Obituaries by Location
John N. Syrek Jr.
John N. Syrek Jr., 79, of Adah, Pa., died Wednesday, May 3, 2000, in Arlington Hospital, Arlington, Va.
He was born Oct. 20, 1920, in Edenborn, Pa., a son of the late John N. and Rozalie Syrek.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Lloyd, Vince, Edward and Joseph Syrek; and two sisters, Mary Chaney and Helen Novotny.
Mr. Syrek was the former owner and operator of Masontown Sports Center. He served his country during World War II, in the U.S. Marine Corp, was a retired machine shop instructor for the Fayette Area Vocational Technical School, and was formerly employed with U.S. Steel Robena Works and Pittsburgh Coal Company.
He was a member of St. Thomas Roman Catholic Church of Footedale, Pa., the Fort Mason American Legion Post 423, and Faith-Gray-McArdle V.F.W. Post 4584.
Surviving are his loving wife, Ann "Anka" (Matalik) Syrek, with whom he would have celebrated 54 years of marriage on May 4; three children, Eileen M. Syrek of DeBary, Fla., John E. Syrek and his wife, JoAnn (Demniak) of Jefferson, Pa., and Gary J. Syrek and his wife, Patricia (Gearing) of McClellandtown; four grandchildren, Kristy Syrek, Lisa Syrek, Gary Syrek and Cortney Syrek; a sister, Estelle McKeon of New York; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received in the HAKY FUNERAL HOMES INC., 515 North Main St., Masontown, Pa., on Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m., on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., and on Monday, May 8, 2000, until 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m., in St. Thomas R.C. Church, Footedale, Pa., with the Rev. Fr. James Popochock as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery, Footedale, where military services will be accorded by V.F.W. Post 4584. A Parish Wake Service will be held on Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
Elaine R. Yauger
Elaine Rita (Svec) Yauger, 77, of Uniontown, Pa., died Thursday, May 4, 2000, in St. Francis Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pa.
She was born Oct. 17, 1922, in Oliver 1, Pa., daughter of the late John and Mary (Strauch) Svec.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, John and Andrew Svec.
Elaine was a member of Saint Mary (Nativity) Roman Catholic Church, and a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Harry B. Yauger Sr.; ten children, Richard Yauger and wife, Nancy of Greenville, Pa., Harry Yauger Jr., and wife, Vicki of Saratoga, Calif., Don Yauger and wife, Cindy of Marietta, Ga., Patti Volner and husband, Bill of Titusville, Fla., Ray Yauger and wife, Regina of Roswell, Ga., Joanne Amin and husband, Ahmed of North Attleboro, Mass., Dolores Hutnick and husband, Nick of Uniontown, Pa., Karen Wymard and husband, Jeff of Radnor, Pa., Kevin Yauger and wife, Janice of Los Gatos, Calif., and Tom Yauger of Marin, Calif.; 20 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; her sister, Dorothy Pillar of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received in the HAKY FUNERAL HOMES INC., 139 West Fayette St., Uniontown, today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, May 6, 2000, until 8:30 a.m., when a Blessing Service will be held, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 9 a.m., in Saint Mary (Nativity) R.C. Church. Interment will follow in Sylvan Heights Cemetery. A Parish Wake Service will be held today at 8:30 p.m.
Mildred J. Childs
Mildred J. (Gram) Childs, 74, of Brownsville, Pa., died Thursday, April 05, 2001, at her home.
She was born on July 24, 1926, in England, a daughter of the late Frank and Alice Sully Jones.
She was a member of Fort Burd Presbyterian Church of Brownsville, Pa.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence (Snag) Childs in the year 2000; and a grandson, Christopher, in 1982.
She is survived by three children: Lynne and her husband, John Rankin of Brownsville, Pa., Clarence David and wife, Carol Childs of Monessen, Pa., and Terry L. and his wife, Cheryl Childs of Brownsville, Pa.; six grandchildren, David, Matthew, Brian and Terry Childs and John Jr. and Brian Rankin; and five great-grandchildren.
Friends will be received in the SKIRPAN FUNERAL HOME, 135 Park St., Brownsville, Pa., on Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. A prayer service will be held on Monday at 12:30 p.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 1 p.m., in the Fort Burd Presbyterian Church of Brownsville, Pa., with the Rev. David Clark officiating. Interment will be in LaFayette Memorial Park.
Msgr. John L. Garred
Msgr. John L. Garred, 75, a retired priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Greensburg, died Thursday, April 05, 2001, in the Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg.
He was born March 1, 1926, in Brownsville, Pa., a son of the late Albert P. and Gertrude Keefe Garred.
He attended the former St. Peter School in Brownsville, and the former St. Fidelis in Herman. He also attended Saint Vincent College and Seminary in Latrobe. Msgr. Garred was ordained by the late Bishop Hugh L. Lamb on June 7, 1952, at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, which gave him the distinction of being the first priest to be ordained for the Diocese of Greensburg. His first assignment was as parochial vicar at the former St. Gertrude Parish in McIntyre. He later served parochial vicarships at St. Joseph Parish, New Kensington (1953-55) and Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Greensburg (1955-59). Msgr. Garred received his first pastorate at St. Barbara Parish, Harrison City, on Sept. 1, 1960, after having served as administrator since June, 1959. He later served as pastor at the former St. Bernadine-St. Joseph Parish in Mount Pleasant (1968-70), Immaculate Conception Parish, Connellsville (1970-78, 1984-92), Blessed Sacrament Cathedral (1978-83), St. Francis Parish, Coral (1983-84), and St Raymond of the Mountains Parish, Donegal (1992-95). He was named a Domestic Prelate (with the title monsignor) by Pope Paul VI on Feb. 6, 1971. Msgr. Garred retired from active ministry for reasons of health in August, 1955. In retirement, he lived at Neuman Center, the residence for retired priests in Greensburg, and later at St. Anne’s Home, Greensburg. In addition to his pastoral assignments, Msgr. Garred also serve several assignments on the diocesan level, including director of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, secretary of The Catholic Accent, the diocesan weekly newspaper and director of the Bureau of Information. He also served two terms as Vicar Forane (dean) of Deanery VII and four terms on the diocesan Board of Consultors (1972-82). He also served one five-year term on the diocesan Priests Council (1993-98).
He is survived by two brothers, Paul Garred and his wife, Marjorie of Uniontown, and Francis Garred and his wife, Dolores of Murrysville; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will be received in the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., 111 East Green St., Connellsville, on Saturday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Viewing will continue on Sunday from 3 to 8 p.m., in St. Joseph Center Parlor, 2900 Seminary Rd., Greensburg. A concelebrated Funeral Mass will be held on Monday at 11 a.m., in St. Joseph Center Chapel, with Bishop Anthony Bosco as principal celebrant. Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Connellsville. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests mass offerings be made in memory of Msgr. Garred.
Walter J. Hedges Sr.
Walter J. Hedges Sr., 81, of Isabella, Pa., died Thursday, April 05, 2001.
He was born Nov. 10, 1919, in Tower Hill, Pa., son of the late Joseph and Verna Copchock Hedges.
Walter was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army, and was a member of the American Legion and the Brownsville Eagles. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW and the Isabelle Fire Department. He also served as a parish council member for St. Julian Church.
He is survived by his wife, Ann V. Latsko Hedges; three children, Pattie and her husband, Barry Lippencott of Liverpool, N.Y., Walter and his wife, Marlene Hedges Jr., of Snellville, Ga., and Thomas and his wife, Cathy Hedges of Grayson, Ga.; six grandchildren, Lance Lippencott, Jil Lippencott, Bethany Hedges, Brad Hedges, Jennifer Hedges and Andrea Hedges; and two sisters, Rosella Lutian of Fort Myers Beach, Fla., and Marie Reese of New Carrolton, Md.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Wanda Flynn and Marjorie Willetts.
Friends will be received in the SKIRPAN FUNERAL HOME, 135 Park St., Brownsville, Pa., on Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m., and on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m., where a prayer service will be held on Monday at a time to be announced.
Althea E. House
Althea Elaine House, 49, of Fairbank, Pa., died Wednesday, April 04, 2001, in Allegheny General Hospital.
She was born Aug. 29, 1951, in Brownsville, Pa., the daughter of the late Paul Raymond Randolph Jr., and Mae Elizabeth West Randolph Jr.
Althea was a sales representative at Romeo and Sons of Uniontown, and was a graduate of Brownsville Area High School, Class of 1969.
Althea is survived by her husband of 31 years, Thomas Joseph House Sr.; sons, Thomas Jr., and wife, Susan of Connellsville, Jason and wife, Samantha of New Salem, and Gregory Paul and wife, Christi of Brownsville; grandsons, Matthew Flannery House and Zane Patrick McShane; a sister, Elizabeth Mae Burd and husband, Dr. Paul Burd of Brownsville; a brother, Paul Raymond Randolph Jr.; a sister, Barbara Jean Fisher and husband, James of Brownsville, and a sister, Lynn Patterson and husband, Richard of Brownsville; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends in the CONFER FUNERAL HOME, 515 Front St., Browns-ville, today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. Funeral Services will then be conducted, with the Rev. David R. Clark of Fort Burd United Presbyterian Church of Brownsville, officiating. Burial will follow in Redstone Cemetery, Brownsville. In addition to flowers, contributions may be made to The Ronald McDonald House, 500 Shady Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206.
Betty J. Kissinger
Betty J. Kissinger, 72, of Uniontown, Pa., passed away Thursday, April 05, 2001, in Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh.
She is survived by two sisters, Helen and Mary Kissinger of Uniontown, Pa.
A complete obituary will be in Sunday’s paper. The JAMES D. BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Uniontown, is in charge of arrangements.
Joseph A. Kolek
Joseph A. Kolek, 85, of Filbert, Pa., died peacefully on Thursday, April 05, 2001, in his home, with his loving family by his side.
He was born Oct. 3, 1915, in Ronco, Pa., son of the late John and Mary Rebovitch Kolek.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters and a brother, Helen Bush, Sophia Smyth and Andrew Kolek.
He was a member of St. Thomas Church, in Footedale, Pa., the UMWA District 2, Local 6321, a retired employee of U.S. Steel Corporation, a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Army, and a self-employed building contractor for 35 years.
Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Mary Skurski Kolek; two daughters, Dorothy Rocheck and her husband, Robert of National Pike West and Barbara Wensing and her husband, John of Uniontown; five grandchildren, Lori Lewis and husband, Jeff of Wyomissing, Pa., Cynthia Baker and husband, James of Uniontown, Regina Krieger and husband, Wayne of Farmington, Andrea Chisler and husband, Vincent and John Wensing and wife, Stacey, all of Hopwood; nine great-grandchildren, Lauren, David, Kayla, Erica, Jessica, Alexis, Joshua, Hannah and Morgan; a brother, Michael Kolek of Flagstaff, Ariz.; and a sister, Evelyn Lukerchine of Phoenix, Ariz.
Friends will be received in the DEARTH FUNERAL HOME, New Salem, today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held in St. Thomas R.C. Church of Footedale, on Saturday, April 7, 2001, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Fr. James L. Popochock as celebrant. Entombment will follow in The Chapel of Peace Mausoleum LaFayette Memorial Park, Brier Hill. A Parish Wake Service will be held today at 8 p.m.
John J. Lessner
John J. "Johnny" Lessner, 101, of Lapeer, Mich., and formerly of Mapletown, Pa., Brownsville, Pa., and Monroeville, Pa., died at 10:15 a.m., on Thursday, April 05, 2001, at the home of his son, Jack Lessner, in Lapeer.
Mr. Lessner received his Masters in Education from the West Virginia University and taught school at Brownsville High School and retired from Mapletown High School, in 1965.
He is survived by a son, Jack Lessner and his wife, Mary Ann Ainsley Lessner of Lapeer; a daughter, Maryjane Banke and her husband, John of Monroeville, Pa.; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received in the Yoskovich Funeral Home, 300 South Vine St., (Route 88), Carmichaels, Pa., on Sunday from 5 to 9p.m., where funeral services will be held on Monday, April 9, 2001, at 11 a.m.
James D. Martin
James Donald (J.D.) Martin, who was born in Uniontown, Pa., and was a beloved husband and father, passed away March 31, 2001, in Spokane, Wash., at the age of 62, after a brief illness.
In 1999, J.D. retired from The Boeing Company where he received awards for professional ability and personal dedication for outstanding performance.
J.D. was an avid outdoorsman and had a great love of all nature surroundings. He especially enjoyed hunting and fishing and simply taking in all of nature’s wonders.
He served in the U.S. Air Force for eight years and received several distinct recognition awards because of his outstanding duty performance.
J.D. was known to his family and friends for his integrity, compassion, love and respect for people, animals, places and things.
His father, James Riley Martin; a brother, Ronald Dale; his paternal grandparents, Bert and Susan Martin and Bessie (Mom) Maust; and maternal grandparents, Frank and Mary Golcher, preceded him in death.
J.D. is survived by his wife, Karen Martin of Colville, Wash.; his mother, Mary Martin of Coolspring, Pa.; two sons, Steven James Martin and fiancée, Kim Duncan of Lynwood, Wash., and Robbie Jay Martin of Arlington, Wash.; three daughters, Mary Martin of Everett, Wash., Kileen Martin of Frederick, Md., and Kim Williams of Marysville, Wash.; two grandchildren, Minnie and Clinton; mother-in-law, Cele Lawlis of Marysville, Wash.; three brothers, Gary Martin and wife, Sharon of Frederick, Md.; Allen Martin and wife Sharon of Keezletown, Va., and Audie Martin of Clarksburg, Md.; three sisters, Connie Kelley and Ed, of Hopwood, Pa., Darlene Martin of Hopwood, Pa., and Joanna Valentine and Roger of Lemont Furnace, Pa., and numerous nieces and nephews.
A gathering of family and friends is being held in Colville, Wash., where he designed and constructed their retirement mountain home overlooking the Columbia River along the Canadian border.
A memorial service for family and friends in the Everett, Wash., area, where they resided for 35 years, prior to moving to Colville, will be held at a later date.
He will also be lovingly remembered by his family and friends at a memorial at a later date in Pennsylvania.
The DANEKAS FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORY, 155 W. First, Colville, Wash., 99114, handled the arrangements.
