James R. Marasco
Previously employed by Canonsburg Hospital
James R. Marasco, 50, of 344 Ridge Avenue, Canonsburg, died unexpectedly in his home on Monday, January 26, 1998, of an apparent heart attack.
Mr. Marasco was born in Braddock December 22, 1947, a son of the late John A. and Hazel Barr Marasco.
He attended Western State School and Hospital and was previously employed as a janitor at Canonsburg General Hospital.
Surviving are a sister, Mary Jo Sharp of East Pittsburgh; two brothers, Richard Marasco of Saugus, Calif., and Joseph Marasco of Wisconsin; and several nieces and nephews.
There will be no public visitation and services and burial in Chartiers Cemetery will be private.
Romeo Marcantonio
Former Canonsburg resident was musician
Word has been received of the death of Romeo Marcantonio, 75, of Jacksonville, Fla., formerly of Canonsburg, who died January 14, 1998.
He was born January 19, 1922, in Canonsburg, a son of Joseph and Angeline Marcantonio.
Mr. Marcantonio was an accomplished pianist and played in several local bands in the Canonsburg area.
Surviving are his wife, Shelby of Jacksonville; a son, Kevin Luchetti of Dewitt, Mich.; a brother, Nick Marcantonio of Canonsburg; and several nieces and nephews.
Services and interment were held in Jacksonville, Fla.
Hazel B. Piatt
Retired employee of Washington Hospital
Hazel B. Piatt, 73, of Washington, died Wednesday, January 28, 1998, in Presbyterian Medical Center, Washington.
She was born March 6, 1924, in Bullskin Township, Fayette County, a daughter of Carl M. and Ada Seighman Bates.
Mrs. Piatt was a member of Fairhill Manor Christian Church of Washington.
She attended Jefferson High School and worked 13 years in central supply at Washington Hospital prior to her retirement in 1990.
Surviving are a daughter, Joan Piatt Gourley of Washington; two brothers, Donald Bates of Jefferson and Ronald Bates of Waynesburg; three sisters, Ruth Patton and Gladys Piatt, both of Washington and Edith Harden of Clarksville; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Deceased are two brothers and a sister who died in infancy.
Richard Simpson Sr.
40-year employee of former Brockway Glass
Richard P. Simpson Sr., 75, of Washington, died Tuesday, January 27, 1998, at home.
He was born December 18, 1922, in Washington, a son of John and Helen Beddow Simpson.
Mr. Simpson was a member of Bethel Presbyterian Church of Washington.
He attended Trinity schools and worked for 40 years at Brockway Glass Plant No. 2 until its closing. He then worked 10 years for W.R. Morris Detective & Security Agency.
On December 16, 1976, in Waynesburg, he married Helen Beck, who survives.
Also surviving are four sons, John C. Simpson of Lake Orion, Mich., Richard P. Simpson Jr., of White, Ga., David W. Simpson of Venetia and Robert R. Simpson of Circleville, Ohio; a daughter, Rebecca Patterson Simpson of Washington; 17 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a granddaughter, Kelley E. Patterson; and three brothers, Robert, Logan and Fred Simpson.
Leonard J. Staley
Operated camera repair shop in Monongahela
Leonard J. Staley, 83, of Belle Vernon, formerly of Donora and Monongahela, died Wednesday, January 28, 1998, in Monongahela Valley Hospital, Carroll Township.
He was born April 24, 1914, in Donora, a son of Frank and Nannie Binley Staley.
Mr. Staley was formerly employed at Consolidated Coal Co. in Library and later at U.S. Steel's Duquesne Works until his retirement in 1980 after 45 years. He had also worked at the former Traversari Studio on Main Street in Monongahela, where he had a camera repair shop.
He was actively involved as a scout master with the Boy Scouts in Donora and Monongahela, was a member of the National Rifle Association and Sportsmen's Association in Library, Rostraver Township and Perryopolis.
Surviving is his wife, Irene Kesterson DeCroix Staley, with whom he celebrated 14 years of marriage on June 6, 1997.
Also surviving are a son, Leonard J. Staley of Finleyville; a daughter, Ann Gregg of New Eagle; two stepdaughters, Bonnie Scaglione of New Eagle and Jeanne Chevine of Indiana; two stepsons, James DeCroix of Monongahela and Fred L. DeCroix Jr. of Floreffe; a sister, Daisy McChesney of Venetia; four grandsons, Richard Staley, William Gregg and Steve and Scott Tkach; a granddaughter, Marlene Farquhar; two great-grandchildren; eight stepgrandchildren; two stepgreat-grandchildren; and five nephews.
Deceased is his first wife, Alberta Hoffman Staley, who died October 5, 1976.
Helen L. Yeager
Member of Bethlehem Baptist Church
Helen L. Henderson Yeager, 85, of Waynesburg R.D.2, formerly of Dividing Ridge Hill, Greene County, died at 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, January 28, 1998, in Rolling Meadows Nursing Home, Waynesburg. She had been seriously ill the past two weeks.
She was born June 15, 1912, in Franklin Township, Greene County, a daughter of William H. and Ola Bennington Henderson.
Mrs. Yeager was a homemaker and lived most of her life in Greene County.
She was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Ruff Creek, where she was a member of the Missionary Society.
On August 28, 1939, she married Charles Arleigh Yeager, who died July 22, 1981.
Surviving are a sister, Edith Cummins of Conneaut Lake; two brothers, William Henderson of Waynesburg and Earl Henderson of Lillian, Ala.; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are three brothers, Herman, Kenneth and Darrel R. Henderson; and a sister, Opal Dunn.
CORRECTION
IN THE OBITUARY of Helen Yeager, published Thursday, the last name of her deceased sister, Opal Dunn, was omitted.
Barbara J. Klements
Graduate of Upper St. Clair High School
Barbara J. Klements, 47, of Route 88, Finleyville, died Saturday, January 24, 1998, in Jefferson Hospital.
She was born May 1, 1950, in Upper St. Clair, a daughter of Louis and Johanna Cetinski Vanzin of Upper St. Clair.
She was a graduate of Upper St. Clair High School.
Surviving, in addition to her parents, are her husband, Albert Klements; one son, Gregory Klements of Finleyville; and one sister, Patricia Wuenstel of Butler.
Deceased is one sister, Mary Ann Rase.
Funeral services and burial will be private.
Charles J. Bogdan
Gateway Coal retiree was WW II Army veteran
Charles J. Bogdan, 74, of Greensboro R.D.1 (Cabbage Flats), and formerly of Dry Tavern, died at 8:40 a.m. Friday, January 2, 1998, in Monongalia General Hospital, Morgantown, W.Va., after a lengthy illness.
He was born September 3, 1923, in Orient, Fayette County, a son of Charles and Susan Banks Bogdan.
Mr. Bogdan resided in Greensboro R.D.1 for the past 14 years, where he was a member of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish.
He retired from Gateway Coal Co. in 1986 and was a member of UMWA Gateway Local.
He served in the South Pacific in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a member of Filer-Sadlek American Legion Post 954 of Jefferson.
His first wife, Catherine Kurnava Bogdan, is deceased. His second wife, Ethel Velicevich Bogdan, survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Edward Bogdan of Miami, Fla., and Ronald Bogdan of Rices Landing; a daughter, Karen Bogdan of Waynesburg; four grandchildren, Katie Lynn, Lindsay, Scott and Sean Bogdan; two stepgrandchildren in Florida; a stepson and stepdaughter; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are three sisters, Margaret Lasko, Velma Knappik and Madeline Crousier.
Hillis C. Brookes
Formerly of Carmichaels
Word has been received of the death of Hillis C. Brookes, 86, of Angola, Ind., formerly of Carmichaels, who died at 11:50 a.m. Wednesday, December 31, 1997, in Carlin Park Healthcare Center, Angola.
She was born June 24, 1911, in Fort Wayne, Ind., a daughter of Charles A. and Lois Trenary Clark.
She was a past matron and former deputy of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter 263, Uniontown; the White Shrine of Jeruselum; the Daughters of the Nile; and also was mother adviser of Rainbow Girls, all of Pennsylvania.
While in Angola she was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ.
Surviving are a son, Richard Brookes of Sumpter, S.C.; a sister, Yetiva Humphries of Angola; three grandchildren; and two stepgrandchildren.
A memorial graveside service will be held January 10 at Circle Hill Cemetery, Angola, with the Rev. David Brown officiating.
Helen Matyuf Bushko
Lifelong resident of Canonsburg
Helen Matyuf Bushko, 73, of 104 Second Avenue, Canonsburg, died Friday, January 2, 1998, in Allegheny University Medical Centers-Canonsburg.
She was born October 2, 1924, in Canonsburg, a daughter of Louis and Tekla Matyuf.
Mrs. Bushko was a lifelong resident of Canonsburg and was a graduate of Canonsburg High School, class of 1942.
She was a member of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Canonsburg, and its Ladies Altar Society.
Surviving are her husband, Michael Bushko Jr.; a daughter, Michele Campbell of Coraopolis; three sons, John of Columbus, Ohio, Michael III of Fairmont, W.Va., and Gregory Bushko of Canonsburg; a brother, Andrew Matyuf of Canonsburg; four sisters, Ann Kolarsky and Katherine O'Shinski, both of Canonsburg, Eva Paraschak of Alameda, Calif., and Dorothy Fedetz of Harrisburg; eight grandchildren, Kristen, Kara, Kelly, Aaron, Justin, John Jr. and Michael Bushko and Sara Campbell.
Deceased is a sister, Mary Altieri.
Paul R. Day
Former Richhill Township supervisor and farmer
Paul R. Day, 79, of West Finley R.D.2, died at 9:32 p.m. Thursday, January 1, 1998, in Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh from injuries he received in a fire at his home Thursday.
He was born May 15, 1918, in Richhill Township, Greene County, a son of Charles Albert and Jennie Frye Day. He has been a resident of Richhill Township all his life.
Mr. Day formerly attended Salem United Methodist Church and until the time of his death was a member of Nebo United Methodist Church where he formerly served as treasurer and trustee.
He was a World War II veteran who served as a corporal in the U.S. Army in the Search and Recovery Division.
Mr. Day was a former member of Wind Ridge VFW and had also served on the Greene County Planning Commission during the 1970s.
Mr. Day was a former private contract equipment operator for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. He was a self-employed farmer in Richhill Township all his life and was also employed for 24 years as road supervisor for the township until his retirement in 1984.
Following his retirement, he was employed by Monongahela Township as a road grader operator for about one year.
He bowled for several Greene County teams in the past 20 years.
On June 5, 1948, he married Madlyn Genevieve Archer, who died March 26, 1993.
Surviving are two sons, Charles R. and Jerry W. Day, both of West Finley R.D.2; a sister, Helen Dinsmore of West Finley R.D.2; five grandchildren, Derek, Todd, Chas, Chris and Ethan Day; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a son, Robert Paul Day; and two brothers, Albert and Ralph Day.
Joseph H. Giacobbe
Canonsburg man retired from RCA
Joseph H. Giacobbe (Jacoby), 76, of 915 West Pike Street, Houston, died at 5:35 p.m. Thursday, January 1, 1998, at home.
He was born November 17, 1921, in Canonsburg, a son of Giuseppi and Teressa DelVecchio.
Mr. Giacobbe was a retired employee of RCA in Meadow Lands and had served with the U.S. Army during World War II.
He was a member of St. Patrick's Church, Canonsburg, a member and past president of IBEW Local 1207, Meadow Lands and VFW Post 191 of Canonsburg.
Surviving are a brother, Wheat Giacobbe of Houston; several nephews, Donald and James Jacoby, Richard Giacobbe, and Joseph and Augustine Femiani; and a niece, Judith Wilson.
Deceased are three brothers, Angelo, John and Todd; and three sisters, Eva Femiani, Nina Giacobbe and Ida Jacoby.
Ralph LaBruno Jr.
Self-employed painter from West Mifflin
Ralph LaBruno Jr., 49, of Park Avenue, West Mifflin, died Wednesday, December 31, 1997, at home.
He was born September 3, 1948, in New York City, a son of Ralph LaBruno Sr. and the late Constance Manganelli LaBruno.
Mr. LaBruno was a self-employed painter.
Surviving is his father, Ralph LaBruno Sr. of New York.
Deceased are his wife, Deborah Stay LaBruno, who died September 14, 1996; and a brother, Alfred DeMarzo.
Luke Lemmon
Teacher in West Greene for 40 years
Luke Lemmon, 89, of 207 North McKinley Avenue, Myerstown, and formerly of western Greene County, died Thursday, January 1, 1998, in Manor Care Health Services, Lebanon.
He was born October 23, 1908, in Wetzel County, West Virginia, a son of Charles Marvin and Lizzie Hennen Lemmon.
Mr. Lemmon lived most of his life in Greene County and the past 18 years in Myerstown.
He was a graduate of Waynesburg College and taught in the West Greene School District for more than 40 years.
Mr. Lemmon was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church, Nettle Hill, and the National Retired Teachers Association and Pennsylvania Teachers Association.
On August 4, 1934, he married Ferne E. Connor, who died January 28, 1992.
Surviving are a daughter, Janice Buckingham of Myerstown; a son, Marvin Lemmon of Painsville, Ohio; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and a brother, Robert Lemmon of Nettle Hill.
Deceased are two sisters, Ethel Pettit and Elizabeth Mansfield; and two brothers, Edward and Guy Lemmon.
Frances L. McClay
Owner/operator of McClay's Beauty Shop
Frances L. McClay, 85, of 305 Moore Road, Washington, formerly of Bruce Street, died Friday, January 2, 1998, at Washington Hospital.
She was born April 25, 1912, in Monongahela, a daughter of Lester and Elizabeth Dillinger Provance.
Mrs. McClay was a member of Broad Street Baptist Church.
She was a graduate of Monongahela High School and a graduate of a beauty school.
Mrs. McClay was the retired owner/operator of McClay's Beauty Shop, Washington.
She was a member of BPOE 776 auxiliary.
On May 11, 1935, in Donora, she married Edward S. McClay, who died March 5, 1994.
Surviving are two daughters, Joanne Locy and Judy Cree, both of Washington; a brother, Franklin Provance of Washington; five grandchildren, Leslie Johnson, David Locy, Jon Locy, Holly Cree and Bandy Cree; and seven great-grandchildren.
Deceased are one brother, Claude Provance; and two grandsons, David Jon and Jacob Nathaniel Locy.
James L. Moore
Local Newspaper man dies
James L. Moore, whose newpaper columns entertained readers with their lighthearted accounts of life in Greene County, died Friday, January 2, 1998, in Greene County Memorial Hospital, after being seriously ill for the past month.
Moore, 63, of 107 North Porter Street, Waynesburg, worked for 38 years as a newspaperman and at the time of his death was editor of the Greene County Messenger.
He was remembered Friday by friends, relatives and co-workers as a man who loved Greene County and the work of a community journalist.
Moore was born June 30, 1934, in Waynesburg, a son of the late Mildred Shultz Moore and Ralph E. Moore.
He graduated from Waynesburg High School in 1952 and enlisted in the U.S. Marines Corps on January 12, 1953.
Moore's stint in the service included a 12-month tour in the Far East with Marine Fighter Squadron 451. He was discharged January 11, 1956.
Moore attended Waynesburg College and Edinboro State College, and went to work with the former Democrat Messenger newspaper in 1959. He joined the newspaper as a reporter and later became sports editor and news editor.
He left the newspaper in March 1971 to join the staff of the Observer-Reporter. Moore was promoted in 1973 to news editor, but because of a heart problem transferred in 1979 to the newspaper's Greene County office, where he covered local news and wrote a weekly column.
"He was one of the easiest-going persons I ever worked with," Park Burroughs, managing editor of the Observer-Reporter, said. "He was a delight to work with."
In 1990, Moore left the Observer-Reporter and with Dan Morris started the weekly Greene County Messenger. He was co-publisher with Morris until retiring in January 1997. He continued, however, as editor and columnist.
"He can't be compared with any other writer," Morris said Friday. "He was one of a kind and was someone I always looked up to as what a real community newspaperman should be."
Moore knew the people and the community like nobody else, Morris said. That was his role with the newspaper. "Without him it wouldn't have worked," he said.
Morris characterized Moore as the "quintessential newspaper guy," with a cup of coffee in one hand and a cigarette in the other.
Moore had written a column at the Observer-Reporter and continued to write one with the Greene County Messenger.
"I think a lot of people bought the Messenger just because of his column," said his daughter, Natalie Eddy of Mt. Morris.
The column was filled with humorous items, nuggets of homespun wisdom and slice-of-life accounts of Greene County people and events.
Eddy said her father never seemed to have trouble coming up with material. "He just came up with it. I don't know where he got it," she said.
In his writing, Moore also could be critical of people and their actions, Waynesburg Police Chief Timothy Hawfield said. His criticism, however, "was never done in a hateful or mean way," he said.
Moore could be serious, but he also could see the humorous side of things, Hawfield said. He could also easily laugh at himself.
Moore was active in the community, serving on the first Waynesburg recreation board. He helped lead the effort to construct Meadlowlark Park and start the first borough ambulance service.
Moore ran unsuccessfully for county commissioner in 1971. He was a Franklin Township supervisor from 1975 to 1977, and was just elected last year to serve on Waynesburg Borough council.
"He was very much a part of Greene County," said his younger brother, Mark E. Moore of Rogersville. Mark Moore noted his brother had gone away when he served in the Marines. "But once he got back, he never wanted to leave. He was satisfied living here and was involved in everything."
Moore was a member of Waynesburg Moose Lodge 461, Tri-County Leathernecks and Pennsylvania Newspaper Editors Association.
He worked every year on the Leatherneck's Toys-for-Tots campaign.
"He was a good-hearted guy who would never tell you 'no,'" said his friend, John Blosser.
Moore played football in high school and with the Marines. "He was a good athlete in his day," Blosser said.
He later enjoyed visiting the Wheeling Downs race track in Wheeling, W.Va. "He was in heaven when he was down there," Blosser said.
Hawfield, who had known Moore for at least 20 years, said he often thought of Moore as someone who "epitomized" Greene County.
"His main concern was the good of the community," Hawfield said. "When you take into account character, goodness, community consciousness and care for the community, you think of Jim Moore," he said.
In addition to his daughter and brother, Moore is survived by a son, J. Bret Moore of Waynesburg; four grandchildren, Andrew Eddy, Alex Eddy, Katlyn Moore and Rachel Moore; three sisters, Ann Hale of LaPlata, Md., Joyce Baldwin of Waynesburg and Billie Jo Rinehart of Waynesburg; a second brother, Richard H. "Shorty" Moore of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.
A brother, Jerry Moore, is deceased.
Louis A. Dichak
Army veteran retired from PennDOT
Louis A. Dichak, 79, formerly of Canonsburg, died Friday, January 2, 1998, in Washington County Health Center following a lengthy illness.
He was born January 16, 1918, in Canonsburg, a son of Joseph and Anna Dichak.
Mr. Dichak was a lifelong resident of Canonsburg and a member of St. Patrick Worship Site of St. Patrick Parish.
He was a veteran of World War II with the U.S. Army, serving in the European Theater, and was a member of VFW Post 191 and American Legion Post 253, both of Canonsburg
Mr. Dichak retired in 1980 after 17 years with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Surviving are a daughter, Jerry L. Dichak of Canonsburg; a granddaughter, Kelly Dichak; a sister, Bertha Kelly of Cincinnati; and a brother, Joseph Dichak of Canonsburg.
Deceased are two sisters, Mary Olminsky and Anna Kuntz; and two brothers, Albert and Ben Dichak.
Ruth Ann Hickman
Secretary for Morris Agency for 17 years
Ruth Ann Henderson Hickman, 52, of Waynesburg, R.D.1, died at 9:45 a.m. Thursday, January 29, 1998, at her home. She had been ill the past year.
She was born on August 26, 1945, in Spraggs, a daughter of Donald "Dick" and Emma H. Phillips Henderson of Waynesburg, R.D.1.
Mrs. Hickman was a 1963 graduate of Waynesburg High School and a graduate of Penn Commercial Business School.
After her graduation she worked for Waynesburg College as a secretary and then as a bus driver for Dulaney Bus Co.
She then worked for Morris Agency in Waynesburg as a secretary for 17 years.
While her health permitted, she worked for Rolling Meadows Nursing Home as a secretary and receptionist.
On July 16, 1966, she married David L. Hickman, who survives.
Surviving, in addition to her parents and husband, are a daughter, Lisa Ann Hickman of Waynesburg, R.D.4; a son, David Lee Hickman Jr. of Waynesburg, R.D.4; a grandson, Joshua Michael Hickman; a sister, Holly J. Bedilion of Waynesburg, R.D.4; three brothers, John L. Henderson of Waynesburg R.D.4, James A. Henderson of Mentor, Ohio, and Donald "Bob" Henderson of Willoughby Hills, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased is a brother, Thomas Henderson.
Correction
IN THE OBITUARY of Ruth Ann Hickman, published in Friday's edition, her residence and that of her parents should have read Waynesburg R.D.4. It was omitted that she was a member of First Church of the Nazarene, Waynesburg.
George Lane
Retired from Greyhound Corp.
George "Web" Lane, 85, of Grantsville, Md., formerly of Canonsburg, died Wednesday, January 28, 1998, in Memorial Hospital, Cumberland, Md.
Born July 31, 1912, in Canonsburg, he was a son of George and Anna Neely Lane.
Mr. Lane was employed by the Greyhound Corp., retiring in 1974, and was a member of the Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church.
Surviving are his wife, Ruth Baker Lane; a son, Keith Lane of St. Louis, Mo.; two grandchildren, Greg and Kimberly Lane; one great-grandson; two brothers, Harry Allen Lane of Canonsburg and William Clair Lane of Cape Coral, Fla; and a sister, Bernice Edwards of Strabane.
Inez Mae Matheny
Was nurse's aide at Washington Hospital
Inez Mae Matheny, 92, a resident of the Terrace Apartments, Butler, formerly of Washington, died Wednesday, January 28, 1998, at Las/St. John Care Center, Mars.
She was born May 17, 1905, in Washington, the daughter of Perry and Addirella Hufford Burnfield.
Mrs. Matheny worked several years as a nurse's aide at Washington Hospital and was Protestant.
Her husband, Guy Matheny, died May 16, 1973.
Surviving are a son, Roger P. Matheny of Washington; a daughter, Lola Organ of Prospect; five grandchildren, Stephen Matheny, Michael Matheny, Susan Strnisha, Leslie Mortimer and Matthew Organ; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Three sons are deceased.
Elaine A. Ranovich
Graduate of Canonsburg High School
Elaine Adams Ranovich, 83, of Tucson, Ariz., died Monday, January 26, 1998, at Tucson Medical Center.
She was born December 21, 1914, in Canonsburg, a daughter of Sherman and Ann Cartwright Adams.
Mrs. Ranovich spent the early part of her life in the Canonsburg and Burgettstown areas before moving to Tucson in 1960.
Her husband, Joseph Ranovich, is deceased.
Surviving are a son, Joseph Ranovich Jr. of Tucson; two brothers, C.S. "Bud" Adams of Follansbee, W.Va., and Clarence W. Adams of Newnan, Ga.; two sisters, Honey Roth of Houston and Heloise Fabins of Tucson; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased is a brother, William S. Adams.
Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Burial in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray.
