Kenneth Dee Beil
Founder, president of Bear Construction Co.
Kenneth Dee Beil, 60, of Claysville, died Thursday, December 10, 1998, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh,
He was born July 17, 1938, in Greenville, a son of Kenneth Daniel and Margaret Hankins Beil of Lake Placid, Fla.
Mr. Beil graduated from Penn High School in Greenville and attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. He graduated from Youngstown State University with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. He also attended Thiel College and earned a master of science degree in engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.
Mr. Beil was co-founder and vice president of Orbital Engineering Co. of Carnegie. He later founded and was president of Bear Construction Co. Inc. of Carnegie and Bear Construction of Highlands County Inc. in Florida.
He was a member of Washington B.P.O.E. Lodge 776 and Lone Pine Golf Club.
On May 17, 1986, in Las Vegas, Nev., he married Carol Iams, who survives.
Also surviving are five sons, Kenneth Dee Beil Jr. of Washington, Kevin David Beil of Indianapolis, Ind., Kris Darren Beil of Pittsburgh, Robert T. Bails of Claysville and Joseph O. Bails of Prosperity; two daughters, Kandee Kovatch of Claysville and Lori Roach of Canonsburg; a brother, Daniel Andrew Beil of Carmel, Ind.; a sister, Patty Stevens of Lake Placid, Fla.; and 13 grandchildren, Michael, Nathan and Stephen Miller, Robert, Samuel, Megan and Victoria Bails, Chelsee and Haylee Kraushaar, Jaclyn and Steven Roach, and Dylan and Alexa Beil.
Marion Carol Bish
Member of Hickory United Presbyterian Church
Marion Carol Bish, 51, of Washington Avenue, Hickory, died Thursday, December 10, 1998, in Montefiore Hospital, Pittsburgh.
She was born November 25, 1947, in Canonsburg, a daughter of the late James P. and Marion I. Wilkinson Williams.
Mrs. Bish was a member of Hickory United Presbyterian Church.
She enjoyed cooking and sewing.
On August 24, 1979, she married Gary C. Bish, who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Gary J. and Cory W. Bish, both at home.
Deceased is a brother, David Williams.
Agnes E. Driscoll
Graduate of Immaculate Conception High School
Agnes E. Driscoll, 65, of Washington, died Thursday December 10, 1998, in her home.
She was born August 12, 1933, in Washington, a daughter of Giles C. and Romaine Wharton Driscoll.
Miss Driscoll was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Traditional Roman Catholic Church, Collier Township.
She was a 1951 graduate of Immaculate Conception High School.
She worked for the family business, Washington Engineering and Construction Co.
Surviving are a brother, Giles C. Driscoll Jr. of Mt. Lebanon; two sisters, Maryann Thompson of Oswego, N.Y., and Margaret Bittner of Washington; and several nieces and nephews.
Flora Marie Lemley
Member of Friendship Community Church
Flora Marie Lemley, 79, of Beech Street, Washington, died at 2:55 p.m. Thursday, December 10, 1998, in Washington Hospital, following a four-week illness.
She was born March 20, 1919, in North Franklin Township, a daughter of William and Lucy Rawson Phillips.
Mrs. Lemley was a homemaker.
She was a member of Friendship Community Church, Washington, and was formerly employed at Trinity Middle School.
Mrs. Lemley was an avid bowler in the Wednesday and Saturday Evening Leagues at Alpine Lodge and Route 19.
On December 12, 1936, she married Charles LeRoy Lemley, who died May 31, 1987.
Surviving are three sons, Robert L. Lemley of McMurray, Donald R. Lemley of Washington, and Charles Richard Lemley of Burgettstown; two daughters, Carol Andrews of Canonsburg, and Janet Rice of Whitehall, Mich.; two brothers, William and Charles Phillips both of Washington; two sisters, Florence McAdams and Lucy Beck both of Washington; 12 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren.
Deceased are two brothers, Kenneth and Earl Phillips; and a sister, Leona Skinner.
Mary Martin
Homemaker from Ellsworth
Mary Gavazzi Martin, 82, of Ellsworth, died Thursday, December 10, 1998, in Manor Care Health Services, Pittsburgh.
She was born July 25, 1916, in Library, a daughter of Maximillian and Elena Gavazzi.
Mrs. Martin was a homemaker and Catholic.
On April 15, 1936, she married Charles Leo Martin, who died February 13, 1982.
Surviving are a daughter, Norma Stiehler of Allison Park; a son, Jerome L. Martin of Sewickley (Franklin Park); a sister, Del Ambrogi of Bethel Park; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a brother, Marino Gavazzi; and a sister, Bruna Valdiserri.
Raymond McManus
Retired coal miner for Bethlehem Mine 58
Raymond McManus, 77, of 2528 Martindale Road, Deemston Borough, died at 11:32 a.m. Thursday, December 10, 1998, in his home.
He was born December 29, 1920, in Broadford, a son of William and Dora Morrison McManus.
Mr. McManus was retired as a coal miner for Bethlehem Mine 58 in Marianna, and was also a carpenter by trade.
He was Protestant.
Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Myrtle Kirk; three daughters, Idella Polan of Canonsburg, Joetta Niemeyer of The Woodlands, Texas, and Rayma Hellman of McMurray; a son, Richard McManus of Clarksville; 12 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a son, Jay Duane McManus, who died March 11, 1988; six brothers, Earl, Freeman, Edgar, Walter, Clarence and William; and a sister, Viola Lippart.
Jeffrey H. O'Bryon
Member of Chartiers Hill United Presbyterian Church
Jeffrey Harold O'Bryon, 37, of Monterrey Avenue, Washington, died Tuesday, December 8, 1998, in Washington Hospital.
He was born April 18, 1961, in Canonsburg, a son of Harold Merle and Joyce Bird O'Bryon of Canonsburg.
Mr. O'Bryon was a member of Chartiers Hill United Presbyterian Church and had worked as a roofer.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a NASCAR enthusiast.
Mr. O'Bryon was a registered organ donor.
On June 30, 1990, he married Dolores "DeDe" Blotzer, who survives.
Also surviving are a daughter, Stephanie Lynn O'Bryon at home; two sisters, Amy Sablo of Morgan, and Mary Beth DeGennaro of Washington; and two nephews.
Betty Jane Pierson
Canonsburg resident for the past 45 years
Betty Jane Pierson, 72, of Canonsburg, died at 5:45 a.m.Thursday, December 10, 1998, in Greenery Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, Canonsburg.
She was born May 18, 1926, in Oakdale, a daughter of George Rudolph and Margaret Blair Land.
Mrs. Pierson was a member of St. Genevieve Worship Site of St. Patrick's Parish, Canonsburg.
She had lived in Canonsburg for the past 45 years. She was a homemaker.
On June 7, 1947, she married Fernal Pierson, who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Joseph Allen Pierson of Houston and David Arthur Pierson of Canonsburg; one daughter, Rae Ann Boyle of Meadow Lands; two sisters, Bernice Roberts of Westminster, Md., and Donna Plance of Georgetown; five grandchildren, Michele Lynn Humphreys and Lisa Marie Humphreys, Patrick Douglas Boyle and Frank Lesjak Jr. and Nicholas Lesjak; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased in addition to her parents are two brothers, Allen and George Land; and one sister, Fern Toward.
Rita Reichel Popovich
Member of St. Benedict the Abbott R.C. Church
Rita Reichel Popovich, 66, of McMurray, died at 4:25 p.m. Thursday, December 10, 1998.
She was born March 9, 1932, in Monongahela, a daughter of the late Stanley J. and Anna V. Oprosky Reichel Sr.
Mrs. Popovich was a member of St. Benedict the Abbott Roman Catholic Church in McMurray. She was a member of the League of Women Voters and a Democratic committeewoman in Peters Township. She also was a member of Moose Lodge of Washington.
She had been a resident of McMurray for the past 42 years.
Before her retirement, Mrs. Popovich was a residential service aide at Western Center and Mayview State Hospital.
Surviving are three sons, Joseph Gene Popovich Jr. of McMurray, Paul David Popovich of Bethel Park, and Bruce Daniel Popovich of White Oak; a daughter, Christina Popovich Bomba of McMurray; three brothers, Stanley J. Reichel Jr. and Albert H. Reichel Sr. both of Monongahela, and Joseph P. Reichel of Ashtabula, Ohio; a sister, Marcella Reichel Skurski of Canonsburg; three grandchildren, Daniel Joseph Popovich, Jennifer Louise and Leonard Ducouer; and many nieces and nephews.
Correction
Incomplete information was provided for the obituary of Rita Reichel Popovich, published Friday. Omitted was her husband, Joseph Gene Popovich Sr., who survives.
Robert L. Robinson
Active in of Pony Baseball for many years
Robert L. Robinson, 60, of Wheeling, W.Va., died Wednesday, December 9, 1998, in Wheeling Hospital.
He was born March 12, 1938, in Wheeling, a son of the late Frank and Mae McConnaughey Robinson.
Mr. Robinson was a member of St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church and was claims manager for Municipal Mutual Insurance Company of Wellsburg, W.Va.
At the time of his death, he was division director for Pony Baseball, Washington. He also was a member of the international board of directors for PONY Baseball; former coach, league president and a member of the board of directors of Elm Grove Baseball; one of the coaches for the only Elm Grove Bronco team that ever made it to the World Series in 1977; and former director of Pony League World Series, Washington.
Mr. Robinson was a former Ohio Valley Athletic Conference track official for 12 years. He was a member of Wheeling Lodge 5 AF&M; a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason; and a former member and president of Elm Grove Lions Club.
Surviving are his wife, Norma Tuel Robinson; three sons, Robert A. of Wellsburg, John Mark of Elm Grove, W.Va., and James L. of Beech Bottom, W.Va.; a sister, Etta L. Black of Elm Grove; and seven grandchildren.
Steve G. Greza
Fort Pitt Bridge Works retiree was St. Pat usher
Steve G. Greza, 84, of Canonsburg, died at 12:30 p.m. Friday, December 11, 1998, in Manor Care, McMurray.
He was born August 19, 1914, in Canonsburg, a son of George and Barbara Greza.
Mr. Greza lived his entire life in Canonsburg, where he was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church and an usher there for many years.
He was a 1933 graduate of Canonsburg High School, where he was an outstanding basketball player.
Mr. Greza attended Washington and Jefferson College and various trade schools.
During World War II, he served in the Army Air Corps.
Before his retirement in 1981, he was a supervisor in the paint shop at Fort Pitt Bridge Works in Canonsburg, where he worked for more than 30 years.
Mr. Greza enjoyed gardening.
On February 6, 1944, he married Anne Suska, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Stephen G. Greza Jr. of Morgantown, W.Va.; three daughters, Carole Ciccarelli of Woodbridge, Va., Barbara Murphy of McMurray and Nancy Minton of Pittsburgh; two sisters, Elizabeth Engel of Strabane and Margaret Pallette of Washington; eight grandchildren, Cristen Heidebrecht, Katie Gubbins, Colleen and Maureen Murphy, Lauren and Alex Minton and Lucas and Cameron Greza; one great-grandson; and many nieces and nephews.
Kathryn Jude Linton
Waynesburg homemaker
Kathryn M. Jude Linton, 85, of 2291/2 South Morgan Street, Waynesburg, died at 3:45 p.m. Thursday, December 10, 1998, in her home. She had been in her usual health and death apparently was due to a heart attack.
She was born January 8, 1913, in Waynesburg, a daughter of Grover C. and Fannie Shultz Linton.
Miss Linton lived her entire life in Waynesburg. She was one of the oldest members of Washington Street United Methodist Church in Waynesburg and was a homemaker.
Along with her parents, she helped raise Barbara "Bobbie" Stephenson of Waynesburg, who survives.
Also surviving are six nieces, Patricia Marburger, Shirley Brosenitsch, Peggy Trout, Nancy Miernicki, Carol Ann Riddle and Karen Feeney; two nephews, Jimmie Burnette and Thomas Linton; and several great-nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a brother, Thomas Linton; and two sisters, Anna English and Florence Burnette.
Jesse Calvin Mercer
Army veteran served twice in Vietnam
Jesse Calvin Mercer, 62, of 5 Mark Avenue, Washington, died Thursday, December 10, 1998, in VA Medical Center 646, Pittsburgh.
He was born September 19, 1936, in Fairview, W.Va., a son of the late Albert Denzil "Pete" Mercer and Mary Toothman Mercer.
He was a U.S. Army veteran and served twice in Vietnam.
He was a member of Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars in Waynesburg and the Arden Club in Washington.
Surviving are a brother, Albert Lyle Mercer of Washington; and his former wife, Jennie Mercer.
Douglas S. Nettle
Health officer in Washington for 24 years
Douglas S. Nettle, 82, of Englewood, Colo., formerly of Washington, died Wednesday, December 9, 1998.
He was born July 29, 1916, in Redruth, Cornwall, England.
Mr. Nettle was city health officer for Washington for 24 years before retiring and moving to Colorado.
He was a member of American Legion Post 175 of Washington; BPOE Elks Lodge 776, Syria Temple of Pittsburgh; Washington Lodge 164 F&AM; Shrine Club of Englewood; and was a Mally Center Board member. He served four years in the U.S. Army Air Force.
Mr. Nettle was a member of First United Presbyterian Church of Washington and was an associate member of Emmanuel Methodist Church.
Surviving are his wife, Flora; a daughter, Bonnie of Denver, Colo.; a granddaughter, Amy; a stepgranddaughter, Alice; and one stepgreat-grandchild.
Interment was in Fort Logan, Denver. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of choice.
Paul Smolak
Former Pennsylvania Railroad employee
Paul "Smoky" Smolak, 75, of South Street, New Eagle, died Wednesday, December 9, 1998, in Meade Manor, Monongahela.
He was born December 9, 1923, in Toronto, Ohio, a son of George and Anna Chorney Smolak.
Mr. Smolak lived most of his life in New Eagle and was Protestant. He retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lock 3 of Elizabeth, and was employed by Pennsylvania Railroad at Shire Oaks from 1942 to 1963.
He was a member of B.P.O. Elks Lodge 455 of Monongahela.
Surviving are his wife, Helen Boyd Smolak, with whom he celebrated 49 years of marriage on June 11, 1998; a brother, Michael Smolak of Buffalo, N.Y.; a sister, Ann Dzvan of California; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a brother, George Smolak Jr., and a sister, Elizabeth Koben.
Marion E. Statler
Housekeeper at Washington Hospital
Marion E. Statler, 74, of Washington, died Friday, December 11, 1998, in Washington County Health Center after a lengthy illness.
She was born August 18, 1924, in Washington, a daughter of Joseph H. and Katherine Yotes Miller.
Mrs. Statler attended Marianna schools, was a member of Enon Baptist Church and belonged to the Willing Workers there.
Mrs. Statler was a housekeeper at Washington Hospital.
On August 14, 1955, in Washington, she married James P. Statler, who died in June 1994.
Surviving are two sons, Delbert D. Miller of Mt. Morris and David L. Miller of Scenery Hill; a stepson, James M. Statler of Morgantown, W.Va.; two daughters, Patricia Statler and Pamela Locy, both of Cameron, W.Va.; a stepdaughter, Barb Bell of Washington; a brother, Charles Miller of Marianna; two sisters, Norma Frazee of Washington and Delilah Forney of Avella; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a daughter, Kathy Allen Statler; three grandchildren; and a sister.
Dwight D. Young
Retired supervisor for Goodyear Tire and Rubber
Dwight D. Young, 87, of 3261 Alexander Road, Atwater, Ohio, formerly of Greene County, died at 5:30 a.m. Friday, December 11, 1998, in Hospice Care Center, Akron, Ohio.
He was born May 26, 1911, in Beallsville, a son of Isaac Newton and Hazel Dawson Young.
He worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. as a carpenter supervisor before retiring in 1976.
Since Mr. Young's health began to decline, he had been cared for by Heather Knoll Nursing Home and Hospice Care Center, Ridgewood Road, Akron.
Mr. Young was married twice. His first wife, Doris Hilverding Young, died May 14, 1955. His second wife, Beverly Counterman Young, whom he married June 18, 1972, survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Doris Shank of Akron and Dawna Pitzer of Rochester; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Sarah Kubis of Lawrenceville, Ga.; and a brother, Edwin E. Young of Waynesburg.
Deceased are two brothers, Lloyd and Eugene Young.
Marie B. Bell
League bowler at Brunswick 51 Lanes
Marie B. Bell, 69, of Crestview Estates, New Eagle, formerly of Bethel Park, died Friday, December 11, 1998, in her home.
She was born January 10, 1929, in Millvale, a daughter of Henry and Marie Cavanaugh Bernick.
She was a member of St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church of Pittsburgh and the juniors bowling league at Brunswick 51 Lanes.
Surviving are four sons, Anthony Bell of Washington, D.C., Dennis Bell of Upper St. Clair, Robert Bell of Mt. Lebanon and Richard Bell of Peters Township; four brothers, Richard Bernick of Conway, Ark., Hank Bernick of Landsdale, Paul Bernick of Shaler Township and Ronny Bernick of Castle Shannon; two sisters, Patricia King of Pittsburgh and Sylvia Snodgrass of Charleston, W.Va.; and eight grandchildren.
Deceased are her husband, Anthony "Bud" Bell; and a brother, Ray Bernick.
Mary E. Brooks
Attended Assembly of God Church, Bentleyville
Mary E. Brooks, 59, of Elmira Street, Monongahela, died Sunday, December 13, 1998, in Haven Crest Nursing Home, Monongahela.
She was born June 19, 1939, in Monongahela, a daughter of Ruth Campbell Pigford of Monongahela and the late Ellis Pigford.
Mrs. Brooks was a lifelong resident of the Monongahela area and was a 1957 graduate of Monongahela High School.
She attended Assembly of God Church of Bentleyville and was formerly employed at Lawson's Nursing Home in West Mifflin.
On December 1, 1961, she married James A. Brooks, with whom she recently celebrated 37 years of marriage.
In addition to her mother and husband, surviving are four sons, James E. Brooks of Monongahela, Douglas C. Brooks of Donora, and Duane E. and Dennis M. Brooks, both at home; a daughter, Ruth Grace of West Mifflin; 10 grandchildren; and two brothers, James Pigford of Freemont, Mich., and Dennis Pigford of Eighty Four.
Martha E. Cornell
Attended Christian Missionary Alliance Church
Martha E. Cornell, 77, of North Main Street, Houston, died Friday, December 11, 1998, in Allegheny University Hospitals-Canonsburg.
She was born December 25, 1920, in Finley Township, a daughter of Joseph and Stella Bowland Dawson.
Mrs. Cornell attended Christian Missionary Alliance Church, Cecil.
On September 12, 1956, she married John Cornell, who died July 26, 1982.
Surviving are three brothers, Joseph Dawson of Imperial, Richard Dawson of Houston and Frank Dawson of Hendersonville; four sisters, Katherine Nesic of Meadow Lands, Twila Reynier of Canonsburg, and Sara Kosharsky and Bertha Smith, both of Houston; 12 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two sons, Frank and Robert Dessify; and a grandson, Gary Dessify.
Albert S. Diaz
Administrative law judge active in civic affairs
Judge Albert S. "Buzz" Diaz, 72, of Monongahela, died Friday, December 11, 1998, in Mon Valley Hospital, Carroll Township.
He was born October 21, 1926, in Charleroi, a son of the Rev. C.P. Diaz and Anna Nelson Diaz.
He was a graduate of Charleroi High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. During active duty, he served as a tailgunner on a B-29 aircraft. He was commissioned as a lieutenant on September 7, 1946, and was assigned to March Air Force Base as a personnel affairs and information education officer. He was honorably discharged March 14, 1948. He then attended Allegheny College in Meadville and California University of Pennsylvania. He received his juris doctorate degree from Temple University School of Law.
Judge Diaz had an active legal practice in Charleroi for several years. He was an administrative law judge for the Pennsylvania Bureau of Worker's Compensation, a hearing examiner for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and became a referee for the Bureau of Worker's Compensation, serving Washington, Greene, Westmoreland and Fayette counties, from November 1967 to January 1972. He was certified by the U.S. Civil Service Commission as a federal administrative law judge in 1975, but he elected not to accept employment offered.
Judge Diaz was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, Pennsylvania Superior Court, Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania and Washington County Common Pleas and Orphans Court.
He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church of Charleroi, a charter member and past president of the former North Charleroi Lions Club, a member and past president of Charleroi Lions Club and a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 167, American Legion Post 22, F&AM Lodge 615, IOOF Lodge 1030 and BPOE Lodge 494, all of Charleroi, Syria Temple of Pittsburgh and Monongahela Valley Country Club.
Judge Diaz was active in community affairs. He organized the Mid-Mon Valley Charitable Golf Outing and other events, which have raised more than $100,000 for various youth organizations and causes in the Mon Valley area. His charitable efforts were recognized in October 1998 by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pittsburgh, which presented him with the Big Mac award.
Surviving are his wife, Laura Miksch Diaz; two daughters, Tami Stewart of Greensburg and Laurie Castillo of Manassas, Va.; and three grandsons, Jonathon, Brett and Brandon.
Ann Warchola Dyer
Member of Elizabeth Methodist Church
Ann A. Warchola Dyer, 78, of Bunola, formerly of Elizabeth, Elrama and Monongahela, died Friday, December 11, 1998, in South Side Hospital, Pittsburgh.
She was born February 22, 1920, in Elrama, a daughter of Steve and Mary Blasko Warchola.
Mrs. Dyer was a member of Elizabeth Methodist Church and was retired from Favro's Furniture Store, Elizabeth.
Surviving are a daughter, Mary Ann Edsall of Novelty, Ohio; a son, George W. Dyer Jr. of Bunola; five grandchildren, Barbara Ann Dyer, Susan Lorraine Dyer and George W. Dyer III, and twins Steven Michael Dyer and Melissa Jane Edsall; five sisters, Catherine Mascota of Donora, Julia Letavec of New Eagle, Bertha Miscik of Monongahela, Betty Caulkett of Elizabeth and Laura Pucel of New Eagle; and two brothers, John Warchola of New Eagle and Robert Warchola of Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Deceased are her husband, George W. Dyer, who died in 1986; a sister, Mary Luker; and two brothers, Michael and Steve Warchola.
Celena Kay Gatten
Homemaker was member of Memory Chapel
Celena Kay McDonough Gatten, 62, of Eighty Four, Somerset Township, died Saturday, December 12, 1998, in Washington Hospital.
She was born September 16, 1936, in North Charleroi, a daughter of the late Catherine M. McDonough.
Mrs. Gatten was a homemaker and a member of Memory Chapel, Vanceville.
On June 19, 1954, she married Norman V. Gatten, who died June 30, 1985.
Surviving are three sons, Geril and Loren Gatten, both of Sanford, N.C., and Bruce Gatten of Pittsburgh; four grandchildren, Aaron, Alexandra, Oliver and Jeremiah Gatten; and several nieces and nephews.
An infant son, Robin Gatten, is deceased.
Joseph Gregorini
Lumber company retiree was WWII vet
Joseph Gregorini, 80, of Ridge Avenue, Monongahela, died Friday, December 11, 1998, in Monongahela Valley Hospital.
He was born June 23, 1918, in Sunnyside, a son of Joseph and Domenica Orsatti Gregorini.
He was a member of St. Anthony Church, Monongahela, and a member of the former Holy Name Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Donora.
Mr. Gregorini retired from Donora Lumber Co. in 1992. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.
Surviving are his wife, Ann Bekavac Gregorini, with whom he celebrated 40 years of marriage; three sons, Forrest Sheppard of Woodridge, Ill., Joseph Gregorini of Jefferson Hills and Thomas Gregorini of Ellicott City, Md.; four daughters, Linda Holcomb and Diane Blackburn, twins, both of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Mary Mazzarella and Tina Engel, both of Woodridge, Ill.; fifteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Guido Gregorini of Monongahela and Alfred Gregorini of Elizabeth; and two sisters, Toni Inserra of Pompano Beach, Fla., and Rose Bagay of Donora.
Deceased are two brothers, George and Victor Gregorini; and a sister, Mary Bartoletti.
Laura B. Hope Knupp
Formerly of Canonsburg
Laura B. Hope Knupp, 68, formerly of Canonsburg, died Friday, December 11, 1998, in Florence, S.C., following a lengthy illness.
She was born in Canonsburg, a daughter of Thomas William and Hazel Gamble Hope.
She was a homemaker.
Surviving are four daughters, Tricia Adams of Wellsville, Kan., and Diana McEwan, Wanda Neff and Brenda Heckathorne, all of Hemingway, S.C.; two brothers, Melvin Hope of Hemingway and Paul Hope of Canonsburg; two sisters, Ethel Koltz and Lil Aljo, both of Canonsburg; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Matilda M. Lowe
Illinois laboratory retiree
Matilda M. Lowe, 84, of 1510 Neil Avenue, St. Marys, Ohio, formerly of Albuquerque, N.M., and Waukegan, Ill., died at 9:57 a.m. Tuesday, December 8, 1998, in Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, following a brief illness.
She was born November 1, 1914, in Walker's Mill, a daughter of Peter and Mary Koneski.
She retired from Abbott Laboratories Co. in North Chicago, Ill., after 28 years of service.
Mrs. Lowe was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St. Marys and was a former member of Assumption Catholic Church in Albuquerque and St. Anastacia Catholic Church in Waukegan.
On January 28, 1950, she married Edmond Lowe, who died in 1990.
Surviving are a daughter, Linda Moore of St. Marys; three grandchildren, Carolyn, Ethan and Lisa Moore; and a brother, Joseph Koneski of Houston.
In addition to her husband, a sister, Mary Sandifer, is deceased.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Saturday, December 12, in Holy Rosary Catholic Church, St. Marys, by the Rev. David Heinl. A Christian burial service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 15, in the chapel of Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Albuquerque. Arrangements were handled by Miller Funeral Home, 1605 Celina Road, St. Marys.
Michael F. Marnell
Life member of Floreffe Volunteer Fire Company
Michael Frank Marnell, 84, of Elrama, died Saturday, December 12, 1998, in Mount St. Macrina Nursing Home, Uniontown.
He was born May 4, 1914, in Connellsville, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Salvatore Marnell.
He had been employed by Mississippi Glass, Floreffe.
Mr. Marnell was a life member of Floreffe Volunteer Fire Company. He was Catholic.
Surviving are his wife, Josephine Edna Crawford Marnell; a daughter, Judith Ann Frye of Elrama; a sister, Rose Petrella of Clairton; and two grandsons, Edward M. and Robert A. Frye.
Emma Jane Moskal
Member of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church
Emma Jane Moskal, 72, of Houston, died at 3:30 a.m. Sunday, December 13, 1998, in Washington Hospital, following a brief illness.
She was born March 4, 1926, in Strabane, a daughter of Stephen and Sophie Ann Hostinsky Getzik.
Mrs. Moskal was a member of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Roman Catholic Church, Meadow Lands. She was a member of KSKJ Lodge and SNPJ Lodge 138, both of Strabane, and of the Women's International Bowling Conference.
A lifelong resident of the Strabane and Houston area, she was a homemaker.
Her husband, Theodore J. Moskal, died October 5, 1988.
Surviving are two sons, Lawrence P. Moskal of Washington and Stephen M. Moskal of Canonsburg; two daughters, Catherine L. Hrydil of Pittsburgh and Susan A. Gangi of Stuart, Fla.; four grandchildren, Adam Moskal, Alison Moskal, Theodore Gangi and Samantha Gangi; two stepgrandchildren, Heather Bistarkey and Shawn Bistarkey; a stepgreat-grandson; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased is a brother, Edward S. Getzik.
Valentine Pastidanos
Member of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church
Valentine Andronas Pastidanos, 94, of 428 Blaine Avenue, Canonsburg, died Saturday, December 12, 1998, in South Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center, Canonsburg.
She was born February 14, 1904, in the Village of Koskinou, Island of Rhodes, Greece, a daughter of Fotios and Maria Mariyaki Andronas.
In 1924, in Greece, she married Constantinos Pastidanos, who died July 6, 1970.
She spent most of her life in Canonsburg, where she was a member of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church.
Surviving are a daughter, Stella Ertle of Seven Hills, Ohio; a brother, Antonios Andronas of Canonsburg; and seven grandchildren, Yvonne Vourliotis, John Ertle, Luanne Coyle, Nina Macek, Deana Georgeou, Michael Georgeou and Tina Pelegrinelli.
Deceased are a daughter, Mary Georgeou, who died May 9, 1996; and a sister, Rodopy.
Gertrude Ruth Perry
Active member of Assemblies of God
Gertrude Ruth Perry, 81, of Greensboro R.D.1 (Turkey Knob), died at 12:14 p.m. Friday, December 11, 1998, in Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, W.Va.
She was born January 23, 1917, in Crystal, W.Va., a daughter of Henry D. and Lola M. Helmindoller Belcher.
Mrs. Perry was a homemaker and an active member of the Assemblies of God denomination.
She resided in Swedesboro, N.J., until 1992, when she and her husband moved to Greensboro.
Her husband, Lacie J. Perry, whom she married December 18, 1938, died June 6, 1995.
Surviving are two sons, Carl W. Perry of Swedesboro and David L. Perry, with whom she made her home; six grandchildren, Diana Wood, Carla Parker, Deirdra Perry, Robert Perry, Matthew Perry and Mark Perry; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Helen Barger of Canton, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a son, Junior Lacie Perry; a daughter, Joyce Ann Perry, who died in childhood; six brothers, Coy, William, Wilson, Joseph, Guy and Woodrow Belcher; and four sisters, Hessie, Kathleen and Beula Belcher, and Vannie Mays.
Mary Richey
Member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church
Mary Richey, 86, of Burgettstown, died Friday, December 11, 1998, in Trinity West Health System, Steubenville, Ohio.
She was born December 8, 1912, in Uniontown, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Benjo Flinton.
Mrs. Richey was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church and the SNPJ, both of Burgettstown, and Burgettstown Senior Citizens.
She had been employed by Union High School of Burgettstown as a secretary.
Surviving are a daughter, Kathleen Franchina of Burgettstown; a granddaughter, Ronna; a grandson, Robert; a brother, John Flinton of Grand Prairie, Texas; and a sister, Kathryn Zelenko of Columbia, S.C.
Deceased are her husband, Clifford W. Richey, who died February 8, 1979; a brother, Robert Flinton, who died November 10, 1966; and two sisters, Ann Richey, who died December 21, 1975, and Elizabeth Nicksick, who died April 17, 1997.
Floyd D. Thomas Sr.
Truck driver was member of Harvest Time Chapel
Floyd D. Thomas Sr., 76, of East Finley Drive, Claysville, died at 10:23 p.m. Saturday, December 12, 1998, in Washington Hospital.
He was born September 5, 1922, in Claysville, a son of Isaac R. and Anna Mae Dodd Thomas.
Prior to his retirement, Mr. Thomas was a truck driver for 40 years. He had worked for Besl Trucking.
Mr. Thomas was a member of Harvest Time Chapel of Canonsburg, where he served as trustee and treasurer, and he had formerly been affiliated with East Finley Church of God, where he served as treasurer.
He was a 1940 graduate of Claysville High School.
On February 15, 1947, he married Erma Jean Breese, who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Floyd D. Thomas Jr. of West Alexander and Wayne Lee Thomas of Beckley, W.Va.; two daughters, Marilyn J. Hines and Ruth Ann Menhart, both of Claysville; three brothers, Owen Thomas of Bradenton, Fla., and Gerald Thomas and Paul E. Thomas, both of Claysville; six grandchildren, Jennifer, Chad, Gretchen, Nathan, Matthew and Kayla; four stepgrandchildren, Darin, Shannon, Melanie and Kristin; and two stepgreat-grandchildren.
Deceased are a sister, Martha Applegate; and a brother, Isaac D. Thomas.
Sylvester E. Vrabel
Railroad retiree was World War II veteran
Sylvester Edward Vrabel, 74, of Steubenville, Ohio, formerly of Washington, died Thursday, December 10, 1998, in Lancia Villa Royale, Steubenville, following a lengthy illness.
He was born September 14, 1924, in Ontario, a son of Michael and Ann Spinner Vrabel.
He was a retired brakeman for the former B&O Railroad and later the Chessie System.
Mr. Vrabel was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving as a radar operator in the Philippines. He retired from the U.S. Army Reserves after 25 years of service.
Surviving are a daughter, Margaret Ann McCullough of Marianna; a sister, Dolly Stock of Washington; a brother, Edward Michael Vrabel of Los Angeles, Calif.; and a granddaughter.
A blessing service and entombment in St. James Mausoleum of Immaculate Conception Cemetery were held privately and at the convenience of the family.
Richard Miles Weaver
Cerdec Corp. employee, member of Lone Pine VFD
Richard Miles Weaver, 49, of Amwell Township, Washington, died Sunday, December 13, 1998, in his home.
He was born March 29, 1949, in Washington, a son of Edith Miles Weaver of Washington and the late Arley Caroll Weaver.
He was a 1967 graduate of Trinity High School.
Mr. Weaver worked for 27 years as a technical sales representative for Cerdec Corp., formerly Drakenfeld Products, in Washington.
He had been a member of Lone Pine Volunteer Fire Department since 1967. He was a sports enthusiast and particularly enjoyed hunting and NASCAR racing.
Mr. Weaver served in the U.S. Army Reserves and attended Amity United Methodist Church.
On November 6, 1971, in Cross Creek Presbyterian Church, he married Diane Crayne, who survives.
In addition to his wife and mother, surviving are a son, Richard M. Weaver, at home; a daughter, Jodi L. Weaver, at home; three brothers, Arley and Gary Weaver, both of Washington, and Jeff Weaver of Rices Landing; and several nieces and nephews.
G. Albert Cole
Fourth Presbyterian elder sang at nursing homes
G. Albert Cole, 84, of Washington, died at 4:50 p.m. Monday, December 14, 1998, in Washington Hospital following a brief illness.
He was born October 31, 1914, in Greene County, a son of Albert Winfield and Nell Weaver Cole.
Mr. Cole was a member of Fourth Presbyterian Church, Washington, where he was an elder, sang in the choir and for several years was a custodian.
He was a graduate of Rogersville High School and worked as a machinist at Tri-State Engineering and Penn Manufacturing.
He enjoyed music, dartball, bowling, hunting and golf.
Mr. Cole volunteered and sang at many local nursing homes.
On August 15, 1941, he married Helen L. Belford, who survives and with whom he recently celebrated their 57th anniversary.
Also surviving are three sons, Ronald A. Cole of Amity, Rick Cole of Perrysburg, Ohio, and Carroll Cole of Canonsburg; two daughters, Nell Kretzschmar of Lafayette, Ind., and Jacqueline Barre of Martins Ferry, Ohio; a sister, Betty C. Dille of Washington; 11 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Deceased are two sisters, Dorothy Marie Loughman and Mildred Cole.
Orpha B. Gamber
Stow resident
Orpha B. Gamber, 81, of Stow, Ohio, died Sunday, December 13, 1998.
Mrs. Gamber was born in Taylorstown January 31, 1917, and was a resident of Stow the last five years.
Her husband, Paul C. Gamber, is deceased, as well as her brother, Harry E. Martin.
Surviving are several nieces and nephews.
There will be no visitation. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 15, at Claysville Cemetery.
John H. Jennette
Welder at McGraw Edison and member of USWA
John H. Jennette, 74, of McDonald, died Monday, December 14, 1998, in St. Clair Memorial Hospital, Mt. Lebanon.
He was born July 7, 1924, in Glendale, a son of Albert and Josephine Dams Jennette.
Mr. Jennette was a welder for McGraw Edison Co. in Canonsburg. He also was a member of Independent Bible Presbyterian Church in McDonald and United Steelworkers of America Local 3968.
On May 1, 1948, he married Georgia Hooker, who died December 26, 1973.
In 1974, he married Effie Cummins Veydt, who died October 31, 1991.
Surviving are a son, John H. Jennette Jr. of Imperial; a daughter, Deanna Rossi of McDonald; four grandchildren, William and Michelle Rossi, Joyce Georgia Jennette and Andrea Czyzewicz; and one great-grandson.
Deceased are three brothers, Jules, Albert and Henry Jennette; and three sisters, Julia McGinnis, Elizabeth Pascoe and Hilda Gossiaux.
Samuel T. Piccolo
Former New Eagle resident was X-ray technician
Samuel T. Piccolo, 78, of Falmouth, Mass., formerly of New Eagle, died Monday, December 7, 1998, in Falmouth Hospital after a brief illness.
He was born in Coal Bluff February 12, 1920, a son of Elizabeth Piccolo of New Eagle and the late Joseph Piccolo.
Mr. Piccolo entered the Army Air Corps during World War II and served as an X-ray technician in Turkey and Korea until his retirement in 1965.
He then moved to Falmouth, where he was a chief X-ray technician at Falmouth Hospital, until his retirement in 1981. Mr. Piccolo, who enjoyed golf and gardening, was a member of the Sons of Italy in Cotuit, Mass., and of the Teaticket Civic Association.
Surviving are his wife, Geraldine Bryant Piccolo; a son, Samuel T. Piccolo Jr. of East Falmouth; a daughter, Angela P. White of Sandwich, Mass.; a grandson, Thomas Jefferson White; three sisters, Julia Luci of New Eagle, Mary Eusepi of New Eagle and Rose Faber of Tarentum; and two brothers, John Piccolo of New Eagle and Eugene Piccolo of New Eagle.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Upper Cape Caplaincy, 68 Main Street, Falmouth, Mass. 02540. Burial was December 11 in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, Mass.
Cecelia Pozderac
Member of St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church
Cecelia Pozderac, 89, of Bobtown, died Friday, December 11, 1998, in Riverside Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.
She was born November 18, 1909, in Yaska, Yugoslavia, a daughter of Joseph and Barbara Noesel Pozderac.
Miss Pozderac was a member of St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church, Bobtown; a member of the Croation Fraternal Union; and a former employee of the Pittsburgh Mercantile Store, Bobtown; and of the Fashionable Shoe Store, Morgantown, W.Va.
Surviving are two nephews, Dr. Rodney Pozderac of Dublin, Ohio, and Ronald Pozderac of Baltimore, Md.
A brother, Valentine Pozderac, is deceased.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 15, in St. Ignatius Church, Bobtown, with the Rev. Alvin Gutierrez as celebrant. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park, Point Marion.
Louise W. Cagnon
Graduate of Washington High School
Louise W. Cagnon, 86, of Rusk, Texas, formerly of Washington, died Saturday, December 12, 1998, in Oak Park Care Center in Rusk.
She was born December 18, 1911, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of Edward A. and Bertha Rattleman Wigman.
Mrs. Cagnon graduated from Washington High School and attended Carnegie Mellon University.
She worked as a receptionist for the medical practice of Dr. Tracey Bryant of Washington and was a member of the AMA Medical Assistants' Association and a member of Washington Library Association.
On May 11, 1938, in Washington, she married, John V. Cagnon, who died October 22, 1990.
Surviving are two sons, David J. Cagnon of Rusk and Barry Cagnon of Canton, Ohio; four grandchildren, Carol Pierce, John Cagnon, Lisa Baraona and Kim Habusta; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two brothers, Edward and Robert Wigman; and a sister, Bertha Hindman.
D. Blaine Crile
U.S. Navy veteran of World War II
D. Blaine Crile, 73, of Lone Pine, died Tuesday, December 15, 1998, in Washington Hospital.
He was born June 9, 1925, in Chestnut Ridge in Amwell Township, a son of Harry H. and Nellie Mae Reeves Crile.
Mr. Crile attended the Chestnut Ridge and Trinity schools.
He was a truck driver for Fairmont Supply, Washington, retiring in 1986.
Mr. Crile was a World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee in the South Pacific from 1943 to 1946.
He was a member of American Legion Post 175 of Washington, Lone Pine Christian Church, National Rifle Association and enjoyed hunting and fishing.
On August 10, 1947, he married Velma Kenimond, who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Dennis B. Crile of Washington and Jerry W. Crile of Lone Pine; three daughters, Vicky R. Crowe of Marianna, Jeannette M. Collar of McMurray and Susan G. Crile of Bridgeville; eight grandchildren, Renee, Rishelle, Stephanie and Chad Crile, Tiffany and Justin Crowe, Lane Collar and Tonya Ulanosky; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are three brothers, Kenneth, Roy and Eugene Crile.
