Longtime teacher, coach
at Mapletown High School
Francis (Fran) Bigley, 67, of Mapletown, died Sunday, February 10, 2008, in Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, W.Va.
He was born October 27, 1940, in Greensburg, a son of Bernard F. Bigley Sr. of Dunbar and the late Emily Leapline Bigley.
A graduate of California University of Pennsylvania, he was an industrial arts teacher in Southeastern Greene School District's Mapletown High School, until his retirement in 1998, and was also a highly regarded high school boy's basketball coach for 22 years. Following his retirement, he continued to officiate basketball games and assist as timekeeper with Mapletown's home games.
In his spare time, he enjoyed playing bluegrass music on his banjo.
Surviving, in addition to his father, are his wife, Louise Williams Bigley; a daughter, Evonne Bigley-DeNome of Martinsburg, W.Va.; three sons, Bernard "Buddy" Bigley Jr. of Dallas, Texas, Timothy (Timmy) Bigley of Bobtown and Michael Bigley Esq. of Mapletown; six grandchildren, Mark A. DeNome Jr. and Ashley, Nicholas, Taylor, Tyler and Jacob Bigley; two brothers, John Bigley of Clarksville and David Bigley of Washington; and two sisters, Regina Lambie-Nazimek of Connellsville and Lois Jean Bigley of Dunbar.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and until 11 a.m., the hour of service, Thursday, February 14, in Richard R. Herod Funeral Home, Point Marion, with the Revs. Frank Vucic and Jenny Williams officiating. Interment will follow in Garards Fort Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be offered to Fran Bigley Memorial Fund for benefit of Mapletown Jr.-Sr. High School, Community Bank, 100 North Market Street, Carmichaels, PA 15320.
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JOHN BRAGER
Molycorp retiree enjoyed fishing and his family
John Brager, 83, of Avella, died Sunday, February 10, 2008, in Washington Hospital, following a brief illness.
He was born June 14, 1924, in Willock, Allegheny County, a son of John and Pearl Grandon Brager.
Mr. Brager grew up in Slovan, and in 1946, he moved to Brush Run with his family, where he resided until his death.
During World War II, he served in the civil service in Hawaii, where he worked as a machinist in a shipyard.
For 38 years, Mr. Brager was a metallurgist assistant at Molycorp, retiring in 1986. He was also a self-employed dairy farmer.
He loved to fish and really enjoyed family gatherings in his Brush Run home.
Mr. Brager was very quick-witted and great with a joke. He kept up on current events and enjoyed reading and doing puzzles. He was a history buff who loved to read about the Civil War.
Mr. Brager was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Washington.
He will be dearly missed by his loving wife, children and grandchildren, who cherished every moment they spent together.
On December 13, 1954, he married Mary Etta Allen, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, James (Patricia) Brager of Midway; four daughters, Sandra (John) Pirillo, Mary (Danny) Petka, Theresa (Mike) Milvet and Sherri (Stephen) Lowe, all of Avella; 12 grandchildren, Melissa, JoAnn, John, Jessica, Amber, Angela, Ryan, Jade, Mikey, Samantha, Megan and Zachary; and seven great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a son, John Michael Brager, who died in 1981; two brothers, Frank and Charles; and three sisters, Pauline, Mary and Clementine.
Friends will be received from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 12. Burial will follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Peters Township. Additional information and guest book are online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
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ROBERT WILLIS BRYNER
Known as "Pap-Pap" to his family and many friends
Robert Willis (Bob) "Pap-Pap" Bryner died Friday, February 8, 2008, in his home.
He was born October 14, 1903, in a tent in Yellow Creek, Calhoun County, near Grantsville, W.Va., the seventh of eight children born to James Willis and Theodocia Rosella Dickson Bryner.
The family moved to Pennsylvania in 1906, settling near Prosperity. Here, his mother died of measles and pneumonia on New Year's Day 1910. His father then married Elizabeth, the sister of Theodocia.
Mr. Bryner attended one-room schools for his entire education. He attended Lindley School until it closed for lack of students and completed his schooling at Dickerson School. The names of his teachers represent a historical look back at the education system. At Lindley school, the teachers were Irene Buffington, Nelly Sanders and George J. Woodburn. At Dickerson, the teachers were Bessie Breese, Jessie Cooper, George J. Woodburn and Alice Petty Cracraft.
For some years, he rode to Dickerson School in the original school transportation - a two-horse surrey operated by Mr. Mont Auld. When the surrey was not available, the children were paid $25 a year to walk to school. When the weather was bad, they coated their shoes with sheep tallow and walked.
Mr. Bryner chose the oil fields of Pennsylvania for his life's work. In 1919, he became a roustabout. In 1925, he was promoted to pumper then to driller and supervisor. His main employers were Ed Tagg Oil, Cameron & McCloy Oil and Grayson Oil Co. He was especially proud of the fact that he worked for Grayson Oil Co. for 28 years and never missed a day of work.
On November 14, 1925, in the parsonage of Avery Methodist Church, he married Romaine Fay Emerick, the daughter of Henry and Nancy Dixon Emerick. They were both 22 years of age.
Both he and his wife were born again in July 1929 at a Bentleyville camp meeting. He was a consistent Christian, serving the Lord not only through his church but also as a long-standing member of Gideons International, raising funds for and distributing Bibles.
A real churchman, in 1931, he joined First Church of the Nazarene, Washington. He served as Sunday school superintendent for more than 30 years, church treasurer for more than 35 years, an effective Sunday school teacher, a soloist and a man of prayer, always wanting people to know that God loved them and wanted them to have a better life on Earth and eternal life in heaven.
An avid hunter, he hunted the hills of Pennsylvania with his nephews, Kenny and Kendall Johnson, and others and later the mountains of Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming with his son-in-law, James Goss, and nephew, Andy Bryner.
Mr. Bryner was also a marksman, competing in both rifle and shotgun events. He passed on his love for shooting by aiding his only grandson, Scott, in becoming a shooter for Trinity's rifle team and the passage of that same rifle from Scott to his son to compete on McGuffey's rifle team.
Mrs. Bryner, his wife of 64 years, died in 1990.
In 1999, at age 95, he married Lydia Katherine Clutter, who survives and lives at Campbell Apartments in Washington.
In August 2004, he became dependent on his daughter, Dolores, who faithfully and personally cared for him and supervised his care. He first went to live with her and her husband in California, returning to his home in June 2005, where she continued to care for him.
Surviving, in addition to his second wife, are his daughter, Dolores Goss and husband the Rev. James Goss; his son, Robert C. Bryner and wife Donna; two grandchildren, Pamela Oldham (Michael) of California and R. Scott Bryner (Tish) of Claysville; two great-grandchildren, Tiffany Afonso (Brandon) of California and Robert Scott "Garret" Bryner of Washington County; great-grandchildren Jase and Alaysha Browning; and a host of nephews and nieces.
Deceased, in addition to his first wife, are four sisters, Jessie Stockdale, Margaret Johnson, Esther Golden and Eleanor Elliott, and three brothers, James Alexander, John Henry and Charles Theodore Bryner.
Psalm 4:8 was his favorite Scripture verse: "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." His favorite Gospel song was "The Longer I Serve Him."
His faith was his greatest gift to his many friends and all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Gideons International, Dr. Clive Phillips, 1616 Ridgewood Drive, Washington, PA 15301.
Friends will be received from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Additional visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to noon, the hour of service, Saturday, February 16, in First Church of the Nazarene, 1336 North Main Street, Washington, with the Rev. James L. Goss officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery.
Additional information and guest book are online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
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JOSEPH S. CZEMERDA
A memorial service for Joseph S. Czemerda, who died Thursday, January 31, 2008, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 16, in Labor Temple, 15 South Central Avenue, Canonsburg, with the Rev. Eric Powell officiating.
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HELEN FEFOLT
Dublin, Ohio, resident,
formerly of Finleyville
Helen Fefolt, 91, of Dublin, Ohio, formerly of Finleyville, died Saturday, February 9, 2008.
Surviving are a son, Kenneth (Donna); a daughter, Marion (Ed) Whiteman; granddaughters Andrea and Lindsay; a brother, William (Mercedes) Pust; and a sister, Rose Bowen.
Deceased is her husband, William.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 14, in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 3609 Washington Avenue, Finleyville, PA 15332. Private burial will take place in Jefferson Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Church. Condolences are online at www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com.
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THOMAS LEE FRANKS
Bethlehem Mines electrician
Thomas Lee Franks, 65, of Washington, died Monday, February 11, 2008, in his home. He had been in declining health.
He was born July 9, 1942, in Uniontown, a son of Margaret Coffman Fuller of Washington and the late Thomas Reed Franks.
Mr. Franks graduated from Trinity High School and Washington & Jefferson College.
He was an electrician at Bethlehem Mines Corp. for 25 years and formerly taught at Bentworth and Fort Cherry high schools.
Mr. Franks was an active member in First Christian Church, East Washington, where he also sang in the choir.
He was a member of Sunset Lodge 623 and Martha V. Paul Chapter Eastern Star.
On June 10, 1967, he married Andrea Lee Sigwalt, who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Kevin Reed (Sherry Ann) Franks and Keith Andrew Franks, both of Washington.
Deceased is an infant brother, David Reed Franks.
Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 15, with Dr. David Felty officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray. Additional information and guest book are online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
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WALTER EDWARD MAXWELL
Formerly of McMurray
and Washington
Walter Edward Maxwell, 86, formerly of McMurray and Washington, died Monday, February 11, 2008.
He was born August 2, 1921, in Washington, a son of Walter and Edith Davis Maxwell.
He was the beloved husband of the late Ann Kerchinsky Maxwell; loving father of Mark (Chris) Maxwell and Mace (Laura) Maxwell; and grandfather of Tim and Dan Maxwell.
Mr. Maxwell was a member of St. Benedict the Abbot Church, Peters Township.
Services will be private and under the direction of Beinhauer Funeral Home, Peters Township, 724-941-3211. Please read and add a tribute online at www.beinhauer.com.
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HELEN V. MELNYK
Formerly of Muse, Pittsburgh
Helen V. Melnyk, 91, formerly of Muse and Pittsburgh, died at 11:15 p.m. Sunday, February 10, 2008, in Manor Care, McMurray.
She was born Wednesday, August 23, 1916, in New Alexandria, a daughter of Wasil and Anna Gera Melnyk.
She worked with Department of Aging and as a clerk at Good Will Industries.
She was the last of her immediate family.
Deceased are a sister, Sophie Patronie, and two brothers, John and Mike Melnyk.
She will be greatly missed by her caregivers, Steve and Marge Patronie of McMurray.
At the request of the deceased, there will be no public visitation. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, February 15, in Oak Spring Cemetery Chapel, Canonsburg, with burial following in the cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Sollon Funeral Home Ltd., 30 East College Street, Canonsburg, J. David Sollon, supervisor.
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GARNET IRENE LUCY MORRIS
Cleveland, Ohio, resident, formerly of Washington
Garnet Irene Lucy Morris of Cleveland, Ohio, formerly of Washington, died Sunday, February 10, 2008, in Cleveland, following a illness of a few months duration.
She was born in Morgan, June 9, 1929, a daughter of Frank and Mary Dawson Lucy.
Mrs. Morris was a member of Newburgh Heights (Ohio) Homemakers and St. John's Golden Agers. She enjoyed crafting.
While living in Washington, she was a member of First Lutheran Church.
Her husband, Walter P. Morris, died September 22, 1977.
Surviving are three daughters, Wanda (James) Roush, Joyce (Roy) Harrison and Robin Dery and companion Clyde; two sons, Duane (Theresa) Morris and John (Cynthia) Morris; five stepchildren, Patricia (Vernon) Kiskadden, Ethel (Earl) Kloges, Katherine (Patrick) Walton, Darlene (Roger) May and Larry (Diane) Smith; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; three brothers, Frank, Robert and Jack Lucy; and two sisters, Maude Williams and Shirley Brodnick.
She will be sadly missed by a special friend, Darrell Adkins.
Deceased are two sisters, Mildred Clemens and Mary Barnhart, and three stepsons, Walter, Donald and Edward Morris.
Friends will be received from 1 to 2 p.m., the time of service, Thursday, February 14, in Hummell and Barnhill Funeral Home Inc., Thomas W. Hummell, supervisor, Douglas M. Jones, funeral director, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington, (724-225-7710) with the Rev. Kenneth N. Schott officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Condolences can be left at www.hummellandbarnhill.com.
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FAY E. NOAH
1908-2008
Fay E. Noah, who just celebrated her 100th birthday February 9, a lifelong resident of Burgettstown, died Monday, February 11, 2008, in Washington Hospital.
She was born February 9, 1908, in Burgettstown, a daughter of George W. and Margaret Moore Reynolds.
For 31 years, she was a clerk in the A&P store in Burgettstown and a member of Burgettstown Presbyterian Church.
Her husband, Clare E. Noah, died April 24, 1974.
She was the last of her immediate family.
Surviving are 15 nieces and nephews, Donald, Gerald, Jack, Robert, Garry, John, Anita and George Reynolds, Virginia Kline, Nancy Dora and George, Lloyd, Ruth Ann, Lee and Donny McBee.
Deceased, in addition to her parents and husband, are her stepmother, Ella Phillis; a daughter, Doris W. Noah; four brothers, Raymond, George, Robert and Lee Reynolds; and a sister, Leona McBee.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Lee and Martin Funeral Home, 73 Highland Avenue, Burgettstown, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 15, with the Rev. Dan Ekas, pastor of Burgettstown Presbyterian Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Burgettstown. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mrs. Noah's memory to Burgettstown Community Library, 2 Kerr Street, Burgettstown, PA 15021.
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PAUL E. RATHGEB JR.
Murrysville resident
was U.S. Army veteran
Paul E. Rathgeb Jr., 74, of Murrysville, died Monday, February 11, 2008, after a lengthy illness, in his home with his devoted family by his side.
He was born January 25, 1934, in Greensburg, a son of Garnette H. Shuster Rathgeb and Paul E. Rathgeb Sr.
Mr. Rathgeb led a very full and active life. He was a grandson of Michael Rathgeb, the founder of Rathgeb's Dairy, Greensburg.
He was a graduate of Greensburg High School and Washington & Jefferson College Class of 1955 and a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Prior to retirement, he worked for 30 years at Westinghouse Electric Corp. in the human resources department. He also served as director of alumni and director of career services for W&J.
He was a past chairman of Westmoreland County Republican Committee and member of Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, Murrysville, where he was an usher and member of the parish council.
Mr. Rathgeb enjoyed being a father and grandfather and treasured his family immensely. His hobbies included golf, swimming, tennis and especially spending time at the beach and travelling with his wife.
He will be sadly missed by his loving family, including his devoted wife of 48 years, Yvonne L. Leffler Rathgeb; four children, Jeffrey P. Rathgeb and wife Patty of Export, Dr. Michelle A. Rathgeb (Panahandeh) and husband Matthew of Monroeville, Stacey L. Haught and husband Thomas of Lawrence and Tracey A. Hnaras and husband Dean of Canonsburg.
He was blessed with five grandchildren, Brittany, Madeleine, Joseph, Nicholas and Gabriella, who will especially miss him.
Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday in Vaia Funeral Home Inc., 463 Athena Drive, Delmont (724-468-1177). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Friday, February 15, in Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, 4202 Old William Penn Highway, Murrysville, with Father Bryan Summers as celebrant and Monsignor William R. Rathgeb as concelebrant. Interment will be in Greensburg Catholic Cemetery, Greensburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mr. Rathgeb's honor may be made to American Heart Association, 4727 Route 30, Suite 204, Berkshire Center, Building 1, Greensburg, PA 15601; or Washington & Jefferson College Memorials, 60 South Lincoln Street, Washington, PA 15301.
To send online expressions of sympathy or for grief support or directions, please visit www.VaiaFuneralHome.com.
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PHYLLIS ALBACKER ROSEBERRY
Phyllis Albacker Roseberry, 77, of Rices Landing, died Sunday, February 10, 2008, in Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, W.Va.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Behm Funeral Home, Jefferson.
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ANTHONY SORICE
Life member of American Legion Post 175
Anthony "Moe" Sorice, 86, of Washington, died Sunday, February 10, 2008, in Donnell House, Washington, following a brief illness.
He was born December 14, 1921, in Washington, a son of Antonio and Florence Tesauro Sorice.
A 1940 graduate of Washington High School, he entered the U.S. Army October 31, 1940, serving during World War II and receiving a Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged January 9, 1946.
Mr. Sorice was a construction plumber with Local 27 for 34 years.
Mr. Sorice was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, a charter member of Independent Club and a 62-year life member of Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 American Legion.
On January 31, 1953, he married Kathryn W. Baxendell, who died February 26, 2003.
Surviving are two sons, Charles A. (Lee Ann) Sorice and William L. (Judy) Baxendell, both of Washington; a brother, Michael Sorice of Washington; two sisters, Marie "Carmel" Durso of Carnegie and Theressa Martin of New Kensington; three grandchildren, Kathryn Sorice, William Baxendell Jr. and Jody Sprowls; and three great-grandchildren, Kayla Baxendell, Braden Baxendell and Mackenzie Sprowls.
Deceased are four brothers, Dominick, Joseph, Samuel and John Sorice; and a sister, Angeline Sorice.
Friends will be received from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 395 East Maiden Street, Washington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 13, in Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 119 West Chestnut Street, Washington, with Father John Bauer as celebrant.
Interment will follow in Washington Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded by Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 American Legion. Additional information and guest book are online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
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BLANCHE SWARTZ
Ohio homemaker was born in Allegheny County
Blanche Swartz, 79, of Willoughby Hills, Ohio, died Saturday, February 9, 2008, in her home.
She was born April 7, 1928, in Allegheny County, and lived in Lake County, Ohio, for more than 30 years.
Mrs. Swartz was a homemaker.
Surviving are her son-in-law, Frank Venda of Perrysburg, Ohio; nephews Bill (Kathy) Ritz of Carmichaels and Mark Ritz; and great-nieces Ashlee and Chelsee.
Deceased are her husband, Gerald R. Swartz, who died September 18, 1990; her daughter, Cheri Vanda, who died July 9, 2003; her parents, Riley M. and Mary Jane McClelland Guesman; a sister, Adelaide "Taddy" Ritz; and a brother, Bill Guesman.
There will be no local calling hours or services. Private burial will be in Greene County Memorial Park, Morgan Township.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to American Heart Association, Ohio Valley Affiliate, P.O. Box 163549, Columbus, OH 43216-3549.
Arrangements are being handled by Davis Funeral Home, Willoughby, Ohio.
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HAROLD R. WHOOLERY
Harold R. Whoolery, 59, of Carmichaels, died Saturday, February 9, 2008, in Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, W.Va.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Behm Funeral Home, Jefferson.
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JOHN GEORGE PAUL WOODS
Monongahela resident
was retired welder
John George Paul Woods, 65, of Monongahela, died unexpectedly Saturday, February 9, 2008, in his home.
He was born December 4, 1942, in Washington County, a son of the late William and Lillian Stenger Woods.
Mr. Woods graduated from Washington High School and attended welding school.
A retired welder, he worked at U.S. Steel in Clairton for 10 years and at various construction companies. He recently worked at Lone Pine Construction.
Mr. Woods was a member of United Mine Workers of America Construction Local 1998, District 2, and Meadow Lands Sportsmen's Club at Dutch Fork.
He enjoyed his camper at Four Seasons and also enjoyed riding his quad, hunting and fishing.
On May 31, 1969, he married Mary Alice Grimm, who survives.
Also surviving are three daughters, Kristi Woods of Monongahela, Kandi Albolino (James Williams) of Venetia and Karrie Woods of Pemberton, N.J.; three brothers, William (Shirley) Woods of Parma, Ohio, Jerry (Linda) Woods of Amity and Fred (Kathleen) Woods of Washington; six sisters, Lillian Hull March, Shirley Mathot and Alice (Tom) Harter, all of Washington, Diane (William) Hughes of Eighty Four, Nancy (John) Christman of Lawton, Okla., and Sandra (Carmon) LaSalvia of Washington; and five grandchildren, Jared Woods, Matthew Albolino, Sarah Albolino, Jonathan Albolino and Katerina Williams.
Deceased is a daughter, Kimberly Jean Woods.
Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, February 14. Interment will follow in Washington Cemetery.
Additional information and guest book are online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.