Andrew J. Gersna
Westinghouse retiree served in Battle of Okinawa
Andrew J. Gersna, 76, of Lincoln Street, Cokeburg, died at 1:53 p.m. Friday, August 7, 1998, in Monongahela Valley Hospital. He was born March 18, 1922, in Somerset Township, a son of Stephen and Susan Zajac Gersna. Mr. Gersna was Catholic. He served in the U.S. Army in the Battle of Okinawa during World War II, and was retired from Westinghouse Corp., Mansfield, Ohio. Surviving are a sister, Susan Vodhanel of Irwin; a brother, John Gersna of Cokeburg; a stepsister, Anna Stankus of Bentleyville; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are six brothers, Steve, Thomas, Charles, Michael, William and Wilson; three sisters, Mary Nonack, and Helen and Pauline Gersna; a stepbrother, Joseph Motichak; his stepmother, Olga Motichak Gersna; two stepsisters, Julia Prill and Mary Sematic; a half-brother, Frank Gersna; and a half-sister, Mildred Docktor.

William K. Gorby
U.S. Navy veteran received Distinguished Flying Cross
William K. Gorby, 74, of Greenfield, Ind., formerly of Knightstown, Ind., died Thursday, August 6, 1998, at Hancock Memorial Hospital. He was born November 12, 1923, in Washington, a son of Clarence and Nellie Blue Gorby. Prior to retirement, Mr. Gorby was a mechanic at Strickland Lincoln Mercury in Indianapolis, Ind., for 30 years. He was in the U.S. Navy during World War II and served on USS Yorktown. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross in June 1944. On December 24, 1944, he married Lila Ann Huen Gorby, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Stephen Gorby of Greenfield, Ind.; two daughters, Judith A. Batts of Texas and Karen S. Gilmore of Greenfield, Ind.; a brother, Donald Gorby of Washington; three sisters, Ruth Walker, Jean Frazil and Lois Moore, all of Washington; and two grandchildren. Deceased are two sisters, Thelma and Florence Gorby; and four brothers, Glenn, Orville, Ralph and Jack Gorby. Burial will be in Park Cemetery, Greenfield. Memorial contributions may be sent to Disabled American Veterans.

Michael Haradin
Charleroi man retired from W-P Steel
Michael "Deacon" Haradin, 77, of 1500 Route 481, Charleroi, Fallowfield Township, died unexpectedly at 2 p.m. Friday, August 7, 1998, in his home. He was born August 20, 1920, in Monessen, a son of Wasil and Eva Susko Haradin. Mr. Haradin retired in 1978 from Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp., Monessen. He was a member of the Charleroi Moose Club. On June 25, 1950, he married Bessie McMurray, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Daniel Haradin of Rimforest, Calif.; two daughters, Beckie Shemasek of Bentleyville and Debra Everly of Fallowfield Township; eight grandchildren, East and West Haradin, John, Jaime, Brianne and Brennan Shemasek and Autum and Richard Everly; and a great-grandchild. Deceased are a brother, Metro Haradin; and three sisters, Mary Matush, Ann Pidich and Nancy Haradin.

Paul Hollenbach
Active in VFW
Paul Eston Hollenbach, 66, died Tuesday, August 4, 1998, after a brief illness. He was born July 6, 1932, in Houston, a son of the late Gabriel and Edna Hollenbach. On November 6, 1951, he married Rose Merigo. For the last 14 years, Mr. Hollenbach hosted Christmas parties for more than 700 children with the help of Walt Disney Toys. He was a member of VFW Post 5277 of Clermont, Fla. where he was the commander for the past seven years; of VFW District 20, for which he was the past junior vice president for five years; and of American Legion Post 55, of which he was the current commander. Surviving are sons, Anthony "Skook" Hollenbach of Houston, Frank Hollenbach of Howey-In-The-Hills, Fla., George Hollenbach at home, and John Hollenbach of Fall River, Mass.; a sister, Catherine "Petch" Washuta of Clermont, Fla.; and 13 grandchildren. Deceased are two sons, Paul Hollenbach Jr. and Timothy Hollenbach; a sister, Mary Ellen Bell; and a brother, John Hollenbach. A memorial service was held August 8 in Clermont, Fla.

Preston S. Tuplin
40-year Washington resident raised fox, mink
Preston S. Tuplin, 95, of Bradenton, Fla., formerly of East Buffalo Church Road, Washington, died July 13, 1998, in Hospice House of Bradenton. Born on Prince Edward Island, Canada, he lived in Washington for more than 40 years before retiring to Bradenton in 1979 with his wife, H. Jeanette, who died in 1995. Mr. Tuplin raised silver foxes, an industry started by his father, Frank F. Tuplin, on Prince Edward Island, until World War II. After working at Jessop Steel during the war, he raised mink on the farm. Mr. Tuplin attended the Church of the Covenant, Washington. Following the death of his wife, Mr. Tuplin moved to an assisted living facility, where he was active in all types of activities. A son, Frank P. Tuplin of Philadelphia, survives. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 5899 Whitfield Avenue, No.200, Sarasota, FL 34243.

Casie Colleen Yonker
Fort Cherry senior
Casie Colleen Yonker, 17, of McDonald, died Thursday, August 6, 1998, in an auto accident. She was born April 10, 1981, in Kennedy Township, a daughter of George H. and Pamela Lynn Reilly Yonker. Miss Yonker would have been a senior at Fort Cherry High School. She was on the Fort Cherry varsity volleyball team, a nd she was member of the ski club and student council. She was employed by Dairy Queen in the Great Southern Shopping Center, Bridgeville. Surviving in addition to her parents are one brother, Clayton C. Yonker, at home; and her maternal grandparents, the Rev. John and Marie Reilly of Coraopolis. She also has two aunts, Kimberly A. Schellman of Coraopolis and Mary Elizabeth Eodice of Lindenwald, N.J.

Glen E. Cunningham
Retired from Washington Floral Co.
Glen Elsworth Cunningham, 87, of Washington, formerly of Thomas Campbell Apartments and Floral Hill Drive, died at 12:35 a.m. Monday, November 30, 1998. He was born September 11, 1911, in White Pine, Calhoun County, W.Va., a son of Emory Elsworth and Belle Barker Cunningham. Mr. Cunningham was employed as a cook for Washington Hospital for many years, and was maintenance superintendent for Washington Floral Co. before his retirement. He enjoyed gardening and making yarn poodles, of which he made several thousand. He was a member of First United Methodist Church. He was a member of Clinton Lodge 86 of Romney, W.Va., F&AM, a member of Chartiers Chapter 97 Order of Eastern Star, and served as Worthy Patron at North Shore Lodge in Miami, Fla. On June 1, 1933, he married Evelyn W. Jennings, who died September 23, 1997. They had celebrated 64 years of marriage. Surviving are two daughters, Louise C. Clutter and Lois C. McVay, both of Washington; a half-brother, Walter Cunningham of Winchester, Va.; two sisters, Madge Michael of Romney, W.Va., and Gay C. Warrick of Washington; five grandchildren, Noreen Cico, Glen Richard Clutter, Lisa Steadman, Kenneth McVay and Marsha Liberatore; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are a son who died in infancy; a grandson, Mark Clutter; a granddaughter, Barbara C. McVay; a great-grandson; two brothers, Paul and Carl Cunningham; and a sister, Nell Cunningham.

Paul J. Elcesser
Retired electrical engineer from Westinghouse
Paul J. Elcesser of Wilkins Township, died Thursday, November 26, 1998. He was a retired electrical engineer for Westinghouse, with more than 40 years of service at the East Pittsburgh plant. He was a 1945 graduate of West Virginia University and was a World War II Army veteran. His wife, Christine L. Lash Elcesser, is deceased. Surviving are a son, Paul Dana Elcesser of Sewickley, and a daughter, Wendy L. Elcesser of Murrysville.

Mary Lee A. Jackson
Manager of Greene County hospital shop.
Mary Lee Allison Jackson, 86, of Jefferson, Ohio, formerly of Carmichaels and Waynesburg, died of cancer at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, November 29, 1998, in her daughter's home in Jefferson, Ohio. She was born December 30, 1911, in Smock, a daughter of Benjamin Allen and Jennie Frances Herrington Bryan. Mrs. Jackson was a graduate of German Township High School and was a former member of Greene Valley Presbyterian Church of Carmichaels. She was a volunteer for Greene County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for more than 20 years and served as manager of the Lobby Shop. She was a member of Emerald Chapter 135 Order of the Eastern Star, Waynesburg. She also was a former member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Carmichaels and Cumberland Township Volunteer Fire Company, the Carmichaels Civic Club and the Carmichaels Garden Club. She had been very active in Democratic politics in Greene County, along with her husband who served for many years as a member of the county Democratic committee. Surviving are a daughter, Marilyn Rae Thompson of Jefferson, Ohio; five grandsons, James William Jr., Troy Allan and Sean Wayne Thompson and Robert Watson BelI II and Brian Allen Bell; two granddaughters, Allyson Rae Teague and Bonnie Jeanne Bell; and nine great-grandchildren. Deceased are a daughter, Beverly Jeanne Bell; Alice McDowell and Adda Mae Lehman; and a brother, Orlie Bryan.

James Kenneth Post
Member of Enon Baptist was farmer
James Kenneth Post, 66, of Washington, died at 2:20 p.m. Tuesday, November 24, 1998, in Washington Hospital. He was born November 3, 1932, in Greene County, a son of James Kenneth and Annie Sprowls Post. Mr. Post was a farmer and served in the U.S. Army. He was a member of Enon Baptist Church and a member of American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175. On July 29, 1975, he married Bonnie L. Spease, who survives. Also surviving are three sons, Kenneth Leroy Post of Washington, Matthew Allan and Charles Robert Post, both at home; a daughter, Janet Lynn Post of Waynesburg; a sister, Sheila Diane McKinney of Washington; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased is a brother, William Post.

John Rockovich Sr.
Retired coal miner, member of St. Patrick Church
John "Rocky" Rockovich Sr., 101, of Westland, died Sunday, November 29, 1998, in the Greenery Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Canonsburg. Born June 15, 1897, in Austria-Hungary, he was a son Charles and Anna Rockovich. Mr. Rockovich was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Canonsburg, and was a resident of Westland for the past 72 years. He was a member of the United Mine Workers of America. A retired coal miner, he had worked for Consol Mining Co. for 50 years. He enjoyed gardening, raising flowers and feeding birds. On May 30, 1918, he married Helen Zuder, who died August 6, 1963. Surviving are two sons, John Rockovich Jr. of Cleveland, Ohio, and William Rockovich of Cecil; three daughters, Helen Richards of Canonsburg, Irene Popiolkowski of Canonsburg and Margaret Casper of Washington; eight grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 18 great-great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are a brother, Charles Rockowath; and two great-great-grandchildren who died in infancy. For the past 32 years he made is home with Lee Pettit.

Mary M. Santee
West Virginia resident
Mary M. Santee, 86, of Hundred, W.Va., died November 16, 1998, in the Arbors of Fairmont, W.Va. Born June 16, 1912, in Hundred, she was a daughter of Fred and Bessie Cain Santee. Miss Santee was the former owner and operator of the Hundred City Restaurant. After retiring from the restaurant, she worked as a librarian at Hundred Public Library. She also worked at Hundred Senior Citizen Center. She also was a member of Sancho Church of Christ. Surviving are three nephews, Jackie Glover, John R. Santee and Rex William Santee; and two nieces, Patricia Glover and Shirley Miller. Deceased are a brother, Robert Jack Santee; a sister, Nellie Glover; and three siblings who died in infancy, John, Edna and Jane Santee. Burial was November 19 in Sancho Cemetery near Hundred.

Jonnette Ann Sekora
Arrangements Incomplete
Jonnette Ann Sekora, 33, of First Street, Bentleyville, died unexpectedly Monday, November 30, 1998, at home. A complete obituary will be published in a later edition. Funeral arrangements in care of Thompson-Marodi Funeral Home Inc., Bentleyville

Helen R. Wright
Follansbee resident formerly of Independence
Helen R. Wright, 88, of Follansbee, W.Va., formerly of Independence, died at 2:45 p.m. Sunday, November 29, 1998, in Weirton Medical Center, W.Va. She was born September 5, 1910, in Claysville, a daughter of Frank and Anna Flynn Burwell. Mrs. Wright lived the past 16 years in Follansbee. She was Protestant. She worked 25 years as an inspector for Wesvaco in Wellsburg, W.Va., before her retirement. In 1927, she married Howard R. Wright, who died December 21, 1982. Surviving are two daughters, Esther Chalfant of Follansbee and Shirley Caldwell of Washington; a son, Harlan Wright of Independence; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; and a sister, Mary McGlumphy of Washington. Deceased are three sisters, Martha Wright, Mildred Nastromonaco and Marie Wilkens; and three brothers, Harry, Wray and Francis Burwell.

Betty Jean Fox
Lifelong resident of Mt. Morris area
Betty Jean Lewellen Fox, 71, of Mt. Morris, died at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 9, 1998, in Monongalia General Hospital, Morgantown, W.Va. She was born April 9, 1927, in Mt. Morris, a daughter of James Albert Lewellen and Gail Ledger Lewellen Fox. Mrs. Fox was a homemaker and lived her entire life in the Mt. Morris area. Her husband, Arnold Forney Fox, died March 1, 1991. Surviving are three sons, Edward "Pete" Fox of Bridgeville, Albert "Ab" Fox of Waynesburg and Ron Fox of Mt. Morris; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Deceased are a sister who died in infancy; and a brother, James Richard (Dick) Lewellen. There will be no public visitation. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Humane Society of Greene County, R.D. 3 - Box 96A, Waynesburg, PA 15370. Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home Inc., Mt. Morris, is handling arrangements.

Rudolph Hurd
Washington resident
Rudolph Hurd, 74, of Buena Vista Street, Washington, died Monday, December 7, 1998, in Washington Hospital. Born January 17, 1924, in Pittsburgh, he was a son of Benjamin and Mable Hurd Baynes. Mr. Hurd was a retired coal miner and had been an independent plasterer. He was a veteran of World War II, having served with the U.S. Army and attended several community churches. On May 11, 1988, he married Madelyn Turner, who survives. Surviving are three daughters, Wanda Moye-White of Washington, Mable Williams of Washington and Keturah Hurd of Houston; and two sons, Israll Hurd of Hickory and Ellsworth Hurd of New Castle. Also surviving are two stepchildren, Walter Turner of Washington and Regina Turner of Washington; three sisters, Verna Rumth of Detroit, Mich., Agatha Claxton of Cleveland, Ohio, and Alena Baynes of Pittsburgh; eight grandchildren, Milea and Martin Moye, Bernard Edmonds, Jasmine Matteson, David Corkery, Rebecca Hurd, Tyler Cox and Ashley Wilson; and many nieces and nephews. Deceased are a son, Rudolph Hurd, and a brother.

Anna M. Luzier
Member of Polish Catholic Church, Canonsburg
Anna M. Luzier, 90, formerly of Bethel Park, died Wednesday, December 9, 1998, in Country Meadows, Bridgeville. She was born July 15, 1908, in Rich Hill, a daughter of Joseph and Anna Madeja Piechnik. Mrs. Luzier was a graduate of Penn State Commercial College and Victoria Burdell School of Pittsburgh. She was a resident of Bethel Park since 1970. Prior to that, she lived in Green Tree and Westwood for 33 years, where along with her husband, Charles F. Luzier, she owned and operated Shady Hill Market. Mrs. Luzier was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Polish National Catholic Church of Canonsburg and a former member of Westwood Women's Club, Clipper Club, Toppers Bowling Club and the Scouts. Surviving are a sister, Estelle King of Elizabeth; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are her husband, Charles F. Luzier, who died November 24, 1987; a brother, Joseph Piechnik; and a sister, Julia Burke.

Jack S. Mancin
Jessop Steel retiree from North Franklin
Jack S. Mancin, 82, of North Franklin Township, died unexpectedly in his sleep at home Wednesday, December 9, 1998. He was born June 4, 1916, in McDowell, W.Va., a son of Samuel and Serafine Desmondi Mancin. Mr. Mancin was a member of Christian Church of North America, Washington. In 1971, he retired from Jessop Steel Co., where he worked for 31 years. He later worked at Precision Industries for seven years. Mr. Mancin was a 1935 graduate of Trinity High School. He enjoyed yard work and was devoted to his family. On October 13, 1940, he married Martha D. "Billie" Jones, who died March 3, 1993. Surviving are two daughters, Sherri L. Mancin of Washington and Trudy L. Morrison of Longwood, Fla.; a sister, Thelma Mazzie of Washington; two grandchildren, Kelly Leslie and James J. King; five great-grandsons, one great-granddaughter and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are two brothers and three sisters.

John A. Neidermeyer
Retired Elrama barber
John A. "Jack" Neidermeyer, 79, of Davidson Avenue, Elrama, died Wednesday, December 9, 1998, in Jefferson Hospital, Pittsburgh. He was born May 20, 1919, in New Eagle, a son of Rudolph Sr. and Rhoda Spachtholz Neidermeyer. Mr. Neidermeyer lived most of his life in Elrama, where he was a member of St. Isaac Jagues Catholic Church. He was a retired self-employed barber in Elrama and was formerly employed as a custodian for Mt. Lebanon School District. He was a member of St. Vincent dePaul Society and Elrama Sportsman's Club. He also was a life member of the Elrama Volunteer Fire Department. Surviving are two daughters, Renee Filewich of Elizabeth and Nancy Davis of Elrama; a son, John A. Neidermeyer Jr. of Elrama; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; his stepmother, Mary Deigan Neidermeyer of Monongahela; two brothers, Albert Sr. and Joseph "Matt" Neidermeyer, both of Monongahela; and a sister, Debbie Lenzi of Monongahela. Deceased are his first wife, Antoinette Mancini Neidermeyer, and his second wife, Victoria Kozemchak Neidermeyer; a daughter, Rhoda Neidermeyer; an infant son; a grandson, John A. Neidermeyer III; a brother, Rudolph "Rip" Neidermeyer Jr.; and a sister, Marjorie Burnsworth.

John William Rodgers
Former Brownsville resident
John William Rodgers, 88, formerly of Brownsville and New Castle, died Tuesday, December 8, 1998, in the home of his daughter in San Antonio, Texas. He was born July 22, 1910, in Masontown, a son of Joseph Steven and Agnes Mooney Rodgers. Mr. Rodgers worked for Titanium Metals and the Pennsylvania-Erie Railroad. He was a former member of St. Peter's Church in Brownsville and Knights of Columbus Council 512 of New Castle. Surviving are two daughters, Jane Kelch of Cape Coral, Fla., and Ann Traball of San Antonio; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Deceased are his wife, Trissa Shipley Rodgers, who died July 26, 1995; a son, John Howard Rodgers; three brothers, Joe, Henry and Bernard Rodgers; and three sisters, Agnes Keffer, Mary Dillon and Jennie Sanderson.

Fred L. Young
Member of VFW, American Legion in Waynesburg
Fred L. Young, 65, of 3365 Durst Clagg Road, Cortland, Ohio, died Tuesday, December 8, 1998, in his home, following a lengthy illness. He was born January 31, 1933, in Lippencott, a son of David and Bertha Franks Young. Mr. Young had resided in Cortland since 1963 and worked for 25 years as a tool and die maker at American Welding in Warren, Ohio, retiring in 1990. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4793 and James T. Farrell American Legion Post 330, both in Waynesburg. Mr. Young enjoyed motorcycling, fishing, camping and traveling. On February 16, 1955, he married Martha Smith, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, David L. Young and Douglas E. Young, both of Aleppo; a daughter, Karen S. Cunningham of Warren, Ohio; three grandchildren; and a brother, Harold Young of Meadow Lands. Deceased are a brother and a sister.