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William D. Baker
McDonald Presbyterian Church member
William D. Baker of McDonald died Thursday, December 25, 2008, in his home.
He was a son of the late Daniel and Elizabeth Tindall Baker.
Mr. Baker was a retired field representative for Continental Insurance.
He was a member of McDonald Presbyterian Church, Dormont F&AM Lodge No. 684 and was a World War II veteran.
Surviving are his wife of 34 years, Jane Novak Baker; a son, William (Sandy) Baker Jr. of South Carolina; and a brother, Robert (Irma) Baker of McMurray.
Friends will be received from noon to 5 and 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, December 28, in Thomas-Little Funeral Service Inc., 314 West Lincoln Avenue, McDonald (724-926-2800), Patrick Konieczny, owner/director, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 29.
Interment will follow in Robinson Run Cemetery. A Masonic service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. Please sign the guest book at thomas-littlefuneralservice.com.
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Joseph R. Berry
U.S. Steel boat deck hand, Maritime Union member
Joseph R. “Joe Buck” Berry, 81, of Lionsville, formerly of Rices Landing, died Tuesday, December 23, 2008, in Rolling Meadows Nursing Home, Waynesburg.
He was born December 4, 1927, in Elizabeth, a son of Kramer Berry Sr. and Bessie Trumpey Berry.
Mr. Berry was a deck hand for U.S. Steel’s river boat, the “Jenkins.” He was a member of the Maritime Union.
He was Baptist.
His wife, Shirley Burkett Berry, died in 2004.
Surviving are a stepdaughter, Debbie Venen, and a stepson, Allen Grimm, both of Rices Landing; and five brothers and sisters, Cora Rennie of Virginia, Valetta Dankovich of Marianna, Emil “Hobo” Berry of Rices Landing, Irvan Berry of Vanburg, Germany, and Marie Haines of Rices Landing.
Deceased are two sisters, Hazel Berry and Pearl Berry; and a brother, Kramer Berry Jr.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Behm Funeral Homes Inc., 1477 Jefferson Road, Jefferson, Gregory P. Rohanna, supervisor, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 31, with Pastor Edward Woods officiating. Interment will follow in Hewitt Cemetery, Rices Landing. Condolences may be expressed online at www.behmfuneralhomes.net.
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Christina R. Bruno
Department of Public Welfare caseworker
Christina R. Bruno, 55, of Waynesburg, died Thursday, December 25, 2008, in her daughter’s home, after a five-year battle with breast cancer.
She was born September 15, 1953, a daughter of the late Thomas Ciminel and Gladys Morris Ciminel.
She graduated in 1971 from Waynesburg Central High School. She attended Waynesburg College, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in English and business administration and a master’s degree in gerontology.
She was a self-employed tax consultant for many years. She was employed at Community Action Southwest for 13 years and, most recently, as a caseworker at the Department of Public Welfare.
She was a past president of Greene County Historical Society and a member of Social Service League. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, quilting, cross-stitching and gardening.
Surviving are a daughter, Heather L. Gilbert and husband James Richard Gilbert of Waynesburg; a son, Steven P. Bruno of Waynesburg; a granddaughter, Lindsey R. Gilbert; a sister, Diane Speer and husband William Speer of Alpena, Mich.; and two nephews, Jeremy and Andrew Speer.
Friends will be received from noon to 6 p.m., the hour of services, Sunday, December 28, in Behm Funeral Home, 182 West High Street, Waynesburg, with the Rev. Donald Wilson officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Greene County Women’s Center, 43 West Morgan Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370, or to Bowlby Public Library, 311 North West Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370. Condolences may be expressed online at www.behmfuneralhomes.net.
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Lawrence L. Burgess
U.S. Marine Corps veteran
Lawrence L. (Larry) Burgess, 73, of Triadelphia, W.Va., formerly of Washington, died Wednesday, December 24, 2008, in his home. He had been in declining health.
He was born January 18, 1935, in Canton Township, a son of Charles William and Mary Corbin Burgess.
Mr. Burgess was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, having served from February 21, 1952, until his honorable discharge October 10, 1954. His awards included the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and National Defense Medal.
Mr. Burgess worked as a general laborer for several local companies.
He was an avid hunter and Steelers fan and supported Boys Club of America and Native American Indian groups.
He was Protestant.
Surviving are three sons, Samuel L. Burgess of Washington, William (Liz) Burgess of Etna and Richard Burgess of Bradenton, Fla.; four daughters, Sheri (Bernie) Fetterman of Indiana, Iona Durbin of Houston, Mary Ann Martin of Mississippi and Jo (Jeff) Blakeslee of Claysville; a brother, Dave Burgess of Amity; two sisters, Judy Hallam of Charleroi and Martha Woods of Ohio; 15 grandchildren, Jessie, Jena, Joshua, Nichole, Joseph, Amber, Dustin, Shelby, Tiffany, Brooke, Taylor, Samantha, Thomas, Shaylee and Dezmond; and three great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a daughter, Glenda Burgess; a sister, Bessie Crawford; and three brothers, John Clyde Burgess, Robert Burgess and Walt Burgess.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 30. Burial will follow in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township. Additional information and a guest book are online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
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Ronald W. Burris
U.S. Air Force veteran was towboat pilot
Ronald W. Burris, 62, of Shippingport, died Thursday, December 25, 2008, in his home, following a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born March 7, 1946, in Washington, a son of the late William and Delores Roach Burris.
Mr. Burris was a towboat pilot, a member of Shippingport Council, Glasgow Lodge 485 F&AM, Southside Memorial Post 952, American Legion, Hookstown, and Cruzin Few car club.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
Surviving are his wife, Mary Ann Long Burris; a son, Todd (Michelle) Burris of Shippingport; a daughter, Rhonda (Todd) Searight of Hookstown; six grandchildren, Megan, Wade, Cole and Shelby Searight and Kyler and Landon Burris; and two sisters, Karen (John) Mackall of Georgetown and Rita (Jerry) Campbell of Hookstown.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Welch Funeral Home, Hookstown, where services will be conducted at noon Monday, December 29. Interment will follow in Mill Creek Hill Cemetery, Hookstown.
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Thomas D. Carnahan
Devoted father and grandfather
Thomas D. Carnahan, 81, died Friday, December 26, 2008, in Donnell House, Washington, after a brief illness.
He was born January 4, 1927, one of twin sons to Robert Brown Carnahan and Helen McAteer Carnahan formerly of Beaver.
Mr. Carnahan graduated from Beaver High School in 1944, enlisted in the U.S. Navy and trained as an electronic technician. He was assigned to the escort aircraft carrier USS Breton CVE 23.
Following discharge from the Navy, he attended Geneva College and Ohio State University, graduating cum laude in 1950 with a bachelor’s degree in ceramic engineering. He was elected to Keramos National Ceramic Engineering Honor Fraternity and Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society.
In 1950, Mr. Carnahan joined Drakenfeld Colors as a customer service representative. He served in numerous technical positions over the years and retired in 1987 as product manager for all Drakenfeld businesses. He co-authored a patent on an improved process for manufacturing tin-vanadium yellow pigments. He was responsible for numerous improvements in pigment manufacturing. During his working years, he was a member of American Ceramic Society.
In 1951, he married Laurella “Lolly” Majors of Ellwood City, who survives. Together, they celebrated 57 years of marriage on October 6, 2008.
He was an active member of Church of the Covenant in Washington, where he served as a deacon, elder and trustee. In the 1960s, he was the leader of the church’s Cub Scout pack.
Mr. Carnahan was a former member of Kiwanis Club of Washington and formerly served on the board of United Way.
In retirement, he spent much time at his second home at Deep Creek Lake, Md., where he enjoyed boating, sailing, kayaking and fishing. He was a devoted father and grandfather.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a sister, Margaret C. Hogsett of Beaver; a daughter, Helen Marie Carnahan Haines (Bill) of Prosperity; and grandchildren Lorien Leigh Carnahan, Shannon Marie Haines Book (Matt), Chelsea Dawn Carnahan Kearns (Adam), William Alexander Haines, Thomas Dorrington Carnahan IV and Callan Kirk Carnahan.
Deceased are sons Thomas Dorrington Carnahan III and George Kirk Carnahan; a sister, Sarah C. Keiser; and twin brother Robert Brown Carnahan.
Friends will be received from noon to 3 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in Piatt & Barnhill Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington.
A memorial service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Monday, December 30, in Church of the Covenant, 267 East Beau Street, Washington, with Dr. Stuart Bromberg and Pastor Randy Boyer officiating. Condolences may be made online at www.piattandbarnhillfh.com
Memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Covenant, 267 East Beau Street, Washington, PA 15301; Washington Hospital Foundation, c/o Hospice Care, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301; or American Heart Association, P.O. Box 15120, Chicago, IL 60693.
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Nancy Black Daniels
1928-2008
Nancy Black Daniels, 80, of Greenfield Township, formerly of the Pittsburgh area, passed from this life Friday morning, December 26, 2008, in Lackawanna County Health Care Center, Sturges.
Her husband of 55 years, Theodore (Ted) Daniels, died November 7, 2006.
Born in Pittsburgh in 1928, she was a daughter of Clarence and Katherine Kerr Black, who passed away in 1974 and 1985, respectively.
A graduate of Westinghouse High School in Pittsburgh, she worked as a secretary and office manager until relocating to the Scranton area in 1985. Until her retirement in 1999, she was employed by Figliomeni Home Health Care, Carbondale.
Mrs. Daniels was active in Order of the Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile, the Business and Professional Women’s Association and Rotary Club. She was a former member of Peters Creek United Presbyterian Church, Venetia, and Chinchilla United Methodist Church.
Surviving are five children and their spouses, Diane and Joseph Flanagan of Clarks Green, Ted and Kim Daniels of Lutz, Fla., Nancy and Barry Weiss of McMurray, Barbara LoBianco of Deltona, Fla., and Mary and Ken Tarbell of Harrisburg; a sister, Eleanor Smiley of Waterford; a brother-in-law, John Daniels and wife May of Oakdale; nine grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday in Brennan & Brennan Funeral Home Inc., 55 Lincoln Avenue, Carbondale, where services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, December 29. Interment will be held in Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Finch Hill.
Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601-7633, or visit www.alz.org.
***
Beverly A. Dunch
Beverly A. Dunch, 61, of Canonsburg, passed away Monday, December 22, 2008.
Arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Salandra Funeral Service Inc., Canonsburg.
A complete obituary will appear in a later edition.
***
Service information was received for Joan Mae Flowers Galbraith, who died Wednesday, December 24, 2008.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Sollon Funeral Home Ltd., 30 East College Street, Canonsburg, J. David Sollon, supervisor, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, December 29. Interment will follow in Oak Spring Cemetery, Canonsburg.
Omitted from the obituary, published Friday, was a deceased sister, Betty Yenchick.
***
Roy R. Gates
Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel retiree was farmer, avid bowler
Roy R. Gates, 95, of Bentleyville, formerly of Belle Vernon, died Thursday, December 25, 2008. He was a resident of Thorpes Personal Care Home in North Charleroi.
He was born June 29, 1913, in Monessen, a son of Curtis and Hilda Smock Gates.
Mr. Gates was a member of First United Methodist Church of Belle Vernon and, in his younger years, the Pennsylvania National Guard.
He retired from the Monessen Plant of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Co. He also was a farmer for several years in the Bentleyville area and was an avid bowler.
Surviving are his wife of 70 years, Doris Jane Ramsey Gates, who also resides in Thorpes Personal Care Home; a son and daughter-in-law, Russell L. and Mary Gates of Bentleyville; a granddaughter, Lisa M. Leach and husband Daniel, and two great-grandchildren, Hunter D. and Hannah M. Leach, all of Bentleyville; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
In addition to his parents, deceased are two brothers, Curtis and Earl Gates.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in Ferguson Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 700 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon (724-929-5300), where services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, December 29, with the Rev. David Zona officiating. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. If friends wish, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Research. Visit online at www.FergusonFuneralHomeAndCrematory.com.
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William N. Hewitt
Greene Co. American Cancer Society regional president
William N. (Billy) Hewitt, 72, of Wind Ridge, died at 11:15 p.m. Thursday, December 25, 2008, in Southwest Regional Medical Center, Waynesburg, after being in failing health for the past year.
He was born May 12, 1936, in Richhill Township, a son of William Edward and Dortha Virginia Whipkey Hewitt.
Mr. Hewitt was a 1954 graduate of the former Richhill Township High School in Wind Ridge and a 1955 graduate of the former Stenotype Institute of Pittsburgh.
He had resided in the Poconos, Germany and New Jersey prior to returning to Greene County following his retirement in 1992.
Mr. Hewitt was a member of Fairview United Methodist Church in Richhill Township and had served as secretary/treasurer for the church cemetery board of directors for the past several years.
He was employed by the Department of the Army in various locations for about 37 years, prior to retiring in 1992 as a supervisor with the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command in Ft. Monmouth, N.J., where he was recognized for his excellence in job performance on several occasions.
Mr. Hewitt enjoyed the time he spent in Germany with his work, for which he was able to travel the world. Following retirement, he enjoyed his several trips to Disney World as long as his health permitted.
He was a member and past master of Aleppo Grange 2054, the Pomona, state and national granges. He also served as regional president of Greene County American Cancer Society, where he was a dedicated volunteer with Relay for Life and Daffodil Days.
Mr. Hewitt was a member and serving as president at the time of his death for West Greene Area Lions Club. He also was a member of Warrior Trail Association, a member and officer with Mason-Dixon Park and served as a judge for the Richhill Township board of elections. He was a member of the Republican national and local committees and was a founding coordinator with the former Pioneer Festival for 10 years. He also served on the board of directors of Greene County Historical Society Museum.
Surviving are his caregivers, Sonny and Donna Tharp of Wind Ridge, and several cousins.
Friends will be received from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday in Rush Funeral Home Inc., Rogersville, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 30, with Pastor Nelson Boone officiating. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Richhill Township. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to a charity of one’s choice. Aleppo Grange 2054 will hold a memorial service at 7 p.m. Monday in the funeral home. Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences at www.rushfuneralhomeinc.com.
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Hugo Iacoponi
Retired owner of Hugo’s Restaurant, Korean War vet
Hugo “Porky” Iacoponi, 81, of Brownsville (Centerville Borough), died Thursday, December 25, 2008, in Brownsville General Hospital, following a lengthy illness.
He was born November 26, 1927, in Centerville Borough, a son of Angelo and Blanche Mori Iacoponi.
Mr. Iacoponi was a 1945 graduate of Centerville High School and was a veteran of the Korean War, having served in the U.S. Army.
He began his career in the restaurant business in 1954, owning and operating two area restaurants before building Hugo’s Restaurant in Centerville. Mr. Iacoponi owned and operated Hugo’s for 20 years before selling the business and retiring in 1980. In his spare time and after retiring, he enjoyed working on his farm and his machinery.
Mr. Iacoponi was Catholic. He was a member of the Hancock-McCune-Horne American Legion Post 705 in Centerville. He also was a former member of B-C-R Lions Club and West Brownsville American Legion, where he had been a charter member.
On May 24, 1957, he married Nora Ingram, who survives.
He will be dearly missed by not only his wife of 51 years, but by his two daughters, Kimberely Iacoponi of Centerville and Tammy Quigley and husband Jason of Centerville.
He also leaves several nieces and nephews and will be missed by several lifelong friends.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, are a daughter, Georgina Iacoponi; two brothers, Dino and Henry Iacoponi; and a sister, Pearl Huzor.
Friends will be received from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday in John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, 2830 Main Street, Beallsville. Services will be private. An online guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.
***
Service information was received for Manuel D. “Butch” Levine, who died December 19, 2008. Family and friends are welcome from 1 to 2 p.m., the hour of a memorial service, Sunday, December 28, in Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home Inc., Daryl L. Throckmorton, owner/director, 197 North Maiden Street, Waynesburg, with Rabbi David Novitsky officiating. Burial will be private.
***
Marian McKee
Resident of Friendship Village
Marian McKee, 91, died Wednesday, December 24, 2008, in the nursing facility at Friendship Village, Upper St. Clair.
She was born December 11, 1917, in Indiana.
She was a daughter of Mary Edna and Louis Shank, and was a longtime resident of Scott Township.
Mrs. McKee was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Scott Township.
Her husband of 37 years, James McKee, died September 19, 1987.
Mrs. McKee volunteered for many charities, most importantly Meals on Wheels.
Surviving are a daughter, Kara Petras and husband Rod; a grandson, Andrew of Houston; a sister, Lois Kime of Hilton Head Island, S.C.; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two brothers and two sisters.
Funeral arrangements are by Beinhauer Funeral Home. Friends are welcome from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Beinhauer Funeral Home, 2828 Washington Road, Peters Township, 724-941-3211.
Services and interment are private. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Presbyterian Church of Houston, 102 North Main Street, Houston, PA 15342. Please add or view tributes at www.beinhauerfamilyservices.com.
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Susan Clara Saniga
Member of Ave Maria Parish in Bentleyville
Susan Clara Saniga, 84, of Scenery Hill, died Thursday, December 25, 2008, in Canonsburg General Hospital.
She was born August 11, 1924, in Ellsworth, a daughter of John and Esophia Saniga.
She was a member of Ave Maria Parish, Bentleyville.
Miss Saniga previously was employed by Bentleyville Telephone Co. as an operator.
Surviving are two brothers, Mathod and Eugene Saniga, both of the state of California; three sisters, Veronica Watlkins of Ellsworth, Mary Cook of Washington and Dolly Kooser of Scenery Hill, with whom she made her home; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased is a brother, Cyril Saniga.
There will be no public visitation. The public is invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Monday, December 29, in Ave Maria Parish, Bentleyville.
Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Carroll Township. Leonard M. Pavlic Funeral Homes Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
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Dolores Shade Schuler
Member of Immaculate Conception Church
Dolores “Dee” Shade Schuler, 80, of Amity, formerly of Altoona, Shadyside and Elizabeth Township (Allegheny County), died Wednesday, December 24, 2008, in Donnell House, Washington, after a lengthy illness.
She was born May 31, 1928, in Altoona, a daughter of Francis James and Anna Plank Shade.
Mrs. Schuler was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Washington, where she was a member of Christian Mothers and active with Bible study. She also was a volunteer through the church for Ministry for the Elderly, Sick and Homebound.
She was active in the Red Hat Society, volunteered for Meals on Wheels and a was a former board member for Donnell House.
A 1946 graduate of Altoona Catholic High School, she attended and graduated from Mercy School of Nursing. She later graduated from Duquesne University with a bachelor of science degree in nursing and completed two years of graduate study at the University of Minnesota, earning a master’s degree in public health.
For eight years, until getting married, she was employed as a public health nurse by Allegheny County Health Department as a nurse administrator. She entered the U.S. Army Nurse Corps in 1955 at Carlisle Barracks. She completed basic training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and was assigned to Fort Bragg Army Hospital for two years. Her next assignment was with the 2nd Field Hospital in Munich, Germany. Upon returning home in 1959, she joined the Army Reserves 339th General Hospital. Upon retirement with the U.S. Army, she retired as a lieutenant colonel.
In 1978, Mrs. Schuler retired from the military after 23 years in the Reserves. During this time, she served as chief nurse for two years.
She enjoyed reading and gardening and loved being with her children and grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
She and her husband, Raymond Francis Schuler, were married May 30, 1970, and made their home on a 104-acre farm in Lone Pine, Washington County, the proud parents of four grown children and grandparents of seven grandchildren.
Surviving are a daughter, Beverly (Larry) Diurba of Mars; son Stephen (Susan) Schuler of Carnegie; daughter Christine (Tim) Detwiler of Elizabeth; son Mark (Joyce) Schuler of Washington; a brother, Thomas (Johann) Shade of Washington; seven grandchildren, Erin Diurba, Jonathan Diurba, Grant Schuler, Logan Schuler, Megan Detwiler, Rachel Schuler and Krista Schuler; a niece, Bernadette Stiffler of Washington; two nephews, Michael (Cindi) Shade of Virginia and Paul Shade of Washington; a great-niece, Emily Stiffler of Washington; and great-nephew, Zachary Stiffler of Washington.
Mrs. Schuler was preceded in death by a niece, Suzanne Shade.
Friends will be received from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday 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, where a prayer service will be held at 8:45 a.m. Monday, December 29, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, Washington, with the Rev. Nicholas A. Spirko as celebrant. Interment will follow in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville, PA 15017. Full military rites will be accorded graveside by American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 and the U.S. Army. Christian Mothers will recite the Rosary at 4 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 331 South Main Street, Washington, PA 15301, or to Donnell House, c/o Hospice Care of Washington Hospital, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301. Online condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com.
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Frank Eugene Shrader
U.S. Navy veteran, General Cryogenics retiree
Frank Eugene Shrader, 72, of Washington, died Thursday, December 25, 2008, in his home.
He was born September 30, 1936, in Morris Township, Washington County, a son of Leo and Ruby McCord Shrader.
Mr. Shrader attended Washington and Chartiers schools.
On March 15, 1955, he joined the U.S. Navy. He was honorably discharged March 17, 1959, as a machinist’s mate, and then served in the U.S. Navy Reserves until March 1963.
Mr. Shrader worked as a truck driver for General Cryogenics, retiring in 1998 after 30 years of service.
He was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 927 and enjoyed working on cars and watching his favorite television programs.
Mr. Shrader was Lutheran.
On January 5, 1957, he married Virginia Iona Deyell, who survives.
Also surviving are four daughters, Kathy Starr Shrader and Bonnie R. Shrader, both of Washington, Tammy J. Shrader of Philadelphia and Joy Lynn (Bob) Rizor; a brother, Ted (Peggy) Shrader of Pittsburgh; two sisters, Shirley (Roger) Nicholas and Mary (Ed) Colcombe, both of Pittsburgh; a grandchild, Erin Marie Rizor; two uncles, Harold (Ellen) McCord of Washington and Bernard (Carol) McCord of Utah; and many nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two brothers, Leo F. Shrader and James G. Shrader.
Friends will be received from 1 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, December 29, with the Rev. Craig Bellis and the Rev. Ed Popovich co-officiating. Burial will follow in North Buffalo Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded graveside by American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175. Additional information and a guest book are online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
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J. Robert Wilson
Korean War veteran
J. Robert (Bob) Wilson, 77, of Venetia, Nottingham Township, died Tuesday, December 23, 2008, in St. Clair Hospital, Mt. Lebanon, as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident in South Fayette Township.
He was born July 30, 1931, in Pittsburgh, a son of John M. and Blanche Bowers Wilson.
Mr. Wilson retired as a personnel director at the former Western Center in Canonsburg. He also was employed part time at Valleybrook Country Club in McMurray.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 764 in McMurray and a 50-year member of the American Legion.
Mr. Wilson enjoyed working and spending time on his farm in Nottingham Township.
Surviving are his wife, Anita Smith Wilson; a sister, Joanne Wells of South Park; and a nephew, William Kinsel of Clairton.
Friends will be received from 10 until 11 a.m., the time of service, Tuesday, December 30, 2008, in Kegel Funeral Home Inc., Tim P. Kegel, supervisor, 3560 Washington Avenue, Finleyville. Interment will follow in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township. Memorial contributions may be made to Geneva College, Institutional Advancement, 3200 College Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010, or Washington Area Humane Society, 1527 Route 136, Eighty Four, PA 5330.
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William Metro Wolfe
Dilworth Mine retiree was Cumberland Twp. supervisor
William Metro “Blackie” Wolfe, 78, of Rices Landing, died Thursday, December 25, 2008, in Rolling Meadows Nursing Care, Waynesburg.
He was born October 19, 1930, in Nemacolin, a son of Metro and Anna Varesko Wolfe.
On February 8, 1951, he married Alberta McKenna, who survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Diana King (Dutch) and Susan Townsend (John), both of Carmichaels; two sons, James Wolfe (Darlene) and Dennis Wolfe (Bonnie), both of Rices Landing; a brother, Thomas Wolfe (Norma) of Brechsville, Ohio; sisters Catherine Danko of Kirkland Hills, Ohio, Shirley Ames (Francis) of Coal Center, Lucille Hutnik of Tionesta, Charlotte Rychtarsky (Frank) of Carmichaels and Joyce Hood (George) of Murphy, N.C.; four grandsons, James Wolfe II (Kirstin), Travis Townsend, Zachary Wolfe and Brandon Wolfe; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, are a brother, Joseph Wolfe; and sisters Gertrude Blackburn and Barbara Myers.
Mr. Wolfe was a member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Crucible, and United Mine Workers of America Local 1980.
He served as Cumberland Township supervisor throughout the 1970s and retired from Dilworth Mine. He was a social member of Carmichaels Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Slovanic Club of Crucible.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday and from 9 to 10 a.m., the time of a prayer service, Monday, December 29, in Lesako Funeral Home Inc., Paul M. Lesako, supervisor/funeral director, 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels (724-966-5100) with the Rev. John Bauer officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Crucible.
***
William D. Baker of McDonald died Thursday, December 25, 2008, in his home.
He was a son of the late Daniel and Elizabeth Tindall Baker.
Mr. Baker was a retired field representative for Continental Insurance.
He was a member of McDonald Presbyterian Church, Dormont F&AM Lodge No. 684 and was a World War II veteran.
Surviving are his wife of 34 years, Jane Novak Baker; a son, William (Sandy) Baker Jr. of South Carolina; and a brother, Robert (Irma) Baker of McMurray.
Friends will be received from noon to 5 and 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, December 28, in Thomas-Little Funeral Service Inc., 314 West Lincoln Avenue, McDonald (724-926-2800), Patrick Konieczny, owner/director, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 29.
Interment will follow in Robinson Run Cemetery. A Masonic service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. Please sign the guest book at thomas-littlefuneralservice.com.
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Joseph R. Berry
U.S. Steel boat deck hand, Maritime Union member
Joseph R. “Joe Buck” Berry, 81, of Lionsville, formerly of Rices Landing, died Tuesday, December 23, 2008, in Rolling Meadows Nursing Home, Waynesburg.
He was born December 4, 1927, in Elizabeth, a son of Kramer Berry Sr. and Bessie Trumpey Berry.
Mr. Berry was a deck hand for U.S. Steel’s river boat, the “Jenkins.” He was a member of the Maritime Union.
He was Baptist.
His wife, Shirley Burkett Berry, died in 2004.
Surviving are a stepdaughter, Debbie Venen, and a stepson, Allen Grimm, both of Rices Landing; and five brothers and sisters, Cora Rennie of Virginia, Valetta Dankovich of Marianna, Emil “Hobo” Berry of Rices Landing, Irvan Berry of Vanburg, Germany, and Marie Haines of Rices Landing.
Deceased are two sisters, Hazel Berry and Pearl Berry; and a brother, Kramer Berry Jr.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Behm Funeral Homes Inc., 1477 Jefferson Road, Jefferson, Gregory P. Rohanna, supervisor, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 31, with Pastor Edward Woods officiating. Interment will follow in Hewitt Cemetery, Rices Landing. Condolences may be expressed online at www.behmfuneralhomes.net.
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Christina R. Bruno
Department of Public Welfare caseworker
Christina R. Bruno, 55, of Waynesburg, died Thursday, December 25, 2008, in her daughter’s home, after a five-year battle with breast cancer.
She was born September 15, 1953, a daughter of the late Thomas Ciminel and Gladys Morris Ciminel.
She graduated in 1971 from Waynesburg Central High School. She attended Waynesburg College, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in English and business administration and a master’s degree in gerontology.
She was a self-employed tax consultant for many years. She was employed at Community Action Southwest for 13 years and, most recently, as a caseworker at the Department of Public Welfare.
She was a past president of Greene County Historical Society and a member of Social Service League. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, quilting, cross-stitching and gardening.
Surviving are a daughter, Heather L. Gilbert and husband James Richard Gilbert of Waynesburg; a son, Steven P. Bruno of Waynesburg; a granddaughter, Lindsey R. Gilbert; a sister, Diane Speer and husband William Speer of Alpena, Mich.; and two nephews, Jeremy and Andrew Speer.
Friends will be received from noon to 6 p.m., the hour of services, Sunday, December 28, in Behm Funeral Home, 182 West High Street, Waynesburg, with the Rev. Donald Wilson officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Greene County Women’s Center, 43 West Morgan Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370, or to Bowlby Public Library, 311 North West Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370. Condolences may be expressed online at www.behmfuneralhomes.net.
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Lawrence L. Burgess
U.S. Marine Corps veteran
Lawrence L. (Larry) Burgess, 73, of Triadelphia, W.Va., formerly of Washington, died Wednesday, December 24, 2008, in his home. He had been in declining health.
He was born January 18, 1935, in Canton Township, a son of Charles William and Mary Corbin Burgess.
Mr. Burgess was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, having served from February 21, 1952, until his honorable discharge October 10, 1954. His awards included the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and National Defense Medal.
Mr. Burgess worked as a general laborer for several local companies.
He was an avid hunter and Steelers fan and supported Boys Club of America and Native American Indian groups.
He was Protestant.
Surviving are three sons, Samuel L. Burgess of Washington, William (Liz) Burgess of Etna and Richard Burgess of Bradenton, Fla.; four daughters, Sheri (Bernie) Fetterman of Indiana, Iona Durbin of Houston, Mary Ann Martin of Mississippi and Jo (Jeff) Blakeslee of Claysville; a brother, Dave Burgess of Amity; two sisters, Judy Hallam of Charleroi and Martha Woods of Ohio; 15 grandchildren, Jessie, Jena, Joshua, Nichole, Joseph, Amber, Dustin, Shelby, Tiffany, Brooke, Taylor, Samantha, Thomas, Shaylee and Dezmond; and three great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a daughter, Glenda Burgess; a sister, Bessie Crawford; and three brothers, John Clyde Burgess, Robert Burgess and Walt Burgess.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 30. Burial will follow in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township. Additional information and a guest book are online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
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Ronald W. Burris
U.S. Air Force veteran was towboat pilot
Ronald W. Burris, 62, of Shippingport, died Thursday, December 25, 2008, in his home, following a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born March 7, 1946, in Washington, a son of the late William and Delores Roach Burris.
Mr. Burris was a towboat pilot, a member of Shippingport Council, Glasgow Lodge 485 F&AM, Southside Memorial Post 952, American Legion, Hookstown, and Cruzin Few car club.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
Surviving are his wife, Mary Ann Long Burris; a son, Todd (Michelle) Burris of Shippingport; a daughter, Rhonda (Todd) Searight of Hookstown; six grandchildren, Megan, Wade, Cole and Shelby Searight and Kyler and Landon Burris; and two sisters, Karen (John) Mackall of Georgetown and Rita (Jerry) Campbell of Hookstown.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Welch Funeral Home, Hookstown, where services will be conducted at noon Monday, December 29. Interment will follow in Mill Creek Hill Cemetery, Hookstown.
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Thomas D. Carnahan
Devoted father and grandfather
Thomas D. Carnahan, 81, died Friday, December 26, 2008, in Donnell House, Washington, after a brief illness.
He was born January 4, 1927, one of twin sons to Robert Brown Carnahan and Helen McAteer Carnahan formerly of Beaver.
Mr. Carnahan graduated from Beaver High School in 1944, enlisted in the U.S. Navy and trained as an electronic technician. He was assigned to the escort aircraft carrier USS Breton CVE 23.
Following discharge from the Navy, he attended Geneva College and Ohio State University, graduating cum laude in 1950 with a bachelor’s degree in ceramic engineering. He was elected to Keramos National Ceramic Engineering Honor Fraternity and Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society.
In 1950, Mr. Carnahan joined Drakenfeld Colors as a customer service representative. He served in numerous technical positions over the years and retired in 1987 as product manager for all Drakenfeld businesses. He co-authored a patent on an improved process for manufacturing tin-vanadium yellow pigments. He was responsible for numerous improvements in pigment manufacturing. During his working years, he was a member of American Ceramic Society.
In 1951, he married Laurella “Lolly” Majors of Ellwood City, who survives. Together, they celebrated 57 years of marriage on October 6, 2008.
He was an active member of Church of the Covenant in Washington, where he served as a deacon, elder and trustee. In the 1960s, he was the leader of the church’s Cub Scout pack.
Mr. Carnahan was a former member of Kiwanis Club of Washington and formerly served on the board of United Way.
In retirement, he spent much time at his second home at Deep Creek Lake, Md., where he enjoyed boating, sailing, kayaking and fishing. He was a devoted father and grandfather.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a sister, Margaret C. Hogsett of Beaver; a daughter, Helen Marie Carnahan Haines (Bill) of Prosperity; and grandchildren Lorien Leigh Carnahan, Shannon Marie Haines Book (Matt), Chelsea Dawn Carnahan Kearns (Adam), William Alexander Haines, Thomas Dorrington Carnahan IV and Callan Kirk Carnahan.
Deceased are sons Thomas Dorrington Carnahan III and George Kirk Carnahan; a sister, Sarah C. Keiser; and twin brother Robert Brown Carnahan.
Friends will be received from noon to 3 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in Piatt & Barnhill Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington.
A memorial service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Monday, December 30, in Church of the Covenant, 267 East Beau Street, Washington, with Dr. Stuart Bromberg and Pastor Randy Boyer officiating. Condolences may be made online at www.piattandbarnhillfh.com
Memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Covenant, 267 East Beau Street, Washington, PA 15301; Washington Hospital Foundation, c/o Hospice Care, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301; or American Heart Association, P.O. Box 15120, Chicago, IL 60693.
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Nancy Black Daniels
1928-2008
Nancy Black Daniels, 80, of Greenfield Township, formerly of the Pittsburgh area, passed from this life Friday morning, December 26, 2008, in Lackawanna County Health Care Center, Sturges.
Her husband of 55 years, Theodore (Ted) Daniels, died November 7, 2006.
Born in Pittsburgh in 1928, she was a daughter of Clarence and Katherine Kerr Black, who passed away in 1974 and 1985, respectively.
A graduate of Westinghouse High School in Pittsburgh, she worked as a secretary and office manager until relocating to the Scranton area in 1985. Until her retirement in 1999, she was employed by Figliomeni Home Health Care, Carbondale.
Mrs. Daniels was active in Order of the Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile, the Business and Professional Women’s Association and Rotary Club. She was a former member of Peters Creek United Presbyterian Church, Venetia, and Chinchilla United Methodist Church.
Surviving are five children and their spouses, Diane and Joseph Flanagan of Clarks Green, Ted and Kim Daniels of Lutz, Fla., Nancy and Barry Weiss of McMurray, Barbara LoBianco of Deltona, Fla., and Mary and Ken Tarbell of Harrisburg; a sister, Eleanor Smiley of Waterford; a brother-in-law, John Daniels and wife May of Oakdale; nine grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday in Brennan & Brennan Funeral Home Inc., 55 Lincoln Avenue, Carbondale, where services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, December 29. Interment will be held in Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Finch Hill.
Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601-7633, or visit www.alz.org.
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Beverly A. Dunch
Beverly A. Dunch, 61, of Canonsburg, passed away Monday, December 22, 2008.
Arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Salandra Funeral Service Inc., Canonsburg.
A complete obituary will appear in a later edition.
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Service information was received for Joan Mae Flowers Galbraith, who died Wednesday, December 24, 2008.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Sollon Funeral Home Ltd., 30 East College Street, Canonsburg, J. David Sollon, supervisor, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, December 29. Interment will follow in Oak Spring Cemetery, Canonsburg.
Omitted from the obituary, published Friday, was a deceased sister, Betty Yenchick.
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Roy R. Gates
Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel retiree was farmer, avid bowler
Roy R. Gates, 95, of Bentleyville, formerly of Belle Vernon, died Thursday, December 25, 2008. He was a resident of Thorpes Personal Care Home in North Charleroi.
He was born June 29, 1913, in Monessen, a son of Curtis and Hilda Smock Gates.
Mr. Gates was a member of First United Methodist Church of Belle Vernon and, in his younger years, the Pennsylvania National Guard.
He retired from the Monessen Plant of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Co. He also was a farmer for several years in the Bentleyville area and was an avid bowler.
Surviving are his wife of 70 years, Doris Jane Ramsey Gates, who also resides in Thorpes Personal Care Home; a son and daughter-in-law, Russell L. and Mary Gates of Bentleyville; a granddaughter, Lisa M. Leach and husband Daniel, and two great-grandchildren, Hunter D. and Hannah M. Leach, all of Bentleyville; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
In addition to his parents, deceased are two brothers, Curtis and Earl Gates.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in Ferguson Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 700 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon (724-929-5300), where services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, December 29, with the Rev. David Zona officiating. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. If friends wish, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Research. Visit online at www.FergusonFuneralHomeAndCrematory.com.
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William N. Hewitt
Greene Co. American Cancer Society regional president
William N. (Billy) Hewitt, 72, of Wind Ridge, died at 11:15 p.m. Thursday, December 25, 2008, in Southwest Regional Medical Center, Waynesburg, after being in failing health for the past year.
He was born May 12, 1936, in Richhill Township, a son of William Edward and Dortha Virginia Whipkey Hewitt.
Mr. Hewitt was a 1954 graduate of the former Richhill Township High School in Wind Ridge and a 1955 graduate of the former Stenotype Institute of Pittsburgh.
He had resided in the Poconos, Germany and New Jersey prior to returning to Greene County following his retirement in 1992.
Mr. Hewitt was a member of Fairview United Methodist Church in Richhill Township and had served as secretary/treasurer for the church cemetery board of directors for the past several years.
He was employed by the Department of the Army in various locations for about 37 years, prior to retiring in 1992 as a supervisor with the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command in Ft. Monmouth, N.J., where he was recognized for his excellence in job performance on several occasions.
Mr. Hewitt enjoyed the time he spent in Germany with his work, for which he was able to travel the world. Following retirement, he enjoyed his several trips to Disney World as long as his health permitted.
He was a member and past master of Aleppo Grange 2054, the Pomona, state and national granges. He also served as regional president of Greene County American Cancer Society, where he was a dedicated volunteer with Relay for Life and Daffodil Days.
Mr. Hewitt was a member and serving as president at the time of his death for West Greene Area Lions Club. He also was a member of Warrior Trail Association, a member and officer with Mason-Dixon Park and served as a judge for the Richhill Township board of elections. He was a member of the Republican national and local committees and was a founding coordinator with the former Pioneer Festival for 10 years. He also served on the board of directors of Greene County Historical Society Museum.
Surviving are his caregivers, Sonny and Donna Tharp of Wind Ridge, and several cousins.
Friends will be received from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday in Rush Funeral Home Inc., Rogersville, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 30, with Pastor Nelson Boone officiating. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Richhill Township. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to a charity of one’s choice. Aleppo Grange 2054 will hold a memorial service at 7 p.m. Monday in the funeral home. Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences at www.rushfuneralhomeinc.com.
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Hugo Iacoponi
Retired owner of Hugo’s Restaurant, Korean War vet
Hugo “Porky” Iacoponi, 81, of Brownsville (Centerville Borough), died Thursday, December 25, 2008, in Brownsville General Hospital, following a lengthy illness.
He was born November 26, 1927, in Centerville Borough, a son of Angelo and Blanche Mori Iacoponi.
Mr. Iacoponi was a 1945 graduate of Centerville High School and was a veteran of the Korean War, having served in the U.S. Army.
He began his career in the restaurant business in 1954, owning and operating two area restaurants before building Hugo’s Restaurant in Centerville. Mr. Iacoponi owned and operated Hugo’s for 20 years before selling the business and retiring in 1980. In his spare time and after retiring, he enjoyed working on his farm and his machinery.
Mr. Iacoponi was Catholic. He was a member of the Hancock-McCune-Horne American Legion Post 705 in Centerville. He also was a former member of B-C-R Lions Club and West Brownsville American Legion, where he had been a charter member.
On May 24, 1957, he married Nora Ingram, who survives.
He will be dearly missed by not only his wife of 51 years, but by his two daughters, Kimberely Iacoponi of Centerville and Tammy Quigley and husband Jason of Centerville.
He also leaves several nieces and nephews and will be missed by several lifelong friends.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, are a daughter, Georgina Iacoponi; two brothers, Dino and Henry Iacoponi; and a sister, Pearl Huzor.
Friends will be received from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday in John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, 2830 Main Street, Beallsville. Services will be private. An online guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.
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Service information was received for Manuel D. “Butch” Levine, who died December 19, 2008. Family and friends are welcome from 1 to 2 p.m., the hour of a memorial service, Sunday, December 28, in Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home Inc., Daryl L. Throckmorton, owner/director, 197 North Maiden Street, Waynesburg, with Rabbi David Novitsky officiating. Burial will be private.
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Marian McKee
Resident of Friendship Village
Marian McKee, 91, died Wednesday, December 24, 2008, in the nursing facility at Friendship Village, Upper St. Clair.
She was born December 11, 1917, in Indiana.
She was a daughter of Mary Edna and Louis Shank, and was a longtime resident of Scott Township.
Mrs. McKee was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Scott Township.
Her husband of 37 years, James McKee, died September 19, 1987.
Mrs. McKee volunteered for many charities, most importantly Meals on Wheels.
Surviving are a daughter, Kara Petras and husband Rod; a grandson, Andrew of Houston; a sister, Lois Kime of Hilton Head Island, S.C.; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two brothers and two sisters.
Funeral arrangements are by Beinhauer Funeral Home. Friends are welcome from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Beinhauer Funeral Home, 2828 Washington Road, Peters Township, 724-941-3211.
Services and interment are private. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Presbyterian Church of Houston, 102 North Main Street, Houston, PA 15342. Please add or view tributes at www.beinhauerfamilyservices.com.
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Susan Clara Saniga
Member of Ave Maria Parish in Bentleyville
Susan Clara Saniga, 84, of Scenery Hill, died Thursday, December 25, 2008, in Canonsburg General Hospital.
She was born August 11, 1924, in Ellsworth, a daughter of John and Esophia Saniga.
She was a member of Ave Maria Parish, Bentleyville.
Miss Saniga previously was employed by Bentleyville Telephone Co. as an operator.
Surviving are two brothers, Mathod and Eugene Saniga, both of the state of California; three sisters, Veronica Watlkins of Ellsworth, Mary Cook of Washington and Dolly Kooser of Scenery Hill, with whom she made her home; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased is a brother, Cyril Saniga.
There will be no public visitation. The public is invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Monday, December 29, in Ave Maria Parish, Bentleyville.
Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Carroll Township. Leonard M. Pavlic Funeral Homes Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
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Dolores Shade Schuler
Member of Immaculate Conception Church
Dolores “Dee” Shade Schuler, 80, of Amity, formerly of Altoona, Shadyside and Elizabeth Township (Allegheny County), died Wednesday, December 24, 2008, in Donnell House, Washington, after a lengthy illness.
She was born May 31, 1928, in Altoona, a daughter of Francis James and Anna Plank Shade.
Mrs. Schuler was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Washington, where she was a member of Christian Mothers and active with Bible study. She also was a volunteer through the church for Ministry for the Elderly, Sick and Homebound.
She was active in the Red Hat Society, volunteered for Meals on Wheels and a was a former board member for Donnell House.
A 1946 graduate of Altoona Catholic High School, she attended and graduated from Mercy School of Nursing. She later graduated from Duquesne University with a bachelor of science degree in nursing and completed two years of graduate study at the University of Minnesota, earning a master’s degree in public health.
For eight years, until getting married, she was employed as a public health nurse by Allegheny County Health Department as a nurse administrator. She entered the U.S. Army Nurse Corps in 1955 at Carlisle Barracks. She completed basic training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and was assigned to Fort Bragg Army Hospital for two years. Her next assignment was with the 2nd Field Hospital in Munich, Germany. Upon returning home in 1959, she joined the Army Reserves 339th General Hospital. Upon retirement with the U.S. Army, she retired as a lieutenant colonel.
In 1978, Mrs. Schuler retired from the military after 23 years in the Reserves. During this time, she served as chief nurse for two years.
She enjoyed reading and gardening and loved being with her children and grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
She and her husband, Raymond Francis Schuler, were married May 30, 1970, and made their home on a 104-acre farm in Lone Pine, Washington County, the proud parents of four grown children and grandparents of seven grandchildren.
Surviving are a daughter, Beverly (Larry) Diurba of Mars; son Stephen (Susan) Schuler of Carnegie; daughter Christine (Tim) Detwiler of Elizabeth; son Mark (Joyce) Schuler of Washington; a brother, Thomas (Johann) Shade of Washington; seven grandchildren, Erin Diurba, Jonathan Diurba, Grant Schuler, Logan Schuler, Megan Detwiler, Rachel Schuler and Krista Schuler; a niece, Bernadette Stiffler of Washington; two nephews, Michael (Cindi) Shade of Virginia and Paul Shade of Washington; a great-niece, Emily Stiffler of Washington; and great-nephew, Zachary Stiffler of Washington.
Mrs. Schuler was preceded in death by a niece, Suzanne Shade.
Friends will be received from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday 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, where a prayer service will be held at 8:45 a.m. Monday, December 29, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, Washington, with the Rev. Nicholas A. Spirko as celebrant. Interment will follow in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville, PA 15017. Full military rites will be accorded graveside by American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 and the U.S. Army. Christian Mothers will recite the Rosary at 4 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 331 South Main Street, Washington, PA 15301, or to Donnell House, c/o Hospice Care of Washington Hospital, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301. Online condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com.
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Frank Eugene Shrader
U.S. Navy veteran, General Cryogenics retiree
Frank Eugene Shrader, 72, of Washington, died Thursday, December 25, 2008, in his home.
He was born September 30, 1936, in Morris Township, Washington County, a son of Leo and Ruby McCord Shrader.
Mr. Shrader attended Washington and Chartiers schools.
On March 15, 1955, he joined the U.S. Navy. He was honorably discharged March 17, 1959, as a machinist’s mate, and then served in the U.S. Navy Reserves until March 1963.
Mr. Shrader worked as a truck driver for General Cryogenics, retiring in 1998 after 30 years of service.
He was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 927 and enjoyed working on cars and watching his favorite television programs.
Mr. Shrader was Lutheran.
On January 5, 1957, he married Virginia Iona Deyell, who survives.
Also surviving are four daughters, Kathy Starr Shrader and Bonnie R. Shrader, both of Washington, Tammy J. Shrader of Philadelphia and Joy Lynn (Bob) Rizor; a brother, Ted (Peggy) Shrader of Pittsburgh; two sisters, Shirley (Roger) Nicholas and Mary (Ed) Colcombe, both of Pittsburgh; a grandchild, Erin Marie Rizor; two uncles, Harold (Ellen) McCord of Washington and Bernard (Carol) McCord of Utah; and many nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two brothers, Leo F. Shrader and James G. Shrader.
Friends will be received from 1 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, December 29, with the Rev. Craig Bellis and the Rev. Ed Popovich co-officiating. Burial will follow in North Buffalo Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded graveside by American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175. Additional information and a guest book are online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
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J. Robert Wilson
Korean War veteran
J. Robert (Bob) Wilson, 77, of Venetia, Nottingham Township, died Tuesday, December 23, 2008, in St. Clair Hospital, Mt. Lebanon, as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident in South Fayette Township.
He was born July 30, 1931, in Pittsburgh, a son of John M. and Blanche Bowers Wilson.
Mr. Wilson retired as a personnel director at the former Western Center in Canonsburg. He also was employed part time at Valleybrook Country Club in McMurray.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 764 in McMurray and a 50-year member of the American Legion.
Mr. Wilson enjoyed working and spending time on his farm in Nottingham Township.
Surviving are his wife, Anita Smith Wilson; a sister, Joanne Wells of South Park; and a nephew, William Kinsel of Clairton.
Friends will be received from 10 until 11 a.m., the time of service, Tuesday, December 30, 2008, in Kegel Funeral Home Inc., Tim P. Kegel, supervisor, 3560 Washington Avenue, Finleyville. Interment will follow in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township. Memorial contributions may be made to Geneva College, Institutional Advancement, 3200 College Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010, or Washington Area Humane Society, 1527 Route 136, Eighty Four, PA 5330.
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William Metro Wolfe
Dilworth Mine retiree was Cumberland Twp. supervisor
William Metro “Blackie” Wolfe, 78, of Rices Landing, died Thursday, December 25, 2008, in Rolling Meadows Nursing Care, Waynesburg.
He was born October 19, 1930, in Nemacolin, a son of Metro and Anna Varesko Wolfe.
On February 8, 1951, he married Alberta McKenna, who survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Diana King (Dutch) and Susan Townsend (John), both of Carmichaels; two sons, James Wolfe (Darlene) and Dennis Wolfe (Bonnie), both of Rices Landing; a brother, Thomas Wolfe (Norma) of Brechsville, Ohio; sisters Catherine Danko of Kirkland Hills, Ohio, Shirley Ames (Francis) of Coal Center, Lucille Hutnik of Tionesta, Charlotte Rychtarsky (Frank) of Carmichaels and Joyce Hood (George) of Murphy, N.C.; four grandsons, James Wolfe II (Kirstin), Travis Townsend, Zachary Wolfe and Brandon Wolfe; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, are a brother, Joseph Wolfe; and sisters Gertrude Blackburn and Barbara Myers.
Mr. Wolfe was a member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Crucible, and United Mine Workers of America Local 1980.
He served as Cumberland Township supervisor throughout the 1970s and retired from Dilworth Mine. He was a social member of Carmichaels Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Slovanic Club of Crucible.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday and from 9 to 10 a.m., the time of a prayer service, Monday, December 29, in Lesako Funeral Home Inc., Paul M. Lesako, supervisor/funeral director, 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels (724-966-5100) with the Rev. John Bauer officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Crucible.
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