Nov 23, 2013

Gas company retiree served in Marine Corps

William Wilson Baker, 87, of Beallsville, passed away Friday, November 22, 2013, in his home.

He was born August 29, 1926, in Deemston Borough, a son of the late Glen and Muriel Wilson Baker.

Mr. Baker was a 1944 graduate of Ellsworth High School.

After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving with the 1st Marine Division during World War II. He participated in action against the enemy at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, and participated in the Occupation of China. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received at Okinawa.

After his discharge from the Marine Corps, he was employed by Peoples Natural Gas Co., retiring in 1986 after 40 years of service. He was a member of the Quarter-Century Club.

He was a very active member of the former Beallsville Presbyterian Church, a 67-year member of Independent Order of Oddfellows, Charleroi Lodge, and was a founding member of Beallsville Civic Association.

Mr. Baker was very proud to have served as a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America in Beallsville, where he lead his troop on an expedition to Philmont (N.M.) Scout Ranch.

On August 18, 1951, he married Rose Marie Elliott, who survives. They celebrated 62 years of marriage.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two sons, William W. Baker (Deborah) and Brad E. Baker, both of Beallsville; a grandson, Nathan Baker (Carrie) of Brownsville; a brother, Clyde “Doc” Baker of Waynesboro; two sisters, Frances Pitzer (Robert) of Daisytown and Faye Harr (Edward) of Beallsville; a sister-in-law, Shirley Baker of Monongahela; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to his parents, are three brothers, Charles, Duane “Du” and Lawrence “Chubb” Baker, who was killed in action during the Korean conflict; two sisters, Beryl Lobb and Beatrice Grable; two sisters-in-law, Frances Baker and Betty Baker; and a brother-in-law, Al Lobb.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Monday in John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, 2830 Main Street, Beallsville, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 26, with the Rev. Gary Gregg officiating. Interment will follow in Beallsville Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded graveside by Hancock-McCune-Horne American Legion Post 705, Centerville.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Beallsville Civic Association, P.O. Box 99, Beallsville, PA 15313; Fredericktown Area Library, P.O. Box 62, Fredericktown, PA 15333; or Hospice Care of Washington Hospital, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301. A guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.greenleefuneralhome.com.

Member of St. Patrick Church

Sophia D. Gromacki Caruso, 98, of Canonsburg, passed away peacefully at 1:10 a.m. Saturday, November 23, 2013, in Strabane Woods, South Strabane Township.

She was born August 7, 1915, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late John and Kazmira Staniszewski Gromacki.

Mrs. Caruso lived most of her life in Canonsburg, where she attended St. Genevieve Parochial School and was a graduate of Canonsburg High School.

She was a member of St. Patrick Church and its Christian Mothers and Guild.

Prior to her retirement in 1988, she had been employed as a deputy director in the voter registration and election offices for 12 years. After retirement, she worked the official recount board for eight years.

Mrs. Caruso was a charter member and past president of Canonsburg Council of Democratic Women, a member and passed grand regent of Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Canonsburg 1211. She had been past district deputy serving four years at courts in Burgettstown and St. Agatha’s in Bridgeville. She was a member and past president of Past Regents Club of the Pittsburgh Diocese, where she had been past vice chairman of the Pittsburgh Diocese Committee. She was also a member of Canonsburg Senior Citizens and KSKJ St. Jerome Lodge 153 of Strabane. She was a founding member of Canonsburg Hospital Gray Ladies and was the first lady of Canonsburg, while her husband served as the last burgess and first mayor of the borough.

On December 27, 1936, she married Fred Caruso, who passed away May 9, 1998, after celebrating 61 years of marriage.

Surviving are four children, Patricia Vinisky of Houston, Lt Col. James R. (Joyce) Caruso, U.S. Army Retired, of Succasunna, N.J., Fred D.(Joanne) Caruso of Washington and Kathleen (John) Simpson of Charleston, S.C.; seven grandchildren, Mary Beth Vinisky, James (Jill) Caruso and Christopher (Michelle) Caruso, John R. Simpson III, Tessa (Timothy) Gonyea, Margo Simpson and Darren Caruso; 10 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Rose DiGiovanni of California and Mary Mastrangelo of Canonsburg; and several nieces and nephews.

She was the last of her immediate family.

Deceased, in addition to her husband and parents, are a grandson, Michael Vinisky, who died December 10, 1983; a brother, Joseph Gromacki; and two sisters, Mary O’Laughlin and Rose Gromacki.

Friends are welcome from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday in Salandra Funeral Service Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120, where departing prayers will be recited at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 26, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick Church, Canonsburg. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The Christian Mothers and Guild of St. Patrick will recite the rosary at 3:30 p.m. Monday in the funeral home.

To view or extend condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.

1935 – 2013

Carol Louise Cassidy, 78, of Clinton, Hanover Township, passed away Wednesday, November 20, 2013, in Acosta-Rua Center for Caring, Jacksonville, Fla.

She was born January 31, 1935, in Hepzibah, W.Va., a daughter of the late Delbert Tomes and Anna Lea Ruth Mason Tomes Anderson.

Mrs. Cassidy was a 1952 graduate of Washington Irving High School in Clarksburg, W.Va.

She had worked for Weirton Daily Times and The Burgettstown Enterprise and was a cashier for Walmart in Weirton, W.Va., and Rite Aid in Burgettstown.

Mrs. Cassidy was a member of Burgettstown and Washington Order of the Eastern Star, where she served as district deputy grand matron of District 6B from 1988 to 1989 and, at the time of her death, served as the judge of elections for Precinct 1 of Hanover Township, Washington County.

She enjoyed arts, crafts and baking.

Surviving are her husband, James McDonald Cassidy, whom she married August 25, 1966; a son, Edward Rogers Cassidy of Jacksonville; a granddaughter, Rebekah Elizabeth Cassidy; two brothers, David Tomes of Arizona and Kenneth Tomes of Weirton; two sisters, Nancy Martino of Follansbee, W.Va., and Mary Margaret Price of Clarksburg; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to her parents, is a brother, Leslie Tomes.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in Lee and Martin Funeral Home, 73 Highland Avenue, Burgetsttown, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 26. Interment will follow in Chestnut Ridge Cemetery, Burgettstown.

If so desired, memorial donations may be made in her memory to American Cancer Society, PA Western Region, 320 Bilmar Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205-4620.

McGraw Edison machinist served during Korean War

George W. Clark, 81, of Bridgeville, died Thursday, November 21, 2013.

He was the beloved husband of Regina “Shirley” Clark for 59 years; loving father of Randy (Barb) Clark, Sue (John) Van Der Lee, Tammy (Chuck) Gamble, Sharon Clark, Danny Clark, Marcia (Tim) Beard and Greg (Darlene) Clark; son of the late Victor and Ida Clark; brother of Jim Clark, Norma Kotarba and the late Dolores Smith; cherished grandfather of 13; and great-grandfather of three.

Mr. Clark served proudly with the U.S. Army during the Korean War and worked as a machinist for 45 years at McGraw Edison.

Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday in Warchol Funeral Home Inc., 3060 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, 412-221-3333. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 26, in Holy Rosary Church, Muse. Interment and military honors to follow in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

View and send condolences at www.warcholfuneralhome.com

Local musician

Dennis Anthony Coffield Sr., 56, of Washington, died unexpectedly Thursday, November 21, 2013, in the Washington Hospital emergency department.

He was born July 20, 1957, in Washington, a son of the late Donna Hadden.

Mr. Coffield earned degrees in welding and computer management.

He had worked as a band musician.

Mr. Coffield was a member of American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 for 36 years.

He was proud of his military service with the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne. He served from July 27, 1974, until his honorable discharge, July 26, 1976, and earned a Good Conduct Medal.

Mr. Coffield enjoyed music and playing the drums, reading and outdoor activities. He also enjoyed donating his time to helping others.

He was proud of his son, Tony, for being a musician and composing his own music.

Surviving are his wife, Linda Palmer Coffield; a son, Dennis Anthony “Tony” Coffield Jr. (Rachel) of Washington; a brother, Robert Coffield (Lisa) of Washington; two grandchildren, Brandon and Isabella Coffield; an aunt, Wilma of Illinois; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends will be received from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 26. Burial will follow in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township. Military rites will be accorded graveside by American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175.

Additional information and a guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.

Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, the deadline for submitting an obituary for publication Nov. 28 is 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Retired postal worker served in Army

Robert H. “Red” Galbraith, 81, of Canonsburg, died Friday, November 22, 2013, in his home.

He was born July 2, 1932, in Canonsburg, a son of the late James and B. Evelyn Manes Galbraith.

Mr. Galbraith was a member of Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church and a life member of Canonsburg Volunteer Fire Department.

Prior to his retirement, he was a local postal worker for more than 30 years.

He served his country with the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191.

Mr. Galbraith enjoyed golf and spending time with his family.

Surviving are two sons, Kenneth Galbraith and wife Amy of Canonsburg and Chad Galbraith and wife Jessica of Martins Ferry, Ohio; three daughters, Judith Bushko and husband John of Delaware, Ohio, Pamela Tarnik and husband John of Washington and Lisa Spin and husband Anthony of Houston; a sister, Bernice J. Ogan of Sheffield, Ohio; 11 grandchildren, Kristen Bushko, John (Carrie) Bushko Jr., Kayla (Mike) McCormley, Kelley (Andrew) Dykstra, Abigail Galbraith, John Tarnik Jr., Christina Tarnik, Amber Spin, Ashlee (C.J.) Cox, Lucan Galbraith and Lennox Galbraith; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are his wife, Joan Flowers Galbraith, and a granddaughter, Amanda Marie Tarnik.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in Sollon Funeral Home Ltd., 30 East College Street, Canonsburg, J. David Sollon, supervisor, Phillip L. Sollon, director, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 26. Interment will follow in Oak Spring Cemetery, Canonsburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Canonsburg Volunteer Fire Department. Please visit www.sollon.com for additional information and to view and leave condolences.

A memorial service for Audrey Greenlee, who passed away October 22, 2013, will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, November 29, in First United Methodist Church, Waynesburg.

Loving daughter, wife, mother

Thelma Dunning Johnson, 94, died Thursday, November 21, 2013, in her home, following a lengthy illness.

She was born December 19, 1918, in Louise, W.Va., a daughter of Herbert Arthur Dunning and Mary Elizabeth “Mae” Jones Dunning.

Mrs. Johnson was a graduate of Trinity High School and Washington Seminary as a business major. She was a homemaker and was a wage-tax collector for North Franklin Township in the 1960s.

She was a charter member of Church of the Covenant, member of Order of the Eastern Star, Washington Chapter 409 for more than 50 years and member of Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, Bethesda Shrine 25. Accompanying her husband on many Masonic-related trips, she enjoyed the lasting friendships that resulted.

Mrs. Johnson was a loving daughter, who helped to take care of her mother and grandmother in their later years. She was a devoted wife and mother and was dearly loved by her husband and family. She made the holidays special and maintained family traditions with her apple and butterscotch pies, cookies and other delicious family recipes made from scratch. She enjoyed gathering the family together for Sunday home-cooked meals.

On August 17, 1940, she married A. Kendall Johnson, who died October 3, 2011.

Surviving are a son, Keith D. Johnson of Washington, and two daughters, Marsha L. (Lt. Col. Retired Samuel) Work of Stafford, Va., and Cynthia L. Johnson of Washington.

Deceased is a sister, Frances Dunning Zelt.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and 10 to 11 a.m., the time of service, Wednesday, November 27, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, with the Rev. Stuart Broberg officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. An OES service will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Covenant, 267 East Beau Street, Washington, PA 15301; Masonic Homes of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 1 Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022; or Shriners Hospitals for Children, Memorial Donations, 1645 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505.

Additional information and a guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.

Frank “Ray” Kuis Sr., 92, of Dilliner, died at 12:25 p.m. Saturday, November 23, 2013, in his home.

Family and friends are welcome from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday in Yoskovich Funeral Home, 200 South Vine Street (Route 88), Carmichaels, 724-966-5500, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 26. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Point Marion. A complete obituary will be published in a later edition.

Member of Waynesburg Bible Chapel

Martin “Marty” Stewart, 51, of Waynesburg, was received by his Savior Saturday, November 23, 2013, following a lengthy illness.

He was born October 7, 1962, in Waynesburg.

Mr. Stewart was the devoted and beloved husband of Mona Stewart, whom he married July 21, 1984; loving father of Andrew and Matthew Stewart, at home; and a son of Kenny and Barbara Stewart of Waynesburg.

Also surviving are a sister, Kim (Jerry) Butterworth of Cincinnati, Ohio; maternal grandmother Norine Acklin; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are a brother, David Stewart; maternal grandfather Frank Acklin; and paternal grandparents Wilbur and Edith Stewart.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1984 to 1988. He was stationed at NAS Lemoore, Calif. From 1988 to 2012, he served in the Army National Guard. He served as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom in Germany from June 2002 to February 2003.

Mr. Stewart worked for the Department of Defense as an electronics technician and electronics inspector from 1988 until his medical retirement in 2012.

In 1988, he gave his life to Jesus Christ. He spent his entire life dedicating himself to His service. He was a member of Waynesburg Bible Chapel, where he was part of the WBC Drama and Hands and Feet Mission Team. He also served as a part of Children’s Bible Ministries as a camp counselor and in various other capacities. He and his wife, Mona, were involved with marriage ministries as well. He also served as a coach for the Greene County Youth Soccer program. He had a gift to bring light and laughter to any environment. He will be greatly missed.

Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in Behm Funeral Homes Inc., 182 West High Street, Waynesburg, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 27, with Ministers Jay Buckhalter, Larry Douglas and Mark Redka officiating. Interment will follow in Rosemont Cemetery, Rogersville, with graveside military honors by American Legion Post 330 and the U.S. Army.

The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to any of the following nonprofit organizations that he was personally involved in: WBC Drama, CBM Ministries or Hands and Feet Ministries, 800 East Greene Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370. Condolences may be offered at www.behmfh.com.

Carmella A. Trunzo, 87, of Canonsburg, died Saturday, November 23, 2013, in Paramount Senior Living, Peters Township.

Arrangements are incomplete and are entrusted to Sollon Funeral Home Ltd., Canonsburg. A complete obituary will be published in a later edition.