Former Educator, Helen Baird, Passes Away
Helen Sharpe Baird, 89, of 301 Woodward Ave., Lock Haven, Pa., who at one time worked as home economics teacher for Lock Haven Junior High School, died Friday, January 21, 2000 at Manor Care Health Services in Jersey Shore. Born August 24, 1910 in Sharpetown, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Martha Story Sharpe. She was married to Edmund C. Baird, who predeceased her in 1972. Mrs. Baird received her bachelor's degree from Mansfield State College in 1936 and her master's degree from Pennsylvania State University. She began teaching in Mehoopany Elementary School in Mehoopany in 1927 while earning her certification in home economics. Helen accepted a post with the Clinton County Home Extension in 1940 and met and married her husband in Lock Haven. After helping her husband in a poultry and hatching operation for a number of years, she accepted a position with the Lock Haven Junior High School as a home economics teacher, retiring from the position in the early 1970s. She held life memberships in the Clinton County Historical Society, the Lock Haven Hospital Auxiliary, the Clinton County Chapter of the Pennsylvania School Retirees Association, the Penn State and Mansfield alumni associations, Delta Kappa Gamma Omicron Chapter and the Lock Haven Garden Club Forget-Me-Nots. She was a member of the Dunnstown United Methodist Church. Survivors include a nephew, Alfred Baird Munro and his wife, Wanda of Jersey Shore; two nieces, Dr. Betty Baird Schantz and Mrs. Katherine Merrell Stern, both of Lock Haven.

Former Laceyville Resident, Elizabeth Detweiler, Dies
Mrs. Elizabeth Detweiler, age 88, of the Omni One Personal Care Home in Montrose, Pa., formerly of 118 East Main St., Laceyville and of Plumsteadville, PA area, passed away at the Tyler Memorial Hospital in Tunkhannock on Friday morning, Feb. 18, 2000. Born in Philadelphia on May 26, 1911, she was the wife of the late Willard M. Detweiler, who passed away in 1988. Mrs. Detweiler was an employee of the Botany 500 Clothing Factory in Dublin for over 25 years. She attended the Braintrim Baptist Church of Laceyville while she was a resident there. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Dean and Eleanor Detweiler of Enola; two grandsons, Jeffrey Detweiler of New York City, N.Y. and Andrew Detweiler, attending James Madison University in Virginia; also, one great-granddaughter. At Mrs. Detweiler's request there will be no calling hours or funeral service. A graveside service will be held at a later date in the Calvary Church Cemetery of Souderton. Local arrangements were made through the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville.

Private Memorial Services to Be Held For Gordon Gavitt
Gordon L. Gavitt, age 87, of Dushore, PA, formerly or Towanda, passed away on Monday, February 21, 2000 at the Williamsport Hospital, Williamsport. Gordon was born in Laporte Township on March 10, 1912, son of the late Morgan and Alda Buck Gavitt. He graduated from the Sonestown High School, a member of the Class of 1928 and graduated from Mansfield University in 1931. Gordon married the former Florence Emory of New Albany in 1933. She predeceased him on April 10, 1974. Gordon taught school in East Towanda for nine years and then began working at the U. S. Post Office in Towanda. He retired as the Superintendent of Mails in 1971 after 30 years of service. He was a member of the Towanda Rod and Gun Club and B.P.O.E. #2192, Towanda. He enjoyed bird watching and was an avid reader. Surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law, Lucille and Paul Muller of Dushore and Laura and Bill Bohensky of Dushore; four grandchildren, Benjamin Muller, Brighton, UT, Elizabeth Shaffer, Columbia Cross Roads, Christina Bohensky, Dushore, Sheena Bohensky, Dushore; two great-grandchildren, Jeremy Shaffer, Dushore and Melissa Shaffer, Columbia Cross Roads; a brother-in-law and his spouse, Frank and Cora Emory, Monroeton; two sisters-in-law, Nina Martin, Hawthorne, FL and Emma Emory, East Towanda; numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a grandson, Mark Muller on September 28, 1981 and by five brothers, Gilbert Gavitt, Harmon Gavitt, Blake Gavitt, Lee Gavitt and Jarius Gavitt and two sisters, Millicent Stackhouse and Freeda Armes. A private memorial service will be held at the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be directed to the Dushore Fire and Ambulance Association, PO Box 1, Dushore, PA 18614.

Robert W. Miller Of Dushore Passes Away
Robert W. Miller, 75, of RR2, Dushore, PA, passed away on Friday, February 18, 2000 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia following major surgery on Feb. 3. Bob was born Feb. 2, 1925 in Wilmot Township, the son of Charles and Anna Miller. He was happily married to Marian Miller on September 18, 1948. They celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary in September of 1999. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in the Pacific Theater during WWII and again during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Loyalsock Post #996 of Dushore and the Wyalusing VFW Post #7593. He was also a member of St. Anthony's Church in Stowell. Robert is survived by his loving wife, Marian; their four children, daughters, Susan and Paul Kostic of Muncy, Nancy and Len Traver of Jackson, Missouri, Marleah and Skip Henning of Mehoopany and son, Scott and Marilyn Miller of Wyalusing; sixteen adored grandchildren in whom he took great interest: Bob, Andrew, Jon and Colleen Kostic, Richard, Rachel, Robert and Ryan Miller, Naomi, Melissa, Peter and Claire Henning, Stephanie, Michael, Sarah and Caitlyn Traver. He is also survived by a great-grandson, Adam. He was the last survivor of 12 children and has many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sisters, Ruth Olbert, Catherine Mikeska and Marge Neuber; brothers, Burton, Charles, George, Paul, LeRoy, Donald, Joseph and David. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Feb. 22 in the McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church St., Wyalusing, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary's of the Assumption Church at 10 a.m. with Father Thomas McDermott and family friend, Father Joseph Conboy, as celebrants. Pallbearers were grandsons, Rich Miller, Ryan Miller, Bob Kostic, Andrew Kostic, Jon Kostic, Michael Traver and Pete Henning. Full graveside military honors were accorded by Loyalsock American Legion Post No. 996 of Dushore, assisted by Wyalusing American Legion Post #534 at St. Anthony's Cemetery, Stowell. Family and friends called on Monday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at the McHenry Funeral Home, Wyalusing. Bob was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be greatly missed by his family. Arrangements were entrusted to McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church St., Wyalusing.

Kathryn Raub of Dushore Passes Away
Kathryn H. Raub, age 67, of Dushore, RR2, PA, passed away early Monday morning, February 21, 2000 at Memorial Hospital in Towanda, following a lingering illness. She was born on October 31, 1932 in Cherry Township, Dushore, a daughter of the late Nathan and Mary Horutz Adams and has been a lifetime resident of Sullivan County. Katie was not a member of any organizations. Her life encompassed taking care of her home and raising her family. Mrs. Raub and her husband, Glen Merlin Raub, Sr., had celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary. She left surviving, her husband, Glen Merlin Raub, Sr., at home; four children, Randy Raub of Athens, Bonnie Richart of Dushore, Angela Raub of Dushore, Glen M. Raub, Jr., of Dushore; four sisters, Melinda Fitzgerald of Dushore, Edna Slater of Mansfield, Carol Barber of Sayre, Rose Miller of East Towanda; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Feb. 24 at 12 noon at the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter St., Dushore, with the Rev. Robert Brown, pastor of St. Paul's United Methodist Church of Dushore, officiating. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Cherry Township, Dushore. Friends and family are invited to call on Thursday at McHenry Funeral Home from 11 a.m. until the time of the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dushore Ambulance Association, Julia Street, Dushore, Pa. 18614 in Mrs. Raub's memory.

Services Held Monday for James Saxe
James Richard Saxe, infant son of Joseph E. and Janet Phillippe Saxe of RR1, New Albany, PA, born on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2000, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2000 at the Arnot-Ogden Hospital in Elmira, N.Y. In addition to his parents, James Richard is survived by his two sisters, Leah and Lisa Saxe, at home; paternal grandmother, Helen McGee of New Albany; maternal grandmother, Gayle Teel and spouse, David of LaVernia, TX; maternal grandfather, Joseph Phillippe and spouse, Anita of Casterville, TX; maternal great-grandmothers, Ethel Phillippe and Gaynell Meyer of Texas; maternal great-grandfather, Vernon Gaylardt of Texas; maternal great-great-grandmother, Ollie K. Hogue of Texas; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandfather, Richard Saxe, and a step-grandfather, James B. McGee. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. in St. Basil's Church in Du-shore with the Rev. Michael B. Harris, his pastor, presiding. Interment was in St. Basil's Cemetery, Dushore. Friends called at the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, on Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. Memorials may be directed to St. Basil's Restoration Fund, PO Box 307, Dushore, PA 18614.

Former Local Man, George H. Welles, III, Passes Away
George Welles died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, February 16, 2000. George was a fifth generation Welles, born in 1916 to Fisher and Florence Welles in Wyalusing, Pa. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1941 and served 24 years in the Army before retiring in 1965 to take the job of Assistant Commandant at the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, N.M. He retired from NMMI in 1980 and remained in Roswell, until his death. George is survived by his wife, Sallie, whom he married in Hawaii in 1942; four children, Vicki and her husband, Ray of Salinas, CA, Penny of San Francisco, CA, Connie of Las Cruces, NM and Jim and his wife, Kelly of Albuquerque, NM; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and a sister, Barbara Brooks of Newport News, VA. A second son, George, III, preceded him in death in 1993. It was George's wish that there be no memorial service. A private service will be held at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, where George's ashes will be interred with his son, George, III. Contributions in George's memory may be made to the NM Rehabilitation Center, 31 Gail Harris Ave., Roswell, NM. Throughout his remarkable 83+ years, "Curious" George shared his gift of humor and childlike adventures with friends, family and perfect strangers. Life was never dull when George was around. And when his bright blue eyes took on that "extra sparkle," everyone knew George was up to something. His playfulness and zest for life were contagious. And the common memory we all share of George is that he lightened many moments with the gift of laughter. If you've noticed that the stars are twinkling a bit brighter recently, 'tis more than likely a sign that George is greeting past friends and family and creating a bit of a fun-loving commotion with his new halo and wings. We can only imagine! In celebration of his life and his love of laughter, friends and family are invited to send one of their fondest memories of a personal "Adventure with George Welles" to be read at his service in Santa Fe, NM. Letters to: Sallie Welles, 2611 N. Kentucky, #108, Roswell, NM 88201.

Former Resident, Harold Bennett, Passes Away
Harold R. Bennett, 74, of Beverly Healthcare-William Penn, Lewistown, PA, and formerly of RR3, Mifflintown, died at 1:05 p.m. on Saturday, August 12, 2000 at the nursing home. Born March 24, 1926 in Laceyville, he was a son of the late Clyde W. and Marie C. (Culver) Bennett. His wife, Margaret D. (Morgan) Bennett, whom he married on December 25, 1977, survives. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three stepsons, Thomas Masters and David Criswell, both of Houston, TX, and Steven Criswell of Hummelstown; a step-daughter and her husband, Elaine and Sergeant Lawrence "Bob" Templeton of Hummelstown; one brother, Rolland C. Bennett of Athens; eight step-grandchildren and eight step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a stepson, Richard Criswell. He was a member of American Legion Post #298, Crawford-Brubaker VFW Post #5863, both of Mifflintown, and the James E. Bowen, Jr. AmVets Post #122, Thompsontown. He retired in 1980 from the Fruehauf Corporation in Middletown as a truck driver. He was a U.S. Army Air Force veteran of both WWII and the Korean Conflict. Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in the Lacey Street Cemetery, Laceyville. The Brown Funeral Home, 100 Bridge St., Mifflintown, is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial Services Held for Alan Day, 69
Alan W. Day, 69, formerly of the Scranton area, died on Wednesday, August 9, 2000 in Naples, FL. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, he retired to Naples in 1986 from Waverly, PA. He was a past vice-president of the Keystone Coca-Cola Company of Wilkes-Barre. Mr. Day was a member and elder of Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church in Naples, a member of the Quail Creek Country Club, a 32nd degree member of the Masonic Order and a member of the Kiwanis Club in Scranton. Survivors include his wife, Joan Reid Day; his daughter, Robin Carter and her husband, Calvin; his sons, Jeffrey Day, Scott Day, Reid Day and Christopher Day; two brothers, Houston Day and his wife, Anne, Asa Day and his wife, Barbara; his sister, Mary Morley and her husband, Bill; his grandchildren, Cameron Carter, Austin Carter, Ashley Day and Justin Day, Emily Day, Jennifer Day, Richard Day and Kyle Day and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service, to which relatives and friends are invited, will be held on Saturday morning, August 12 at 11 a.m. at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church, 1225 Piper Blvd. in Naples. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Alan may be sent to either the American Heart Association, 28441 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 208, Bonita Springs, FL 34134, the Arthritis Foundation, 1000 Lely Palms Drive, Naples, FL 34113 or to Hospice of Naples, 1005 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Johnson-Pittman Funeral Home, 4424 E. Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL.

Funeral Services to Be Held Saturday for Bruno Guglielmi, III
Bruno J. Guglielmi, III, age 24, formerly of Mildred, Pa., died on July 2, 2000 in an automobile accident in Two Rivers, Alaska. They were expecting their first child, Baby Klein Guglielmi in December, who also died in the accident. BJ was born February 26, 1976 in Towanda, son of Donna Guglielmi and the late Bruno John Guglielmi, Jr. Sergeant Guglielmi entered active duty March 26, 1996. His first duty assignment was at Fort Drum, NY. He married Krystal Klein on July 4, 1996. He was then assigned to Ft. Wainwright, Alaska on May 9, 1998 where he then lived with his wife in North Pole. He served with Charlie Company 1-17th Infantry as a team leader with First Platoon and later squad leader with 2nd Platoon. He was a graduate of PLDC, Air Assault, Combat Lifesaver, Field Sanitation and Cold Weather Leader's Course. He was promoted to Sergeant on Oct. 8, 1999. Sergeant Guglielmi's awards and decorations include an Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, Expert Infantry Badge, Air Assault Badge and the National Defense Ribbon. Survivors include his wife, Krystal and three Labs, Yoggi, Yukon and Winston; his mother, Donna Guglielmi; sister, Melissa Guglielmi Mapes; nephew, Eddie Mapes; grandparents, George and Hazel Wettlaufer, Sr.; his Uncle Den, Uncle George, Uncle Duke; aunts, Deb, Chris and Patti and cousins; his brother-in-law, Ed Mapes; Ray Cox, who was like a father to him and all his friends. To his Pop Wettlaufer, Uncle Den, Uncle George and Ray Cox, who were fathers to him through all the years, you all made him the wonderful man that he turned out to be and all of whom he loved very much. Preceding him in death were his father, Bruno John Guglielmi, Jr., who passed away in 1983, and grandparents, Millie and Bruno Guglielmi, Sr. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, archery and skeet shooting and was an expert rifleman. He especially enjoyed calling in his own turkeys. BJ saw his first grizzly bear on a fishing trip to Alaska with two of his friends (fellow soliders) just 50 yards from him. It was one of his wishes to see one. He graduated from Sullivan County High School in 1994 and worked with his Pop Wettlaufer on a one-man sawmill in the summertime at an early age and in the logging business with his Uncle Den after graduation. He was a member of the White Ash Land Association, the McDermott Post 452 American Legion in Mildred, the Junior Firefighters of the Mildred Fire Company and later a senior firefighter, also an EMT for Mildred Ambulance Association before enlisting in the Army. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 19 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Mildred with the Rev. Michael B. Harris, pastor, presiding. Interment will be in the adjoining parish cemetery. Memorials may be made to either the Mildred Fire Company, PO Box 147, Mildred, PA 18632 or the Mildred Ambulance Association, PO Box 74, Mildred, PA 18632. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore.

Rita Meier Of Wilkes-Barre Laid to Rest
Rita M. Meier, 79, of Wilkes-Barre, PA, died on Wednesday, August 9, 2000 at the Summit Health Care Center, Wilkes-Barre. Born July 28, 1921 in Stowell, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Ellen (O'Mara) Hope. She attended Stowell Area schools and was a member of St. Aloysius Church, Lee Park section of Hanover Township. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert A.; sons, Robert and Thomas and brother, Thomas Hope. Surviving are her sons, John E., Wilkes-Barre and James, Shickshinny; a daughter, Martha, Ashley; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brothers, John R. and Leonard Hope, both of Atlanta; a sister, Grace Weidner, Wilkes-Barre, and several nieces and nephews. The funeral was held at 10 a.m. Monday, August 14 from the S.J. Grontkowski Funeral Home, 530 W. Main St., Plymouth, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Aloysius Church. Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hanover Township. Friends called on Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m.

Funeral Services Held Wednesday for Ellen Miller
Ellen J. Miller of RR1, Mehoopany, PA, passed away at her home on Saturday, August 12, 2000. She was born in Mehoopany Township, Wyoming County on May 17, 1937, daughter of the late Gilbert and Ruth French Sands. She and her family operated Miller's General Store in Mehoopany for 20 years and she retired from Procter & Gamble as a technician in 1998. She was a member of the Mehoopany VFW Ladies Auxiliary. A daughter, Karen Miller; granddaughter, Jennifer Miller and a brother, Donald Sands, preceded her in death. Surviving are her husband of 47 years, Donald R. Miller; sons, Michael R. of Black Walnut, Richard G. and Terry L., both of Mehoopany, and Ronald J. of De Funiak Springs, FL; brothers, Raymond Sands of Mehoopany, Korah Sands of Falls, Gilbert Sands of Tunkhannock, Gary Sands of Hains City, FL; sisters, Ruth Ann Smith of Winter Haven, FL, Rosemary Shoemaker of Mehoopany; six grandchildren, Michael Miller, II, Lindsay Ellen Miller, Brandy Miller, John Miller, Jacob Miller and Jimi Miller; and one great-grand-daughter, Madelin Burgess. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 16 at 11 a.m. from the Sheldon-Kukuchka Funeral Home, Inc., 73 W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, with the Rev. Charles Bishop and the Rev. Darrel Sands officiating. Interment was in Vaughan Cemetery in Mehoopany. Friends called at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Those wishing may make memorial contributions to Hope Lodge, 125 Lucy Ave., Hummelstown, PA 17306.

Graveside Services To Be Held for Evelyn Stalford, 90
Mrs. Evelyn P. Stalford, R.N., age 90, of 154 Mountain Laurel Court, Hartwood, VA formerly of Vestal, NY, passed away on Monday, August 14, 2000 at the home of her daughter, Miriam Kala. Evelyn was born April 24, 1910 in Pike Township, Bradford County, PA, daughter of the late Harry J. and Euna M. Wooton Pickett. She graduated from the Camptown High School, a member of the Class of 1927. In 1933, she graduated from Robert Packer School of Nursing in Sayre and became a registered nurse. She began private duty nursing in the Stevensville area and married Henry Pawling Stalford of Wyalusing on June 18, 1938. The moved to Vestal, NY where she practiced as a registered nurse. They resided in Vestal until Henry's death on January 31, 1996. Evelyn was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Fredericksburg, VA Surviving are two sons: Ronald Stalford, Worcester, MA and Kenneth Stalford, Berlin, Germany; a daughter: Miriam S. Kala, Hartwood, VA; seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 19, at 2 p.m. at the Wyalusing Cemetery, with William Kala, officiating. Memorials may be directed to charity of choice in memory of Evelyn P. Stalford. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Home, 1 Grovedale Lane, Wyalusing, PA.

Hazel Stanley Of Wyalusing Passes Away
Hazel Baldwin Stanley of RR1, Wyalusing, PA, passed away at Tyler Memorial Hospital in Tunkhannock on Saturday, August 12, 2000. She was born in Skinners Eddy on October 14, 1920, daughter of the late Earl J. And Merytle Brotzman Whipple. She was a member of the Spring Hill United Methodist Church and the Indian Hill Birthday Club for over 50 years. Mrs. Stanley was preceded in death by her first husband, Theodore B. Baldwin and second husband, Robert W. Stanley; grandson, Garrison Baldwin; brothers, Lawrence Whipple, LeRoy Whipple and Ora Whipple. Surviving are two sons, Ronald Baldwin of Branford, CT and Gary Baldwin of Wyalusing; sisters, Nettie Canfield of Athens, Leila Carpenter of Hagerstown, MD, Betty Bishop of Dimock and Earline Dockins of Alto, GA; three grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 13 at 11 a.m. from the Spring Hill United Methodist Church with the Rev. Beverly Davenport, pastor of the church, officiating. Interment was in the Overfield Cemetery, Meshoppen. Friends called at the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville on Monday evening, August 14 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Thomas Keener Dies Unexpectedly
Thomas J. Keener, 30, of South Montrose, PA passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday night, August 15, 2000 at his residence. Thomas is the son of Clara (Canfield) McGavin, Rush Township, and Roscoe J. Keener. He is a graduate of Elk Lake High School, Class of 1989. A son, Lukus J. Keener, many aunts, uncles and cousins survive Thomas. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 18 at the Daniel K. Regan Funeral Home, 64 S. Main St., Montrose. Friends may call on the family at the funeral home from 1 to 2 p.m. on Friday. Interment will be in the Beaver Meadows Cemetery, Tuscarora Township, Bradford County. Friends may send donations to the Treasurer House, Attn: Leslie Mershon, 60 S. Main St., Montrose, PA 18801.

Walter Blackburn Of Golden Hill Passes Away
Walter Thomas Blackburn (Blackie), age 73, of Golden Hill, Wilmot Township, Bradford County, PA, passed away on Wednesday, September 20, 2000 at the Towanda Memorial Hospital. Blackie was born June 7, 1927 in Philadelphia, a son of the late Joseph Leroy and Anna T. Cassidy Blackburn. He attended Philadelphia area schools and graduated from Bensalem High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and Korea. Blackie was employed at U.S. Steel (USS and USX) in Fairless Hills. He retired from U.S. Steel in 1985 after 33 years and began part-time work for Sam VanDeMark at VanDeMark Logging and Excavating. Blackie was a member of the Steelworkers Union and the Black Walnut American Legion. He was an avid sportsman, fisherman and hunter. Blackie was married to the former Josephine Beffert, who predeceased him in 1984. He married the former Cornelia VanDeMark Taylor on October 16, 1985. Surviving are his wife, Cornelia, at home; sons and daughters-in-law, Walter J. and Karen Blackburn, Laceyville, Mark and Lori Blackburn, Levittown, Bryan and John Blackburn, both of Laceyville; daughters and sons-in-law, Helen and Richard Flail, Levittown, Sharon and Steve McClain, Bristol, Celeste and Steve Kraeuter, Levittown; brothers and sisters-in-law, James L. and Jean Blackburn, Florida, George P. and Eleanor Blackburn, West Bristol, Richard D. Blackburn, Levittown, Robert A. and Holly Blackburn, Hatboro, Edward C. and Alice Blackburn, Levittown; sisters, Teresa Palagruto, Philadelphia, Joan Daley, Levittown; a brother-in-law, Lou Coppens, Langhorne; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Milton J. Blackburn and sisters, Helen Coppens and Victoria Chratian. Funeral services were held on Monday, Sept. 25 from the James Dougherty Funeral Home, Trenton Road, Levittown, followed by interment in Morrisville Cemetery, Morrisville. Friends called at the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 1 Grovedale Lane, Wyalusing on Friday, Sept. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the American Lung Association, 738 S. Main Ave., Scranton, PA 18504.

Funeral Services Friday for Thelma Burdan
Mrs. Thelma E. (Butch) Burdan, age 89, of Nordmont, PA, passed away on Monday, September 25, 2000 at the Muncy Valley Hospital, Muncy Valley, PA. Thelma was born May 26, 1911 in Pottstown, daughter of the late Eugene B. and Edna B. Lightcap Swinehart. She attended local schools and married Lester Lee Burdan of Pottstown. In 1960 they purchased Zangara's Bar in Dushore and renamed it Burdan's Tavern, in which they furnished the community with good food and great pizza in a spotless environment for ten years, retiring to Nordmont in 1970. Also assisting them in the operation of the tavern was Butch's sister, Edna Swinehart Loughnane. Thelma's husband, Les, died on August 27, 1975. Butch was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church of Nordmont. Surviving are a sister, Edna May Swinehart Loughnane, Warrensville; a niece, Barbara Covello, Harleysville; four grand-nephews and one grand-niece. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Sept. 29 at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Nordmont, with her pastor, Rev. Karen B. Allen, of-ficiating. Interment will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Pottstown. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 2 p.m. until the time of the service. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore.

Mary Culver Of Vernon Dies at Tyler
Mary Culver, 54, of Vernon, PA died on Monday, September 25, 2000 at the Tyler Memorial Hospital in Tunkhannock. Born August 23, 1946 in Binghamton, NY, she was the daughter of Edith Weber Robinson and the late Arthur Robinson. She attended Binghamton schools. Thirty-three years ago she moved to Vernon and married her husband, Phillip Culver. She attended the Blessed Sacrament Church in Centermoreland. Mary worked for both McCrory's and McDonald's in Shavertown. Surviving in addition to her husband and mother are two sons, Michael Wheaton, Luzerne and Mark Culver, at home; three daughters, Ann Marie Dale and Christine Howell, both of Wilkes-Barre and Maureen Culver, Wyoming; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild; a brother, Donald Moran, Germany; sisters, Delores Winters, Binghamton, NY and Patricia Westley, St. Mary's, GA; several nieces and nephews. Friends called at the Nulton Funeral Home, Rt. 309, Beaumont on Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Eileen Ruerup Of Westfield, NJ Passes Away
Eileen M. Brown Ruerup, 81, died on Friday, September 22, 2000 at her home in Westfield, NJ. Born in Westfield, she lived there all her life. She owned Eileen's Music Shop in Scotch Plains many years ago. She was a communicant of Holy Trinity Church in Westfield. Eileen and her late husband, Norman, owned a home at RR Laceyville for many years and made many friends in the area. Norman, former chief of the Westfield Fire Department, died in 1991. Surviving are two daughters, Geraldine Furchak-Saliola and Eileen Ruerup, both of Westfield; a sister, Honora Pfeiffer of Westfield; two granddaughters, Cheryl Vito and Jennifer Ruerup; a grandson-in-law, Ray Vito and one beloved great-granddaughter, Gabriella Vito. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 25 at Holy Trinity Church in Westfield. Interment was in Fairview Cemetery. Friends and family called from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday at the Dooley Colonial Home, 556 Westfield Ave., Westfield, NJ.

Sister of Local Man Passes Away
Myrtle Pentecost, 93, of 1023 Azalia Rd., Union, NJ, passed away on Friday, September 15, 2000 at Union Hospital in Union, NJ. Born in Olyphant, PA on March 29, 1907, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Laura Monroe Morrison. She was married to Russell Pentecost, who predeceased her on March 12, 1991. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Union where she was a charter member. During WWII she worked for the war effort. Being an avid bowler, she won many individual trophies. Mrs. Pentecost was a retired beautician. Survivors include two brothers, Arthur L. Morrison of Laceyville and Melvin Morrison of Tunkhannock; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at the Harding-Litwin Funeral Home, 123 W. Tioga St., Tunk-hannock, on Saturday, September 23 at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Mt. Bethel Cemetery, Justus. Calling hours will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Roland Smith, Formerly of Wyalusing, Dies
Roland Campbell Smith, age 82, of 110 Bruce Road, Roebuck, SC, died on Thursday, September 14, 2000 in Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Born in Albany, NY and formerly of Wyalusing, he came to Spartanburg in 1969. He was the son of the late John Louis and Myrtle Campbell Smith. He was a 1935 graduate of Albany High School and was a retired sales representative from American Meter Company, retiring in 1982 after 41 years of service. He was a member of the Second Presbyterian Church of Wyalusing, having served as a deacon and was later a member of Second Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Doris Campbell Smith, of the home; one daughter, Jeanette and son-in-law, Bryant J. Reeves, Jr. of Boiling Springs; one son, John C. Smith and daughter-in-law, Beverly F. Smith of Jacksonville, FL; five grandchildren, John C. Smith, II and Jeanine Smith Drexler of Jacksonville, FL, Bridgette Reeves Fullington of Evans, GA, Bryant J. Reeves, III of Boiling Springs and Jason Campbell Reeves of Rock Hill, SC; two great-grandchildren, Jordon T. Drexler and Emory L. Fullington, III. The family received friends on Saturday, September 16 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel. Graveside services followed at 11 a.m. in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, conducted by the Rev. G. Wayne Cole and the Rev. Don Roper. Memorials may be made to Second Presbyterian Church Accessibility Fund, 438 N. Church St., Spartanburg, SC 29303 or to the American Lung Association, Piedmont Region, 84 Villa Road, B-2, Greenville, SC 29615. The family is at the home of Jeanette and Bryant Reeves, 111 Highland Acres Drive, Boiling Springs, SC.

Edward Bitler Of Laceyville Dies at Tyler
Mr. Edward C. Bitler, age 51, of RR2, Box 2339, Second Street, Laceyville, PA, passed away suddenly at the Tyler Memorial Hospital in Tunkhannock on Thursday afternoon, November 23, 2000. Born in Meshoppen on November 19, 1949, he was the son of Alice Root Bitler of Meshoppen and the late Albert Bitler, who passed away on June 7, 1999. Mr. Bitler was a graduate of Tunkhannock High School, Class of 1968. He was employed at the Procter & Gamble Paper Products in Mehoopany for over 29 years, retiring in March 1999. He was a member of the Mehoopany United Methodist Church. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing and also attending auctions. Besides his mother, he is survived by his wife of 25 years, the former Emily Decker of Laceyville; a daughter and son-in-law, Barb and Charlie Lantz of Laceyville; a brother and sister-in-law, Rev. Kenneth and Sandy Bitler of Susquehanna; an uncle, George Bitler of Meshoppen and several nieces and nephews. Funeral and committal services were held on Sunday, Nov. 26 at 2 p.m. from the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville, with the Rev. Dave Hinkley of the Russell Hill United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment was in the Vaughn Cemetery in Mehoopany. Family and friends called at the funeral home on Saturday evening, Nov. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing, may make memorial contributions to the Mehoopany United Methodist Church.

Irene Davis Of New Albany Dies at Sayre
Irene D. Davis, age 80 of New Albany RR1, PA, passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2000 at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre. She was born on December 19, 1919 in Hillsgrove, the daughter of the late Ernest and Anna Warburton Norton. Irene had been a lifetime member of this area and was a member of the Forksville United Methodist Church. She volunteered for Senior Citizens at Sullivan Terrace and helped with the Forksville Fire Company. Mrs. Davis enjoyed time spent playing bingo, doing needlework and she thoroughly enjoyed visiting with family and friends. In September of 1977, Irene was preceded in death by her husband, the late Charles E. Davis. She is survived by two children, a daughter and son-in-law, Rose and Mike Morris of New Albany; a son, Robert Davis of St. Mary's; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Grace and Louis Rosbach of Williamsport, Dolores and George Columbine of Williamsport; a brother and sister-in-law, Elmer and Susie Norton of Lewistown; a brother-in-law, James Davis of Elmira, NY; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Ann Davis; a son, Edwin Davis, at three months and by two brothers, Walter and Herbert Norton. Funeral services were held on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 11 a.m. in the Forksville United Methodist Church; with the Rev. David Hart, her pastor, officiating. Interment followed in the Hillsgrove Cemetery. Friends and family called on Friday evening, Nov. 24 at the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter St., Dushore from 7 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Forksville United Methodist Church in Mrs. Davis's memory.

Memorial Mass to Be Held For John E. Fiorini, Jr., 82
John E. Fiorini, Jr., age 82, died on Thursday, October 16, 2000 in Charleston, SC. Born in Mildred on June 5, 1918, he was the son of the late John and Giordana Fiorini. Mr. Fiorini is survived by his wife, the former Jewel Lang, whom he married on December 26, 1945. The Fiorinis were parents of four children: John, Mary, Anne and Mark. They were parents by marriage, but, more importantly, by love of the former Gail Driscoll (John's wife), Steven Batten (Anne's husband), the former Amy Benson (Mark's wife) and Lou Brzezinski (Mary's husband). He is survived by six grandchildren, Cara, John Carl and Michael Fiorini (John and Gail's children), William Kimmins (Mary's son) and Nicholas and Catherine Fiorini (Mark and Amy's children). Mr. Fiorini enlisted in the U.S. Army in October of 1940 and was honorably discharged in December of 1945 with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. He served in the European Theater of Operations from April of 1942 until September of 1945. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal as a result of injuries received from enemy action on August 1, 1944. In 1938, Mr. Fiorini earned his undergraduate degree at Bloomsburg University and was followed by his Master's Degree at Bucknell University. He taught English at Turnpike High School in Mildred from 1950 to 1958 when he became administrator of the Turnpike High School System. In 1963, he was chosen as the principal of the new Sullivan County High School in Laporte. In 1969, he returned to the classroom and taught English at Sullivan County High School until 1973. At that time, he was appointed as curriculum advisor to the nineteen school district's In-termediate Unit No. 17, holding that position until his retirement in 1983. Mr. Fiorini was the first chairman of the Curriculum Committee of Channel 44 WVIA-TV, serving until 1983. He was chairman, also, of the Curriculum Committee of the Eastern Educational Television Network, which was headquartered in Boston, MA from 1970 to 1980. He served, also, on the advisory committee of National Public Radio, headquartered in Washington, DC. During the 1970s, Mr. Fiorini was a member of the 12-member National Advisory Committee that developed classroom materials and strategies for the BBC's Shakespeare series, headquartered in New York City's Channel No. 13. In 1972, he was one of a group of educators and media experts who were invited to Israel to evaluate that country's Educational Television System. For ten years, he was chairman of the Pennsylvania Department of Education teams that evaluated the teacher's training programs in the colleges and universities in Pennsylvania. He was also a part-time teacher at Bloomsburg and Bucknell Universities. He was a past president of the Sullivan County Cancer society and past president of the Sullivan County Polio Foundation. He was a member of the Sullivan County Library Board for several decades and past president of the Sullivan-Bradford PIAA. He was the scoutmaster of the Mildred Boy Scout Troop during the 1950s. At the time of his death, Mr. Fiorini was president of the Sullivan County Housing Authority, a position he held for 20 years. The authority's work cul-minated in establishing Sullivan Terrace and the current rental assistance programs. He was a life member of the Sullivan County Historical Society, a life member of the United Methodist Home Auxiliary (The Highlands) and its first president. He organized the annual Christmas sale at the home and was active in the efforts of the gift shop. He was the first president and life member of the Sullivan Terrace Advisory Board. Mr. Fiorini was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Mildred, having been a parishioner during the tenure of every pastor who served the church, beginning with Father Enright, who baptized him. It was Mr. Fiorini's wish to be cremated, thus there will be no viewing. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Mildred, with the Rev. Patrick McLaughlin, as celebrant. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of masses and flowers, please direct any memorials to St. Francis of Assisi Church Restoration Project, Mildred, PA 18632. Local arrangements were entrusted to the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter St., Dushore.