JOSEPH J. SHEARN, SR.
Joseph J. Shearn, Sr., age 67, of Steelton, died Friday, June 27, 2003 in his home.
He was a retired mail contractor for the U.S. Postal Service, was a member of the St. Catherine Laboure R.C. Church, Swatara Twp., Life member of the Steelton Republican Club, and a social member of the Steelton V.F.W. Post 710. He was an avid angler.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.
Surviving are his wife, Donna L. Salinger Shearn; 2 sons, Joseph J. Shearn, Jr., of Thorton, Colorado, Stephen M. Shearn of Lower Paxton Township; 1 step-daughter, Paula Maravich of Steelton; 2 step-sons, Richard Taylor at home, Frank Taylor of Swatara Township; 1 brother, Robert M. Shearn of Las Vegas, Nevada; 1 granddaughter, Cieara Shearn and 4 aunts, Mary Banesse, Anastasia Beckus, Dorothy Beckus, and Catherine Hardnock, all of Mount Carmel, PA.
FUNERAL SERVICES: Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 2, 2003 at11 a.m., in the St. Catherine Laboure R.C. Church. Burial in Resurrection Cemetery. A viewing will be held on Tuesday from 7-9 p.m., in the Wiedeman Funeral Home, 357 South Second Street, Steelton. Recitation of the Rosary on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m.
MARGARET A. WALBORN
Margaret A. "Peg" Walborn, 60, of Lower Paxton Township, died Friday, June 27, 2003 in Community General Osteopathic Hospital.
She was a registered nurse at the Harrisburg State Hospital, retiring as Supervisor and Director of Nursing Education. She was a graduate of Millersburg High School, Polyclinic School of Nursing and the Millersville State College, was a member of Holy Name of Jesus Roman Catholic Church and the Polyclinic Nurses Association.
She is survived by a brother, Duane S. Walborn and wife, Nancy of Medford, NJ; two aunts, Margaret Miller and Mildred Luttrell, both of Winchester, VA; two nieces, Michaela Bianchi and husband, Stephen, and Megan Walborn; one great-niece, Carolyn Bianchi; and numerous loving friends.
FUNERAL SERVICES: Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 1, 2003 at 10 a.m., in Holy Name of Jesus Roman Catholic Church, 6150 Allentown Blvd., Lower Paxton Township. Burial in Holy CrossCemetery. A viewing will be held on Monday from 6-9 p.m., in the Fackler-Wiedeman Funeral Home, 23rd and Derry Streets, Harrisburg.
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Name of Jesus Roman Catholic Church, 6150 Allentown Blvd., Harrisburg, PA 17112; the American Diabetes Association, 3544 North Progress Avenue, Suite 202, Harrisburg, PA 17110 or Ned Smith Center, P.O. Box 33, Walnut and Pine Streets, Millersburg, PA 17061.
JOHN A. BAJCIC
John A. Bajcic, of Steelton, died Sunday, June 29, 2003, in the Community General Osteopathic Hospital.
He was a retired accountant for the Commonwealth of PA, General State Authority. Member of The Prince of Peace Roman Catholic Parish, Steelton and an avid Notre Dame and New York Yankees fan.
Survived by three sisters, Helen Kirby of Mechanicsburg, Anna Orris of Swatara Twp., and Elizabeth Daniels of Lower Swatara Twp. and several nieces and nephews.
FUNERAL SERVICES: Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 3, 2003 at 1:30 p.m., in the Prince of Peace-Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, Steelton. Burial in the Resurrection Cemetery. A viewing will be held on Thursday, from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m. in the church. Arrangements are by the Wiedeman Funeral Home, Steelton.
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: Memorial contributions may be made to Prince of Peace Roman Catholic Parish, 815 South Second Street, Steelton, PA 17113.
CATHERINE RUDMAN SUKNAIC
Catherine "Katie" Rudman Suknaic, age 92, of 322 North Second Street, Harrisburg and formerly of Steelton, died Tuesday, July 1, 2003.
She was the daughter of the late Lovro and Kata Gustin Rudman of Steelton. She was a retired employee of PA Department of Transportation and the former co-owner, along with her late husband, Steven, of Suky's Tavern, Harrisburg. She was a member of the Cathedral Parish of St. Patrick, Harrisburg and the St. Lawrence Lodge #13, C.F.U. of Steelton and a member of the former Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Parish, Steelton.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Stephen J. Suknaic and three brothers and 4 sisters.
Surviving are one daughter, Joan Suknaic Dougherty of Susquehanna Twp.; four sisters, Frances Romano of Steelton, Josephine Russ of New Cumberland, Margaret Hagy of Steelton and Jean Priver of North Hollywood, CA; twogranddaughters, Kathryn H. Dougherty of Harrisburg and Patricia Brennan of Hollywood, FL; five grandsons, Lt. Col. John M. Dougherty of Boston, Paul J. Dougherty, M.D. of Camarillo, CA, James C. Dougherty, Esq. of Washington, D.C., Thomas S. Dougherty, Esq. of Las Vegas, NV and Steven John Suknaic of Austin, TX; six great-grandchildren, Abigail and Andrew Dougherty, Katie and Jeremy Brennan, Sean and Cecelia Suknaic and a daughter-in-law, Regina B. Suknaic of Hollywood, FL.
FUNERAL SERVICES: Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated on Monday, July 7, 2003 at 1:30 p.m., in the Cathedral Parish of St. Patrick, 212 State Street, Harrisburg. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. A viewing will be held on Monday, from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m., in the Wiedeman Funeral Home, 357 South Second Street, Steelton.
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to PinnacleHealth Hospice, 3705 Elmwood Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17110 or Messiah Village, 100 Mt. Allen Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
ANNA JURDANA SHUMAN
Anna Jurdana Shuman, age 73, of Steelton, died Wednesday July 2, 2003, in the Carolyn Croxton Slane Residence of Hospice of Central PA.
She was a retired secretary for the PA Turnpike Commission, a member of Prince of Peace R.C. Parish, Steelton and its Seniors group.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Nicholas Shuman. Surviving are her children, Mark Shuman of Halifax, Victoria Shuman of Mechanicsburg, Colleen Quinn of Potomac, MD, Robert Shuman of Harrisburg, Theresa Mulligan of Middletown, and Michael Shuman of Harrisburg; one brother, Rudolph Paukner of Harrisburg; and five grandchildren.
FUNERAL SERVICES: Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 5, 2003, in Prince of Peace-Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, Steelton. Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery. A viewing will be held on Saturday from 8:30-10:30 a.m., in the Wiedeman Funeral Home, 357 S. Second Street, Steelton.
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central PA, P.O. Box 266, 98 South Enola Drive, Enola, PA 17025 or Prince of Peace Parish, 815 S. Second Street, Steelton, PA 17113.
HONORABLE DONALD M. CARROLL
The Honorable Donald M. Carroll, Jr., died July 2, 2003 in his Mechanicsburg home after a long illness. He died with his wife and his stepdaughters at his side.
Don's last days were during the longest, brightest days of the year, a parallel to his life. Born December 3, 1931, he was the greatly loved only child of Mary and Donald Carroll, Sr. He resembled his father in his leadership qualities, his love for education and his love for history. Like his father, who was president of his high school class, Don assumed a leadership role in many organizations of which he was a member. From being president of high school student council, to his college fraternity, to the military, to school districts, to state government, Don was a voice for many. He was the sort of leader that gave power instead of hoarding power. He mentored people and took delight in their accomplishments. He worked with children his entire life, starting in his teenage years as a camp counselor and culminating as the State Secretary of Education for Governor Robert P. Casey.
Don had a captivating romantic streak. With warm brown eyes and a head wreathed in pipe smoke, he exuded pleasure when learning about someone or something. One reason we miss him so much is because his appetite for life was so contagious. As a boy, he spent one summer with both arms in casts because he thought he could fly from one tree to another. When he was ten, he pitched a tent over General Braddock's grave and bravely spent the night to see if he could spot Braddock's ghost. History and heroes were Don's companions his whole life. He traveled to Ireland so he could lay his hands on the walls that Roman soldiers built thousands of years ago. He brought his family to French and Indian War forts and told stories of George Washington and Half-King's daughter. He loved the bagpipes and the wild history of warrior Celts. He visited early Viking homes in Iceland, sailed on the brig Niagara, and explored the St. Lawrence River.
As a lover of the heroic he was a natural for the Marine Corps. In 1953 he enlisted after earning a B.S. in Education from Westminster College. He was on active duty with the 12th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Division of the Marine Corps, continuing to serve with the reserves for a total of 18 years, and retired as a major.
A year after his enlistment he married his college sweetheart Nancy Wiggins and soon started a family. Don and Nancy had two children, Suzanne and Mark. He participated in Girl Scouts with his daughter and enjoyed canoeing with his son. Life revolved around swim practice and swim meets as his children grew up. He was very happily married to Nancy for 37 years and nursed her through her final illness at home.
Don was a career educator. His favorite job was being a fifth grade teacher in Pittsburgh, where he used to tell his students he was a Civil War soldier and bring history to life from a first person perspective. He believed all children should have the opportunity to work towards their potential. He completed doctoral coursework in education from the University of Pittsburgh, was later granted two honorary PhD's (one from Westminster College and the other from Holy Family College) and was Superintendent of Harrisburg School District.
During his tenure he was a familiar face at sporting events, student plays, proms and any activity where he could be with the students. After he retired, he returned to football and basketball games in the city. A good day would be a great day if he was recognized by an old friend and was able to find out how they were doing.
His early career coincided with a time of educational reform and Don rose to prominence for his ability to build consensus. He helped reorganize and consolidate school districts across the state for the first time since the late 1800's. He helped draft progressive educational policy. He established the Intermediate Unit system in Pennsylvania and started the Governor's School for the Arts. He was remarkable because he was able to effect this change in such a positive way. His impact was very personal as well. His leadership style brought him to visit schools in every county of the state, acquiring an encyclopedic knowledge of Pennsylvania.
Don remarried in 1994. His retirement as State Secretary of Education was one of the easiest office transitions in state history as his wife, Jane Doyle Carroll, was appointed Acting Secretary of Education by Governor Tom Ridge. They were the only husband and wife to occupy the same state cabinet position for successive administrations. It was a singular moment that Don relished.
At an age where most adults are ready to relax and enjoy the company of grandchildren, Don acquired four stepdaughters ranging in age from 12 to 21. He became fully involved in the lives of his stepdaughters and found his swimming pool overrun with screaming teenagers, posing for prom photos, visiting colleges and hosting weddings. The phone never stopped ringing and the door was never closed. His children, stepchildren and grandchildren were a source of constant pleasure.
The last two years of his life were very limited in what he could do physically but he decided he would rather wear himself out doing things than sit at home. He traveled out of state to visit his family, threw snowballs, rode in a convertible, and continued to enjoy life. He let his youngest stepdaughter, Kathy get a retriever puppy for Christmas and watched his house turn into a puppy playground. He thrived on the life that surrounded him while his own health failed. He never withdrew from people and he never complained. He was our star.
Surviving Don are his wife Jane Carroll, his two children Suzanne Hunter of Reading, MA and Mark Carroll of Downingtown, PA, four stepdaughters, Kelly Boyle of Mechanicsburg, PA, Kerry Ann Kenney of Sterling, VA, Karen Bolus of Milton, PA and Kathleen Thorne of Mechanicsburg, PA, three grandchildren Alexandra Hunter, Daniel Carroll and William Carroll and one step-grandson, J.P. Boyle.
FUNERAL SERVICES: A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 noon, Tuesday July 8, 2003 in the St. Katharine Drexel Roman Catholic Church, 1 Peter Drive, Mechanicsburg. Burial in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. A Visitation will be held Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon in his church. Fackler-Wiedeman Funeral Home, Harrisburg is handling arrangements.
MEMORIAL CONTRIUBTIONS: In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Donald M. Carroll Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund C/O Harrisburg School District 1201 North Sixth Street Harrisburg, PA 17102.
MARY L. LAU MILLETICS
Mary L. Lau Milletics, age 65, of Dauphin Manor, and formerly of Manada Street, Harrisburg, died Saturday, July 5, 2003 in the Holy Spirit Hospital.
She was a homemaker and a member of the Cathedral Parish of St. Patrick, Harrisburg and its Bingo committee.
She was the widow of Donald A. Milletics. She is survived by one son, Michael L. Milletics of Sicklerville, NJ; three daughters, Donna K. Knoble of Swatara Twp., Diana R. Hickoff of Flagstaff, Arizona, and Linda A. Baker of Lower Swatara Twp.; two brothers, Martin Lau of Paxtonia and William Lau of Hanover; two sisters, Delores Ortity of Middletown and Helen Lau of Paxtonia; twelve grandchildren and a great-grandson.
FUNERAL SERVICES: Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2003 at 10:30 a.m. in the Wiedeman Funeral Home, 357 South Second Street, Steelton. Burial in the Holy Cross Cemetery. A viewing will be held on Thursday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the funeral home.
RALPH J. MOJECKI
Ralph J. Mojecki, age 81, of Harrisburg, died Thursday, July 3, 2003.
FUNERAL SERVICES: Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by the Fackler-Wiedeman Funeral Home, Harrisburg.
THOMAS J. KNULL
Thomas J. Knull, age 69, of Enola, died Thursday, July 3, 2003 at his home.
He was a partner and operator of Thermax of Enola and a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, Enola.
He is survived by his wife, Stephanie Knull; a son, Thomas D. Knull of Enola and two grandchildren, Nicholas and Ciara Knull.
FUNERAL SERVICES: Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10 a.m., in Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, 225 Salt Road, Enola. Burial will be in Rolling Green Memorial Park. There will be no viewing or visitation. Fackler-Wiedeman Funeral Home, Harrisburg, is handling arrangements.
NANCY J. DIVELY SHIRLEY
Nancy J. Dively Shirley, age 68, of Hoy Towers, died Thursday, July 10, 2003 in the SCCI Hospital, Harrisburg.
She was a retired employee of the Community General Osteopathic Hospital, volunteered with Meals-on-Wheels at Hoy Towers, and was an avid bingo player.
She was the widow of Mervin W. Shirley.
She is survived by her children, Mervin J. Shirley of Middle Paxton Twp., Linda C. Rivera, Donna M. Shirley, and Ronald W. Shirley, all of Harrisburg; three brothers, James Dively of Perdix, Ronald Dively of Newville, and Raymond Dively of New Cumberland; two sisters, Theo Spotts and Shirley Celskey, both of Steelton; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
FUNERAL SERVICES: Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 14, 2003 at 7 p.m., in the Wiedeman Funeral Home, 357 South Second Street, Steelton. A viewing will be held on Monday from 5-7 p.m., in the funeral home.
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: Memorial contributions may be made to PinnacleHealth Hospice, 3705 Elmwood Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17110 or the Leukemia Society of America, 800 Corporate Circle, Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
IRWIN R. BRANDT
Irwin R. "Bud" Brandt 75, of Susquehanna Twp., died Thursday, July 10, 2003 in the Carolyn Croxton Slane Residence of Hospice of Central PA.
He was a retired salesman for Abco, Inc., Irwin, PA, was an antique dealer, active in the Capital Region Antique Dealers Association, distinguished as Member Emeritus, he was a graduate of Carlisle High School, Class of 1945, and attended Temple University and the Wharton School of Finance, both of Philadelphia. He was an Army Veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict, with rank of Staff Sergeant, a longtime member of the Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Harrisburg, and served as President of the church council and numerous committees during his tenure there.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Pearl A. Saul Brandt; a daughter, Virginia Susan Brandt of Lower Paxton Twp.; several aunts, cousins, and an uncle.
FUNERAL SERVICES: Funeral services will be held onMonday, July 14, 2003 at 2 p.m., in the Fackler-Wiedeman Funeral Home, 23rd and Derry Streets, Harrisburg. Burial in the Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. A viewing will be held on Monday from 12 noon until 2 p.m., in the funeral home.
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Capital Region Unit, 3211 N. Front Street, Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
LINDA J. HENDRICKS ACRI
Linda J. Hendricks Acri, age 60, of Harrisburg, died Friday, July 11, 2003 in the Community General Osteopathic Hospital.
She was a housekeeping supervisor for the Senate of PA; member of the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, Harrisburg and a graduate of Central Dauphin High School.
She is survived by her husband, James P. "Sig" Acri; one daughter, Susan H. Zitto and her husband, Mark of Susquehanna Twp.; one son, Thomas W. Acri and his wife, Pam of Harrisburg; one aunt, Jane Thompson of Paxtang; one uncle, Daniel Glass of Lake Tahoe, CA; and eight grandchildren, Alaina, Kara, Ali, Maddie, Dominic, Lia, Jack, and Isabelle.
FUNERAL SERVICES: Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 14, 2003 at 11 a.m., in the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, 25th and Berryhill Streets, Harrisburg. Burial in the Holy Cross Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Monday, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., in the church. Arrangements by Fackler-Wiedeman Funeral Home, Harrisburg.
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, 555 South 25th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104.
