Lorraine G. Doak
Member of Allison Avenue Baptist Church
Lorraine G. Doak, 78, of Michigan Avenue, Washington, died at 9:50 a.m. Friday, December 18, 1998, in Washington Hospital, following a six-month illness.
She was born April 20, 1920, in West Brownsville, a daughter of Curtis W. and Marie Dickinson Tate.
Mrs. Doak was a homemaker.
She was a member of Allison Avenue Baptist Church, Washington, and as a youth was a Methodist.
On May 12, 1940, she married Boyd A. "Jack" Doak, who died October 3, 1986.
Surviving are a daughter, Judith L. Kerns of Claysville; a brother, David C. Tate of Sacramento, Calif.; two sisters, Laura Ferris of Fredericktown and Bonnie Kavaniz of Cleveland, Ohio; three grandchildren, Tim, Penny and Robin Kerns; and seven great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a sister, Romaine Weber; and a brother, Charles David Tate.
William Drahushak
Retired from USX shipping department
William W. "Wash" Drahushak, 85, of Donora, died Thursday, December 17, 1998, in Monongahela Valley Hospital.
He was born March 12, 1913, in Donora, a son of Frank and Pauline Paraschak Drahushak.
Mr. Drahushak retired in 1975 from USX Corp. in the shipping department.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II.
He was a member of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Donora, where he was a past treasurer, and a member of the Donora Chapter Federated Russian Orthodox Club.
His wife, Julia "Jay" Drahushak, died November 15, 1990.
Surviving are two daughters, Pauline Petro of Donora and Roselle Crow of Las Vegas, Nev.; two sons, William Drahushak Jr. of DuBois and Daniel Drahushak of Waterford, Mich.; three brothers, Stephen D. Drake of Donora, Andrew D. Drake of Euclid Heights, Ohio, and Michael D. Drake of Belleville, N.J.; a sister, Anne DiPaolo of Long Branch, Calif.; and 12 grandchildren.
Deceased are two brothers, Harry D. and John D. Drake.
Harry V. Edmonds
Retired from Houston chip company
Harry V. Edmonds, 87, of Washington, died Friday, December 18, 1998, at his home.
He was born September 17, 1911, in Toronto, Ohio, a son of Clarence and Lula Casto Edmonds.
Mr. Edmonds was employed as a salesman by Blue Star Potato Chip Co. in Houston before retiring in 1966.
Surviving are his wife, Ann Edmonds, whom he married in 1985; two sons, Jerry Edmonds of Florida and Harry Edmonds of Marianna; a daughter, Sandra Ewig of Canonsburg; two stepsons, Gary Connor of Washington and Larry Namec of Mt. Lebanon; seven grandchildren, Dawn and James Ewig, Diane Lacock, Tammy and Harry Edmonds Jr., Melissa Jones and Sherri Kolson; four stepgrandchildren, Courtney and Jarrod Connor and Michael and Larry Namec; and three great-grandchildren.
Deceased are his first wife, Mildred Harshman Edmonds, who died in 1984; and a brother, Jake Edmonds.
Ronald W. Frost Sr.
Beallsville mayor
Ronald W. Frost Sr., 54, of Route 40, Beallsville, died unexpectedly at 6:09 p.m. Thursday, December 17, 1998, in Washington Hospital.
He was born March 19, 1944, in Brownsville, a son of Betty Bakewell Frost of Centerville Borough and the late Albert Wesley Frost, who died July 7, 1990.
Mr. Frost was a member of Centerville United Methodist Church, was a 1962 graduate of Beth Center High School and a graduate of Allegheny Technological Institute of Pittsburgh.
He was a water treatment plant operator for Lukens Steel Corp., formerly Washington Steel Corp.
Mr. Frost was mayor of Beallsville for the past 15 years, a former member of Beallsville Borough Council and was emergency management coordinator for Beallsville Borough.
He was a member of the Pennsylvania Mayors Association, Beallsville Lodge 237 F&AM, Uniontown Lodge of Perfection, Consistory of Pittsburgh and the ZR1 Corvette National Registry.
Surviving are his wife, Vicki Orbany Frost; two sons, Ronald Wesley Frost Jr. of Republic and Richard Frost of Atlanta, Ga.; a daughter, Rachel E. Moser of Canonsburg; a brother, Dennis R. Frost of Washington; two sisters, Tana R. Kurilko of Bentleyville and Carla R. Bartman of Fredericktown; seven grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased is a son, Randy Alan Frost, who died January 12, 1985.
Paul F. Gearing
Teacher, coach and principal
Paul F. "Coach" Gearing, 70, of Jacksboro, Tenn., formerly of Monongahela, died November 20, 1998, in James H. Quillen Veterans Administration Medical Center, Mountain Home, Tenn.
Mr. Gearing, a member of Jacksboro United Methodist Church, was a teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal at Jacksboro High School until retirement.
He was a Jacksboro City aldeman and vice mayor for many years.
Mr. Gearing was a Mason and veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, having served in the Korean War. He received his bachelor of science and master of arts degrees at the University of Tennessee and was a letterman on the varsity football team (1946-1949). He played in the Orange Bowl as a freshman.
Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Geneva Collins Gearing; a son, Dan Gearing of Hilton Head, S.C.; a daughter, Kathy Shepard of Powell, Tenn; two grandsons, Jake and John; a sister, Margaret Thompson of Monongahela; and one niece and one nephew.
Deceased are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Emil J. Gearing Sr.; and a brother, Emil Jr., all formerly of Monongahela.
Services were November 23 at Jacksboro United Methodist Church. Interment was November 24 in Jacksboro Cemetery, with full military honors by the Campbell County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to "The Organ Fund" of Jacksboro United Methodist Church.
Helen Kominski
Owned and operated 84 Fishing Lakes
Helen Kominski, 86, who resided most of her life at the home of Buddy and Joyce Gregg of Eighty Four, died Thursday, September 17, 1998, in Washington Hospital.
She was born August 9, 1912, in Daisytown, a daughter of John and Veronica Vingus Witkus.
Mrs. Kominski attended East Pike Run Township schools and was employed at the Brooklyn Naval Yard during World War II.
She was later employed by Heinz Corp., Pittsburgh, and owned and operated 84 Fishing Lakes in Eighty Four for several years before retiring.
Surviving are five sisters, Pauline Marshall, Frances Carey and Julie Witkus, all of Carrick, Tessie Sazichkas of Avalon and Ann Hold of Cortland, Ohio; two brothers, Phillip Witkus and Walter Witkus, both of Essex, Md.; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased is her husband, Michael Kominski.
Walter D. Lonick
Guard for JFK during presidential campaign
Walter D. Lonick, 79, of Atlasburg, died Thursday, December 17, 1998, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, after a lengthy illness.
He was born January 29, 1919, in Bulger, a son of Charles and Anna Ostroski Lonick.
Prior to retirement in 1975, Mr. Lonick was an assistant superintendent for the state Department of Transportation in Washington. In his earlier years, he was assigned to protect candidate John F. Kennedy during the presidential election. He also served as Smith Township constable and justice of the peace.
Mr. Lonick served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged following service in Panama. During World War II, he re-enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving under Gen. Clare Chenault, flying in the China-Burma-India Theater.
He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, Burgettstown.
He was a charter member of Fischer-Lonick Post 6490 in Atlasburg and Raccoon Valley Sportsmen Club, and a member of Burgettstown Senior Citizens, SNPJ and Society of Highway Engineers.
On June 27, 1948, he married Josephine Baic, who survives.
Also surviving are four sons, Gregg and Robert, both of Slovan, Dean of Lowell, Mich., and Richard of McMurray; a daughter, Marsha Buyny of Moon Township, a brother, Anthony Lonick of Ocala, Fla.; two sisters, Shirley Capozzoli of Weirton, W.Va., and Laura Robb of Virginia; seven grandchildren, Saundra J., Elizabeth Anne, Amanda Sue, Joseph Dean-Walter, Nicole Lynn and Bryanna Jo Lonick and Krysten Buyny; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are five brothers, Henry, John, Charles, Chester and Stanley Lonick; and two sisters, Betty Vajentic and Josie Dunkovich.
Albert E. McGinnis
Retired from Fisher Body
Albert E. McGinnis, 82, of Midway, formerly of McDonald, died Friday, December 18, 1998, in Washington Hospital.
He was born October 8, 1916, in McDonald, a son of Albert J. and Mary Romine McGinnis.
Mr. McGinnis served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
He was a tool and die maker for General Motors, Fisher Body Division, in West Mifflin for 30 years, retiring in 1980. He was a member of UAW Local 7415.
He was a member of Irons Memorial Church, McDonald, where he served as an elder, past trustee and past treasurer.
On May 19, 1942, he married Freda E. Browett, who died July 30, 1996.
Surviving are three sons, Wayne E. of Bridgeville, Gary E. of McDonald and Thomas E. of Midway; a sister, Virginia Yoho of Sacramento, Calif.; a stepbrother, Charles Smith of Weirton, W.Va.; two stepsisters, Helen Batic of McKees Rocks and Lorraine Deichler of Sacramento, Calif.; and eight grandchildren.
Deceased are his stepmother, Ethel Smith McGinnis; three sisters and two stepbrothers.
CORRECTION
INCORRECT INFORMATION was provided for the obituary of Albert E. McGinnis, published Saturday. Mr. McGinnis was from McDonald.
Carmie M. Montigny
Retired from RCA plant and enjoyed writing poetry
Carmie M. Montigny, 82, a resident of McMurray Hills Manor, McMurray, formerly of Canonsburg, died at 8:15 p.m. Thursday, December 17, 1998, in McMurray Hills Manor.
Born September 14, 1916, in Canonsburg, she was a daughter of Joseph and Madelene DeStefano Longo.
Mrs. Montigny was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church of Canonsburg and spent most of her life in Canonsburg.
She was a switchboard operator at Canonsburg General Hospital for many years. She retired October 24, 1974, from the RCA plant in Meadow Lands, where she was an assembler for 25 years.
Mrs. Montigny enjoyed listening to radio talk shows, solving crossword puzzles and writing poetry.
Surviving are a sister, Nicolina Longo Miscio of Washington; several nieces and nephews; many great-nieces and great-nephews and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.
Deceased are three brothers, James, Paul and Joseph Longo; and two sisters, Rose Scuvotti and Mary Kay.
James Rick
Owned and operated pharmacy in Florida
James Rick, 77, of Clearwater, Fla., formerly of Washington, died December 13, 1998, in Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater.
Born July 4, 1921, in Washington, he was a son of Leonard and Lillian Rick.
Mr. Rick was a graduate of the University of Kentucky School of Pharmacy and owned and operated Greenwood Pharmacy, Clearwater's oldest pharmacy.
He was a veteran of World War II and was a member of Light of Christ Catholic Church in Clearwater, the Knights of Columbus and American Legion.
Surviving are his wife of 45 years, Nancy Rick; a son, James Rick of New Port Richey, Fla.; a daughter, Lisa Mitchell of Odessa, Fla.; and a sister, Jean Cancelmi of Clearwater.
A memorial Mass was held December 16 at Light of Christ Catholic Church.
Ralph C. Roupe Sr.
Retired from Findlay Refractories
Ralph C. "Happy" Roupe Sr., 87, of Oak Hill Drive, Washington, died Friday, December 18, 1998, in Washington Hospital
He was born August 17, 1911, in Amwell Township, a son of J. L. and Daisy Moore Roupe.
Mr. Roupe was employed for 43 years as a boiler fireman at Findlay Refractories until his retirement.
His hobbies included hunting, fishing and pitching horseshoes, of which he was champion at College Field in the 1940s.
He was a member of Christian Church of North America, Washington.
On July 28, 1933, he married Anna Ward, who survives and with whom he celebrated their 65th anniversary with an open house.
Also surviving are a daughter, Ellen Daly of Land O' Lakes, Fla., five grandchildren, Jodie, Christy Ann, Gregory, Tonya and Keith Roupe; three great-grandchildren, three nephews and two nieces.
Deceased are a son Ralph C. Roupe Jr.; a grandson, Kurtis Allen Roupe; twin sisters, Margaret Geottle and Mildred Seyler; and a brother, Robert Roupe Sr.
Anna L. Spencer
Member of Living Waters Church of God
Anna L. Spencer, 58, of West Chestnut Street, Washington, died at 9:10 p.m. Thursday, December 17, 1998, at home, after a lengthy illness.
She was born February 24, 1940, in Washington, a daughter of Elliott William and Thelma T. Kelly Fields.
Mrs. Spencer was a member of Living Waters Church of God.
She was a 1959 graduate of Trinity High School and was employed for 91/2 years at the RCA factory in Meadow Lands as a parts fabricator.
Her hobbies included playing bingo.
Surviving are three sons, Rodney Spencer of Mesa, Ariz., and Derek and Eric Spencer, both of Washington; a daughter, Michele Anderson of Washington; six brothers, Raymond Beatty of Norrkoping, Sweden, Eugene "Cue", Joseph, Robert and Paul Fields, all of Washington and Troy Fields of Greentree; a sister, Stella Fields of Washington, three grandchildren, Ian and Sarah L. Spencer and Spenser Anderson; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two brothers, Lowell Beatty and William Elliott Fields.
George Stockdale
Vandergrift resident native of Greene County
George Stockdale, 69, of Holmes Street, Vandergrift, died Tuesday, December 15, 1998, in Allegheny University Hospital, Allegheny Valley, Natrona Heights, Harrison.
He was born November 23, 1929, in Greene County, a son of Alene Morris Stockdale of Greene County and the late George W. Stockdale. He lived most of his life in Vandergrift.
Mr. Stockdale was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving during the Korean War.
He worked at People Natural Gas Co. in Allegheny Township and was a supervisor before retiring in 1986.
He was a member of the Apollo Elks and Masons and 33rd degree Scottish Rite in Pittsburgh.
Mr. Stockdale enjoyed fishing.
Surviving are his wife, Ruth Himes Stockdale; a son, Doug Stockdale of Apollo; a daughter, Debra Stockdale of Apollo; three grandchildren; and a sister, Marie Watson of Holbrook.
Private services were held.
Thomas E. Bush Jr.
Worked for Connellsville trucking company
Thomas E. Bush Jr., 65, of Perryopolis, died at 4:10 a.m. Tuesday, December 1, 1998, in Jefferson Hospital, Jefferson Borough.
He was born October 5, 1933, in Eighty Four, a son of Thomas E. and Mary Furda Bush Sr.
Mr. Bush was a member of New Life Free Methodist Church in Smock and was an employee of Pleasant Valley Trucking of Connellsville.
Surviving are his wife, Gladys Rankin; four daughters, Deborah McClay of Washington, Pamela Fisher of Perryopolis, Rhonda Bush of McClellandtown, and Darlene Wood of Uniontown; and seven grandchildren.
Joseph Bedro
Coal miner for 43 years with Mathies Coal Co.
Joseph Bedro, 88, of Valley View Road, Scenery Hill, died at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 1, 1998, in Washington Hospital.
He was born July 4, 1910, in California, a son of Alexander and Patrona Bedro.
Mr. Bedro was a retired coal miner, having worked with Mathies Coal Co. for 43 years.
He was a member of St. Marys Roman Catholic Church, Daisytown, and the California Eagles.
On September 1930, he married Ella Nusida, who survives.
Also surviving are a daughter, Dr. Joyce Brova of Scenery Hill; three grandchildren, Jacquelin and Victor J. Brova and Rebecca Crumrine; and four great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a brother and three sisters.
Mary Fircak
Retired career woman
Mary Fircak, 79, of Finleyville, died Monday, November 30, 1998, in St. Clair Memorial Hospital, Mt. Lebanon.
She was born June 1, 1919, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of Frank and Fannie Zatcozy Slopak.
Mrs. Fircak was a retired career woman.
Surviving are her son, Dennis J. Reno of Tulare, Calif.; a stepson, John C. Fircak of Willoughby, Ohio; two daughters, Patricia Reno of Venetia, and Eileen Wokutch of Etna; two sisters, Cathrine Schettler of Finleyville, and Frances Kovosky of DeBary, Fla.; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Deceased is her husband, John Fircak, who died September 20, 1998.
David E. Hamilton
Decorated U.S. Navy veteran of three wars
David Eugene Hamilton, 69, of 75 Mesta Drive, Washington, died Sunday, November 29, 1998, in Allegheny University Hospitals - Canonsburg.
He was born October 13, 1929, in Washington, a son of Kendall Lionel and Levaun Elliott Hamilton.
Prior to his retirement, Mr. Hamilton was employed as a health officer for 18 years by the state of New Jersey and was past president of Monmouth County Health Officers Association.
He was retired from the U.S. Navy after 22 years' service, and was a veteran of World War II, Korean War and Vietnam. His military awards include Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Purple Heart, Bronze Star with Combat "V", Korean Service with four bronze stars and FMF Combat Insignia, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Expedition Medal, Navy Occupation Medal, Good Conduct with four stars and U.N. Medal.
Mr. Hamilton was a longtime member of Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 191 of Canonsburg and Post 7496 of Felicity, Ohio, a member of American Legion Post 288 of Williamsburg, Ohio, and Marine Corps League, Tri-State Detachment of Youngstown, Ohio.
Surviving are two sons, Charles D. Hamilton of Saxe, Va., and Shawn Patrick Hamilton of Farmville, Va.; two daughters, Lani Michelle Foukarakis of Toms River, N.J., and Celeste Fertitta of Edgewood, Fla.; a sister, Nancy Woodal of Houston, Texas; and seven grandchildren.
Deceased is a brother, Kendall Alexander Hamilton.
Robert Hershbine
Retired employee of Marcus-Paulson Co.
Robert Hershbine, 74, of First Street, Denbo, died at 1:20 p.m. Tuesday, December 1, 1998, in Brownsville General Hospital.
He was born February 8, 1924, in Bradenville, a son of George and Grace Mae Shale Hershbine.
Mr. Hershbine was a retired employee of Marcus-Paulson Co., Denbo, retiring after 38 years of service.
He was a member of Teamsters union Local 491 of Uniontown, a former member of Denbo-Vesta 6 Volunteer Fire Department.
Surviving are two sons, Ernest K. Hershbine of Brownsville, and Dennis W. Hershbine of Youngstown, Ohio; five grandchildren, Jodi, Robbie, Tracie, Brian and Nicole; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ruby Robbins of Kansas City, Mo., and Marie Pierro of West Brownsville; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are his wife, Dolores Betty Worrell Hershbine, who died August 16, 1988; and three brothers, George, Leroy and James Hershbine.
Johnette Ann Sekora
911 telecommunications officer
Johnette Ann Sekora, 33, of First Street, Bentleyville, died unexpectedly Monday, November 30, 1998, at her home.
She was born September 30, 1965, in Washington, a daughter of Dolores "Dolly" Remish Sekora of Ellsworth and the late Joseph John Sekora Jr., who died October 3, 1980.
Miss Sekora was a graduate of Mon Valley Catholic High School and was employed by Washington County as a 911 telecommunications officer.
She was a member of Ave Maria Parish, a social member of Eagles Club 1809, Independent Club, Polish Club and American Legion, all of Bentleyville, and First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association.
Surviving, in addition to her mother, are a son, Tristan Joseph Sekora; a brother, Joseph Andrew Sekora of Bentleyville; maternal grandmother, Ann Ivcic Remish of Bentleyville; and several aunts and cousins.
Deceased are her paternal grandparents, Joseph John and Anna Rush Sekora Sr.; and maternal grandfather, Andrew John Remish.
Clifford Harold Smith
Member of Maplewood United Presbyterian Church
Clifford Harold Smith, 71, of Greensburg, died Monday, November 30, 1998, after a lengthy illness at Integrated Health Services of Greater Pittsburgh, Greensburg.
He was born July 27, 1927, in New Kensington, a son of Samuel Todd and Gertrude Rachel Moore Smith of New Kensington.
He retired in 1991 after 35 years of service in the position of manager of corporate risk management with Allegheny Energy, Greensburg.
Mr. Smith was a graduate of Thomas Rankin Patton School Masonic Home, Elizabethtown, and the University of Pittsburgh, with a degree in industrial relations and personnel management.
He was a member of Edison Electric Institute, Risk Management Committee, National and Pittsburgh Risk Insurance Management Societies. He also held memberships in University of Pittsburgh Alpha Kappa Psi and Alumni associations; Masonic Lodge 518, F&AM; and past president of Syria Temple Caravan 8.
Mr. Smith was an auxiliary volunteer for Greensburg Redstone Presbyterian Home, past secretary and president of Cabin Hill retiree group of West Penn Power Co. and a member of AARP 3897. He was a charter member of Maplewood United Presbyterian Church, where he was a deacon, elder, past president of board of trustees, past treasurer, past member of the new church building committee, past chairman of property and finance committee and pulpit committee. He was a past member and served on on the board and various committees of Westmoreland Girl Scout Council Inc. He was a past president of Hempfield Band Parents Association and worked with the United Way campaign. At one time, he was a member of the Elks Club, and was treasurer and on the board of directors of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Washington.
He was a World War II Navy veteran with service in the South Pacific area.
Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Audrey Geiger; two daughters, Deborah S. McGahen of Erie, and Susan L. Seighman-Gross of Abingdon, Md.; and three grandsons, Robert Michael, Douglas Harold McGahen and Lucas Lee Seighman.
Deceased are two brothers, William Paul and Samuel M. Smith.
Barry V. Troutman
Staff assistant in pricing for U.S. Steel Corp.
Barry V. Troutman, 69, of 6151 Irishtown Road, Bethel Park, died Thursday, November 26, 1998, at his home, following an extended illness.
He was a graduate of Waynesburg High School and attended Waynesburg College and West Virginia University. He graduated from the University of Kentucky, with a degree in business.
Mr. Troutman worked for 30 years as a staff assistant in pricing for U.S. Steel Corp. and helped to establish PROSOFT Technologies.
Surviving are his wife, Rebecca Ramsey; two sons, Eric Troutman of Texas, and Brian Troutman of state of Georgia; two daughters, Sue Little of South Park Township, and Barrie Ann Wawrzkowciz of Bethel Park; and 11 grandchildren.
Services were held Monday, November 30, at Paul L. Henney Memorial Chapel. The family requests memorial contributions be made to Tri-Community South EMS, 5100 West Liberty Avenue, Bethel Park, PA 15102
Betty Wagner
Performed at Wheeling jamboree
Betty Lantz Wagner, 65, of 47 Paula Street, Paris, died Monday, November 30, 1998, in Weirton (W.Va.) Medical Center.
She was born May 17, 1933, in Weirton, a daughter of Foy and Louella Clutter Lantz.
Mrs. Wagner had performed as "Miss Terri Linn" on the WWVA Jamboree in Wheeling from 1962 to 1965.
At age 14, she sang at area schools, churches and on WSTV-TV in Steubenville, Ohio. She also sang with Ronnie North on WEIR AM 1430, and sang and played at the jamboree with Big Slim the Lone Cowboy. They also appeared on WMTV in Poland Springs, Maine; WABI-TV in Banger, Maine, CHL-TV in Sherbrooke, Quebec, and on the radio in Convay, N.H.
Mrs. Wagner appeared on billboards with top county music stars such as Johnny Cash, George Jones and Willie Nelson.
She was Protestant.
On August 28, 1995, she married James H. Wagner, who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Audie Burge of Burgettstown, and Joe Burge of Belvedere, S.C.; a stepson, Ken Rodney Thomas of Paris; two daughters, Linda Zack of Brilliant, Ohio, and Linda Hildreth of Weirton; a sister, Shirley Mackey of Weirton; six grandchildren, Colton Burge, Sherri and Shawn Hildreth, Nicole, Brian and Alisha Zack; and a great-granddaughter.
Deceased are a brother, Kenneth Lantz, and a sister, Erma Wagner.
Gilson C. Waldkoenig
Pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church
The Rev. Gilson C. Waldkoenig, 70, of South Strabane Township., formerly of Uniontown, died Tuesday, December 1, 1998, in Shadyside Hospital, Pittsburgh.
He was a 1949 graduate of Gettysburg College and a 1952 graduate of Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg.
He was ordained in Pittsburgh Synod of the United Lutheran Church of America in 1952.
The Rev. Waldkoenig also received a master of theology degree from Burton College Seminary and a master of arts degree in sociology from West Virginia University.
He was pastor emeritus of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Uniontown, with 39 years of service and was serving Trinity Lutheran Church, Donora, at the time of his death.
Surviving are wife, Lois V. Waldkoenig; two daughters, the Rev. Martha W. Clementson of Pittsburgh and Virginia Lee Blackwell of Houston, Texas; a son, the Rev. Dr. Gilson A.C. Waldkoenig of Gettysburg; five grandchildren, Beth Clementson, Ashley and Jonathan Blackwell, Kirstin and Jonah Waldkoenig.
Alberta E. Patterson
Member of Payne AME Church, Canonsburg
Alberta Elizabeth Patterson, 71, of Western Avenue, Canonsburg, died Sunday, November 29, in her home, following a lengthy illness.
She was born April 14, 1927, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, the daughter of William and Edith Parker Bullard.
Mrs. Patterson was a member of Payne AME Church, Canonsburg, and the Missionary Society of the church.
On November 14, 1947, she married Duwayne Patterson, who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Duane A. Patterson of Washington and Thomas L. Patterson of Canonsburg; one daughter, Karen Patterson of Baltimore, Md., three grandchildren, Sarah Elizabeth Patterson, Duwayne Edward Patterson and Tamura Stokes; one great-grandson; one brother, William P. Bullard of the state of California; and one sister, Nancy Guinn of Martins Ferry, Ohio.
Deceased is a sister, Florence Spencer.
Services and interment were private. Arrangements were handled by McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home, Houston.
Josephine Anders
New Eagle beautician
Josephine Anders, 85, of New Eagle, died Friday, December 18, 1998, in Monongahela Valley Hospital.
She was born May 28, 1913, in Courtney, a daughter of James and Della Miltak.
Mrs. Anders was a lifelong resident of New Eagle and was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Monongahela.
She was a self-employed beautician in New Eagle for 20 years. She also was a volunteer with Monongahela Hospital Ladies Auxiliary.
She was a charter member of Monongahela AARP.
Surviving are three sisters, Mildred Melinko and Hazel Jones, both of Monongahela, and Genevieve Miltak of New Eagle.
Deceased are her husband, James Anders, who died November 30, 1993; and a brother, Steve Miltak.
Alice Anderson
Former Washington resident was retired cook
Alice Anderson, 83, formerly of Brocton, N.Y. and Washington, died at 1:45 a.m. Saturday, December 19, 1998, in Manor Oak Skilled Nursing Facility, Jamestown, N.Y.
She was born May 3, 1915, in Ravenswood, W.Va., a daughter of John and Ethel Nesselroad.
Mrs. Anderson was a cook in the Washington area, retiring in 1972.
She was a member of Christian Missionary Alliance Church of Washington.
Her daughter-in-law, Beulah Swatsworth of Brocton, was her caregiver.
Deceased are a son, Orville Leroy Anderson; two brothers, John and Ralph Nesselroad; and three sisters, Mabel Nesselroad, Daisey Hartzel and Marie Staley.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. There will be no visitation. Lind Funeral Home in Jamestown is in charge of arrangements.
John Bagrich
WWII veteran employed by Bethlehem Mines
John Bagrich, 77, of Lone Pine, died Sunday, December 20, 1998, in Washington Hospital.
He was born October 1, 1921, in Ronco, a son of Anthony and Eva Ekosala Bagrich.
Mr. Bagrich was employed by Bethlehem Mines Corp., Mine No. 58, Marianna, for many years.
He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army while stationed in Europe. He was a member of American Legion Post 744 of Marianna.
Surviving are a brother, Joseph Bagrich of Cleveland Heights, Ohio; and several stepchildren and stepgrandchildren.
Deceased are his wife, Mary Carter Bagrich; two brothers, Tony and Walter Bagrich; and two sisters, Mary Brooks and Anna Bagrich.
James C. Barnard
Farmer also worked at Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel
James C. Barnard, 83, of Marianna, died Sunday, December 20, 1998, in Washington Hospital.
He was born June 14, 1915, in Marianna, a son of John and Emma Crile Barnard.
Mr. Barnard attended West Bethlehem Township schools, and was a lifetime self-employed farmer.
He was employed for many years by Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp., Allenport plant.
On March 21, 1935, he married Garnet Duvall, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, James Barnard of West Alexander; three daughters, Garnet R. Crow of Bentleyville, Edith Hochendoner of Marianna and Neva Lee Wicks of Fredericktown; a sister, Alice Wherry of Indianapolis, Ind.; 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a son, Robert Barnard; a brother, John Barnard; and two sisters, Laura and Mae Barnard.
Ellsworth A. Brown
30-year employee of Mac Plastics
Ellsworth A. Bob Brown, 73, of Canonsburg, died Saturday, December 19, 1998, in his home, following a three-month illness.
He was born June 19, 1925, in Canonsburg, a son of Samuel M. and Eva Bice Brown.
Mr. Brown served as a sergeant with the U.S. Army during World War II, where he was awarded the American Theater Ribbon, the EAME Theater Ribbon with one bronze star, Asian Pacific Theater Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.
Prior to retirement in 1990, he was employed as a mixer by Mac Plastics for 30 years.
Mr. Brown was a volunteer at Canonsburg General Hospital. He was a member of American Legion Post 8054 and he was a former member of Canon Lodge IBPOE of Canonsburg.
For 44 years, Mr. Brown made his home in Canonsburg with Mary Campbell.
Surviving are four sons, David Brown of Cleveland, Ohio, Michael Campbell of Middletown, James and Daryl Campbell, both of Canonsburg; three daughters, Denise James of Donora, Myrtle Campbell and Sandra Justice, both of Canonsburg; a brother, Edwin Brown of the state of California; three sisters, Valgene Winston and Lois Brown, both of Ohio, and Loretta Booth of the state of California; 17 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a brother, Victor Brown; and a sister, Renamae Lark.
Nicholas Busic
McDonald man worked for Consolidated Coal
Nicholas Busic, 81, of McDonald, died Friday, December 18, 1998, at home.
He was born April 13, 1917, in Mingo Junction, Ohio, a son of Samuel and Bertha Busic.
Mr. Busic served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and worked as a laborer for Consolidated Coal.
He was married for 54 years to Zora Borovich Busic, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Samuel Busic of Pittsburgh; a daughter, Maureen Busic of Oakdale; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a son, Daniel Busic, who died in 1960; a sister, Mildred Simich; and a brother, Michael Busic.
Benjamin C. Christy
Retired from Cooper
Benjamin C. Christy, 83, of Baytown, Texas, formerly of Regent Street, Houston, died Saturday, December 19, 1998, in Baytown.
He was born June 11, 1915, in Houston, a son of Frank and Maria Mazzaca Christy.
Mr. Christy retired as a tool and die journeyman at Cooper Power Systems in 1980.
He was a member of Meadow Lands United Methodist Church.
Mr. Christy was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, and was a member of American Legion Post 902 in Houston.
On June 14, 1941, he married Pauline Dorchak, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Doug Christy of Iowa City, Iowa; a daughter, Audrey Bukowski of Baytown; a grandson, Doug Christy Jr.; and a brother, Samuel Christy of Houston.
Deceased are two brothers, Anthony and James Christy; and four sisters, Rose Serca, Grace O'Hare, Ann Spiller and Mary Kotar.
Priscilla C. Enoch
Telephone operator for RCA and Bell
Priscilla C. "Pat" Enoch, 71, of Cornelia Street, Washington, died at 2:40 a.m. Saturday, December 19, 1998, in Washington Hospital following a lengthy illness.
She was born December 24, 1926, in Wolfdale, a daughter of Albert D. Sr. and Etta C. Haney Clayton.
Mrs. Enoch was a member of Allison Avenue Baptist Church and was a 1945 graduate of Trinity High School.
She was employed as chief telephone operator for RCA for 15 years. She also worked for Bell Telephone and had worked as a phone operator in Jacksonville, Fla.
On August 27, 1967, in Allison Avenue Baptist Church, she married Francis B. Enoch Jr., who survives.
Also surviving are a brother, David Alvin Clayton Sr. of Avella; two sisters, Wilda J. Guthrie of Washington and Libby Baker of Mesa, Ariz.
Deceased are three brothers, Albert D. Clayton Jr., James Earl Clayton and William Clayton; and a sister, Virginia Clayton, who died in infancy.
John Gallagher Jr.
Life member of VFW Post 6664 of Library
John (Jack) Gallagher Jr., 81, of Finleyville, died Saturday, December 19, 1998, in UPMC Medical Center, Pittsburgh.
He was born December 1, 1917, in Youngstown, a son of John A. and Jane McDonough Gallagher.
He retired from Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ravenna, Ohio, where he worked as an engineer.
Mr. Gallagher was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He received the Purple Heart at Avaranches, France.
He was a member of Pleasant View United Methodist Church, Henry M. Phillips Lodge 337 F&AM and was an honorary member of Unity Lodge 12 F&AM of Ravenna. He was a member of Monessen Royal Arch Chapter 290, a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6664 of Library, a member of Frank Downer American Legion Post 302 of Monongahela and a member of Portage County FOPA Glen Kruger Lodge 9 of Kent, Ohio.
Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Dorothy Williams Gallagher; three sisters, Dorothy Sosinsky of Lemont Furnace, Margaret Christman of Georgia and Blanche Jones of Ohio; a brother, James D. Gallagher of Mechanicsburg; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are three brothers, Charles, Thomas and Joseph H. Gallagher.
Lawrence W. Henke
Bridgeville resident
Lawrence W. Henke, 70, of Bridgeville, died Friday, December 18, 1998, in Canonsburg Rest Haven .
He was born August 4, 1928, in Carnegie, a son of Henry and Mary Balach Henke.
Surviving are a daughter Joann Andrews; a son, Lawrence Henke Jr.; two brothers, Ray and James Henke; and several nieces and nephews.
His wife, Kathleen Kovan Henke, is deceased.
Dorothy E. Killinger
General Electric retiree was World War II veteran
Dorothy E. Killinger, 76, of Mays Landing, N.J., died Saturday, December 19, 1998, in Atlantic City Medical Center, Pomona, N.J.
She was born November 14, 1922, in Donora, a daughter of William and Isabella Barton Gunther.
She retired in 1984 from General Electric Co., where she worked in the armament division.
Mrs. Killinger was a U.S. Army Medical Corps veteran of World War II.
She was Protestant.
Surviving are a son, Joseph J. Killinger of Mays Landing; a sister, Diana McCall of Farmington; a brother, William C. "Bud" Gunther of Northfield, Ohio; two grandchildren, Nathan L. and Sara E. Killinger; and four great-grandchildren.
