Retired Trinity School District assistant librarian
Delma I. Stuart Allen, 70, of Toronto, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2008, in Trinity Medical Center West.
She was born September 16, 1938, in Toronto, a daughter of Donald and Beryl Chritser Green.
Mrs. Allen was retired from Bank One, where she was a loan officer; she also was retired from Trinity School District in Washington, where she was an assistant librarian. She also was the former co-owner of South End Café.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Toronto, Toronto Order of the Eastern Star 215, where she was a past worthy matron, Red Hat Society and Sunrise Senior Citizens of Toronto.
Surviving are her husband, Richard (Dick) Allen, at home, whom she married January 15, 2001; a sister, Eula Kolopajlo of Steubenville, Ohio; three daughters, Susan (Chelsea) Clegg, Lynn (Donald) Price and Lori Stuart, all of Toronto; two stepsons, Richard (Stacy) Allen of South Milwaukee, Wis., and Doug Sutherin of Toronto; two stepdaughters, Angel Allen at home and Amy Sutherin of Toronto; 11 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, deceased is her second husband, Robert Edward Stuart, who passed in 1982.
Friends will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Friday in J.E. Foster Funeral Home, 701 Findley Street, Toronto, where service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 20, with the Rev. Kevin Rinkes officiating. Burial will follow in Toronto Union Cemetery. There will be an Eastern Star service at 7 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. The family has asked that memorial donations be made in her memory to First United Methodist Church, 601 Main Street, Toronto, OH 43964; or Tony Teramana Cancer Center c/o Trinity Foundation, 380 Summit Avenue, Steubenville, OH 43952. Visit www.jefosterfh.com.
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Charles Eugene Baker
Charles Eugene Baker, 83, of Freedom, formerly of Waynesburg, died at 11 p.m. Monday, Decemer 15, 2008, in UMPC-Montefiore hospital, Pittsburgh.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and are being handled by Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home Inc., Waynesburg. A complete obituary and funeral arrangements will appear in a later edition.
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Betty Jo Bissett
Betty Jo Bissett, 80, of Waynesburg, formerly of Centerville, died at 12:40 a.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2008, in Southwest Regional Medical Center, Waynesburg, after battling a cancer-related illness for the past 18 months.
Arrangements are incomplete and under direction of Rush Funeral Home Inc., Rogersville. A complete obituary and funeral arrangements will be published in a later edition.
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Cornelius P. Devine
WWII veteran was retired mechanic
Cornelius P. “Red” Devine, 88, of Strabane, died at 3:15 p.m. Sunday, December 14, 2008, in TownView Health Center, Canonsburg.
He was born July 6, 1920, in Canonsburg, a son of Cornelius and Anne Mullins Devine.
Mr. Devine was Catholic.
During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army in Northern France and Central Europe.
Before his retirement, Mr. Devine was a mechanic at Colusci Transmission Service in Canonsburg.
Surviving are a son, Barry Devine of Strabane; a daughter, Colette (Thomas) Cox of Chesapeake, Va.; two grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He also leaves his beloved caregiver, Fran Betarie.
Deceased are two brothers, Patrick Cushnie and James Devine; and three sisters, Helen Fini, Anne Como and Mary Haley.
Mr. Devine was the last of his immediate family.
At the request of the deceased, there will be no public visitation. Services and interment will be private. Funeral arrangements are by Salandra Funeral Service Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, owner/supervisor, Canonsburg.
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Betty June Zimmerman Donley
Member of Oak View United Methodist Church
Betty June Zimmerman Donley, 84, of Waynesburg, died Monday, December 15, 2008, following a brief illness, in Mount Macrina Manor, Uniontown.
She was born December 22, 1923, the only child of Robert H. Zimmerman and Lillian E. Haines Zimmerman.
Totally devoted to her late husband, John, she was the key partner in all his endeavors for the past 62 years. In addition, Mrs. Donley worked in school cafeterias at Patton and East Franklin elementary schools.
A talented vocalist, she enjoyed singing in the church choir. Mrs. Donley was a member of Oak View United Methodist Church.
This caring and compassionate woman will be sadly missed by family and friends.
Surviving are two sons, Robert L. (Vivian) Donley D.O. of Latrobe and James P. Donley of Scottdale; two daughters, Barbara J. (Vincent) Komacko of Grindstone and Prudence K. (Walter) Harris of Stafford, Va.; eight grandchildren, Vincent M. Komacko Jr., Raymond C. Harris, Robert H. Donley, Roger L. Harris, James P. Donley, Karisa L. Willard, Josselyn N. Donley and Victoria A. Donley; and seven great-grandchildren.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in Oak View United Methodist Church, 160 Rolling Meadows Road, Waynesburg, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 19, 2008, with the Rev. Jerrad R. Peterman officiating, followed by interment in Greene County Memorial Park, Morgan Township. Memorial contributions may be made to Oak View United Methodist Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Behm Funeral Home, 182 West High Street, Waynesburg. Condolences may be expressed online at www.behmfuneralhomes.net.
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Zane Douglas Duke
Waynesburg Central H.S. grad
Zane Douglas Duke passed away unexpectedly Monday, December 8, 2008, in his North Carolina home, of an apparent heart attack.
Surviving are his mother, Jeanine; and a brother, Andrew (Drew) Duke.
Deceased is his father, Ronald J Duke.
Mr. Duke was a graduate of Waynesburg Central High School and Baltimore International Culinary Arts Institute.
Much of his childhood was spent at Ryerson Station State Park, where his father was the superintendent.
Arrangements were handled by Cremation Society of the Carolinas in Raleigh, N.C. A private memorial service will be held by the family at Ryerson State Park in June. Donations may be made to American Heart Association.
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Thomas D. Edgar
Canonsburg resident worked for Amish Farms
Thomas D. Edgar, 62, of Canonsburg, died Monday, December 15, 2008, in Washington Hospital, after a short illness.
He was born Monday, January 21, 1946, in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Thomas W. and Dolores Conely Edgar.
Mr. Edgar had been a Canonsburg resident for the past 36 years and was employed by Amish Farms in sales.
A NASCAR and Pittsburgh Steelers fan, he was a former member BPOE Elks Lodge 846 of Canonsburg.
On September 7, 1968, he married Sharon Silvis, who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Scott Edgar (Nikole) of Mount Holly, N.C., and Shawn Edgar of Pittsburgh; two sisters, Linda Harlan (Ken) of Butler and Patricia Hart of Canonsburg; and two granddaughters, Lara and Meghan Edgar.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., the time of services, Thursday, December 18, in Sollon Funeral Home Ltd., 30 East College Street, Canonsburg, J. David Sollon, supervisor, with the Rev. Steven Parkhill, pastor of South Canonsburg Church, officiating. Visit www.sollon.com to view and leave online condolences.
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Patricia Jane Garrett
Homemaker enjoyed cooking, sewing, bird watching
Patricia Jane Garrett, 78, of Amwell Township, died Sunday, December 14, 2008, in her home.
She was born August 13, 1930, in Abilene, Kan., a daughter of Clyde and Irene Ward Knoll.
Mrs. Garrett attended high school in Kansas.
A homemaker, she enjoyed cooking, reading, crosswords puzzles, sewing, bird watching and bragging about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she adored.
She was Catholic.
On August 8, 1949, she married James Richard Garrett, who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Jimmy Garrett (Deb Jochynek) and John Garrett, both of Washington; a daughter, Mary Lynn (Will) Dickey of Topeka, Kan.; a brother, Ted (Debbie) Knoll of Kansas; a sister, Sharon Knoll McFall of Kansas; five grandchildren, Scott, Kristen and Shannon Dickey and Devon and Cole Garrett; and four great-grandchildren, Christopher, Austin and Jakob Dickey and Colby Merz.
Deceased is a sister, Dee Cromwell.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., the hour of services, Thursday, December 18, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Contributions may be made to Citizens Library, 55 South College Street, Washington, PA 15301. Additional information and guest book are online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
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A memorial service for August F. Hampson, who died Sunday, November 30, 2008, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 20, in Fawcett United Methodist Church, 346 Fawcett Church Road, Bridgeville, PA 15017, with Pastor Dennis Johnson officiating.
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Edward Harris
Edward Harris, 87, of Washington, formerly of Burgettstown, died Monday, December 15, 2008, in Consulate Health Care of North Strabane.
Arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Lee and Martin Funeral Home, Burgettstown. A complete obituary will follow in a later addition.
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Michelle Kimberly Kott
Michelle Kimberly Kott, 36, of Ellsworth, formerly of Muse, died Monday, December 15, 2008.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Salandra Funeral Service Inc., 304 W. Pike Street, Canonsburg. A complete obituary will be published later.
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Norma H. Mancinia
Friendship Community Church member, avid bowler
Norma H. Mancinia, 83, of Washington, died Monday, December 15, 2008, in Kade Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Washington.
She was born July 25, 1925, in Washington, a daughter of Albert and Mary Horner Huggins.
Mrs. Mancinia had worked as a packer at Hazel-Atlas 1.
She was a member of Friendship Community Church.
Mrs. Mancinia was an avid bowler, having participated in senior citizen leagues at Alpine and Route 19 bowls, and enjoyed knitting, crocheting, crafts and ceramics.
On November 30, 1946, she married Tony Mancinia, who died June 6, 2007.
Surviving are a son, Edward S. (Marie) Unijewski of Washington; a sister, Eleanore Smith of Washington; two grandchildren, Denise (Shawn) Kostyak and Edward (Darla) Unijewski Jr.; and two great-grandchildren, Alexa and Joshua Kostyak.
Deceased, in addition to her husband, are two brothers, Donald and Lewis Huggins.
Friends will be received from 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 11 a.m. Saturday, December 20, with the Rev. Rick Bruckner officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Additional information and a guest book are online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
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Joseph W. Marshall Jr.
Venetia resident enjoyed family, time on his tractors
Joseph W. Marshall Jr., 72, of Venetia, died Tuesday, December, 16, 2008.
He was born November 25, 1936, in Tallmadge, Ohio.
He was the loving husband of Diane; father of Christopher (Jennifer) Marshall, Lynne (Ryan) Marshall-Dague, Rebecca (Jerry) Helmick and Jennifer (Neil) Podurgiel; grandfather of Corinne Dague and was expecting grandchild Baby Helmick; brother of Charles Marshall, Esther (Earl) Baker and the late Evelyn Rupp; and brother-in-law of Elizabeth Vargo, Dr. Kenneth Rupp and the late Jean Marshall. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides spending time with his family, Mr. Marshall loved time on his tractors, working the property on which they lived.
Funeral arrangements are by Beinhauer. Friends are welcome from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Beinhauer Funeral Home, 2828 Washington Road, McMurray (724-941-3211), where a memorial service will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, December 20. Memorial contributions may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org); or Last Hope Safe Haven Inc., c/o Cambridge Trust Co., 494 Boston Post Road, Weston, MA 02493.
Interment is private. Please add or view tributes at www.beinhauerfamilyservices.com
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Dennis K. Odgers
Former California resident
Dennis K. Odgers, 55, of Hanahan, S.C., husband of 35 years to Melissa Bell Odgers, died Monday, December 15, 2008, in his home.
He was born February 2, 1953, in Johnstown.
After graduating from California Area High School, Mr. Odgers served in the U.S. Navy from 1971 to 1982. He retired from Roper Hospital in August 2008, where he worked for more than 30 years, retiring as diagnostic imaging manager.
Surviving are his wife, Melissa; his parents, the Rev. Norman and Judith Hunt of California; a son, Jason K. Odgers (Jennifer) of Goose Creek, S.C.; a daughter, Jenny M. Hathorne (Kevin) of Elgin, S.C.; three grandchildren, Alyssa Driggers-Hathorne, Tyler Odgers and “Baby” Odgers; a twin sister, Deborah Enterline (Gary); two sisters, Carrie Kennedy (Mark) and Lisa Buday (Jeff); and a grandmother, Belle Brutout.
Deceased are his mother, Judy Brutout Hunt, and brother, Farley Hunt.
Mr. Odgers always considered California his hometown.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m Thursday in McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 869 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, S.C. 29445, where services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, December 18.
A memorial service for his friends and family in Western Pennsylvania will be held at the convenience of the family. His ashes will be returned to Camp Laurelview, where he began his life with the Hunt family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Laurelview, c/o The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Pennsylvania, P.O. Box 900, New Stanton, PA 15672; The California Area School District Foundation, P.O. Box 531, California, PA 15419; Hospice of Charleston; or American Cancer Society.
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Cary W. Rush
U.S. Army veteran enjoyed fishing, hunting
Cary W. “Snooke” Rush, 67, of Waynesburg, died at 9:10 a.m. Monday, December 15, 2008, in his home. He had been in declining health for the past several years.
He was born Sunday, February 9, 1941, in Waynesburg, a son of Wilda Moore Rush of Waynesburg and Cary William Rush Sr.
Mr. Rush was a veteran of the U.S. Army.
He enjoyed woodworking, fishing and hunting.
Mr. Rush worked for California State University in Chico, Calif., as a state store clerk for 16 years.
Surviving are his wife, Ginger Lebans Rush, whom he married July 4, 1965; a daughter, Dani and husband Lowell Kreider of Waynesburg; a son, Shannon and wife Sheri Rush of Sunnyvale, Calif.; two grandchildren, Claire Kreider and Ashleigh Rush; three brothers, Richard L. (Dick) and wife Barb Rush, Daniel R. and wife Shannon Rush, both of Waynesburg, and Robert A. and wife Julie Rush of Mooresville, N.C.; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased is a sister, Helen June Haught.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home Inc., Daryl L. Throckmorton, owner/director, 197 North Maiden Street, Waynesburg, where services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 18, with the Rev. William Sukolsky officiating. Burial will be in Oakmont Cemetery, Franklin Township. Information is online at www.milliken-throckmortonfh.com.
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Claire A. Schlegel
Member of St. Agnes Church
Claire A. Schlegel, 89, of North Huntingdon, died Monday, December 15, 2008, in her home.
She was born March 4, 1919, in Duquesne, a daughter of William and Katherine Kampert.
Mrs. Schlegel was a member of St. Agnes Church, North Huntingdon.
Surviving are four sons, Joseph and wife Donna of Rock Hill, S.C., and Gary, Lance and wife Karen and Robert Schlegel, all of Irwin; four daughters, RoseMarie Bauman and husband Myles of North Huntingdon, Bonnie Johnson and husband Lawrence of Washington, Sandy Swiech of New Stanton and Lorraine Knoch and husband Gary of North Huntingdon; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three brothers, Joseph Kampert of Pittsburgh, Phillip Kampert of McMurray and William of State College; and a sister, Anna Marie Malloy of North Versailles.
Deceased are her husband, Joseph F. Schlegel, who died in 1999; her grandson, Michael Schlegel; a brother, Thomas Kampert; and a sister, Louise McCarthy.
Friends will be recieved from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in James W. Shirley Funeral Home, Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 19, in St. Agnes Church. Interment will be private in Jeannette Memorial Park. Memorials may be sent to American Diabetes Association Heartland Hospice. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
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Samuel S. Stone
38-year metal fabricator for Bar Canon Co.
Samuel S. Stone, 72, of Washington, died Tuesday, December 16, 2008, in Donnell House, Washington, after having been ill since October.
Mr. Stone was born June 25, 1936, in Monongahela, a son of Benjamin and Jessie Mae Smith Stone.
He had attended Washington High School and for 38 years, he worked as a metal fabricator at Bar Canon Co.
Mr. Stone enjoyed watching football, NASCAR and local school wrestling.
On January 7, 1957, he married Rosella Flo Nelson, who survives.
Also surviving are three sons, Samuel S. (Charlene) Stone Jr. and Gary L. (Tammy) Stone, both of Washington, and Mark A. (Sherry) Stone of St. Clairsville, Ohio; a brother, Richard Stone of Miami, Fla.; five grandchildren, Aaron M., Christopher N., Ruschell, Joshua and Tiffany Stone; and two great-grandchildren, Trevor and Tyler Roberts.
Deceased are two brothers, Edward and Benjamin; and two sisters, Edith and Betty.
No public visitation will be held, and private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations are requested to American Cancer Society, South Main Street, Washington, PA 15301; or Donnell House, Leet Street, Washington, PA 15301.
Arrangements are under the direction of 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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Bertha Dorothy Whitten
Former resident of Haddonfield, N.J.
Bertha Dorothy “Petie” Delopetro Whitten, 86, of Woodbridge, Va., formerly a 46-year resident of Haddonfield, N.J., died Monday, December 8, 2008.
She was the beloved wife for 38 years of the late George B. and devoted mother of three sons, Dr. George B. III (Sharon) of Phoenix, Ariz., Col. Donald J. (Barbara) of Manassas, Va., and Dr. Christopher J. (Kim) of Charlottesville, Va.
Also surviving are six grandchildren, Gregory, Taylor, Jennifer, Christine, Tobyn and Mayson; a brother, Rudolph (Anita) Delopetro; two sisters, Helen Triplett and Alexie Jones; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Whitten was very active for many years in Haddonfield with Friends of the Library, Historical Society and was a PTA board member. Additionally, during her education at the University of Pittsburgh, she was active in Heinz Chapel Choir, Delta Delta Lamba and Zeta Tau Alpha.
Services were held Monday, December 15.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in her name to Haddonfield’s Friends Of The Library, 60 Haddon Avenue, Haddonfield, NJ 08033-2469.
Arrangements are by Kain Murphy Funeral Services, Haddonfield, N.J.
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BILL SCHEMPP
By Scott BeveridgeStaff writer
sbeveridge@observer-reporter.com
Bill Schempp emerged as a small-town hero and fireman, going door-to-door with oxygen in Donora during the nation’s deadliest air pollution disaster.
This week, Schempp, who died Sunday, December 14, 2008, at age 91, is being remembered as a father figure to young firefighters whom he trained over the years.
“He always welcomed us at any time to his home and loved to talk to us about the olden times,” said Casey Perrotta, 27, a borough fireman and local code enforcer.
Schempp was just 31 when he answered a call from his fire chief, Charles Cumberland, to take an 18-inch oxygen tank to offer fresh air to people who were gasping for their breaths during the Donora smog of 1948.
It took him nearly an hour to walk up Donora’s steep Sixth Street with the tank in one arm and using the other to feel his way through the thick smog linked to stagnant air and pollution from the local steel and zinc mills.
The nation’s first clean air laws were spawned from the event that claimed at least 20 lives over that Halloween weekend.
And through the years, reporters from all corners of the United States have called on Schempp to retell his story about the disaster.
On the famous mission, he offered an oxygen mask to the sick to take just two or three breaths before he had to move on. The calls just kept mounting. At some houses, people clung to him or shouted to keep him from leaving.
“There wasn’t a damned thing you could do about it,” Schempp told a reporter with Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service for a story on the smog’s 50th anniversary.
“There were too many calls to help everyone,” said Schempp’s friend, Paul Brown of Donora. “I worked in that mill. I know how bad it was, so I know what he went through.”
Schempp went on to work for 23 years as Donora postmaster. He was known to tinker with his antique red fire engine that bore his name and often drove it through local parades.
He granted his final interview last summer to a producer of The Weather Channel’s docudrama, “Killer Smog,” that premiered in November.
Donora firemen gathered last night beside his coffin in James A. Rabe Funeral Home in Donora for a firefighters memorial service.
“He is a hometown hero,” said Perrotta, who portrayed Schempp as a young man in the Weather Channel show.
Schempp is survived by his wife of 67 years, Gladys Balmer Schempp, and a daughter, Annie Schempp of Donora. He will be buried Thursday in Monongahela Cemetery.