tax Bureau and the City Treasurer's office. She was a member of St. Rita's R.C. Church, Connellsville and Our Lady Carmel Christian Mothers where she served as past president; the Sons of Italy Ladies Auxiliary and the FOE #493 Ladies Auxillary. Marie was also active in local politics serving as a 2nd Ward committee woman for many years. She is survived by two sons, David Smarto of Connellsville and John A. Smarto Sr. and wife, Sandy of Scottdale; a daughter, Rosemarie S. (Smarto) Sherman and husband, Robert of Washington; a brother, Vincent Palka and wife, Norma of Ft. Myers, Fla.; four grandchildren, John A. Smarto Jr., Kristian Sherman, Timothy Schwartz and Carrie Cottom; two great-grandchildren; Brooke Erin Cottom and Hunter Alan Schwartz; also many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, John A. Smarto (1985) and an infant son, Vincent Paul Smarto. Friends will be received today from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the PAUL G. FINK FUNERAL HOME, INC., 418 N. Pittsburgh St., Connellsville. A funeral Mass will be held Thursday at St. Rita's RC Church (times to be announced).
Elizabeth E. Joscsak, Washington
Elizabeth E. Joscsak, 74, of Washington, died Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2000, in the Washington Hospital. She was born May 1, 1926, in Washington, daughter of Vertis W. Higgins and Margaret M. Higgins Walker. She is survived by her husband, Joseph J. Joscsak Jr., whom she married on March 20, 1948. Also surviving is one son, Joseph J. Joscsak III of Washington; two daughters, Toni Joscsak and Mary Allen, both of Washington; one brother, Vertis H. Higgins of LaFayette, La.; and four grandchildren, Christy Rock, Ashley Holub, Samantha Joscsak and Joseph J. Joscsak IV. She was preceded in death by one brother, James G. Higgins. Friends will be received on Friday, Sept. 15, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., the time of service in the WILLIAM G. NEAL FUNERAL HOMES, LTD., 925 Allison Ave., Washington, with Pastor Susan Petritis officiating. A private interment will be held at the convenience of the family at Forest Lawn Gardens in McMurray.
Manetta G. Jones Raymond, Scottdale
Manetta G. Jones Raymond, 84, of Scottdale R.D.1, passed away Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 13, 2000, in Frick Hospital, Mount Pleasant. Funeral arrangements are being personalized by the ROBERT B. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, 105 SPRING ST., SCOTTDALE (724-887-5300/e-mail:rferg@a1usa.net) and will be announced when completed.
Patty Wojnarowski, Scottdale
Patty Ann Reynolds Wojnarowski, 65, of South Chestnut Street, Scottdale died unexpectedly Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2000 in Frick Hospital, Mount Pleasant. Patty's family will receive friends in the FRANK KAPR FUNERAL HOME, INC., 417 W. Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A blessing service will be held Friday at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home followed by a funeral mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph R.C. Church, Everson. Interment will follow in St. Joseph RC Parish Cemetery. A parish wake service will be held today in the funeral home.
Michael A. Fiano,Connellsville
Michael A. Fiano, 80, of Connellsville, died Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2000, in Highlands Hospital, Connellsville. He was born Sept. 20, 1919, in Nellie, a son of the late Peter and Angela Marie Iademarco Fiano. Mr. Fiano was retired from the U.S. Steel Homestead Works where he was employed for over 30 years. He was a graduate of the former Immaculate Conception High School in Connellsville and he was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the 101st Airborne Division. He was a member of the VFW Post 21 of Connellsville and a member of St. Rita's Roman Catholic Church, Connellsville. He is survived by his wife, Mary Brunetti Fiano; three sons, Gerard Fiano and his wife Joyce of Mount Pleasant, Christopher Fiano and his wife Jane of Connellsville and Jeffrey Fiano and his wife Renee of Connellsville; eight grandchildren, Kasie, Christopher, Anna, Sarah, Elizabeth, Maria, Michael and Vincent Fiano; one brother, Victor Fiano of Connellsville; three sisters, Catherine Hrezo of Connellsville, Evelyn Martinelli and her husband James of Hagerstown, Md., and Viola Jean Ritz of Tampa, Fl. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by five brothers, Philip, Nicholas, James, Joseph and John Fiano; and two sisters, Angeline Sherman and Laura McGann. Friends will be received in the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., 111 E. Green St., Connellsville, today from 6 to 9 p.m and Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Blessing Service will be held Saturday at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Rita's R. C. Church, Connellsville with the Rev. Frank Lesniowski as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Rita's Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted at the Cemetery by the American Legion and VFW Post Honor Guard. A Parish Wake Service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.
Osborne F. Johnson Jr., Dunbar
Osborne F. "Ozzie" Johnson Jr., 67, of Dunbar, and formerly of Point Marion, died unexpectedly Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2000, at Highlands Hospital in Connellsville. Born May 31, 1933, in Point Marion, he was a son of Mary Bircher Johnson of Point Marion and the late Osborne F. Johnson Sr. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict, formerly a member of the National Guard and Merchant Marines, and was a self-employed electrician. He was raised a Baptist, and was a member of the American Legion, Post 499 of Point Marion. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife Alice Lambie Johnson; five children, Bruce F. Johnson, Chris Johnson, Osborne M. Johnson, Lisha Johnson, all of Dunbar, and Timothy Johnson of Ft. Lewis, Wash.; five grandchildren, Justin, Joshua, Ashley and Shay Johnson, and Icee' Leapline; and two sisters, Bonnie Ainsley of Smithfield and Carol Ann Bottoms of Barnsville, Ga. He was predeceased by a brother, Ronald Johnson in 1986. Friends will be received in the RICHARD R. HEROD FUNERAL HOME, Point Marion, today from 7 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday until 1 p.m., the hour of service, with the Rev. Mike Oldham officiating. Interment follows in Little Arlington Section of Evergreen Memorial Park, Point Marion, with military honors accorded at the graveside by the VFW Post 747 and the American Legion, Post 449, both of Point Marion.
Mary E. Francis, Monarch
Mary E. Francis, 84, of Monarch, passed away Friday, Sept. 15, 2000, in Uniontown Hospital. She was born April 22, 1916, in Monarch, a daughter of the late Anthony and Anna Klippi Francis. She was a member of St. John's Evangelist RC Church. She is survived by one daughter, Connie Williams and husband, John, of Dunbar. Also surviving: one granddaughter, Laureen, and two sisters, Anna Mae Pilostomos, Edgewater, Md., and Mildred (Millie) Kopf, Connellsville. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by two brothers, John and Frank Francis. Friends will be received in the RICHARD KUCERA FUNERAL HOME, 127 E. Fairview Ave., Connellsville, today from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Blessing service will be held in the funeral home Monday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. John's the Evangelist RC Church with Fr. John Butler as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. John's Cemetery. A parish wake service will be held in the funeral home Sunday afternoon at 3:30 p.m.
David Bandemer, Mount Pleasant
David M. Bandemer, 49, of Mount Pleasant, died Friday morning, Sept. 15, 2000, at his residence. He was born Dec. 17, 1950, in Mount Pleasant. He graduated from Southmoreland High School, Class of 1970. He was a photographer for the Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Info., Greensburg. He is survived by his parents, Charles L. Sr. and Muriel H. Pershing Bandemer of Mount Pleasant, R.D. 7; his loving wife of 24 years, Sandra Keenan Bandemer; four daughters, Laura L. Bandemer and fiancˇ, Jon Philippi, of Merritt Island, Fla., Teresa R. Bandemer of Mount Pleasant, Rachel S. and Amy B. Bandemer, both at home; a brother, Charles L. Bandemer Jr. and wife Susan, of Coppell, Texas; two sisters, Nancy L. Allen and husband John, of Houston, Texas, and Melissa R. Howard and husband Keith, of Crestview, Fla.; father- and mother-in-law, Thomas Sr. and Rita L. Palmer Keenan of Herminie; two brothers-in-law, Thomas Keenan Jr. and Joseph Keenan, both of Herminie, and a sister-in-law, Sharon Maywood and husband Wayne, of North Huntingdon. Friends will be received in the EUGENE G. SALOOM FUNERAL HOME INC., Main St., Mount Pleasant, today from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 9 p.m. His funeral service will be held in the funeral home Monday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Andrew F. Dougherty officiating. Interment will follow in Scottdale Cemetery.
Carole L. Cocain, Scottdale
Carole Louise Cocain, 63, of Scottdale passed away Friday, Sept. 15, 2000, at her home. Carole was born Aug. 21, 1937, in Greensburg, the daughter of Alberta Braun Cocain and the late Robert V. Cocain of Scottdale. Carole was the secretary for the Senior Tigers of Connellsville. She was a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Scottdale, the Connellsville Tigers Senior Center, and the order of the Eastern Star Chapter No. 562 of Scottdale, where she was past matron. She is survived by her loving family: her mother, Alberta Cocain of Scottdale; her brothers, Henry T. Cocain and wife Kathleen, of Sharpsville, and Robert V. Cocain of Ventura, Calif. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at MURPHY-CARUSO MEMORIAL HOME, 303 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19 with the Rev. Andrew F. Dougherty III officiating. Interment will follow at Green Ridge Memorial Park, Pennsville. The order of the Eastern Star Chapter No. 562 will hold a memorial service in the funeral home Monday at 7 p.m. The family suggests contributions be made to St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church of Scottdale in memory of Carole Cocain.
Violet Tomb, Carlisle
Violet Slater Krepps Tomb, 75, of Carlisle, formerly of Mount Pleasant, died Friday morning, Sept. 15, 2000, at her residence. She was born Nov. 30, 1924, in Mount Pleasant, a daughter of the late Edward and Margaret Pearl Shaffer Krepps. She was a member of Shepherd of the Valley Methodist Church, Phoenix, Ariz. Prior to her retirement, she was a cafeteria worker for Deer Valley High School, Phoenix, Ariz., and Sears, Colonial Park. She was a graduate of the former Hurst High School. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert G. Tomb in 1982. She is survived by two sons, Larry Tomb and wife Alice, of Beaverton, Ore., and Daniel Tomb and wife Cathleen, of Mesa, Ariz.; two daughters, Patricia Kritikos and husband John, of Carlisle, with whom she made her home, and Sandra Parrish and husband Ronald, of Phoenix, Ariz.; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three brothers, Floyd Krepps of Augusta, Ga., Duane Krepps and wife Julia, of Acme, and Ronald Krepps and wife Carol, of Acme, and a sister, Elma Brechbill and husband Glenn, of Hayesville, N.C. Friends will be received in the EUGENE G. SALOOM FUNERAL HOME INC., Main St., Mount Pleasant, Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 9 p.m. Her funeral service will be held in the funeral home Monday at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Joe Payne officiating. Interment in Mt. Joy Cemetery, Mount Pleasant, will be private.
Mary Belle Jones
Mary Belle Jones, 87, of Homestead Ave., Scottdale, passed away early Monday morning, Sept.18, 2000, in the Harmon House Convalescent Center in Mount Pleasant. Family and friends will be received in the ROBERT B. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, 105 Spring St., Scottdale (724-887-5300/email:rferg@a1usa.net) on Tuesday from 2 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Joseph A. Hajdu officiating. Interment will follow in Scottdale Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, Scottdale.
Elizabeth Blocker
Elizabeth "Billie" Blocker, 88, formerly of Isabella Road, Connellsville, died Aug. 24, 2000, at Beverly Health Care in Palm Bay, Fla. She was born Aug. 20, 1912, in Everson. She was laid to rest Aug. 27, 2000, in Palm Bay.
Reynold E. Ruffo Sr.
Reynold E. "Ray" Ruffo Sr., 83, of Greensburg, formerly of Youngwood, passed away Sept. 16, 2000. He was born Dec. 15, 1916, a son of the late Albert Ruffo and Giovani Mastrangelo Ruffo Santia. He was Catholic by faith, a member of Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in Youngwood. He was a graduate of Youngwood High School with the Class of 1936. Prior to retirement, he was employed by Detroit Mold Engineering Inc., Youngwood. He was also owner and operator of Ruffo's Bar in South Greensburg for several years. He was a member of the Connellsville Senior Tigers, Youngwood L.O.O.M. 23, Scottdale Elks 777, Touchdown Club of Latrobe and the A and B Club of Youngwood. He is survived by two sons, Albert Ruffo of Bovard and Reynold E. Ruffo Jr. of Youngwood; three daughters, Constance "Connie" Pace of Greensburg, Nina Van Zant and husband, Randall, of Sneedville, Tenn., and Dianne Ruffo of Virginia; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and three stepsisters, Mrs. Joseph (Virginia) Sarcelone of Aliquippa, Mrs. Michael (Lizzie) Consi of Greensburg and Mrs. Angelo (Jenny) Farzati of Greensburg. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Christopher Ruffo; two brothers, Earl Ruffo and Floyd Ruffo; two sisters, Viola Placey and Theresa Ruffo Michelle; a stepsister, Theresa Cerilla; two stepbrothers, Chester Santia and Floyd Santia; and his stepfather, Anthony "Tony" Santia. Funeral services will be private, officiated by the Rev. Father Francis Lesniowski of St. Rita RC Church, Connellsville. Entombment will follow in Twin Valley Memorial Park, Delmont. Arrangements are being handled by the VITO C. MARTUCCI FUNERAL HOME, 123 S. First St. (West Side), Connellsville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Youngwood Sports Gallery, 17 S. Sixth St., Youngwood, Pa. 15697.
Edward M. Bennett Sr.
Edward Matthew Bennett Sr., 80, of 204 S. Eighth St., Connellsville, passed away Sunday, Sept. 17, 2000, in Uniontown Hospital. He was born May 7, 1920, in West Virginia, son of the late Noah C. and Lelah Hinkle Bennett. He was a retired employee of The Freuhauf Corp., a member of St. Rita Roman Catholic Church in Connellsville, a 20-year volunteer driver for the Connellsville Ambulance Service, and a volunteer for the Senior Citizens Meals-on-Wheels. He was founder of The Ozark Mountain Boys Country Western Band. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Lyda, Oliver, and Woodford Bennett; and three sisters, Hazel Hardman, Osia Hoover and Lona Hamner. He is survived by his wife, Gemma Molinaro Bennett; one son, Edward M. Bennett Jr. and his wife, Karen, of Virginia; three daughters, Lorraine and her husband, Joseph Guynn, of Dunbar, Rita Anne and her husband, Jerald Waltz, of Lemont Furnace, and Jean Bennett Taylor of Lorain, Ohio; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brothers, Boyd, Hayward, Leo and Darrell Bennett, all of Ohio, and Herbert Bennett of Florida; and two sisters, Zola Stockwell of West Virginia and Pearl Holcut of Ohio. Friends are being received in the RICHARD KUCERA FUNERAL HOME, 127 E. Fairview Ave., Connellsville, today from 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. where a blessing service will be held Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. A funeral Mass follows at 10 a.m. in St. Rita RC Church, Connellsville, with the Rev. Father Frank Lesniowski and the Rev. Father Kenneth Molinaro, C.S.C., as celebrants. Interment will follow in St. Rita Cemetery. St. Rita's Parish wake will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m.
Elizabeth C. Hauger
Elizabeth C. "Lizzie" Hauger, 99, of Mount Pleasant, R.D.5, went home to be with her Lord Sunday, Sept. 17, 2000. She was born Jan. 23, 1901, in Donegal Township, a daughter of the late C.A. and Mary Boomer Auman. She was a member of the Stahlstown United Methodist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George H. Hauger, in 1983; a son, Earnest L. Hauger, in 1943 while serving in Europe with the U.S. Army during World War II; three brothers, John, Frank and Eugene Auman; two sisters, Ruth Cox and Ida Ross; and a great-grandson, Benjamin M. Geary. She is survived by her daughter, Mary L. Geary and her husband, Dean S., of Mount Pleasant; two grandsons, Ronald D. Geary and his wife, Susan J., of Stahlstown and Lynn J. Geary and his wife, Carol J., of Mount Pleasant; five great-grandchildren, Richard L. Geary and his wife, Mindy, of Connellsville, Michael S. Geary and his wife, Tricia, and Naomi R. Geary, all of Pensacola, Fla., Adam J. Geary and Cale J. Geary, both of Mount Pleasant; two great-great grandchildren, Rachel and Noah Geary; a brother, Ross Auman and his wife, LuLavica, of Stahlstown; and numerous nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the L. BOYD SNYDER FUNERAL HOME INC., Church Street, Donegal, where services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Geary Witt officiating. Interment will be in Fairmount Cemetery. Jamie Snyder Brown, funeral director/supervisor.
Arthur D. (Bud) Forsythe
Arthur D. (Bud) Forsythe, 73, of Perryopolis, died Sunday, Sept. 17, 2000, at 5 a.m. in Uniontown Hospital. He was born March 11, 1927, at Fairchance, the son of the late William O. and Agnes Goldsboro Forsythe. Bud was a member of Perryopolis United Methodist Church and the Men's Breakfast of Perryopolis. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Mrs. Donald (Trudy) Forsythe of New Brighton; a niece, Mrs. Kenneth (Shelly) Remley of Beaver Falls; grand nephews, Kenneth H. Remley III and Wesley Edmund Remley, both of Beaver Falls; and cousin Duane Rough and wife Olive of Dawson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother Donald Forsythe; and sister Sarah Elizabeth Forsythe. Friends will be received in the BLAIR-LOWTHER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 106 E. Independence St., Perryopolis today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday until 11 a.m., the hour of service, with the Rev. Brock R. Beveridge officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Washington Cemetery, Perryopolis.
