Local physician was decorated Vietnam veteran

Dr. Robert J. Coppula, 68, of Washington, died Saturday, December 20, 2008, in Washington Hospital.

He was born September 23, 1940, in Mt. Pleasant, a son of Rocco J. and Rose M. Palloti Coppula.

Dr. Coppula was a member of Immaculate Conception Church.

He worked as a physician in Washington Hospital and also in his private practice for more than 30 years.

Dr. Coppula was a 1958 graduate of Ramsey High School in Mt. Pleasant, a graduate of St. Vincent College and graduated from medical school at the University of Bologna, Italy.

He was a member of Lone Pine Golf Club and Pitt Golden Panthers.

Dr. Coppula enjoyed golf, music, loved Pitt basketball and football, but most of all, he loved spending time with his family, children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War with the rank of captain. He was wounded in action and awarded the Bronze Star. Dr. Coppula also was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

On June 20, 1970, in Immaculate Conception Church, he married Maria A. Giacomelli, who survives.

Also surviving are a son, Christopher (Deborah) Coppula of Rockville, Md.; a daughter, Gina (J.R.) Bell of Castle Shannon; a sister, Marlene (James) Sebek of Mt. Pleasant; two grandchildren, Alexander and Alina Coppula of Rockville; a nephew, Andrew Sebek; and a niece, Lori Martiwoski.

Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday 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. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 23, in Immaculate Conception Church, Washington. Interment will follow in Mt. Prospect Cemetery, Hickory. Memorial contributions can be made to John F. Kennedy School, 111 West Spruce Street, Washington, PA 15301; or to a charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com.

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Debbie Donkin

Member of Moose Women’s Dartball Team

Debbie Donkin, 48, of Washington, died Saturday, December 20, 2008, in her home.

She was born April 3, 1960, in Washington, a daughter of Harry Raymond Ankrom Sr. of Washington and the late Gladys Louise Wright.

Mrs. Donkin attended McGuffey schools.

She was a member of Moose Lodge 22 and Moose Women’s Dartball Team.

Surviving, in addition to her father and stepmother, Jeanette L. Ankrom, are three daughters, Ashley Donkin (John) Burnsworth of Amity and Amanda (Adam) Cox and Abby Donkin (Ryan Cramer), both of Washington; a brother, Harry R. Ankrom Jr. of Washington; two sisters, Grace “Goldie” (William) Bardella and Carol Hewitt, both of Washington; three grandchildren, Tylar, Jesse and Brennen Burnsworth; two stepbrothers, Michael (Jeannie) Riggle of Washington and Mark Riggle of Youngsville, N.C.; and a stepsister, Tammy (Dan) Dyer of De Land, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.

Also surviving is her former husband, Edward Donkin.

Deceased, in addition to her mother, is a brother, Larry W. Ankrom.

There will be no viewing. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, December 22, in Christian Church of North America, Fourth Street and Shirls Avenue, Washington, with her nephew, Harry Ankrom, officiating. Arrangements are 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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John W. Few

John W. “Bud” Few, 65, of Canonsburg, died Sunday, December 21, 2008, in Donnell House, Washington.

A complete obituary will appear in a later edition. Arrangements are by Sollon Funeral Home Ltd., 30 East College Street, Canonsburg. Visitation will from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., the time of services, Tuesday, December 23, in the funeral home.

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Wilbert Hutter

Wilbert “Piggy” Hutter, 76, of Washington, died Sunday, December 21, 2008, following a lengthy illness.

Arrangements are incomplete and will appear in a later edition. Additional details and guest book available online at www.NealFuneralHome.com.

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Manuel D. Levine

Manuel D. “Butch” Levine, 90, of Bridgeport, W.Va., formerly of Waynesburg, died at 9 a.m. Friday, December 19, 2008, in his home.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and are being handled by Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home Inc., Waynesburg. A complete obituary and arrangements will appear in a later edition.

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Rosalia Zebre Medency

Active volunteer worked for Hecht Store in Marianna

Rosalia “Bubbles” Zebre Medency, 86, of Eighty Four, formerly of Marianna, died Sunday, December 21, 2008, in Washington Hospital.

She was born August 23, 1922, in Marianna, a daughter of Frank and Stefania “Fannie” Kotchar Zebre.

Mrs. Medency was married to John Medency, who died November 12, 2002.

She graduated from West Bethlehem High School.

Mrs. Medency worked for Hecht Store in Marianna as a bookkeeper/clerk and sewed for many people.

She was a very caring person who loved to volunteer, especially for the American Heart Association, American Cancer society and for U.S. veterans and their services.

Mrs. Medency was president for many years of American Legion Post 744 Auxiliary.

She spearheaded the movement to dredge the creek in Marianna because of constant flooding, and was very active in her community.

Surviving is a daughter, Georgia M. (Remy) Guilmart of Eighty Four.

Deceased, in addition to her parents and husband, is a sister, Clara “Bunnie” Zebre.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Nichol Funeral Home, 1728 Main Street, Marianna, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 24, with the Rev. Doug Richardson officiating. Interment will follow in Horn Cemetery, Marianna.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to First Christian Church of Marianna or American Legion Post 744 of Marianna.

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Edna M. Messner

Library Baptist Church member, homemaker

Edna M. Messner, 95, of Finleyville, died Saturday, December 20, 2008, in her home.

She was born August 8, 1913, in Ingram, a daughter of Thomas and Carrie Baggus Evans.

Mrs. Messner was a homemaker.

She was a member of Library Baptist Church in Finleyville.

Mrs. Messner was a devoted mother and grandmother and loved her dog, Lucy.

Surviving are a daughter, Mary Jane Smith and husband Duane of Finleyville; three grandchildren, Timothy Smith and wife JoAnn, David Smith and wife Shellie and Sharon Bell and husband Glenn; six great-grandchildren, Josh, Dustin, David and Nathan Smith, Onilee Gray and Chad Bell; and a great-great-grandchild, Aleigha Smith.

Deceased are her husband, David Messner, who died in November 1988; and a granddaughter, Jackie Smith.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday in Kegel Funeral Home Inc., Tim P. Kegel, supervisor, 3560 Washington Avenue, Finleyville, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 23. Private interment in Jefferson Memorial Park, Pleasant Hills. Memorial contributions can be made to Washington Area Humane Society, P.O. Box 66, Eighty Four, PA 15330.

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Joseph A. Mineo

Retired Eazor Express, Laidlaw Transportation driver

Joseph A. Mineo, 88, of Washington, died Sunday, December 21, 2008, in St. Clair Hospital, Mt. Lebanon.

He was born January 6, 1920, in Pittsburgh, a son of Joseph and Sarah Catanese Mineo.

Mr. Mineo retired as a driver with the former Eazor Express in Pittsburgh and Laidlaw Transportation in Bethel Park.

He was Catholic.

Surviving are his wife, Claire Carlisle Mineo; two sons, Anthony and Nunzio Mineo, both of Bethel Park; four daughters, Pricilla Wallace of Clarksville, Tenn., Sarah Bafford of Lake Havasu City, Ariz., Nancy Bert of Washington and Cathy Carden of Finleyville; 16 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in Kegel Funeral Home Inc., Tim P. Kegel, supervisor, 3560 Washington Avenue, Finleyville, where a blessing service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 24, with the Rev. Robert J. Boyle of St. Francis Church, Finleyville, officiating. Private entombment will be in Queen of Heaven Mausoleum, Peters Township.

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Patti A. Murphy

Washington Hospital nurse anesthetist

Patti A. Murphy, 76, of Washington, died Thursday, December 18, 2008, in Donnell House, Washington, after a lengthy illness.

She was born March 1, 1932, in Washington, a daughter of Earl Paul Sr. and Martha Brice Murphy.

Miss Murphy was a member of Laboratory Presbyterian Church.

She was a 1950 graduate of Trinity High School, a 1953 graduate of Uniontown Hospital School of Nursing and attended and graduated from Washington Hospital School of Nurse Anesthesia.

Miss Murphy worked part time as a nurse anesthetist for oral surgeon Dr. John Kennedy. For more than 40 years, she was employed by Washington Hospital as a nurse anesthetist until her retirement. Prior to becoming a nurse anesthetist, she worked as a registered nurse in the labor and delivery department in Washington Hospital.

She was a member of Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists, American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and was very active as a volunteer, having raised funds for Washington Hospital and Hospice.

Miss Murphy was devoted to her family and her many nieces and nephews.

Surviving are a brother, Earl P. (Patricia P.) Murphy Jr. of Washington; a sister, Louise (Robert) Hodgson of Pleasant Hills; and nieces and nephews Marty Lou (Rick) Kountz, Thomas (April) Hodgson, Robert (Janice) Hodgson, Lynn (Chuck) Sylvis, Paul (Kay) Murphy, Mark (Alice) Murphy and David (Kim) Murphy.

In addition to her mother and father, deceased is a nephew, Arthur Hodgson.

There will be no public visitation and burial will be private. A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 23, in Church Of The Covenant, 267 East Beau Street, Washington, with Pastor Randy Boyer officiating. All are welcome to attend. Memorial contributions can be made to Washington Hospital Foundation, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301. Arrangements are under the direction of 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. Online condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com.

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Martha Snyder Ostrich

Jefferson United Methodist Church member

Martha Sndyer Ostrich, 91, of Jefferson, died Sunday, December 21, 2008, in Rolling Meadows Nursing Home, Waynesburg.

She was born September 20, 1917, in Mather, a daughter of James T. and Nancy V. Pyle Snyder.

Mrs. Ostrich was a 1935 graduate of Jefferson High School.

A homemaker, she was a member of Jefferson United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Ostrich enjoyed her panda bear collection, being outdoors on her riding lawnmower and spending time with her beloved grandson, Jim Glister.

On February 9, 1947, she married Ralph E. Ostrich, who died, January 18, 1970.

Surviving are her children, Audrey Glister and husband John of Warren, Mich., Arthur Ostrich and wife Cindy of Marianna, Thelma Pushak and husband John of Baden and Raymond Ostrich and wife Debbie of Jefferson; nine grandchildren, Jim Glister, Dave Glister, Sue Glister, Melissa Phillips, Jeff Ostrich, Craig Ostrich, Nicole Hanning, Angie Valent and Tracy Pushak; and 15 great-grandchildren, Zak, Lexi and Hali Fortuna, Ashleigh and Austin Glister, Dakota and Sierra Phillips, Gavin, Jersey, Peyton, Alison and Landon Ostrich, Ava and Annie Valent and Paige Hanning.

Deceased are two sisters, Sarah Bates and Mary Ullom; and two brothers, William J. Snyder and Charles K. Snyder.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 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 24, with the Rev. Ernest DeLuca officiating. Interment will follow in Greene County  Memorial Park, Morgan Township. Condolences may be expressed online at www.behmfuneralhomes.net.

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Thomas K. Prothero

Peters Creek U.P. Church member, PNC employee

Thomas K. Prothero, 52, of Peters Township, died unexpectedly of an apparent heart attack, Saturday, December 20, 2008.

He enjoyed volunteering at South Hills Bible Church on the Audiovisual Team.   

Mr. Prothero graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1978.   

He was a member of Peters Township School Board for five and a half years.  

Mr. Prothero was a deacon and elder of Peters Creek United Presbyterian Church.  

He worked for Beecham Products, National Steel, Highmark, Magee-Womens Hospital, IBM and, at the time of his death, was employed by PNC Bank as a project manager in the information technology department.  

Mr. Prothero was an avid gardener, runner, woodworker and he loved the outdoors, especially biking and jogging.

He was the beloved husband of Barbara Rodgers Prothero; loving father of Corine Prothero of Sacramento, Calif., and Nicholas Prothero of Philadelphia; son of Thomas B. and Camille Knox Prothero of New Castle; brother of J (Lynn) Prothero of Roswell, Ga., and David (Lori) Prothero of Harmony; son-in-law of Donald and Gladys Rodgers of Indiana; and brother-in-law of Don (Char) Rodgers of Bedford, Mass., and Richard Rodgers of Boston, Mass.  

He also leaves many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday in Paul L. Henney Memorial Chapel, 5570 Library Road, Bethel Park. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in South Hills Bible Chapel, McMurray.

Memorial donations may be made to Washington City Mission, 84 West Wheeling Street, Washington, PA 15301, or online at www.citymission.org. Visit www.henneyfuneralhome.com.

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Jack Ramoski

Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel retiree, farmer

Jack Ramoski, 95, of Charleroi, Fallowfield Township, died Sunday, December 21, 2008, in Country Care Manor, Fayette City.

He was born July 25, 1913, in Charleroi, a son of Felix and Katherine Sokolosky Ramoski.

Mr. Ramoski retired from Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, Monessen, where he worked in the wire mill. He also was a self-employed farmer.

He was a member of Charleroi Fishing Club.

His wife, Geneveive Weckoski Ramoski, died in March 1990.

Surviving are three children, Mary A. Dziak (John) of Eighty Four, Irene Anderson (Andy) of Liberty, S.C., and Bob Ramoski (Carole) of Lakeland, Fla.; five grandchildren, Christine Ramoski, Jill Detrick, Marsha Minor, Lisa McHugh and Frank Delegram; 10 great-grandchildren; a sister, Frances Norquist of Bentleyville; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are two brothers, Wallace and Anthony Ramoski, and a sister, Helen Padovich.

Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday in Thompson-Marodi Funeral Home Inc., 809 Main Street, Bentleyville (724-239-2255), where a blessing service will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, December 23, with the Rev. Gary W. Krummert, pastor of Ave Maria Parish, officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Long Branch. For those unable to attend, condolences may be sent online at www.thompson-marodi.com.

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Ross D. Resciniti

Trinity Area School District guidance counselor

Ross D. Resciniti, 83, of Washington, died Saturday, December 20, 2008, in Donnell House, Washington, after a six-month illness.

Mr. Resciniti was born April 3, 1925, in Washington, a son of Carmine A. (Tony) and Laura Pepe Resciniti.

He was a longtime member of Immaculate Conception Church in Washington.

Mr. Resciniti was a 1943 graduate of Washington High School and a 1950 graduate of Washington & Jefferson College.

He received his master’s degree in 1951 from University of Pittsburgh.

Mr. Resciniti participated in football, baseball and wrestling in high school and college.

From 1951 to 1957, he was employed as a history teacher at Claysville High School. From 1957 to 1989, he was employed as a guidance counselor at Trinity High School.

In the mid ’70s, he was assistant principal at Trinity Middle School and then returned to Trinity High School in the guidance counseling position, from where he retired. Mr. Resciniti was one of the first guidance counselors hired in the area.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II for three years.

Mr. Resciniti was a charter member and officer in the Washington County Counseling Association, a PIAA wrestling official in the Tri State area for more than 30 years and was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 1998 with the Washington–Greene County Chapter, having received the Meritorious Achievement Award.

He was an avid sports participant and loved spending time with his entire family. He also was an avid Notre Dame fan.

Since his retirement, Mr. Resciniti spent a lot of his time at Cameron Wellness Center, socializing with members and doing his daily workout. He was one of the first members to join the center.

On June 11, 1952, he married Lucille Hammers, who survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Denise (Jack) Cummins of Washington and Dana Resciniti Crowe of Upper St. Clair; three grandchildren, Joshua (Erica) Cummins, Laurelin Cummins and Zachary Cummins; and a stepgreat-granddaughter, Halie.

Mr. Resciniti was the last of his immediate family.

Deceased are a brother, Casey Resciniti, and two sisters, Antoinette Resciniti and Berenice DeMaria.

Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday 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.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 23, in Immaculate Conception Church, Washington.

Interment will follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, McMurray.

Memorial contributions can be made to Washington County Blood Bank 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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Rose Ann Tokar

Lifelong Daisytown resident enjoyed cooking, baking

Rose Ann Tokar, 95, of Daisytown, died Saturday, December 20, 2008.

She was born Friday, November 21, 1913, in Daisytown, a daughter of Emery and Rose Schmida Blizman.

Mrs. Tokar was a lifelong resident of Daisytown, where she loved to cook and bake.

She was a member of Assumption Hungarian Roman Catholic Church in Daisytown, Rosary Society of Assumption Church, Hungarian Club in Daisytown and West Pike Women’s Service Club.

Surviving are her sons, Edward J. Tokar of McDonald and Joseph Emery Tokar and wife Marcia of Broadview Heights, Ohio; two grandsons, Don E. Tokar and Bradley P. Tokar and wife Brooke; and six great-grandchildren, Tiffany, Matthew, Marcus, Michael, Mitchell and McKenzie Tokar.

Deceased are her parents, husband, Joseph Tokar, who died January 10, 1982; a brother, William Blizman; and a sister, Yolan Blizman.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in Mariscotti Funeral Home Inc., Anthony N. Mariscotti, supervisor, 323 Fourth Street, California, and until 9:30 a.m., the time of a blessing service, Tuesday, December 23. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. in St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Church, Daisytown, with Father George Moneck as celebrant. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Coal Center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 213 Fourth Street, California, PA 15419.

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David Uram

David Uram, 69, of Canonsburg, died Sunday, December 21, 2008, in UPMC-Shadyside hospital, Pittsburgh.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be handled by Salandra Funeral Services Inc., Canonsburg. A complete obituary will appear in a later edition.

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Charlotte Makepeace Zumpetta

Member of Ladies Auxiliary of Eagles Club 1809

Charlotte Makepeace Zumpetta, 89, of Ellsworth, died Sunday, December 21, 2008, in her home.

She was born November 27, 1919, in Newell, Fayette County, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah Skiles Makepeace.

A homemaker, she was a member of Ladies Auxiliary of Eagles Club 1809, Bentleyville.

On February 21, 1936, she married Leo Zumpetta, who died March 11, 1979.

Surviving are five daughters, Jacqueline Ball (Joseph), Yvonne Pivovarnik (John) and Yvette Zumpetta, all of Ellsworth, Cleo Sinko (the late Baltous “Spooks”) of Bentleyville and Kathryn D’Angelo (the late Anthony) of Canonsburg; 12 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Zumpetta was the last of her immediate family.

Deceased are two brothers and three sisters.

Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to noon, the hour of a blessing service, Tuesday, December 23, in Thompson-Marodi Funeral Home Inc., 809 Main Street, Bentleyville (724-239-2255). The Rev. Gary W. Krummert, pastor of Ave Maria Parish, will officiate. Interment will follow in Mon Valley Memorial Park, Donora. For those unable to attend, condolences can be sent online at www.thompson-marodi.com.