Obituaries by Location
Stephen S. Mitrisin
Stephen S. Mitrisin, 72, of Troy, Ohio, passed away Feb. 24, 2000. Stephen was born in Everson, June 11, 1927, son of the late Doris and Steve Mitrisin. He was a retired meat cutter with 37 years of service from Kroger's, a member of Retail Clerks Union, Local 1099, U.F.C.W. Local 1099 Retirees, member of Precious Blood Church and Precious Blood Church Leisure Club. He was a World War II Navy veteran. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lavern A. Pearl (formerly of Narrows Road, Connellsville) in 1994. He is survived by a daughter, Stephanie Mitrisin; son, Jeffrey Mitrisin and his wife, Julie; four grandchildren, Christopher, Jennifer, Jessi and Jaime; a sister, Loretta Sowinski; brothers, William, Marion and Victor Mitrisin; aunts, Stella Cudnik and Helen Mitrisin; and an uncle, Andrew Mitrisin. Mass of Christian burial was officiated by the Rev. Father Mark Hoying at Precious Blood Church in Dayton, Ohio, on Feb. 29. Interment was at the Calvary Cemetery in Dayton.
Glen E. McCormack
Glen E. (Mack) McCormack, 66, of Dickerson Run, died Tuesday, March 7, 2000, at the home of his daughter, Karen McCormack in Scottdale. Friends will be received in the RALPH E. GALLEY FUNERAL HOME, Dawson, today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the hour of the service there. Officiating minister is the Rev. Joseph Hajdu. Interment in Green Ridge Memorial Park.
Mary (Libby) Russell
Mary Elizabeth (Libby) Russell, 90, of Dunbar, went home to her heavenly father March 6, 2000. Friends will be received in the BURHANS-CROUSE FUNERAL HOME, 28 Connellsville St., Dunbar, Pa., today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday until 11 a.m., the hour of service, with the Rev. Gary McFadden officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Auburn Cemetery.
Mildred Helms
Mildred Helms, 85, of South Connellsville, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 7, 2000 in Eicher's Family Home in Normalville. Friends will be received in the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., 111 E. Green St., Connellsville, today from 2 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday at 1 p.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. David Bashor officiating. Interment will follow in the Hill Grove Cemetery.
Violet B. Cochran
Violet B. Moore Cochran, 82, of Somerset, died March 7, 2000, at Somerset Hospital. She was born Sept. 26, 1917, in Milford Township, daughter of the late Jesse and Ruth (Mosholder) Moore. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Cochran, and grandchildren, Robert and Kimberly Beener. She is survived by children, Carol Custer and her husband, Lynn, Donald Cochran and his wife, Ann, Darleen Beener and her husband, George, and Robert Cochran and his wife, Janeen; grandchildren, Sheri Bodden and her husband, Johnnie, Brett Custer, Mindy and Shawn Cochran, Kerry Beener and his wife, Julie, Kevin Beener and Natosha and Jeremy Cochran; great-grandchildren, Nathaniel Custer, Zachary and Arianna Bodden, Ashley, Cassidy, Chelsea, and Cole Beener; a sister, Mary E. Weighley and her husband, Milton, Anna M. McQuade and her husband, William, Florence R. Maust and her husband, Harry, Mildred R. Ringler and her husband, William, and Ida M. Schmuck and her husband, Roy. She was a former employee and partner in Farm Equipment and Cochran Farm Equipment Co. for 65 years, was one of the better known women in the farm, logging and construction industries and was admired for her knowledge of and memory for equipment parts and her dedicated loyal service to her customers. She was a 1934 graduate of Somerset High School and a member of the Brothersvalley Church of the Brethren where she served as deacon and held various positions. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday at MILLER FUNERAL HOME, Somerset. Church service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Brothersvalley Church of the Brethren, Brotherton, with viewing one-half hour prior to service. The Rev. Timothy Resh is officiating. Interment Somerset County Memorial Park. A luncheon will follow at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Brothersvalley Church of the Brethren, Violet Cochran Memorial Fund.
Robert E. (Bud) McCombie Sr.
Robert E. (Bud) McCombie Sr., age 76, of Uniontown, Pa., died unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 7, 2000, in the Uniontown Hospital. He was born July 27, 1923, in Collier, Pa., son of the late Robert B. and Nora (Dillow) McCombie. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Donald McCombie. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during World War II, and a retired coal miner. He is survived by his wife, Ruth A. (Veshinsky) McCombie, whom he married July 13, 1944; five children, Robert E. McCombie and wife, Ruth, of Uniontown, Pa., William K. McCombie and wife, Penny, of Connellsville, Pa., Lynn DeMao and husband, Jeff, of Chicago, Ill., Valerie J. Tennant and husband, Lee, of Uniontown, Pa. and Michelle R. McCombie of Uniontown, Pa.; eight grandchildren, Robert III, William, Bruce, Erin, Wendy, Christiane, David and Holly; two great-grandchildren, Ian and Johnathan; one brother, Kenneth McCombie of Uniontown, Pa.; two sisters, Garnet Robinson of Connellsville, Pa. and Alice Skelton of Uniontown, Pa.; and many nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the STEPHEN R. HAKY FUNERAL HOME INC. at Sylvan Heights Cemetery, 603 N. Gallatin Ave., Uniontown, Pa., today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday, March 10, 2000, until 11 a.m., the hour of service with the Rev. Bernard Carl officiating. Interment will follow in Sylvan Heights Cemetery.
Francis R. Lenz
Francis R. Lenz, 75, of Church Street, Gallitzin, died March 7, 2000, at Altoona Hospital. He was born June 3, 1924, in Gallitzin, the son of the late Raymond M. and Aimee (Gillen) Lenz. He was preceded in death by a brother, C. Glenn on Aug. 21, 1999. He is survived by his wife, the former Helen Ocilka, who he married July 15, 1947, in St. Marys Church; children, Arnold married to Donna Krug of Connellsville, Theresa married to Robert T. McCaa of Lewistown and Laura of Duncansville; grandchildren, Gary and Debbie, Colleen, Danielle, Mary Helen and Michael and Bobby; great-grandchildren, Ryan and Kristina; brothers, the Rev. Msgr. Paul Lenz of Washington, D.C., Richard J. and Peggy Lenz of Arlington, Texas, John J. and Barbara Lenz of Sayre and R. Raymond and Herlene Lenz of Cresson; sister-in-law, Patricia Lenz of Littleton, Colo.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was the former owner of the Francis R. Lenz Funeral Home in Gallitzin for 50 years. He was a 1942 graduate of Altoona Catholic High, a graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1948 and attended Penn State University. He was an Army Air Force veteran of World War II. He was an Independent Insurance agent, a life member of Gallitzin VFW Post 7618, life member of Gallitzin American Legion Post 174 and life member of Gallitzin Volunteer Fire Co., member and past president of Gallitzin Lions Club for 50 years having received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award in 1993, also served as deputy district governor of 14J, a member of Italian Mutual Society, Gallitzin and member of Volunteer Firemans Association of Cambria County and vicinity. He previously served as a board member of Home Nursing Agency, was a former director of First National Bank in Gallitzin and director emeritus of Portage National Bank, a member of Keystone Funeral Directors Association, PFDA, NFDA, St. Patricks Bingo Committee and St. Patricks Catholic Church in Gallitzin, where a concelebrated funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday with the Rev. Msgr. Paul Lenz, brother of the deceased, and the Rev. Msgr. Bernard Przybocki. Committal at the church Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today and Friday at LENZ-GIBBONS FUNERAL HOME, Gallitzin, where a vigil service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Patricks School Fund, Gallitzin Fire Co. or Gallitzin Area Ambulance Service in Frank's name. Military gravesite rites by Gallitzin VFW, American Legion and other military organizations.
Thomas W. Kuhn
Thomas W. Kuhn, 64, of Alverton, died Saturday, March 4, 2000, at home. He was born Dec. 19, 1935, a son of the late Samuel G. and Anna Samudosky Kuhn. He was a member of the Harvest Community Church of God in Latrobe. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mildred Burke Kuhn. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Linda Mohr Kuhn of Alverton; a daughter, Debra Sue, and her husband, James Robert Pocky, of Alverton; two brothers, John E. Kuhn of Alverton and Donald S. Kuhn of Mount Pleasant; and one sister, Shirley Fisher of Bloomdale, Ohio. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 9, at 5 p.m. at the Harvest Community Church of God of Latrobe, Route 981, with Pastor Rob Allison officiating.
Glen E. McCormack
Glen E. (Mack) McCormack, 66, of Dickerson Run, died Tuesday, March 7, 2000, at the home of his daughter, Karen McCormack in Scottdale. He was born in Dickerson Run, May 10, 1933, the son of the late Francis and Evelyn Bloom McCormack. He was a member of the FOE No. 1007 of Scottdale, Scottdale Firemens, VFW Post 7781 of Scottdale, Post No. 194 Scottdale Moose, PAK of Everson, the American Legion Post 0446 of Mount Pleasant and the Legion Club of Mount Pleasant. Surviving in addition to his daughter, Karen McCormack; are one son, Glen (Butch) McCormack of Belle Vernon; a daughter, Diana (Dee) McCormack of Mount Pleasant; a stepdaughter, Floss Rohm of Mill Run; one sister, Helen Baird of Ruffsdale; four grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; seven step great-grandchildren; and his former wife, Helen McCormack of Hunker. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Francis and George McCormack. Friends will be received in the RALPH E. GALLEY FUNERAL HOME, Dawson, Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the hour of the service there. Officiating minister is the Rev. Joseph Hajdu. Interment in Green Ridge Memorial Park.
Mildred Helms
Mildred Helms, 85, of South Connellsville, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 7, 2000 in Eicher's Family Home in Normalville. She was born April 2, 1914, in Connellsville, a daughter of the late Orton P. and Elizabeth Beiber Eicher. Following the death of her mother in 1922, Mildred lived with her maternal grandparents Fred and Clara Beiber until Nov. 10, 1934, when she married Walter Glenn Helms. She was Protestant by faith. Mildred was very active in her church, where she was a singer in the choir and she also sang at funerals and weddings. She was a member of the Albright EUB Church in South Connellsville until the early 1950s when she joined the Calvary Assembly of God Church, Connellsville. Mildred was a Sunday school teacher at both churches and a former superintendent of the Sunday schools at the Assembly of God Church. She also served on various boards of the church. She remained a member of the Assembly of Gud Church until her death. She is survived by two daughters, Elinor Rae Helms of South Connellsville and Janice Fae Helms of Irwin; two grandchildren, Lisa Brown Westwood and her husband Paul of Irwin and Thomas G. Brown of Slickville; four great-grandchildren, Sara Brown and Thomas E. Brown of the state of Illinois and Lindsay and Jacob Westwood, both of Irwin; two brothers, Jesse Willard Eicher and his wife Mildred of Connellsville and Jack D. Eicher and his wife Gail of Houston, Pa.; two sisters-in-law, Betty Moon of South Connellsville and Betty Jean Helms of Connellsville; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Mildred was predeceased by her husband, Walter Glenn "Pee Wee" Helms on May 9, 1992; her stepmother, Pearl Firestone Eicher; and a sister, Helen P. Snyder on Dec. 8, 1997. Friends will be received in the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., 111 E. Green St., Connellsville, Thursday from 2 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday at 1 p.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. David Bashor officiating. Interment will follow in the Hill Grove Cemetery.
Mary Elizabeth (Libby) Russell
Mary Elizabeth (Libby) Russell, 90, of Dunbar, went home to her heavenly father March 6, 2000. She was born Feb. 10, 1910, in Irishtown, Pa., a daughter of the late Dennis and Agnes Martin. Libby was married 63 years to the late Paul Edward Russell and was the loving mother of four children; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter and son-in-law, Betty Jean and Richard Rupert; daughter-in-law Evadene Weaver Russell; three grandsons; a great-grandson; brothers Perry, Donald and Emory; and sisters Virginia Edriss and Jeannette. She is survived by three sons, Paul E. and wife, Frances, of Connellsville, Robert D. and wife, Mary Elizabeth, and Perry D. and wife, Janet; brothers Robert Martin, and Wayne and wife, Lena Martin, all of Dunbar. Libby touched the lives of all who knew her with her warmth, kindness and giving spirit. Her loving smile and beautiful memories of the past will be sadly missed by many. Friends will be received in the BURHANS-CROUSE FUNERAL HOME, 28 Connellsville St., Dunbar, Pa., today from 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday until 11 a.m., the hour of service, with the Rev. Gary McFadden officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Auburn Cemetery.
Madeline E. Copeland
Madeline "Madge" Edna (Shumar) Copeland, 82, of Kingview Road, Scottdale (Upper Tyrone Township), passed away Monday evening, March 6, 2000, in Forbes Regional Medical Center, Monroeville. Madeline was born in Mount Pleasant, on Sept. 8, 1917, a daughter of the late Eber Weldon and Grace Stauffer Shumar, who passed away on Dec. 4, 1966, and Sept. 12, 1987, respectively. Madeline was a loving homemaker, mother, grandmother and sister to her family. She was previously employed at Howard Johnson's Restaurant in New Stanton, and years ago worked at Bryce's Glass Factory in Mount Pleasant. Madeline was a longtime member of the Scottdale Church of Christ and a member of the Joy Class at the church. She was involved for years as a member of the Kingview Ladies Club, where she held various positions. She was also a member and officer of the Everson Senior Citizens, was an active Republican committeewoman, and served on the Upper Tyrone Township Election Board. Madeline is survived by her loving family; her children, Thomas Harold Copeland and his wife, Mary Jane of Kingview, Carolyn Lee Piper of Kingview and Darlene G. Randolph and her husband, Stephen, of Everson; her grandchildren, Kelly Lynn Copeland of Pittsburgh, Shawn C. Copeland of Kingview, Carrie Lee Copeland of Pittsburgh, George Curtis Piper and his wife, Joan, of Kingview and Stephen Donald Randolph of Everson; a great-granddaughter, Melissa Smalley of Kingview; her sister and friend, Charlotte Slonecker of Mount Pleasant; her sister, Doris Annaballi and her husband, Rick, of Hershey; her six brothers, George Shumar of Elon College, N.C., Jack Shumar and his wife, Genevieve, Richard Shumar and his wife, Pearl Ann, Herbert Shumar and his wife, Delores, Kenneth Shumar and his wife, Renee, all of Mount Pleasant, Eugene Shumar and his wife, Marge, of Everson; and numerous nieces and nephews from both the Shumar and Copeland families. In addition to her parents, Madeline was preceded in death by her husband, George William Copeland on May 22, 1972; two sisters, Margaret and Emma Jean Shumar; four brothers, Clair Shumar, William Shumar Sr., Alfred Shumar and James Shumar; an infant brother and a special sister-in-law and friend, Mary Ellen Shumar, who passed away in January. Madeline was a special friend to many and loved by all who knew her. Family and friends will be received at the ROBERT B. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, 105, Spring St., Scottdale (724-887-5300) today from 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursday from noon to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Parting prayers will be held on Friday at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home, followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. at the Scottdale Church of Christ with Pastor Bob Chambers officiating. Graveside committal services and interment will take place in Mount Pleasant Cemetery next to her late husband.
Fern Walker
Fern Walker, 83, of Mount Pleasant, died Sunday, March 5, 2000, in the Harmon House, Mount Pleasant. Friends will be received in the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 406 E. Washington St., Mount Pleasant, today, from 2 to 9 p.m. A funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with Rev. Robert Bixel officiating. Internment will follow in the Normalville Cemetary.
Matthew Bryner
Matthew Steven Bryner, 19, of Normalville, passed away Saturday, March 4, 2000, in the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He was born Aug. 29, 1980, in Mount Pleasant, a son of Paul L. and Colleen Titterington Bryner of Normalville. He was a Protestant by faith. He was a 1998 graduate of Connellsville Area High School, in which he was awarded the Who's Who Among American High School Students award in his sophomore, junior and senior years. He was employed as a machine operator at Williamhouse Corp. in Scottdale. He also attended classes at Penn State where he was in his freshman year. He enjoyed rafting. During the summer months he worked at Yough Outfitters Rafting in Ohiopyle and during the winter months at Seven Springs Ski Resort. In addition to his parents, he is survived by a brother, Paul D. Bryner and his wife, Holly, of Normalville; his paternal grandparents, Paul F. and Roberta J. Corristan Bryner of Mill Run; and maternal grandmother, Catherine A. Hagan Titterington of Scottdale. He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Edwart K. Titterington. Friends will be received in the VITO C. MARTUCCI FUNERAL HOME, 123 S. First St., West Side, Connellsville, today from noon to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday until 11 a.m., the hour of service with the Rev. Carl Ritenour of Fairchance officiating. Interment will follow in Green Brier Cemetery, Ohiopyle.
Adam J. Kravice
Adam J. Kravice, 78, of Brown Street, Everson, died Sunday evening, March 5, 2000, in Highlands Hospital, Connellsville, where he was admitted Saturday. Adam's family will receive friends today from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the FRANK KAPR FUNERAL HOME INC., 417 W. Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, where a blessing service will be held Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home followed by his funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph RC Church, Everson. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Everson.
