Thomas R. Snedeker
Retired miner from Daisytown
Thomas R. Snedeker, 60, of Daisytown, died Wednesday, May 20, 1998, in Mon Valley Hospital.
He was born November 3, 1937, in Mt. Pleasant Township, a son of the late Andrew and Gladys Morrow Snedeker.
Mr. Snedeker was a retired miner, formerly employed by Cresent Hills Coal Co. of Daisytown.
He was a member of the Hungarian Club, Daisytown; Daisytown Athletic Club; Miners Club of Richeyville; Independent Club of Bentleyville; Italian Club of California; American Legion of California; Independent Club of Muse; Brownsville Sportsman Club; and Bishop Club and Southview Club, both of Canonsburg.
Surviving are his wife, Dolores Krilosky Snedeker; three daughters, Tammy Snedeker of Oakdale, Jeanette Selvoski of Bentleyville and Pamela Chiedor of Roscoe; two sons, Keith Snedeker of Hickory and Nicholas Krilosky of Daisytown; seven grandchildren, Brandon Vadella, Stephen and Desiree Selvoski, Ryan Krilosky, Ashley Snedeker, Breanna Huber and Breanne Chiedor; two sisters, Mary Jane Engle of McDonald and Ann Pryor of Washington; and a brother, Clifford Snedeker of Washington.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, is a sister, Betty Sethman.
Warren O. Wright
Retired truck driver moved to Texas
Warren O. Wright, 89, of Raymondville, Texas, died Tuesday, May 19, 1998, in the Retama Manor Nursing Center in Raymondville. He formerly resided in the Eighty Four and Washington areas.
He was born March 9, 1909, a son of Charles W. and Myrtle Long Wright.
Mr. Wright was a member of the First Christian Church of Raymondville and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, having served in Italy during World War II.
He was a heavy truck driver for 55 years. After retiring from driving with Wilkerson Trucking Co. of Washington, Mr. Wright moved to Texas.
Surviving are a sister, Lucile Wright Blakeway of Sebring, Fla.; a niece, Wanda Blakeway Bates of Hartford, Conn.; and a nephew, John K. Blakeway of Finleyville.
Graveside services will be held Friday in Lyford Cemetery, Raymondville.
Marie R. Craft
Teacher was past president of garden club
Marie R. Craft, 95, of Washington, died Friday, May 22, 1998, in Washington Hospital.
She was born March 26, 1903, in Troy, Ohio, daughter of Elta F. and Pearl Favorite Rudy.
Mrs. Craft was a member of the Faith United Presbyterian Church of Washington, where she was also a member of the Women's Association.
She studied at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and obtained a bachelor of science degree from Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. She was a teacher in both Wapakoneta and Granville, Ohio.
Mrs. Craft was a member of the American Association of University Women; past president of the Martha Washington Garden Club; and a member of the Washington Hospital Auxiliary and the Current Events Club.
On October 1, 1932, in Troy, Ohio, she married Roy S. Craft. Mr. Craft died October 30, 1990.
Surviving are a daughter, Barbara Craft Hemphill of Lockport, N.Y.; and two grandchildren, Rachel M. and James D. Hemphill.
A brother, Favorite C. Rudy, is deceased.
Constance Funderburk
Antique collector worked with Symphony South
Constance Elizabeth Funderburk of Washington, died Friday, May 22, 1998, in the Manor Care Nursing Home, McMurray.
She was born in Kannapolis, N.C., a daughter of Charles Richard and Anna Lucinda Keller Harmon.
Mrs. Funderburk was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Washington.
She was a graduate of Kannapolis (N.C.) High School and continued her education at Wingate College in North Carolina.
Mrs. Funderburk was a homemaker with many and varied interests. Early in her marriage, she collected antiques for a small shop which she opened, traveling all over the East coast on her buying trips. She later became an accomplished landscape gardener, showcasing azaleas and camellias in her yard in Goldsboro.
She was a bridge enthusiast, belonging to one or two clubs wherever she lived. She loved music and delighted in entertaining friends by playing medleys of golden oldies, learned by ear, on her organ keyboard. For many years she coordinated Symphony South's Children's Concert Services in local schools, accompanying the musicians to introduce them to the children.
On April 1, 1933, in Kannapolis, she married her high school sweetheart, James Calvin Funderburk, who died November 30, 1982.
Surviving are her son, Lance Harmon Funderburk of Washington; a sister, Louella Harmon Barlow of Greensboro, N.C.; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are four brothers, Sam, Lloyd, Will and Julian Harmon; and two sisters, Roseva and Lillie Mae Harmon.
Thaddeus Garbinsky
Washington Steel retiree was Trinity wrestler
Thaddeus "Ted" Garbinsky, 85, of Houston, formerly of Washington, died unexpectedly Thursday, May 21, 1998.
He was born October 7, 1912, in Washington, a son of Joachan and Josephine Zaworski Garbinsky.
Mr. Garbinsky was a lifetime member of Holy Trinity National Catholic Church, Washington.
He was a Trinity High School graduate, serving on the first winning wrestling team. He attended classes at Washington & Jefferson College and California University of Pennsylvania and graduated from Trade Unity in Pittsburgh.
He worked many years for Washington Steel, retiring as maintenance supervisor in 1975.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Mr. Garbinsky was a lifetime member of Anawanda Canonsburg Sportsman and Amateur Trapshooting Association and a 50-year member of the Moose Club of Washington
On October 2, 1939, in Winchester, Va., he married Stella Rasefske, who survives.
Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. He was the last of his immediate family.
Deceased are two brothers, Steve and John Garbinsky; four sisters, Mary Garbinsky, who died in infancy, Viola Bober, Frances Kalich and Sophie Abbas.
Alex J. Pascarella
Retired electrician for Combustion
Alex J. Pascarella of Gallatin, Monongahela, died Friday, May 22, 1998, in Monongahela Valley Hospital emergency room.
He was born August 23, 1925, in Gallatin, a son of Anthony and Angelina DeRosa Pascarella.
Mr. Pascarella was a lifetime resident of Gallatin and a member of St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church, Monongahela, and its Holy Name Society.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and had been employed as an electrician for Combustion Engineering, retiring in June of 1987.
Surviving are his wife, Florence Revetta, with whom he celebrated their 50th Anniversary on April 24.
Also surviving are a daughter, Angela L. Blade of Derwood, Md.; two brothers, Frank Pascarella of Gallatin and Anthony Pascarella of New Eagle; two sisters, Laura Metz and Marcey Grimm, both of Monongahela; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased is a brother, Nick Pascarella.
Lena Bess Pierce
Lifetime member Highland Brethren Church
Lena Bess Pierce, 79, of West Bethlehem Township, died Friday, May 22, 1998, in Humbert Lane Health Care Center, Washington.
She was born August 26, 1918, in West Bethlehem Township, a daughter of Samuel Gayman and Harriet Mable Cooper Shrontz.
Mrs. Pierce was a homemaker and a lifetime member of Highland Brethren Church and a member of its Women's Missionary Society.
On September 21, 1938, she married Hazlett G. Pierce, who died April 12, 1973.
Surviving are three sons, Charles G. "Lucky" Pierce of Pittsburgh, Raymond A. Pierce of Portville, Ind., and Hazlett G. "Dude" Pierce of Marianna; a daughter, Elsie Mae Gray of Amity; three brothers, Samuel C. Shrontz of Marianna, Franklin Shrontz of Prosperity and Alva G. Shrontz of Huntsville, Ala.; three sisters, Harriet Briggs of Washington, Jennie Davidson of Bladensburg, Ohio, and R. Lorraine Rasel of Marianna; 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased is a daughter, Carrie Lee Reilly.
Calvin C. Pratt
PennDOT employee was retired miner
Calvin C. Pratt, 61, of Carmichaels, died Thursday, May 21, 1998, in St. Francis Hospital, Pittsburgh.
He was born September 23, 1936, in Greene County, a son of the late Charles and Marie Nestor Pratt.
Mr. Pratt was a retired miner from Buckeye Coal Mine in Nemacolin and was formerly employed by the state Department of Transportation and Star Mould Machine Shop in Washington County.
He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Korean conflict and a member of VFW Post 3491 in Carmichaels and UMWA Local 6290.
On August 10, 1955, he married Frances Daugherty, who survives.
Also surviving are three sons, Calvin V. Pratt of Streetsboro, Ohio, Christopher and Kevin Pratt, both of Carmichaels; six grandchildren, Stacie, Kristy, Matthew, Rachael, Patrick and Hillary Pratt; four brothers, Robert of Roaming Shores, Ohio, and Wayne, Dale and Edward Pratt, all of Carmichaels; three sisters, Ruth Phillips of Spraggs, Faye Pratt of Uniontown and Ella Blouir of Waynesburg; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two brothers, Roy Lee Pratt and Charles Pratt; and a sister, Margaret Eliza Pratt.
Richard D. Sibert
Truck driver for delivery service
Richard Douglas Sibert, 49, of Hays Avenue, Washington, died at 3:15 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 1998, in Humbert Lane Health Care Center, following a lengthy illness.
He was born November 12, 1948, in Washington, a son of William Murray and Hazel Jeanette Funk Sibert.
Mr. Sibert was a truck driver and had been employed by Signal Delivery.
He was a member of the Slovak Club and a former social member of VFW Post 8319 of Washington.
On August 15, 1975, he married Darl Ann Nutter, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Scott Sibert of Washington; a stepson, Curtis Williams of Cardiff, N.J.; two stepdaughters, Charl Glendenning of West Finley and Valeta Williams of Washington; two brothers, William Murray Sibert and Harold David Sibert, both of Washington; two sisters, Mary R. Moore and Audrey Jane Wyland, both of Washington; and two grandchildren, Tanzie and Donald Glendenning.
At the request of the deceased, there will be no visitation or viewing. Funeral services will be held at a time to be announced. Interment in Washington Cemetery. Arrangements by William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., Washington.
Ruth Evelyn Bilby
Secretary for 20 years in office of Dr. E.B. Noble
Ruth Evelyn Bilby, 66, of Washington, died Monday, May 25, 1998, in her home, following a lengthy illness.
She was born June 20, 1931, In Washington, a daughter of Rolland and Margaret Strawn Stollar.
Mrs. Bilby was a secretary for Dr. Elenetta Beachley Noble for 20 years. She was also employed at Weber National Store and Findlay Refractories Company, both in Washington.
She was a 1951 graduate of Wash High School, attended Broad Street Baptist Church and enjoyed flowers and gardening.
On June 9, 1951, she married Robert M. Bilby, who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, James R. Bilby of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and Robert M. Bilby Jr. of Baltimore, Md.; a daughter, Susan L. Colussi of Washington; five grandchildren, Deanna Colussi and Melissa, Jonathan, Sarah and Ashley Bilby; two sisters, Anna Jane Giecek of Washington and Laverne Blue of Houston, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a brother, Roland Stollar; and a sister, Thelma Stollar.
Joseph W. Dowdy
Former McDonald resident was steelworker
Joseph W. Dowdy, 56, of Pittsburgh, formerly of McDonald, died Thursday, May 21, 1998, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.
He was born July 18, 1941, in McDonald, a son of James and Bernice Dowdy Mack.
Mr. Dowdy was a member of First Baptist Church of McDonald and the Fisherman's Club.
He was a steelworker for American Brake Shoe in Meadow Lands for 15 years before the plant closed in 1976.
Surviving are six brothers, William Dowdy, Eugene Bennett and Vernon Mack, all of Pittsburgh; James Dowdy of Moon Township, Louis Dowdy of Penn Hills and Richard Mack of McDonald; three sisters, Gloria Davis of Wilkinsburg, Virginia Mack Wallace of Washington and Sandy Dowdy of Nashville, Tenn.; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two brothers, Wayne and Robert Dowdy; and a sister, Norma Jean.
Charles Marquis
Former Mt. Pleasant Township supervisor
Charles "Bud" Marquis, 65, of Hickory, died Saturday, May 23, 1998, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
He was born August 21, 1932, in Washington, a son of Raymond and Sadie Lanier Marquis.
Mr. Marquis had been an auto mechanic for Hagan Olds and Cadillac and a truck driver for Russell Industries.
He was a member of Hickory United Presbyterian Church, a lifetime member of Mt. Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department, a former member of the Hickory Lions Club and a former member of Mt. Pleasant Water Authority.
Mr. Marquis was on the board of supervisors for Mt. Pleasant Township for 12 years.
On June 25, 1955, he married Shirley Griest, who survives.
Also surviving are three sons, Jeff Marquis of Aliquippa, James Marquis of Fort Worth, Texas, and Jon Marquis of Duncansville; a daughter, Janet Marquis of Wernersville; eight grandchildren, Michele, Jessie, Casey, Weston, Elija, Brandon, Amanda and Jenna; and a sister, Betty Jean Bigelow of Bruceton Mills, W.Va.
Kenneth R. Nuzum
Molycorp foreman, elder at Full Gospel Assembly
Kenneth Robert Nuzum, 84, of S Bridge Road, Washington, died at 1:15 p.m. Saturday, May 23, 1998, in Humbert Lane Health Care Center. He had been in declining health the past year.
He was born January 28, 1914, in Pittsburgh, a son of the Rev. Joseph L. and Martha O'Dell Nuzum.
Mr. Nuzum was employed at Molycorp for 36 years, working for several years as a foreman.
For many years, he was a member and elder of Full Gospel Assembly, a church founded and pastored by his father, the Rev. J. L. Nuzum. He was currently attending the Covenant Life Fellowship in Washington.
Mr. Nuzum was a graduate of New Bethlehem High School and enjoyed gardening and woodworking.
On September 4, 1937, he married Ruby Maxine Magers, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Larry Nuzum of Washington; two daughters, Carol Furtak of West Palm Beach, Fla., and Linda Hall of Bridgeville; a sister, Velma Mounts of Virginia Beach, Va.; eight grandchildren, Brent Bonar, Lori Wheeler, Kimberly Warne, Sherri DeLuca, Melanie Altieri, Tara Hall and Amanda Nuzum and Jeremy Nuzum; five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two brothers, Rev. Raymond Nuzum and Merle Nuzum.
John Seman Jr.
Retired steelworker was member of St. Anthony's
John Seman Jr., 75, of Courtney, died Sunday, May 24, 1998, in Monongahela Valley Hospital, Carroll Township.
He was born March 25, 1923, in Union Township, a son of John and Pauline Mayercik Seman Sr.
Mr. Seaman retired in September 1982, from U.S. Steel Clairton Works with 40 years of service, and was a U.S. Army veteran serving during World War II with the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion.
He was a member of St. Anthony's Church in Monongahela, the Sutman Yohe VFW Post 1409 of Monongahela, the James C. Ford American Legion Post 949 of Dunkirk, the Slovak American Citizens Club and the American Russian Citizens Club, both of Monongahela.
Surviving are a stepson, Richard E. Bucklew of North Huntingdon; two sisters, Wilma Seman of Courtney, and Elaine Johnston of Finleyville; several nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Deceased are wife, Elizabeth "Dot" Semke Seman, who died on August 17, 1982; a brother, Adam Seman; and three sisters, Julie and Mary Seman and Pauline Stoy Thompson.
Frances Spalla
Canonsburg resident enjoyed baking and sewing
Frances "Babe" Spalla, 91, of Canonsburg, died Sunday, May 24, 1998, in AUH-Canonsburg.
She was born December, 16, 1906, in McKeesport, a daughter of Emidio and Antonette Kittico Ritchie.
Mrs. Spalla was a resident of Canonsburg for over 70 years, where she was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, and for more than 50 years was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court 1211 of Canonsburg.
On July 15, 1926, in McKeesport, she married Joseph Spalla, who died July 1, 1969.
Mrs. Spalla was a homemaker who enjoyed baking pastries and breads and excelled in sewing, especially clothing.
Surviving are a daughter, Mary Interval of Washington; a sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Spalla of McMurray; five grandchildren, Lucian and Mark Spalla, LuAnn Carnahan and John and Tony Interval; and seven great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a son, Lucian, who died September 3, 1997; a brother, Anthony Ritchie; and two sisters, Marie Morrell and Josephine Flex.
Thomas B. Ward
Baker for Giant Eagle was U.S. Marine in Korea
Thomas B. Ward, 61, of Library, died unexpectedly, Saturday, May 23, 1998, in South Park Township.
He was born January 17, 1937, in Canonsburg, a son of the late Thelma Durbin and Lester Ward.
Mr. Ward was a baker for Giant Eagle, and was a U.S. Marine during the Korean War.
Surviving are his wife, Maureen E. Shaver; a son, Charles Shaver of Canonsburg; five daughters, Kimberly Shaver, Karen Burton, Renee Martin, Tina Thorn and Denise McAllister; two brothers, Johnny Barsody and Dennis Barsody; and 14 grandchildren.
CORRECTION
Incorrect information was provided for the obituary of Thomas B. Ward, published Tuesday. His mother, Thelma Durbin Barsody, survives. He also served as a U.S. Marine during the time of the Korean War but did not serve in Korea.
Neil R. Wilbur
Ohio resident born in Wellsboro, W.Va.
Neil R. Wilbur, 79, of Route 2, Little Hocking, Ohio, died Sunday, May 24, 1998, at Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital, Parkersburg, W.Va.
He was born in Wellsboro, a son of Lawrence and Anita Niles Wilbur.
He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, and after 36 years of service, retired from Taynton Trucking Co., Wellsboro.
Surviving are his wife of 41 years, Dorothy Marie Kiger Wilbur; two daughters, Robin Sparks of Little Hocking, Ohio, and Tamara Wilbur of Portland, Ore.; two sons, Scott Wilbur of Seattle, Wash., and Obie Wilbur of Boston, Mass.; two stepsons, William Inghram of Belpre, Ohio; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by six sisters, Zelma Behanna of Reivilles, W.Va., Alverta Alexander of Wellsboro, Verna Geirhart of Wilmington, N.C., Arlene Hamblin of Middlebury, Conn., Yvonne Hamblin and Beryle Sawyer, both of Wellsboro; two brothers, Lewis Wilbur of Lakeland, Fla., and Aaron Wilbur of Middleburg Center; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two brothers, Lawrence Jr. and Donald Wilbur; and one grandson, William Bradley Golden.
Donations may be to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905.
Correction
INCOMPLETE information was published Tuesday in the obituary of Neil R. Wilbur. Surviving are two stepsons, William Inghram of Greenville, Ala. and Ronald Inghram of Belpre, Ohio. Also, entombment will be at 1 p.m. Friday, May 29, at Mon Valley Memorial Park Mausoleum, Donora.
Evelyn L. Wright
Carmichaels homemaker
Evelyn L. Wright, 86, of Route 21 Mobile Home Park, Carmichaels, died at 4:10 p.m. Sunday, May 24, 1998, in Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, W. Va.
She was born September 22, 1911, in Greene County, a daughter of Raymer and Mattie Temple Myers.
Mrs. Wright was a homemaker and a member of First Church of the Nazarene, Waynesburg.
Her husband, Edwin Wright, died May 3, 1980.
Surviving are two daughters, Loretta Shriver of Waynesburg R.D. 6 and Helen Vernon of Carmichaels; a son, Raymond E. Wright of Morgantown, W.Va.; 22 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Caroline Dupler of Lexington, Gladys Santovicca of Newburgh, Ohio, and Margaret Hayhurst of Reedsville, W.Va.; and a brother, John L. Thomas of Bellview, W.Va.
Deceased are a daughter, Deloris Russell; a son, Richard D. Wright; a sister, Helen Gola; a brother, Harold Myers; and three grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Frank J. Ambrosic Jr.
Sales representative
Frank J. Ambrosic Jr., 84, of Library, died in his home Monday, May 25, 1998.
Born November 8, 1913, in Moon Run, he was a son of Frank J. and Jennie Kaucic Ambrozic.
Mr. Ambrosic was the treasurer and steward of the Library Education and Entertainment Home; was a sales representative for C.W. Larson for 45 years; and was a member of SNPJ Lodge 386 for 69 years.
His wife, Mildred L. Kinkella Ambrosic, died in 1963.
Surviving are two daughters, Susan M. Ambrosic of South Park and Christine A. Ambrosic of Library; and one nephew.
A sister, Stella A. Atcheson, is deceased.
Betty Jane Crawford
Lifelong resident of Nemacolin
Betty Jane Crawford, 58, of Nemacolin, died at 7:50 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, 1998, at the Mount St. Macrina Manor Nursing Home, Uniontown.
She was born July 19, 1939, in Nemacolin, a daughter of James and Rachel Celli Lowther Sr. of Nemacolin.
Mrs. Crawford was a 1957 graduate of Cumberland Township High School in Carmichaels and resided in Nemacolin all of her life.
She was employed as a cashier at Brodak's Shop N' Save in Carmichaels until her recent illness. She was Presbyterian.
Surviving are a son, James W. Crawford of Nemacolin; a daughter, Shari Tiberi of Fairbank; two grandchildren, Harley Jane Tiberi and Timothy Ludrosky; a brother, James Lowther Jr. of Greensboro; and two nieces.
There will be no public viewing for Mrs. Crawford. A graveside committal service will be held at a day and time to be announced.
