Employee of St. Joseph's Hospital, Philadelphia
Virginia Green Abrams, 84, of Clarksville, died at 7:25 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2008, in Washington Hospital Hospice Care Center, following a lengthy illness.
She was born April 5, 1924, in Bower, W.Va., a daughter of John Isaac Green and Beulah Florence Woody-Green.
Mrs. Abrams moved to Philadelphia at an early age and was employed in St. Joseph's Hospital as a supervisor in the dietary department.
Known to many as "Ginny," she was a member of Union Tabernacle Baptist Church, where she served as a deaconess and choir member. After moving to Clarksville, she became a member of St. John Baptist Church in Lawrence.
Surviving are five sisters, Icie Green of Clarksville, Evelyn Miller of Buffalo, N.Y., Edna Clements of Daisytown, Geraldine Wilson of Lawrence and Ruth Ann Bell of Bentleyville; two granddaughters, Angel Wolcott and Rosalyn Saunders, both of Philadelphia; six grandchildren, Bianca, Yuvonka, Gloria Jean, Serzio and Dominique and Aaron; five great-grandchildren, Ederial, Gerald, Jahlil, Nevaeh and Rasol; and a sister-in-law, Kathleen Wooten of Philadelphia.
Deceased are her husband, Wilfred Abrams; a son, Robert Williams; five brothers, Harrison Woody, Kermit Woody, Edward Green, Howard Green and Philip Green; and three sisters, Roxie Woody, Mary Thomas and Helen Ward.
She will be sadly missed by her dear friend, Josephine Pla, and many nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
We will all miss her soft distinctive voice and the classy way in which she carried herself.
Services will be held Saturday, April 26, 2008, in George E. Ray Funeral Home, 1526-29 West Dauphin Street, Philadelphia.
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DOLORES E. PROHASKA BENNETT
Retired from Upper St. Clair School District
Dolores E. "Dee" Prohaska Bennett, 86 (not 39 and holding), formerly of Bethel Park and Eighty Four, died Wednesday, April 23, 2008.
She was the beloved wife of William C.; loving mother of William A. (Denise) Bennett; cherished grandmother of Sean, Teresa and Scott; great-grandmother of Braeden, Jeremy, Jacob, Samantha, Ryan and Anthony; and sister of the late Cynthia Hoffman, Leon, Vince, Virginia, and Arthur Prohaska.
Mrs. Bennett was retired from Upper St. Clair School District and a charter member of Ruthfred Lutheran Church.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in Paul L. Henney Memorial Chapel, Bethel Park. Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 26, in Ruthfred Lutheran Church, Bethel Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ruthfred Lutheran Church, Pastors Fund, South Park and Patterson Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102. Additional information at www.henneyfuneralhome.com.
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STEWART ADDISON DILLE
Daco Machine retiree enjoyed bowling, golf
Stewart Addison Dille, 78, of Prosperity, died unexpectedly Tuesday, April 22, 2008, in his residence.
He was born May 25, 1929, in Prosperity, a son of Harley and Mildred Cole Dille.
Mr. Dille graduated from Trinity High School in 1947. He worked as a fabricator and welder at Daco Machine for 13 years before retiring in 1993. Mr. Dille also worked at West Penn Wire and D&W Bus Co.
His hobbies included bowling and golf.
Mr. Dille was an active member of Upper Ten Mile Presbyterian Church, where he had served as an elder and trustee.
On April 28, 1962, he married Martha L. Craft, who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Denis Alan Dille of Irwin and Mark Edward Dille of Greenville, S.C.; three children from a previous marriage, Judith Manning of Tampa, Fla., Verna Simmons of Wooster, Ohio, and Leroy Campbell of Dayton, Ohio; five brothers, Sam Dille and George (Gerry) Dille, both of Washington, Eli (Lois) Dille and Chuck Dille, both of Prosperity, and Richard (Patricia) Dille of Hedgesville, W.Va.; four grandchildren, Denis Alan Dille II and Nicole Dille (Matt Linderman), both of Ohio, Holly Dille of Waynesburg and Jennifer Everett of North Carolina; and a great-granddaughter, Aislinn Noelle Linderman.
Deceased are a brother, James Dille; and a sister, Arna Mae "Sissy" Dille.
Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27, with Pastor Larry Deemer officiating. Burial will follow in Prosperity Cemetery.
Additional information and guest book are online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
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MARY A. ELSTNER
Member of Central Assembly of God
Mary A. Elstner, 55, of West Finley, died at 8:50 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2008, in Donnell House, Washington.
She was born February 16, 1953, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Merle and Jane Jackson Meder of Oil City.
Mrs. Elstner attended North Hills High School.
She loved crafts and taking care of her children and grandchildren.
Mrs. Elstner was an active member of Central Assembly of God, where she sang in the church choir.
She and her husband were members of the Christian Motorcycle Association.
On June 10, 1972, she married Roy A. Elstner, who survives.
Also surviving are four sons, Roy F. (Melissa) Elstner of Mooresville, Ind., Douglas A. (Melissa) Elstner of North Hills, Pittsburgh, Kenneth J. (Lindsay) Elstner of California and Justin R. Sprowls and fiancée Alana Shaulis of West Finley; mother-in-law Helen Elstner of Pittsburgh; a brother, Merle (Mary) Meder of New Braunfels, Texas; a sister, Shirley (Dan) Bowman of Gettysburg; five grandchildren, Mikala, Breahna, Angela, Amanda and Austin Elstner; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a sister, Janet Strain; and father-in-law, Francis "Roy" Elstner.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in Warco-Falvo Funeral Home Inc., Wilson at East Katherine Avenues, Washington, S. Timothy Warco, supervisor/director, Susan Falvo Warco, director, S. Timothy Warco II, director. Services will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 26, in Central Assembly of God, McGovern Road, Houston, with Pastor Stephen A. Getchell officiating, followed by burial at 12:30 p.m. in St. Mary's Cemetery, 4300 Mount Troy Road, Pittsburgh. Those wishing to make memorial contributions may do so to Central Assembly of God Creative Arts Ministry, 155 McGovern Road, Houston, PA 15342. Online condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com.
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JUDITH RAE GRIMM
Homemaker, member of Central Assembly of God
Judith Rae Grimm, 63, of Washington, died Tuesday, April 22, 2008, in Washington County Health Center, Chartiers Township, following a brief illness.
She was born April 2, 1945, in Washington County, a daughter of Lawrence E. and Margaret Strahosky Zewe.
Mrs. Grimm was a homemaker and member of Central Assembly of God Church.
She was a Steelers fan, enjoyed cooking and truly loved everyone. Mrs. Grimm also was a pet lover and always owned a dog.
Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Tiffany Grimm of Washington.
Deceased is a brother, Lawrence Zewe.
At the request of the deceased, there will be no public visitation or services. Memorial contributions may be made to Washington County Health Center, 36 Old Hickory Ridge Road, Washington, PA 15301.
Additional information and guest book are online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
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CHARLES W. HUTTER
Served during WWII, chef
at Hilton and W&J College
Charles Hutter, 87, of Washington, died Wednesday, April 23, 2008, in Greenery Specialty Care Center, Canonsburg, following a lengthy illness.
He was born July 29, 1920, in Washington, a son of Mary Margaret and John Henry Hutter.
Mr. Hutter attended Washington schools.
On August 25, 1946, he married Betty J. Hutter, who died 12 weeks ago, January 19, 2008.
Mr. Hutter served during World War II and was a chef at Hilton Restaurant and Washington & Jefferson College. After retiring, he worked part-time as bartender at Betty's Bar, owned by his wife, which is now known as Chuckie J's Bar.
Surviving are his daughter, Betty "Little Face" Dyson of Washington, with whom he made his home; grandchildren, Bobbie Lynn (Vince) Alderson of Canonsburg and John (Andrea) Dyson of Canonsburg; great-grandchildren, Addie Christine and Andrew Vincent Alderson; brothers, Raymond, Wilbert and Edward Hutter; and a sister, Betty Kisner, all of Washington.
Deceased are brothers, William, James, Robert, Henry and Joseph; and sisters, Alberta, Margaret and Marcella.
Friends and family are invited to interment services at 2 p.m. Friday, April 25, in Washington Cemetery Mausoleum. All are to meet at the mausoleum. Arrangements are being handled by William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington.
Additional information and guest book are online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
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MARY MARGARET
JOHNSON LAWS
Retired from Bell
of Pennsylvania
Mary Margaret Johnson Laws, 85, of Washington, died Tuesday, April 22, 2008, in Washington Hospital.
She was born September 16, 1922, in Parkersburg, W.Va., a daughter of James W. Sr. and Margaret Luthringer Johnson.
Mrs. Laws graduated from Washington High School in 1941. She was employed as a telephone operator by Bell of Pennsylvania for 32 years, retiring in February 1981.
She was a member of Church of the Covenant, Morning Circle of Presbyterian Women's Association, Telephone Pioneers of America and Bell Telephone 10-year Club.
On August 9, 1944, in Rochester, she married Carl K. Laws, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Carl R. (Janet) Laws of Colorado Springs, Colo.; a daughter, Suzanne C. (James Gibson) of Witchita, Kan.; and five grandsons, Stephen, Kenneth and Jason Laws and Joseph and Thomas Gibson.
Deceased, in addition to her parents, are four brothers, James L., Clarence, Wade and James W. Johnson Jr.; and a sister, Elsie Scarborough.
Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26, with the Revs. David Turner and Hugh Crawford co-officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery.
Additional information and guest book are online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
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DANIEL C. MARCHITELLO
Retired chef enjoyed
singing, dancing
Daniel C. Marchitello, 77, of Washington, died Tuesday, April 22, 2008, in McMurray Hills Manor.
He was born October 17, 1930, in Pittsburgh, a son of Anthony and Mary Cicco Marchitello.
In his earlier years, Mr. Marchitello was an entertainer as a singer and drummer. Later in life, he was a chef for many of the restaurants, hotels and country clubs in the surrounding area. After retiring, he was a courier for the Pony Express in Pittsburgh.
Mr. Marchitello enjoyed dancing, singing and listening to big band and swing area music.
He lived most of his life in Canonsburg and the past 10 years in Washington.
Mr. Marchitello was Catholic.
On September 10, 1961, he married Janice Barbour, who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Drew A. Marchitello of Canonsburg and Daniel J. (Melissa) Marchitello of Bentleyville; five grandchildren, Bryan, Kylie, Jordan, Brooke and Mackenzie; a great-grandchild; three sisters, Anna Dabaldo of Carrick, Angie Ferrari of Beechview and Louise Yevick of Duquesne; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 25, in Salandra Funeral Service Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, where services will be held at 7:30 p.m., with the Rev. Susan Pepirpis officiating. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to McMurray Hills Manor Activity Fund.
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MARIAN LOUISE MANSFIELD MCVEHIL
Marian Louise Mansfield McVehil, 80, died Friday, April 4, 2008, in Tampa, Fla.
She was a 1948 graduate of Trinity High School.
Deceased is her husband, Donald.
For information 724-267-3481 or 724-554-6699.
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ROBERT T. PARKS SR.
WWII Army Air Forces vet retired from Westinghouse
Robert T. Parks Sr., 88, of McDonald, Cecil Township, died Wednesday, April 23, 2008, in St. Clair Hospital, Pittsburgh.
He was born August 24, 1919, in McDonald, a son of Cecil and Audrey Taylor Parks.
Mr. Parks was a World War II Army Air Forces veteran who served as a navigator of a B24 Liberator and was a Carpetbagger. He was a retired lieutenant colonel in the Air Force Reserve.
A graduate of McDonald High School, he attended Washington & Jefferson College and Pittsburgh Diesel School. He retired as a nuclear technician at Westinghouse.
His wife, Florence M. (Molly) Parks, died June 28, 2003.
Surviving are his children, Robert T. Parks of North Canton, Ohio, Patricia Smida of Carnegie, Sandra Tornabene of McDonald and Dave Parks of Venetia; 14 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Friends will be received from 10 to 11 a.m., the time of service, Saturday, April 26, in Thomas-Little Funeral Service Inc., 314 West Lincoln Avenue, McDonald (724-926-2800). Interment will follow in Mt. Prospect Cemetery, Hickory. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Humane Society, 1680 Fallen Timber Road, Elizabeth, PA 15037.
Please sign the online guest book at thomas-littlefuneralservice.com.
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JAMES ALLEN PIGFORD
Aeronautical engineer
was avid Steelers fan
James Allen Pigford, 71, of Xenia, Ohio, formerly of Monongahela, died Wednesday, January 16, 2008.
He was born January 22, 1936, in Monongahela, a son of Edward Charles and Dora Margaret Miller Pigford.
Mr. Pigford was a graduate of Monongahela High School and Penn State University.
He retired as an aeronautical engineer from Wright Patterson Air Force Base.
He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
Surviving are a sister, Betty Stewart of Newport News, Va.; and two nephews, John Robert Stewart of Newport News, Va., and Gregory Walter Stewart of Dallas, Texas.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, is an infant brother, Robert Charles Pigford.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 25, in the chapel of Monongahela Cemetery, with the Rev. Glen McClellend officiating. Frye Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
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STANLEY M. SCOTT
WWII Navy vet retired
from Equitable Gas Co.
Stanley M. Scott, 80, of Waynesburg, died Wednesday, April 23, 2008, in his home.
He was born September 22, 1927, in Waynesburg, a son of Russell and Mary Morris Scott.
Mr. Scott was a 1945 graduate of Waynesburg High School, where he was a member of the wrestling team.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Mr. Scott had worked for Home Gas Co. in Waynesburg. He later worked for Equitable Gas Co. for more than 30 years, retiring as district foreman at Crooked Creek in Ford City.
From 1971 to 1985, he resided in Ford City. Upon retirement, he returned to Waynesburg, where he was a member of Oak View United Methodist Church. He worked as a volunteer at Greene County Habitat for Humanity and enjoyed spending time with his family.
On July 20, 1951, he married June Parry, who died August 31, 1995.
Surviving are two daughters, Debbie Higgins and husband Joseph and Karen Wilson and husband Ralph E. II, all of Waynesburg; three grandchildren, Brooke Marie Higgins, Ralph E. Wilson III and wife Natalie and Thomas Scott Wilson and wife Amanda; three great-grandchildren, Emerson Douglas Wilson, Trenton Scott Wilson and Alexander Joseph Wilson; three sisters, Mary Louise (Beezie) Rice of Waynesburg, Peggy Parsons of Dover, Mass., and Carol Kroll of Cabot; two brothers, L. Ray Scott of Waynesburg and Ross Scott of Washington; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased is a daughter, Vicky Sue Scott.
Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in Behm Funeral Homes Inc., 182 West High Street, Waynesburg. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26, in Oak View United Methodist Church, 160 Rolling Meadows Road, Waynesburg, with the Revs. Jerrad R. Peterman and John R. Dorean officiating, followed by interment at Greene County Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Greene County Habitat for Humanity, 32 Church Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370; Oak View United Methodist Church; or A.M.I. Inc., 93 East High Street, Waynesburg, PA. Condolences may be left at www.behmfuneralhomes.net.
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AMZI A. SNYDER
WWII Navy vet was captain of mine rescue team
Amzi A. Snyder, 80, of Cecil, died Tuesday, April 22, 2008, in Canonsburg General Hospital.
He was born October 16, 1927, in Frum, W.Va., a son of David Sr. and Norra Blanche Hough Snyder.
Mr. Snyder was a former member of Cecil Missionary Alliance Church, life member of Bioni-Yeckel Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8308, Lawrence, and United Mine Workers of America.
He was an avid hunter and golfer and enjoyed fishing and outdoor sports.
Mr. Snyder was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater.
He worked as a master mechanic for Montour Mine 4 and later worked at Mathies Mine. He was captain of the rescue team and performed numerous rescues around the region, being severely burned before retiring in 1989 with 41 years of service.
Surviving are a daughter, Anna (Terry) Theiss of Houston; five grandchildren, Melissa Theiss of Canonsburg, Robin (Chad) Stack of Cecil, Paul (Kelly) Knizner of Canonsburg, Vincent (Sharon) Knizner of Amity and Lynette (J.J.) Porter of Lone Pine; seven great-grandchildren; and two sons-in-law, Paul Knizner of Marianna and Rich Carley of Washington.
Deceased are his wife, Anna Pigford Snyder, in 1990; a daughter, Garnet Knizner Carley, in 2002; and a brother, David Snyder Jr.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Coleman-Taylor Funeral Services, 3378 Millers Run Road, Cecil, PA 15321, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26, with the Rev. Jim Davis officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray, with military funeral rites accorded by VFW 191 and American Legion 902.
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THOMAS R. WARREN
Korean War Army vet,
Port Authority Transit retiree
Thomas R. Warren, 73, of White Oak, died Tuesday, April 22, 2008, in UPMC-McKeesport hospital.
He was born March 17, 1935, in McKeesport, a son of Edward August and Henrietta J. Buchanan Warren.
He was retired from Port Authority Transit of Allegheny County and had worked for the former Continental Can Co.
Mr. Warren was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.
Surviving are his wife, Geraldine L. Yuhas Warren; sons, Thomas R. (Kristin) Warren Jr. of Claysville and Gregory S. Warren of White Oak; and grandchildren, Kaylie and Brent Warren of Claysville.
Friends will be received from 5 to 8 p.m., the time of service, Friday, April 25, in Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township, with the Rev. William D. Heaton officiating. Private inurnment with military honors will be held at a later date in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, CecilTownship.
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Additional information was received for the obituary of RUTH ELIZABETH WEIGLE, published Wednesday. Deceased is a brother, Robert L. Rice.