Jean T. Staggers
Retired teacher from West Virginia and Maryland
Jean T. Staggers, 82, of Hundred and Morgantown, W.Va., formerly of Cumberland, Md., died Sunday, March 1, 1998, in the Arbors at Fairmont nursing facility.
She was born March 17, 1915, in Baltimore, a daughter of Frank and Lida Six Thompson.
Mrs. Staggers was a retired school teacher, having taught in both West Virginia and Maryland.
She was a member of Opti-Ms of Cumberland, Retired Teachers Association of Maryland, American Association of University Women, Lady Shriners of Morgantown and Cumberland Center Street United Methodist Church.
Surviving are her husband, S. Allen Staggers; a son, Allen T. Staggers of Fairmont; a stepson, John R. Staggers of Paden City, W.Va.; a stepdaughter, Joann King of Wadestown, W.Va.; two grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren; and seven stepgreat-grandchildren.
Martina Pevic Watona
Carmichaels woman dies in freak accident
Martina Pevic Watona, 89, of Carmichaels, died Sunday, March 1, 1998, in Mt. Morris, with her daughter, as a result of an accident when a tree fell on their car.
She was born July 8, 1908, in Edenborn, a daughter of Martin and Pauline Pevic.
Mrs. Watona was a member of Greene Valley Presbyterian Church, Carmichaels.
Surviving are a son, Paul "Bus" Pevic of Rogersville; three daughters, Patricia Ann Shawen of Summerville, S.C., Marlene Smoody of Nemacolin and Pauline Watona of McLean, Va.; six grandchildren, Diane Sterling, Barbara Priggins, Tonya Hicks, Dr. Michael Zalar and Joseph and Jonathan Smoody; and three great-grandchildren.
Deceased are her husband, Mike Watona, who died in 1990; her daughter, Shirley Zalar; four brothers, George, Pete, Vincent and John; and a sister, Ann Pevic.
Shirley Watona Zalar
Health care administrator at state prison
Shirley Watona Zalar, 52, of Carmichaels, died Sunday, March 1, 1998, in Mt. Morris, with her mother, as a result of an accident when a tree fell on their car.
She was born January 15, 1946, in Carmichaels, a daughter of the late Mike and Martina Pevic Watona.
Mrs. Zalar graduated as a registered nurse from Uniontown Hospital School of Nursing and worked as health care administrator at SCI-Waynesburg for 28 years.
She was a member of Greene Valley Presbyterian Church of Carmichaels, where she served on the board of deacons and was a member of Rices Landing Garden Club.
Surviving are her husband, Jim Zalar, who she married in 1967; a son, Dr. Michael Eric Zalar of Stafford, Va.; a brother, Paul "Bus" Pevic of Rogersville; and three sisters, Patricia Ann Shawen of Summerville, S.C., Marlene Smoody of Nemacolin and Pauline Watona of McLean, Va.
Edward M. Zalar Sr.
Barber for 50 years and Carmichaels mayor
Edward M. Zalar Sr., 77, of Carmichaels, died at 10:50 a.m. Friday, March 27, 1998, in Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, W.Va., as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident March 1 that also claimed his daughter-in-law, Shirley J. Zalar.
He was born June 19, 1920, in Chest Haven, W.Va., a son of Frank and Frances Korosec Zalar.
Mr. Zalar was a barber in Carmichaels for 50 years and retired from the Crucible Fuel Co.
He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and was a member of St. Hugh Roman Catholic Church, Cumberland American Legion Post 400, United Mine Workers of America, SNPJ Lodge of Crucible and the Civil Service of Carmichaels.
He was a past president of the Master Barbers Association, served as mayor of Carmichaels for a number of years, and served on the Carmichaels Area School Board.
His wife, Gladys Zupancich Zalar, who he married May 2, 1942, died March 13, 1989.
Surviving are two sons, Edward M. Zalar Jr. and Jim Zalar, both of Carmichaels; three daughters, Linda A. Krajnak of Carmichaels, Patricia M. Malhiot of Charlotte, N.C. and Jacqueline G. Cheung of Redwood Shores, Calif.; nine grandchildren, James Edward, Robert John and Michael Zalar, Deborah Ann Beatty, Scott and Lindy Krajnak, Emily Gladys and Kevin Eugene Malhiot and Ashley Mei Ling Cheung; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Stanley Zalar of Greensboro; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are five brothers, Louis, Albert, Joseph, Frank and Anthony Zalar; and three sisters, Mary Dolinar, Pearl Erjavec and Frances Sudar.
William H. Buchanan
Softball Hall of Famer was 50-year member of Moose
William H. "Bucky" Buchanan, 75, of Washington, died at 11:45 a.m. Monday, March 30, 1998, following a brief illness.
He was born February 10, 1923, in Washington, a son of Walter Swart and Margaret Ellen Raipe Buchanan.
Mr. Buchanan attended Washington High School and served in the U.S. Army 258th Engineers during World War II.
He was employed at the former Brockway Glass Plant 2 for 15 years and later worked for PennDOT and the Independent Club.
He was a member of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church and several social and fraternal organizations, including a 50 year-plus membership in the Loyal Order of Moose 22, where he was governor 16 times and held the Pilgrim Degree, the highest degree in Moosedom.
He was a charter member of the Independent Club and played on the softball team. He was inducted into the Western Pennsylvania Softball Hall of Fame in 1988 and could pitch a softball 95 miles per hour.
Mr. Buchanan was also a member of American Legion Post 175, VFW Post 927, Keystone Progressive Club, Fraternal Order of Bears, Anawanna Hunting and Fishing Club, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Pulaski Club, Elks Lodge 776, the Arms Club and Alpine Lodge.
On April 6, 1956, he married Mollie Irene Sampson, who survives.
Also surviving are a daughter, Billie Rae Buchanan of Williamsburg, Va.; a sister, Elizabeth "Sis" Ward of Washington; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two brothers, John W. and James E. Buchanan Sr.
Patricia A. Fusarelli
Avella homemaker served on school board
Patricia A. Fusarelli, 67, of Avella, died at 7:45 a.m. Monday, March 30, 1998, in her home.
She was born May 11, 1930, in Patterson Mills, a daughter of Arthur and Martha Kuhns Strope.
On June 21, 1947, she married John A. Fusarelli, who died September 24, 1992.
Mrs. Fusarelli lived all her life in Avella, where she was a member of St. Michael Roman Catholic Church and the American Legion Bert C. Siders Post 643 of Avella Ladies Auxiliary.
She served eight years on the Avella School Board and was a dedicated homemaker who loved to bake.
Surviving are three sons, John D. and James D. Fusarelli, both of Avella and Lance D. Fusarelli of Austin, Texas; a daughter, Cynthia Takah of Avella; five grandchildren; four sisters, Lois Ezarik of Avella, Edna "Sally" Strope of San Antonio, Texas, Thelma Kaniatobe, of Stillwell, Okla., and Shirley McManus of San Antonio, Texas; and a brother, Daniel Strope of Silt, Colo.
Katherine Graff
Sales clerk at Woolworth's in Monongahela
Katherine Graff, 94, of Victory Hill, Monongahela, died Saturday, March 28, 1998, in Washington County Health Center, Washington.
She was born June 15, 1903, in Monongahela, a daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth Spease Graff.
Miss Graff attended First Christian Church in Monongahela.
She worked as a sales clerk at Siegles and Woolworth's 5 &10 Store, both in Monongahela.
Miss Graff was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Surviving are four nieces, Ruth Colosimo of Monongahela, Mrs. Roy Bohl of Fort Worth, Texas, Anna Graff of Clearwater, Fla., and Margaret Kennedy of Decatur, Ga.; and many grandnieces and nephews.
Deceased are three brothers, Charles, William and Raymond Graff.
Private services were held. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Monongahela Area Library, 813 Main Street, Monongahela, PA 15063.
Helen Harding
Family in Washington
Helen Harding, 79, of Wightman Center, Pittsburgh, died Friday, March 27, 1998, in the center.
She was born February 26, 1919.
Surviving are three sisters, Sarah Allegro of Florida, Lucy Andreolli of Washington and Frances Billers of Washington; two brothers, John Bongiovanni of Florida and Tony Bongiovanni of Washington.
Deceased are her husband, Louis Harding; her parents, Anthony and Nicolina Bongiovanni; a sister, Minnie Colosi; and a brother, Dominick Bongiovanni.
Burial is private.
Allan B. Lemley
Bomber pilot was prisoner of war in Germany
Allan B. Lemley, 76, Oakland, Md., formerly of Waynesburg, died February 7, 1998, at Garrett County Memorial Hospital, Oakland.
He was born June 29, 1921, in Waynesburg, son of Floyd N. and Mary Haines Lemley.
Mr. Lemley was a businessman and land developer. He graduated from Waynesburg High School in 1939.
A veteran of World War II, Mr. Lemley served as a B-17 bomber pilot and was shot down over Stuttgart, Germany. He served 18 months as a prisoner of war.
After his discharge in 1945, Mr. Lemley returned to Waynesburg and was involved with the Greene County Airport as an instructor and later as a pilot with several industrial companies.
He also operated the airport restaurant for a short period of time. Mr. Lemley then owned and operated a Lincoln Mercury in Monongahela.
Mr. Lemley was member of the Waynesburg Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 757. In Oakland he was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 2481 and the Proctor Kildow American Legion Post 71.
Mr. Lemley enjoyed flying as both a career and hobby. It was his first love.
Surviving are his wife, Jeanne B. Lemley; two sons, Don A. Lemley, Oakland and Bear Lemley, Scottsdale, Ariz.; two daughters, Denise A. Muenchow, Oakland and Mary Ann Graehm, London, England; two sisters, Vaun Graham, Library and Freda Morris, Houston, Texas; and four grandchildren.
Services and burial with military honors were held Tuesday, February 10, 1998, in Oakland.
Ona May Rees
McDonald resident was payroll clerk
Ona May Rees, 83, formerly of Topeka, Kan., died Friday, March 27, 1998, in Horizon Senior Care, Canonsburg.
She was born May 1, 1914, in Topeka, a daughter of Glenn and Eva Boatright Bybee.
In November 1942, she married John F. Rees, who died September 19, 1965.
Mrs. Rees worked as a payroll clerk for the Topeka Water Department, retiring in 1978, and was a member of Potwin Presbyterian Church of Topeka.
She had lived in McDonald since April 1994.
Surviving are a daughter, Kathleen Rumbaugh of McDonald; three grandchildren, Benjamin Merle, Daniel John and Katjie Roseann Rumbaugh. Mrs. Rees was the last of her immediate family.
Deceased are a sister, Reeda Marie Engler, who died November 11, 1965; and a brother, Jack Leroy Bybee, who died in June 1981.
Visitation and service will be held in Topeka Kansas, with burial in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Topeka.
Stephen M. Skovran
A supervisor at Armstrong World Wide Industries
Stephen M. Skovran, 88, of Mary Street, Bentleyville, died Monday, March 30, 1998, at Brownsville General Hospital after a lengthy illness.
He was born August 19, 1909, in Poprad, Slovakia, a son of John and Mary Bobko Skovran.
In 1974, Mr. Skovran retired from Armstrong World Wide Industries, Pittsburgh, where he worked as a supervisor.
He was a member of Ave Maria Parish.
Surviving are his second wife, Margaret E. Astrop Gaso Skovran, whom he married April 22, 1967; two daughters, Mildred Skovran and Rosemary Skovran, both of Pittsburgh; eight grandchildren; and eight-great-grandchildren; three stepchildren, Joseph Gaso Sr., Larry Gaso and Irene A. Kotchman, all of Bentleyville; four brothers, Joseph, John and Paul Skovran, all of Pittsburgh and Charles Skovran of Virginia; and a sister, Sister Mary Edward of Pittsburgh; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are his first wife, Rose B. Jockel Skovran, who died in 1965; a daughter, Lucille Purcell; two sons, Edward and Ralph Skovran; two sisters, Mary Richards and Sister Andrea Skovran; and a brother, Edward Skovran.
Edward S. Strnisa
Retired tool and dye maker worked for General Motors
Edward S. Strnisa, 69, of Canonsburg, died Sunday, March 29, 1998, at Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, following a brief illness.
Born August 4, 1928, in Strabane, he was a son of the late Frank and Mary Soberl Strnisa.
Mr. Strnisa lived his entire life in Strabane and Canonsburg, was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Parish and served with the U.S. Army.
Prior to his retirement in 1992, Mr. Strnisa was a tool and dye maker for General Motors Fisher Body of McKeesport.
He was a member of American Legion Post 902, Hosuton; VFW Post 553 of Strabane; SNPJ Lodge 138, Strabane; KSKJ St. Jerome Lodge 153, Strabane; Sons of Italy Lodge, Canonsburg; Muse Independent Club; and Houston Independent Club.
On October 21, 1951, he married Antonette "Toni" Maffio, who survives.
Also surviving are a daughter, Kathie Davis of Houston; two sons, Edward A. Strnisa of Hickory and David A. Strnisa of Garfield Heights, Ohio; six grandchildren, Jennifer and Aaron Davis, Austin, Travis and Evan Strnisa and Craig Nicholson; two brothers, Stanley Soberl of Strabane and Frank Strnisa of Canonsburg; a sister, Mary Uhernik of Ambridge; and several nieces and nephews.
Nancy C. Tonkavich
Malden resident
Nancy C. "Babe" Tonkavich, 55, of Malden, died Monday, March 30, 1998, in Brownsville General Hospital.
She was born February 19, 1943, in California, a daughter of Virginia Tonkavich of Malden and the late Anthony T. Tonkavich.
Surviving, in addition to her mother, are a brother, Gary Tonkavich of Fayette City; a sister, E. Hope Beatty of Washington; a nephew and two nieces.
Jonathan R. Woods
Fourth grader at Our Lady of Grace School
Jonathan Rinard Woods, 9, of Scott Township, died Monday, March 30, 1998, at Children's Hospital, Pittsburgh.
Jonathan died after a courageous two-month wait at Children's Hospital for a heart/liver transplant. He was a fourth grade student at Our Lady of Grace School in Scott Township.
He was born March 31, 1988, in Pittsburgh, a son of Rosemary Woods of Scott Township.
Surviving are his maternal grandmother, Margaret Woods of Monessen; an aunt, Peggy Woods Thomas of Washington; and two cousins, Patrick Woods Thomas and Catherine Rose Thomas.
His maternal grandfather, John W. Woods, is deceased.
Larry Duane Ankrom
Heavy equipment operator
Larry Duane Ankrom, 44, of Mt. Clare, W.Va., died Tuesday, March 3, 1998, in Upshur County, W.Va., from a trucking accident.
He was born February 9, 1954, in Charleroi, a son of Theodore and Mae Beckwith Ankrom of Eighty Four.
Mr. Ankrom was a heavy equipment operator for the Jane Lew Trucking Co.
He was engaged to be married to Mary Ann Talerico.
Surviving are two sons, Michael and Jeremy Ankrom both of Washington; a daughter, Jennifer McCombs of Washington; a brother, Ted Ankrom of Fredericktown; three sisters, Janet Whitaker of Bryan, Texas, Diane Tush of Eighty Four and Caryn Verno of Washington; and three grandchildren.
Monroe A. Bogan Jr.
Former Washington resident dies in Cleveland
Word has been received of the death of Monroe A. Bogan Jr. of Cleveland, Ohio, formerly of Washington, who died unexpectedly Saturday, February 28, 1998, at a hospital in Cleveland.
He was born March 6, 1943, in Washington, a son of Monroe Bogan of Washington and the late Ethel Bogan.
Surviving are his wife, Irene Bogan; three stepchildren, Ivylee Wilkinson, Shon Wilkinson and Chevella Jenkin, all of Cleveland; three sisters, Loretta Curtis of Columbia, Ohio, Norma Jackson of Pittsburgh and Dorothy "Little Bit" Miller of Washington; a brother, Ronald Bogan of Washington; eight stepgrandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A brother, Robert Bogan, is deceased.
Thomas J. Frosini
Self employed brick mason was veteran
Thomas J. Frosini, 79, of Finleyville, died Monday, March 2, 1998, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.
He was born June 28, 1918, in Finleyville, a son of Victor and Anna Formentelli Frosini.
Mr. Frosini was formerly a self-employed brick mason in the building industry.
He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and he was Catholic.
Surviving are a son, Thomas J. Frosini Jr. of Finleyville; two daughters, Peggy Markowitz of Finleyville and Linda Gibson of The Plains, Va.; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Deceased are his wife, Margaret Louttit Frosini, who died October 6, 1987; and two brothers, Leo R. and Jack Frosini.
Dr. Donald R. Green
Member of Christian Bible Fellowship was a veteran
Dr. Donald R. Green, 75, of Washington, died Monday, March 2, 1998, in Washington Hospital.
He was born October 24, 1922, in Boyce Station, Allegheny County, a son of Robert C. and Evelyn Reed Green.
He was a graduate of South Fayette Township High School, and had attended the West Virginian Wesleyan and was a 1953 graduate of the Ohio College of Chiropody where he received his D.S.C. certificate.
Green began practicing in 1954, and had a private practice in Bridgeville for many years and was later associated with the Centerville Clinic and also the B.B.&C. Medical Associates before retiring in 1988.
He was a veteran of World War II and had served as a pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps.
Green was a member of the Christian Bible Fellowship in Canonsburg, and had formerly been a member of Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department, the Bridgeville Rotary Club, and had been a deputy with the Pennsylvania Fish Commission for more than 15 years,
On June 3, 1950, he married Lauretta Emerick Green, who survives.
Also surviving are three sons, Daniel Robert Green of Lone Pine, Richard Randal Green of Washington and Allen D. Green of Jersey Shore; a daughter, Ellen C. Gratz of Washington; two sisters, Sylvia Volosky of Canonsburg and Betty Emerick of Boyce Station; a brother, Lawrence Green of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; nine grandchildren, Lindsey, Samantha, Jason, Evelyn, Caleb and Amanda Green, Donald, Steven, and Julie Gratz; and several nieces and nephews.
Helen A. Hall
Member of Lower Buffalo Presbyterian Church
Helen A. Hall, 84, of Independence, died at 11:40 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, 1998, in her home.
She was born February 9, 1914, in Rea, a daughter of William and Bessie Carroll Martin.
Mrs. Hall lived in Independence for the past 60 years where she was a member of the Lower Buffalo Presbyterian Church and was the president of the Friendship Circle of the Church. She was a member of the American Legion Bert C. Siders Post 643 Ladies Auxiliary, and a member of the Independence Grange 179.
On July 24, 1937, she married Jesse Lindsay Hall, who died June 23, 1975.
Surviving are three daughters, Barbara Postlethwait and Shirley Goff both of Follensbee, W.Va., and Linda Hall of Independence; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Grace M. Miller of West Middletown and Cecelia M. Lantz of Mechanicsburg; and one brother, Charles Martin of Avella.
Deceased are three sisters, Marie Foster, Hazel Robinson and Betty Surace; and a brother, William Martin.
Myrtle I. Hunnell
Member of Mt. Zion Church at Castile
Myrtle I. Hunnell, 80, of Waynesburg R.D.1, Ruff Creek, died at 11:15 p.m. Monday, March 2, 1998, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.
She was born November 3, 1917, in Masontown, a daughter of Benjamin and Hazel Kiger Davis.
Mrs. Hunnell was a former member of Bethany United Methodist Church and at her death, was a member of Mt. Zion Church at Castile. She was a member of the Morgan Township Society of Farm Women.
She was last employed as a housekeeper and cook for the Greene County sheriff's department during the 1960s, and she had resided in Rogersville and Waynesburg prior to moving to the Ruff Creek area in 1957.
On June 6, 1936, she married Jesse Allen Hunnell who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Delmont A. Hunnell of Waynesburg R.D.1; two grandchildren, Matthew Jesse and Nathan Allen Hunnell; and a stepgrandchild, Nicole Love.
Deceased are four brothers, Clifford, Edward and Benjamin Davis Jr., and a brother who died in infancy; and two sisters, Patricia Davis and Mary Margaret Pennessi.
Mrs. Hunnell was the last of her immediate family.
Frances M. Malinky
Bentleyville woman active in local politics
Frances M. Malinky, 79, of Bertram Street, Bentleyville, died Tuesday, March 3, 1998, at Washington Hospital.
She was born July 6, 1918, in Canonsburg, a daughter of Frank and Rose Mele Crisafi.
Mrs. Malinky was a graduate of Canonsburg High School and attended Penn Commercial in Washington.
She worked for 34 years for Washington County in various offices at the courthouse. She last worked as chief collector for the courts.
Mrs. Malinky was a member of Ave Maria Parish and the Pioneer Club, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Dolores 1675, both of Bentleyville and the Bentworth Senior Citizens.
She served as past president for both the Bentworth Democrat Womens Club and the former Bentleyville Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.
Mrs. Malinky once served as fourth vice-president of the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic women and was a former member of Bentleyville Lioness Club.
She was currently serving on the Bentleyville Public Library Board of Trustees.
On February 22, 1952, she married James Malinky, who died October 26, 1991.
Surviving are a daughter, Rose Marie Zemencik of Canonsburg; three grandchildren, Dr. James Zemencik, Shari Gabriel and Teri Zemencik; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Loretta Romano of Canonsburg and Margaret Fabian of Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two brothers, Nick and John Crisafi; and a sister, Victoria Masterlasco.
Sue Matyuf
Member of former St. Elizabeth Church
Sue Katancik Matyuf, 78, of 308 Georgetown Road, Canonsburg, Cecil Township, died Tuesday, March 3, 1998, in her home.
She was born September 10, 1919, in Czechoslovakia, a daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Vargo Katancik.
Mrs. Matyuf spent most of her life in the Canonsburg area, where she and her late husband, Harry D. Matyuf, owned and operated Harry's Variety Mart.
She was a member of the former St. Elizabeth Church of Lawrence.
Surviving are a sister, Mary Olach of Aliquippa; seven nieces; and one nephew.
Deceased are her husband, Harry D. Matyuf, who died March 11, 1985; and a sister, Anna Drilyak.
John F. Reinstadtler
Retired bridge worker was WW II veteran
John F. Reinstadtler, 81, of Sturgeon, formerly of McDonald, died Tuesday, March 3, 1998, in St. Clair Memorial Hospital, Mt. Lebanon.
He was born December 13, 1916, in Sturgeon, a son of John and Catherine Kress Reinstadtler.
Mr. Reinstadtler served in the U.S. Army during World War II and worked for American Bridge Co. in Ambridge, retiring in 1979, and was a member of the United Steel Workers of America.
On September 17, 1943, he married Helen Viola Randour, who survives.
Also surviving are six daughters, Joyce McCloud of Bulger, Catherine Ewing of Sturgeon, Gloria Burke of Aliquippa, Janet Leonard of Kittanning, and Judith Shriver and Valerie Camp, both of Burgettstown; a brother, Henry Reinstadtler of Rennerdale; a sister, Cecelia Fenio of Coraopolis; 20 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren.
Deceased are two brothers, Frank and Frederick Reinstadtler; three sisters, Margaret McGinnis, Catherine Mitchell and Marie Bres; and a grandchild.
Ruby Roberts Seward
Formerly of Bridgeville
Ruby Roberts Seward, 73, of Washington, formerly of Bridgeville, died Monday, March 2, 1998, at Washington County Health Center.
She was born June 3, 1924, in Bessemer, Ala., daughter of John Roberts and Minnie Denton Roberts.
She was a homemaker.
Surviving are two daughters, Sandra Janchenko of Bridgeville and Carol Bainer of Claysville; and three grandchildren, Robin Whitaker, Bob Janchenko Jr. and Lisa DiLeo.
Laura A. Sloan
Graduate of Bethlehem Joint High School
Laura A. "Sis" Sloan, 63, of Morey Road, Fredericktown, Deemston Borough, died at 7:55 p.m. Monday, March 2, 1998, in Monongahela Valley Hospital, Carroll Township.
She was born January 5, 1935, in Brownsville, a daughter of the late George and Laura Gasher Fedelischak Sr.
Mrs. Sloan was Catholic and attended Centerville High School and was a 1954 graduate of Bethlehem Joint High School. She enjoyed cooking, flowers and gardening.
On September 2, 1960, she married David E. Sloan Jr., who survives.
Also surviving are three sons, David K., John W. and Robert G. Sloan, all of Fredericktown, Deemston Borough; two grandchildren; a brother, George Fedelischak Jr. of Fredericktown, Deemston Borough; two sisters, Anna Marie Gall of Brook Park, Ohio, and Georgette Stefek of Streetsboro, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.
Sophie Zeman
Member of St. Patrick Parish
Sophie Sarnicke Zeman, 81, of 17 Weavertown Road, Canonsburg, died Tuesday, March 3, 1998, in Allegheny University Hospitals, Canonsburg.
She was born March 30, 1916, in Imperial, a daughter of Sam and Caroline Green Sarnicke.
Mrs. Zeman had been a resident of Canonsburg since 1951, where she was a member of St. Patrick Parish.
She had worked at the Richard Piatt Funeral Home, Attorney I.C. Bloom in Washington and the Chartiers Cleaners in Canonsburg.
Surviving are a son, Tom Kesneck at home; two brothers, Henry and Joseph Sarnicke, both of Atlasburg; a sister, Stella Shapack of Aliquippa; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are her husband, John P. Zeman, who died December 22, 1982; seven brothers; and a sister.
Ethel Virginia David
Dilliner resident
Ethel Virginia David, 79, of Dilliner R.D.1, died Tuesday, March 3, 1998, in Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, W.Va.
She was born October 5, 1918, in Dunbar, a daughter of William H. and Lucy Fields Jolliffe.
Surviving are three daughters, Audrey Jean McNally of Carmichaels, Betty Wilson of Dilliner and Carol Farrier of Mogadore, Ohio; four sons, Edwin David Jolliffe of Holbrook, Robert Alan David of Dilliner, Clifford Lee David of Jefferson R.D.1 and Carl Lynwood David of Mexico; 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; and a brother, William "Dude" Jolliffe of Dilliner.
Deceased are a son, William Holder David, who died in infancy in 1941; a brother, Charles Jolliffe; and two sisters, Bessie May Bill and Mary Frances Jolliffe.
Ann M. Dermotta
Library woman was a homemaker
Ann M. Mauser Dermotta, 81, of Library, died Tuesday, March 3, 1998, in Manor Care, Bethel Park.
She was born September 25, 1916, in Whitney, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anton Mauser.
Mrs. Dermotta was a homemaker and a member of St. Joan of Arc Church, Library, and the Library Goldenagers.
Surviving are a daughter, Donna Wetherhold of Reading; a son, Daniel L. Dermotta of Finleyville; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; three sisters, Pauline Renko, Augusta Resnik and Albina Kinik; and two brothers, Adolph and Henry Mauser.
Deceased are her husband, Rudolph J. (Rudy) Dermotta; and several brothers and sisters.
Betty J. Doney
Lifelong resident of Monongahela area
Betty J. Doney, 80, formerly of Victory Hill, died Monday, March 2, 1998, in Kenric Manor, Donora.
She was born October 23, 1917, in Victory Hill, a daughter of Thomas and Jane Elizabeth Burgoyne Sheperd.
Mrs. Doney was a lifelong resident of the Monongahela area, where she was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and the AARP.
Her husband, Charles John Donay, died May 18, 1960.
Surviving are a son, Terry Doney of North Huntingdon; four grandchildren, Kristen, Nicholas, Luke and Alayne; two brothers, Edgar "Ted" and Robert Sheperd, both of Victory Hill; and a sister, Norma Rosengarth of Irwin.
Deceased is a brother, William Sheperd.
Wallace K. Headley
Retired from pipeline construction as blaster
Wallace K. "Shorty" Headley, 85, of Holbrook R.D.1, died at 12:04 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, 1998, in Greene County Memorial Hospital. Though having been ill for the past year, his death was unexpected.
He was born August 6, 1912, in Bristoria, a son of William and Mina Hull Headley and was a resident of Richhill Township all his life.
Mr. Headley was a graduate of Eastern Pilgrim Seminary in Allentown and attended Waynesburg College.
He was a former employee of Great Lakes Construction Co. in Cleveland, Ohio, in heavy and highway construction and was last employed in pipeline construction as a blaster for more than 16 years prior to his retirement in 1977.
Mr. Headley was a member of the Long Run Church of God where he formerly served as an elder, Sunday school teacher, superintendent, representative and chairman of the Circuit Council, a delegate to the church conference and last served as church treasurer.
He was a member of Aleppo Grange 1054 for the past 34 years and a member of Pipeline Union 1058 in Pittsburgh.
Surviving are his wife, Virginia Louise Isiminger Headley, who he married May 15, 1940; four sons, Richard M. Headley of Great Falls, Mont., Lawrence E. "Buzz" Headley of Graysville, James L. Headley of Spraggs R.D.1 and Joseph C. Headley of Holbrook R.D.1; a daughter, C. Sue Ely of Sycamore R.D.001; a sister, Aldene Bradley of Sylvania, Ohio; 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Deceased are twin sons, Wayne and Dwayne Headley; a grandson, Michael Joseph Headley; two brothers, Melvin "Ted" Headley and Lindley Ross Headley; six sisters, Vivian Watson, Leota Henderson, Georgia Finch, Edna Masters, Florence West and Dora Rush.
Paul E. Kelley
Former Observer-Reporter pressman
Paul E. Kelley, 71, of Manchester Road, Middletown, Ohio, a resident of Washington until four years ago, died at 4:36 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, 1998, in Kettering Medical Hospital, Dayton, Ohio, following a one-month illness.
He was born March 2, 1927, in Washington, a son of Clyde and Helen M. Ross Kelley.
Mr. Kelley was a graduate of Trinity High School and was Protestant.
He was employed as a pressman with the Observer-Reporter for 27 years and worked several years for Consolidated Coal Co. at Westland Mine before retiring.
Mr. Kelley was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, served during both World War II and the Korean War.
On May 14, 1946, he married Dolores Wilkins Kelley, who survives at home.
Also surviving are two daughters, Sandra Diane McMullen of Middletown, Ohio, and Lisa Colleen Kelley at home; a brother, Clyde Kelley of Hickory; two sisters, Christine Bruckner of Washington and Violet M. Byers of Claysville; two grandchildren, Jeffrey Scott McMullen and Amy Lynette Powell; a great-grandson, Jordan Alexander McMullen; and 16 nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a son, Terrance Paul Kelley; a sister, Helen L. Baumgardner; a brother, Dale Leon Kelley; and a niece, Carolyn Davidson.
Edward F. Navoy
Formerly of Washington
Edward F. Navoy, 80, of Palm Harbor, Fla., died Monday, March 2, 1998, at the hospital in Safety Harbor, Fla.
He was born December 19, 1917, in Washington, son of Frank and Julia Kotac Nawoj.
He was married to Ethel Dagg, who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Edward and Bill Navoy; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one brother; and three sisters.
Services and interment were held in Westland, Mich.
Stella Anastasia Persh
Member of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church
Stella Anastasia Persh, 84, formerly of Bentleyville, died Tuesday, March 3, 1998, in the Landmark North Personal Care Home, Pittsburgh.
She was born May 2, 1913, in Ellsworth, a daughter of Dimitri and Eva Gotch Pysh.
Miss Persh was a member of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church in Charleroi.
Surviving are three brothers, Andrew Pysh of California, Michael and Peter Pysh, both of Bentleyville; two sisters, Pearl Waselewski of Tampa, Fla., and Anne Ciarcinski of Monroeville.
James R. Shaw
Retired from Precision Marshall Steel Co.
James R. Shaw, 75, of Washington, died Tuesday, March 3, 1998, in Washington Hospital, after a brief illness.
He was born January 19, 1923, in Houston, a son of William and Mercy Brailey Shaw.
Mr. Shaw was a member of Fairhill Manor Christian Church of Washington.
A 1941 graduate of Washington High School, Mr. Shaw worked for Precision Marshall Steel Co. as production supervisor, retiring in 1975 after 34 years of service.
During World War II, he served in the United States Navy as a commissaryman first class aboard the U.S.S. Endicott.
On October 15, 1955, in Washington, he married Lois Engle, who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Dennis J. Shaw of St. Charles, Mo., and Brian R. Shaw of Washington; a daughter, Lisa L. Brumfield of Newport News, Va.; five grandchildren, Zachary Shaw, Stephen Brumfield, Michael Brumfield, Samantha Shaw and Noel Holguin; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased is a daughter, Sandra Shaw; and one brother and one sister.
Edmund F. Sliman Sr.
Worked at Washington Steel and Hazel Atlas Glass
Edmund F. Sliman Sr., 77, of Helene Drive, Washington, died at 9:10 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, 1998, at Washington Hospital, following a lengthy illness.
He was born July 19, 1920, at Sublette, Wyo., a son of Joseph Affif and Gina Zannoli Sliman.
Mr. Sliman was Catholic.
Prior to retirement, he had been employed at Washington Steel. He had previously been employed at Hazel Atlas Glass.
He was a 1938 graduate of Washington High School and had served in the U.S. Navy Seabees in the Soloman Island Campaign during World War II.
On June 7, 1943, he married Julia Gurney, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Edmund F. Sliman Jr. of Washington; two brothers, Robert J. Sliman and Thomas G. Sliman, both of Washington; a sister, Regina M. Sliman Livelli of Carnegie; two grandsons, U.S. Navy Ensign Joseph A. Sliman and 2nd Lt. James J. Sliman with the U.S. Air Force.
Deceased are two brothers, John W. and Aldo J. Sliman; and a sister, Amelia Faiella.
Mike Bokulich
Canonsburg cabinetmaker from Joffre
Mike Bokulich, 74, of Joffre, died Thursday, March 5, 1998, in his home.
He was born in North Fayette Township, Allegheny County, a son of John and Kathryn Cankovich Bokulich.
Mr. Bokulich was a cabinet maker for General Woodcraft Co. of Canonsburg, retiring in 1979.
He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Carnegie, SNPJ of Midway and the Slovan VFW.
On September 13, 1952, he married Anne Zibritosky, who survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Janet Nevitt of Valparaiso, Ind. and Judy Welch of Erie; a son, Michael Bokulich of Narberth; nine grandchildren, Michael, Kate and Alexander Nevitt, Anna Rose and Danny Welch, and Alex, Nicholas, Luca and Claudine Bokulich; and two sisters, Rose Bokulich and Frances Rockovich.
Deceased are two brothers and a sister.
Martha J. Comer
Member of St. Anthony Church, Monongahela
Martha J. Comer, 78, of Liberty Avenue, Monongahela, died Friday, March 6, 1998, in Mon Valley Hospital.
She was born February 9, 1920, in Monongahela, a daughter of Joseph and Lucy Staffen Hann.
Mrs. Comer was a homemaker and a member of St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church, Monongahela
Surviving are her husband of 54 years, Lionel E. Comer; two sons, Robert B. of Charleroi and Danny L. Comer of Monongahela; three brothers, John Hann of Minneapolis, Minn., Walter Hann of Monongahela and Stanley Hann of Munhall; two sisters, Frances Coppi and Dorothy Gaydos, both of Monongahela; two grandchildren, Robert J. and Richard A. Comer; three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased is a brother, Joseph Hann.
Mildred J. Martorana
1945 graduate of Canonsburg High School
Mildred Jean Martorana, 70, of Oshawa, Canada, died Tuesday, March 3, 1998, in Oshawa General Hospital.
Born April 24, 1927, in Houston, she was a daughter of the late Walter and Gladys Myers Miller.
Shewas a 1945 graduate of Canonsburg High School and also graduated from the Southside Hospital School of Nursing, Pittsburgh.
She had worked at Woodville State Hospital and hospitals in Canada and Israel.
Surviving are two daughters, Nina Massey of Oshawa and Jean Wendell of Finleyville; a sister, Peggy Spin of Houston; a brother, Monte Miller of Canonsburg; three grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a son, Thomas; and a sister, Mary Jane Mullig.
Services were held March 5 in Oshawa with burial in Oshawa Cemetery.
A. Marie McClain
Member of First Baptist Church was nurse's aide
A. Marie McClain, 70, of Second Street, Westland, died Thursday, March 5, 1998, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.
Born May 12, 1927, in Westland, she was a daughter of Joseph and Beatrice Smith Butler.
Mrs. McClain was a member of the First Baptist Church of Westland and was past president of the missionary board of the church.
She had attended Hickory High School and had worked as a nurse's aide at Mayview State Hospital and the former Morganza in Canonsburg
Her husband, James W. McClain, died March 20, 1980.
Surviving are three sons, James R. McClain of Canonsburg, William McClain of Indianapolis, Ind., and Joseph McClain of Westland; three daughters, Charlene Davis of Canonsburg, Alice Washington of Westland and Vanessa Edmonds of Washington; two brothers, Harold Butler of Canonsburg and Joseph Butler of McDonald; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A sister, Lavaughn Butler, is deceased.
Florence M. Paradise
Co-owner of Paradise Candies
Florence Marosso Paradise, 68, of Donnan Avenue, Washington, died at 5:58 p.m. Friday, March 6, 1998, in her home following a three-month illness.
She was born June 23, 1929, in Briar Hill, a daughter of Milli Livio and Carmella Marie Spossey Molla.
Mrs. Paradise was a member of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, Canonsburg, and the Ladies Auxiliary of Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion.
She attended Immaculate Conception schools.
Mrs. Paradise was co-owner of Paradise Candies in Washington.
On October 19, 1952, she married Jacob John Paradise, who died February 16, 1994.
Surviving are three daughters, Maria J. Corbin of Butler, Anna J. Berg and Christina J. Paradise, both of Washington; four brothers, William Molla of Morgantown, John Molla of Canton, Ohio, Louis Molla of Grossill, Mich., and Livio "Junior" Molla of Claysville; four sisters, Julia Archual and Adelia Molla, both of Akron, Ohio, Jean Spitznogle of Blacksville, W.Va., and Elvira Falvo of Parma, Ohio; and five grandchildren, Christopher and William Jacob Paradise, Stephen and Jonathan Jacob Berg and Matthew Nicholas Corbin.
Sam Nick Pihiou
Retired from Abex Corp. of Meadow Lands
Sam Nick Pihiou, 69, of 416 Gladden Road, Canonsburg, died Friday, March 6, 1998, in Allegheny University Hospitals, Canonsburg.
Mr. Pihiou was born December 5, 1928, in Canonsburg, a son of Nick and Dorthea Krizies Pihiou.
He was a lifelong resident of Canonsburg and a member of All Saint's Greek Orthodox Church. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by Abex Corp. of Meadow Lands.
Mr. Pihiou served in the United States Army with the tank battalion in Germany during the Korean conflict.
Surviving are his wife, Despina Orphanos Pihiou; three brothers, Chris, George and Tony Pihiou, all of Canonsburg; two sisters, Freda Krithis of Los Angeles, Calif., and Marsha Georgakis of Aliquippa; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two brothers, William and Anthony Pihiou; and a sister, Stella Kokalis.
Angeline F. Skiddle
Houston resident retired from Continental Can
Angeline Frankovitch Skiddle, 85, of 126 Allison Avenue, Houston, died Friday, March 6, 1998.
Mrs. Skiddle was born February 19, 1913, in Hackett, a daughter of Frank and Amelia Frankovitch.
She was a lifelong area resident, was Presbyterian and a member of SNPJ Lodge 138 of Strabane.
Prior to her retirement, she was employed by Continental Can Co. for 35 years.
On June 28, 1935, she married Frank Skiddle, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Frank Robert Skiddle of Amherst, Ohio; three sisters, Dorothy Frankovitch of Strabane, Evelyn Wiencek of Houston and Margaret Etherington of Frackville; a brother, Frank Chesnik of Baltimore, Md.; four grandchildren, Frank Robert III, Lisa Ann and Keith Alan Skiddle and Sharon D. Thrash; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two brothers, William and Stanley Frankovitch.
Correction:
IN THE OBITUARY of Angeline Frankovitch Skiddle, published Saturday, the name of a brother, Paul Chesnik of Baltimore, Md., was listed incorrectly.
Frank Staschiak Sr.
Retired from Bethlehem Mine Corp.
Frank Staschiak Sr., 82, of 300 Oliver Avenue, Bentleyville, formerly of Cokeburg, died at 3:30 a.m. Friday, March 6, 1998, in Mon Valley Hospital.
He was born July 22, 1915, in Muskegon, Mich., a son of Vincent and Victoria Makuta Staschiak.
Mr. Staschiak was a member of Ave Maria Parish, St. Luke Church, Bentleyville.
In 1973, he retired from Bethlehem Mine Corp.'s Mine 60.
Surviving are his wife, Anne Korba Staschiak; two daughters, Caroline Lojek and Nancy Lojek, both of Bentleyville; two sons, Frank Staschiak Jr., of Columbus, Ohio, and John Staschiak of Youngstown, Ohio.; 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Nellie Madera of Scenery Hill and Genevieve Morris of Cokeburg.
Deceased is a brother, John Staschiak.
Clarence Young
Guttman oil station manager was veteran
Clarence "Lou" Young, 71, of Windsor Road, Washington, died at 9:15 a.m. Friday, March 6, 1998, at home, following a brief illness after a heart attack.
He was born November 3, 1926, in Washington, a son of Clarence Cy Young and Carrie Bane Young Cosgray.
Mr. Young was former manager of the Guttman Oil station at the corner of Allison and Wylie avenues.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in Germany and was a member of the Keystone Club.
Surviving are a son, Master Sgt. Randy Louis Young of Los Angeles, Calif.; a stepson, Richard Harold Keener of Malvern, Ohio; a daughter, Kathy Jean Swihart of Washington; a brother, Wayne Cosgray of Washington; two sisters, Elizabeth Moore of Washington and Dorothy Mattox of Cincinnati, Ohio; eight grandchildren, LuAnn Keener, Richard Keener III, April, Cindy Lou and Brandi Lee Young, April Wetzel, Jason and Jeremy Keener; and four great-grandson.
Deceased are a brother, Robert Young; and a sister, Grace Colebank.
CORRECTION
IN THE OBITUARY of Clarence Young, published Saturday, the names of two grandchildren, Nicole Patterson and Chris Swihart, were omitted. Mr. Young also had five great-grandchildren.
Norma Jean Bezjak
Worked as registered nurse for Waynesburg Hospital
Norma Jean "Criss" Bezjak, RN, CRNA, 68, of Dilliner, died Saturday, March 7, 1998, in Culpeper Health Care Center, Culpeper, Va.
She was born July 27, 1929, in Bessemer, a daughter of Thomas Gray and Lena Dalzell.
She was a graduate of German Township High School, Uniontown School of Nursing and Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburgh.
Mrs. Bezjak was employed as a registered nurse-CRNA at Waynesburg Hospital.
She was a member of the Christian Church.
Deceased are her first husband, Andy Skupnick, who died in 1958; and her second husband, Merco "Baggs" Bezjak, who died in 1995.
Surviving are two sons, Louis Ray King and Andrew Skupnick, both of Virginia; two daughters, Mary Ann Skupnick of Lincoln, Ill., and Susan Frankenberry of Virginia; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a brother, Thomas Gray of Charleston, S.C.
Ellsworth Burkhart
Bridgeville Resident
Ellsworth C. "Burke" Burkhart, 80, of Bridgeville, died Friday, March 6, 1998.
Surviving are his wife, Bettie; a daughter, Carla E. Morgan; a granddaughter, Amy M. Vulakovich; and two great-grandchildren, Bret and Maura Vulakovich.
Deceased is a son, Patrick F. Burkhart.
Lillian Cecil
Washington homemaker
Lillian Cecil, 79, of Fayette Street, Washington, died at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 8,1998, in Washington Hospital, following a lengthy illness.
She was born July 24, 1918, in Washington, a daughter of Cedar and Catherine Cole Evans.
She was a homemaker.
She was married to John Cecil Sr., who died July 22, 1987.
Surviving are three sons, Ronald Blaze of Marianna, John Cecil Jr. and Nick Cecil, both of Washington; three brothers, Fred, Sam and Harry Evans, all of Washington; three sisters, Rita Jenkins and Anna Carrow, both of Washington, and Nettie Charnesky of Bethel Park; nine grandchildren, Lisa Ann, Tina Marie, Ronald, Steve, Renee, Michelle, John III, Nick and Richard; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Deceased, in addition to her parents and her husband are four brothers, Mike, Richard, Charles, and William Evans.
Robert H. Durbin Sr.
World War II veteran retired from Ross Mould
Robert H. Durbin Sr., 67, of Shady Avenue, Washington, died at 10:41 p.m. Friday, March 6, 1998, in Washington Hospital following a four-year illness.
He was born May 27, 1930, in Pittsburgh, a son of Wade C. and Hollie Patterson Durbin.
He attended schools in Pittsburgh and Washington.
He was employed as a bus driver with Washington City Bus Lines Inc. and Suburban Bus Lines for 20 years.
Mr. Durbin served as vice president of Amalgamated Transit Local 1543.
In 1993, he retired from Ross Mould.
He served in the U.S. Army field artillery, airborne and air force divisions in Japan, Okinawa and China. He was awarded the American Theater Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal with Japan clasp.
While in the service, he won a 140-pound boxing match aboard the USS Republic.
After his military service, he played sandlot football and baseball, and also drove stock cars in 1957. He was also a midget football coach.
He was a former constable and precinct committeeman in the First Ward, Washington.
He also was a past member of the State Constables Association and Washington County Constables Association.
For one term, Mr. Durbin served as city chairman of the Democratic Committee.
On August 11, 1950, he married Dolores W. Gilmore, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Robert H. Durbin Jr. of Washington; two daughters, Mona Huffman of Peachtree City, Ga., and Connie Zupancic of Washington; a brother, Paul Durbin of Canton, Ohio; a sister, Jeanne Black of Washington; four grandchildren, Beth and Kayla Durbin, Erica Zupancic and Ashleigh Watt; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are three brothers, Wade C. Durbin Jr., Roy Eugene Durbin and William Ray Durbin; and two sisters, Marian Sheets and Mildred "Babe" Popats.
Helen J. Garren
Christian Mother at Our Lady of Lourdes
Helen Jane Garren, 72, of Bavington, died Sunday, March 8, 1998, in Weirton, W.Va., Medical Center.
She was born October 24, 1925, in Erie Mine, a daughter of John and Susan Puskar.
Mrs. Garren was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Burgettstown, where she was a member of the Christian Mothers.
She was also a member of the Burgettstown Senior Citizens.
Surviving are a son, Frank J. Garren of Bavington; a sister, Elizabeth Duche of West Mifflin; a grandson, Frank J. Garren Jr.; a great-granddaughter, Katarina Garren; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are her husband, Frank Garren, who died December 3, 1983; a brother, John Puskar; and two sisters, Mary Gavatorta and Susan Davis.
Charles R. Griffith
Formerly of Forward Township
Charles R. Griffith, 90, of Crafton, formerly of Forward Township, died Friday, March 6, 1998, in Ohio Valley General Hospital, Kennedy Township.
He was born March 26, 1907, in Fair Hope, a stepson of John G. Cherry of Monongahela.
Surviving are his wife, Anna Griffith; two sons, Curtis R. and Thomas B. Griffith; a daughter, Dorothy Ann "Dottie" Griffith; 15 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Deceased is a son, Charles R. Griffith Jr.
Margaret E. Holzer
Family in area
Margaret E. Bronder Holzer, 90, died Friday, March 6, 1998.
She was born July 21, 1907, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of Christian and Margaret Heyer Bronder.
On June 18, 1940, she married Joseph M. Holzer, who died December 11, 1997.
Surviving are two sons, Richard J. and Joseph P. Holzer, both of Pittsburgh; a daughter, Nancy Moore of Houston; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Agnes Zandier of Pittsburgh.
Deceased are three brothers, Wendel, Joseph and Christian Bronder; and four sisters, Mary Dilla, Cecelia Dilla, Rosella Breier and Clara Carleton.
Steve J. Kurilla Jr.
Retired from Bethlehem Mines Corp. Mine 51
Steve J. Kurilla Jr., 84, of 44 Cedar Street, Ellsworth, died at 10:59 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 1998, at Humbert Lane Nursing Center, Washington.
He was born July 18, 1913, a son of Steve Kurilla Sr. and Mary Pollo Kurilla.
In 1976, he retired after 43 years from Bethlehem Mines Corp. Mine No.51, Ellsworth.
He was a member of UMWA and a past president of the former Sokol Club, Bentleyville.
Mr. Kurilla was also a member of Ave Maria Parish/St. Clements Church in Ellsworth.
Surviving are his wife, Ann Poyer Kurilla; a son, Donald Kurilla of Monongahela; a brother, Paul Kurilla of Fredericktown; two grandsons, John Kurilla of Pittsburgh and Matthew Kurilla of Monongahela; and a granddaughter, Beth Ann DeRocco of Monessen.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, is one son, Dennis S. Kurilla, who died July 9, 1994.
Hiram J. Lester
Retired professor of religious studies
Dr. Hiram J. Lester, 65, of Monrovia, Calif., formerly of Bethany, W.Va., died Friday, March 6, 1998, in Santa Terrasita Hospital, Duarte, Calif.
He was born March 3, 1933, in Lanett, Ala., a son of Jeff and Nellie Lester.
Until his retirement last month, Dr. Lester had been the pastor of First Christian Church in Pasadena for eight years.
He was a retired professor of religious studies at Bethany College, where he taught for 23 years.
During his employment at Bethany College, he was co-pastor with his wife, Marge L. Lester, at First Christian Church in Canonsburg. He also was coordinator for institutional planning and wrote grant proposals for the college.
He also formerly served as pastor of First Christian Church in Cashion, Okla., and as interim pastor for 15 churches in six states.
Dr. Lester was a consultant for Historic Wellsburg (W.Va.), a director of development at Bethany College, a Greek instructor at Yale Divinity School, an instructor at Phillips University and, since 1982, a lecturer in biblical studies and early disciple history in Australia, New Zealand and seven U.S. states.
His research includes The Campbell Papers in Five Volumes (general editor), Campbell's Bethany (History and Preservation), Heralds of Gospel Liberty: Early History of Christian Church in Pennsylvania and Thomas Campbell's Career in Ireland.
He was a member of several professional organizations, including the Society of Biblical Literature, the American Academy of Religion, the Council on Christian Unity, The American Association of State and Local History, Disciples of Christ Historical Society and The Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity (Delta Beta Xi Award).
In 1955, Dr. Lester received his B.A. from Johnson Bible College (Ministries). He earned his B.D. in 1959 from the Graduate Seminary, Phillips University (New Testament) and his B.A. in 1960 from Phillips University (Philosophy/Social Studies). In 1962, he received his M.A. from Yale University (New Testament) and his Ph.D. in 1974 from Yale University (New Testament).
Surviving are his wife, Marge Lee Lester; a son, Keith Lester of Pittsburgh; two stepsons, Lee Reinstedt of Irvine, Calif., and Bruce Reinstedt of Ashland, Ore.; a stepdaughter, Jane Sheldon of Ashland, Ore.; two brothers, Jarrell Lester of Atlanta, Ga., and Larry Lester of Knoxville, Tenn.; and six grandchildren.
Deceased is his first wife, Anne Lester.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, in First Christian Church, Pasadena, with Dr. Richard Gorsuch officiating. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 21, in Bethany Memorial Church, Bethany, W.Va., with Dr. Larry Grimes and Pastor Sarah Webb officiating. Interment will follow in Campbell Cemetery, Bethany. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Memorial Church or Bethany College.
Mary R. Mealy
Attended First Baptist Church, Washington
Mary R. Mealy, 83, of Shady Lane, Canton Township, formerly of Buena Vista Street, Washington, died at 12:45 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 1998, in Angels Tender Touch personal care home.
She was born April 2, 1914, in Washington, a daughter of James Edgar and Lizzie M. Clemons Morrison.
Mrs. Mealy attended First Baptist Church of Washington when her health permitted.
She enjoyed playing cards, crocheting, board games and working puzzles.
She was twice married. Her first husband, John W. Malarkey, died in 1952. She later married Samuel A. Mealy, who died December 13, 1976.
Surviving are a son, Paul W. Malarkey of Naples, Fla.; two daughters, Mary L. Porter, with whom she made her home, and Barbara A. Urban of Redding, Calif.; a sister, Juanita McGillen of Washington; eight grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
Deceased, in addition to her husbands, are three sisters, Iva P. McConnell, Gladys J. Taylor and Ann Dugan; and two brothers, Paul R. and Dean Morrison.
Hazel I. Morris
Member of Oakview United Methodist Church
Hazel I. Shultz Morris, 87, of Waynesburg R.D.2, formerly of Waynesburg R.D.5, died at 4:43 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 1998, in Rolling Meadows Nursing Home.
She was born March 22, 1910, in Franklin Township, Greene County, a daughter of George T. and Lucy Jane Ketchum Shultz.
She was a homemaker and a member of Oakview United Methodist, Church, Waynesburg.
On September 7, 1929, she married Harold Russell Morris, who died June 4, 1978.
Surviving are five daughters, Margaret (Peg) Wilson of Waynesburg R.D.4; Helen Jean Crayne and Janet Lippencott, both of Waynesburg; Darlene Aarons of Langhorn, and Karen Barber of Smithfield; three sons, Harold W. Morris of San Jose, Calif., Edward R. Morris and Carlton Morris, both of Waynesburg; 29 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Edith Kelly, Margaret Brown and Hilda Haines, all of Waynesburg; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased, in addition to her parents and husband, are two daughters, Anita Morris and Carol Ann Bodnar; three grandchildren, Crystal Smith Sullivan, Diana Lynn Swaniger and Robert Allen Swaniger; five brothers, Ralph, Floyd, Harold, Glenn and Morris Shultz; and a sister, Inez Orndoff.
Joanne Rohaley
E. Bethlehem High School graduate was Army veteran
Joanne Rohaley, 60, of the Veterans Administration Home in Hollidaysburg, formerly of Fredericktown, died at 9:15 p.m. Friday, March 6, 1998, in Bon Secour Holy Family Hospital, Scranton.
She was born September 9, 1937, in Fredericktown, a daughter of John and Sophia Mosier Rohaley.
She was Catholic.
For two years, she served in the U.S. Army at Fort Eustis, where she performed clerical work.
Miss Rohaley was a 1956 graduate of East Bethlehem High School.
She was formerly employed as a waitress.
Surviving are two brothers, James Rohaley of Clifton, N.J., and Andrew John Rohaley of Eighty Four; and three sisters, Marie Rohaley of Passaic, N.J., Martha Fender of Eighty Four and Madeline Toporcer of Washington.
Genevie Speicher
Member of W. Washington United Methodist Church
Genevie Speicher, 85, of Broad Street, Washington, died Friday, March 6, 1998, in Washington Hospital.
She was born April 26, 1912, in Washington, a daughter of Herman and Flossie Honnell.
Mrs. Speicher was a member of West Washington United Methodist Church.
She was a graduate of Washington High School and Washington Business College.
She was formerly employed by Keystone Foods and by McCann's Store, where she was a manager of the bakery department.
She also was a homemaker.
On December 24, 1943, in Washington, she married William J. Speicher, who survives.
Also surviving is a son, Ted D. Speicher of Brownfield, Texas.
Deceased is a sister, Dorothy.
Philip W. Stinger
Member of Brownsville Wesleyan Methodist
Philip W. Stinger, 93, of Brownsville, died at 8:15 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 1998.
He was born June 22, 1904, in Poplar Grove, a son of Philip and Ada Stinger.
He was a member of Brownsville Wesleyan Methodist Church.
In 1957, he retired from Vesta 4 Mine, and he was a member of District 4 UMWA.
Surviving are seven daughters, Cleota Grant of Seattle, Wash., Ruth Prugh of Brookfield, Ohio; Viola Novosel and Louise Pascale, both of Brownsville; Clara Bohatch of Mentor, Ohio; Thelma Arneson of Pittsburgh, and Wanda Field of Uniontown; four sons, Eli Stinger of Cleveland, Ohio; Walter Stinger of Eighty Four; Joe Stinger of Kansas City, Mo., and Emil Stinger of Uniontown; a sister, Caroline Duff of Fairless Hills; 38 grandchildren; 71 great-grandchildren; and 18 great-great-grandchildren.
Deceased are his wife, Mildred Viola Stinger, who died in 1988; a son, Philip Stinger, who died in 1997; two daughters, Doris Wolfe, who died in 1994, and Shirley Ann Stinger, who died in infancy; three brothers; and three sisters.
I. Wayne Tanner
Retired from Duquesne Light Warwick Mine
I. Wayne Tanner, 86, of Greensboro R.D.1 (Mapletown), died Saturday, March 7, 1998, at Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, W.Va.
He was born December 5, 1911, in Willow Tree, Greene Township, Greene County, a son of William Jerimiah and Bessie Ola Morrison Tanner.
A lifelong resident of the Mapletown area, he was a member of the Mapletown United Methodist Church and was recently attending the John Corbley Memorial Baptist Church in Garards Fort.
He was also a member of the Carmichaels Rook Club.
In the 1930s, he worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps. camps in Virginia and California.
Mr. Tanner retired from the Duquesne Light Warwick Mine in January 1974. He also did many types of mechanic work in the local area.
On April 9, 1939, he married Opal Marie Jones, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, David Wayne Tanner, at home; a daughter, Judith Tanner-Mann of Carmichaels; a grandson, Jeffrey Charles Mann; two brothers, Glenn Tanner of Waynesburg and Charles Tanner of Ruff Creek; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are four brothers, Ray, Herschel, Vernon and Burdell Tanner; and five sisters, Blanche Weyant, Pearl Tanner, Margaret Cole, Grace Tanner and Mildred Griego.
Catherine Weiser
Private services
Catherine "Katy" Beck Weiser, 88, of Canonsburg, died Friday, March 6, 1998, in McMurray Hills Manor, Peters Township, after a lengthy illness.
Surviving are two nieces, two great-nephews and one great-niece.
At the request of the deceased, there will be no viewing. Services and burial will be private.
Dennis L. Wilson
Member of American Legion Post 902, VFW 191
Dennis L. Wilson, 57, of 239 North Main Street, Houston, died Saturday, March 7, 1998 in Manor Care of McMurray.
He was born February 6, 1941, in Canonsburg, a son of the late Vernon and Virginia Shafer Wilson.
He was a graduate of Chartiers-Houston High School.
Mr. Wilson was retired from the former National Annealing Box Co. of Washington.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of the American Legion Post 902 of Houston and VFW No.191 of Canonsburg.
He was also a member of the Slovak Club and the American-German Association, both of Canonsburg.
Surviving are three daughters, Denise Raymer, Chris Wilson and Cindy Slider, all of Washington; six grandchildren; a brother, Alan Wilson of Columbus, Ohio; a sister, Leslie Ann Rothhaar of Bentleyville; two nephews; and a niece.
Eleanor Cree Wilson
Former Carmichaels resident
Word has been received of the death of Eleanor Cree Wilson, 75, of Clarksville, Ind., formerly of Carmichaels, who died Monday, March 2, 1998, at her home.
She was born May 15, 1922, in Greensboro, a daughter of Harry D. and Ethel Cree Waters.
She was a homemaker and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Waynesburg.
Surviving are two sons, Harry R. and Gary H. Wilson, both of Borden, Ind.; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Deceased are her husband, John I. Wilson, who died January 1, 1974; and a daughter, Penny Jo Wilson.
Services were held on Sunday, March 8, in Clarksville. A graveside memorial service will be held at a later date in Muddy Creek Cemetery, Khedive.
Harry Bruno
Former member of Immaculate Conception
Harry Bruno, 89, of Tullahoma, Tenn., formerly of Washington, died Thursday, April 30, 1998, in Harton Regional Medical Center, Tenn.
He was born June 8, 1908, in Washington, a son of Anthony and Frances Durante Bruno.
Mr. Bruno was a former member of Immaculate Conception Church. He was employed with the Dictaphone Corp. out of Bridgeport, Conn., for many years and attended Washington High School.
Surviving are three sons, Harry, Richard and Thomas Bruno, all of New York; a daughter, Patricia Neal; three sisters, Mary Longo, Elizabeth Glavaris and Catherine Zuckett all of Washington; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are three brothers, Arthur, John and Louis Bruno; and a sister, Evelyn Pias.
Irene B. Ferry
Lifelong resident of Forward Township
Irene B. "Bonnie" Ferry, 75, of Forward Township, Monongahela, died Thursday, April 30, 1998, in Monongahela Valley Hospital.
She was born September 8, 1922, in Forward Township, a daughter of Floyd and Susan Kelly Bonnell.
Mrs. Ferry was a lifelong resident of Forward Township and had graduated from Elizabeth High School, class of 1940.
Surviving are a son, Dana H. Ferry of North Huntingdon; two grandchildren, Lindsey and Joshua Ferry; three sisters, Gladys Smichnick of Florida, Marie Pasini of Forward Township and Lucille Pangburn of Washington.
Deceased are her husband, Hugh "Shy" Ferry; three brothers, Floyd, Freeman and Wayne Bonnell.
Services were private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Washington County Humane Society, P.O. Box 66, Eighty Four, PA 15330, or to the Salvation Army Mon Valley Citadel, 308 Schoonmaker Avenue, Monessen, PA 15062.
