Obituaries Feb. 9
Self employed carpenter, mechanic
Richard W. Bedillion, 59, of Canonsburg, died Thursday, February 6, 2014, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.
He was born July 10, 1954, in Washington, a son of William Charles “Chuck” and Frances Phillips Bedillion.
Mr. Bedillion was a 1972 graduate of Chartiers-Houston High School.
He was a self employed carpenter and mechanic.
Mr. Bedillion enjoyed cooking, and he used to build muscle cars and hot rods.
Surviving are his companion of 25 years, Frances Surich Emph; four children, Richard W. Bedillion Jr., Michael Heider (Brandi), Dawn Briggs and Rickeema Bedillion, all of Washington; eight grandchildren; a brother, Michael “Dude” Bedillion (Billie) of Canonsburg; a close niece, Saunseiarae “Angel” Wasnik; and several other nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two sisters, Linda Godwin and Beverly Darlene Martino.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., the time of service, Tuesday, February 11, in McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342, with Pastor Andrew Holik officiating. Interment will be private in North Ten Mile Baptist Church Cemetery, Amity.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions c/o McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd. Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.
William Joseph Bryant, 65, of Washington, died, Friday, February 7, 2014.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., Allison Avenue, Washington. A complete obituary will be published in a later edition.
Member of St. Mary’s Church
Ella M. Cormack, 90, of Cumby, Texas, formerly of Crucible, died Wednesday, February 5, 2014, in St. Paul Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
She was born October 26, 1923, in Waynesburg, a daughter of the late Joseph A. and Elizabeth Mekey.
Survivng are two children, Kathleen Reiber (Rex) and John Cormack Jr.; five grandchildren, Joseph Janson, Rebecca Coleman (Kevin), Matthew Janson, Jennie Shoaff (John) and Colby Cormack (Janna); five great-grandchildren, Tanner and Kelsey Coleman and Ian, Niles and Zack Shoaff; two stepgrandchildren, Brandi Reiber and Rex Reiber Jr. (Peyton); and several stepgreat-grandchildren.
Deceased are her husband, John Cormack Sr.; a grandson, Marcus John Cormack; a brother, Joseph Cormack; and four sisters, Fran Rye, Ann Lambert, Lenora Fowler and Mary Watters.
Mrs. Cormack was a member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Crucible, the Altar Rosary Society and Christian Mothers of the Church and the Carmichaels Senior Citizens.
She loved flowers and gardening.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in Lesako Funeral Home Inc., 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels, PA 15320, Paul M. Lesako, director/supervisor/owner, wherer a prayer service will be held at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, February 11, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Crucible, with the Rev. John Bauer, as celebrant. A parish wake service will be held at 3:45 p.m. Monday in the funeral home. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. www.lesakofuneralhomeinc.com
Harry “Mike” Dozic, 86, of Waynesburg, died Saturday, February 8, 2014.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, February 11, in Burkus Funeral Home, Millsboro. A complete obituary will be published in a later edition.
Honorably served in U.S. Army
Victor H. Fiscus, 84, of Bethel Park, passed away February 8, 2014.
He was the beloved husband of Doris J. Gunsallus Fiscus; loving father of Heidi (Russell) Crupe and Tami (Robert) Pugh; and brother of Glenn W. Fiscus.
Also surviving are seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a grandson and a great-granddaughter.
Mr. Fiscus honorably served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 760.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Monday in Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Inc., 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pleasant Hills. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 11, in First Bethel United Methodist Church, 5901 Library Road, Bethel Park. Everyone is asked to please meet at the church. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Condolences may be left at www.jeffersonmemorial.biz.
Enjoyed the outdoors
Kenneth James Hilderbrand Sr., 71, died Friday, February 7, 2014, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, following a four-week illness.
He was born July 7, 1942, in Canonsburg, a son of the late John Rhodes Hilderbrand and Mae Bodish Hilderbrand.
Mr. Hilderbrand worked at Route 18 Mobile Homes for 18 years and was a previously a factory worker.
He was a member of Meadow Lands Sportsman Club and enjoyed fishing, camping, the outdoors, woodworking and bowling.
On June 28, 1976, he married Nora Kirby, who survives.
Also surviving are three sons, Kenneth J. Hilderbrand Jr. of Washington, Timothy (Diane) Hilderbrand of Kirby and Ron (Shari) Houston Jr. of West Alexander; two daughters, Jamie Lynn Lauze of Canonsburg and Alena (Harold) Weaver of Washington; two brothers, David (Carol) Hilderbrand of Lebenon, Tenn., and Bob (Lynn) Hilderbrand of Hay Fork, Calif.; two sisters, Doris Small and Della Schumacher, both of Canonsburg; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, are two brothers and five sisters.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 11. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray.
Additional information and guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
Beloved husband, loving father
The Rev. David L. Kinsey, 76, died Thursday, February 6, 2014.
He was the beloved husband of Peg; loving father of Laura (Ed) Stabell, Leslie Foley and David F. Kinsey; brother of Susanne (Rodger) Hollaway and the late Jayne Kinsey; and grandfather of six.
The Rev. Kinsey, 33rd degree of Pittsburgh, served as Potentate of Syria Shrine in 2006. He was chaplain emeritus of Syria and additionally served as chaplain of Mid Atlantic Shrine Association, imperial chaplain and grand chaplain of Pennsylvania. In 1958, at the age of 22, Noble Kinsey was made master mason in South Hills Lodge 761.
He was a graduate of University of Pittsburgh, while stationed in Ft. Hood, Texas.
The Rev. Kinsey received his 32nd degree April 24, 1965. On this day, he became a Shriner. When he returned to Pittsburgh, he transferred his Scottish right membership to the Valley of Pittsburgh and his Shrine membership to Syria. On July 7, 2010, he was named “Shriner of the Year of North America.” He was a member of the South Hills Masonic Lodge 761, Valley of Pittsburgh, Syria Shrine, Knights Templar, Royal Order of Scotland, Caravan 2, 4, 18 and 20, Jester’s Court 2 and Three Rivers Clan 53. In 2000, he received his 33rd degree.
He returned to Pittsburgh July 1969 when he and his father purchased Moorhead Electrical Machinery Corp. He operated the business as president of Kinsey Electric Inc. in Oakdale. In 1972, he began his studies which would lead him to his ordination as a priest in 1978. He retired from St. Thomas Episcopal Church in 1994, having served the congregation for 25 years. He served the congregation in conjunction with operating Kinsey Electric. In 1985, he was named “Clergy Person of the Year.” After retiring from full-time ministry, he received a citation of achievement from the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. On February 5, 2012, he was called to serve as priest at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in McKeesport.
Friends are welcome from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in William Slater II Funeral Service, 1650 Greentree Road, Scott Township. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 12, in St. Paul Episcopal Church, Mt. Lebanon. Please meet at the church. Interment will be private. Bethel Park Lodge 761, F&AM will hold a Masonic Service at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Syria Shrine Roadrunners, 1877 Shriners Way, Cheswick, PA 15024. www.slaterfuneral.com
Robert Louis Lett Sr., 79, of Hendersonville, died Friday, February 7, 2014, in Country Meadows Nursing Center, Bridgeville.
Arrangements are incomplete and have been entrusted to McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Houston, 724-745-2350. A complete obituary will be published in a later edition.
Patricia Ann Moye, 73, of Washington, died, Saturday, February 8, 2014, in Donnell House, Washington.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., Allison Avenue, Washington. A complete obituary will be published in a later edition.
U.S. Army veteran
John Wilbur “Web” Patterson Sr., 81, of Washington, formerly of Hopewell, died unexpectedly Thursday, February 6, 2014, in his home.
He was born October 3, 1932, in Canonsburg, a son of the late John Thomas Patterson and Dorothy Winifred McDonald Patterson.
Mr. Patterson worked for Jessop Steel in maintenance for 35 years. He was a member of Fourth United Presbyterian Church.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1955 and received the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.
Surviving are a son, John W. (Mary Ann) Patterson Jr. of Washington; a daughter, Mary Louise Patterson of Washington; a sister, Maxine Arbes of Washington; two grandchildren, Nicole L. (Robert) Wilbert and Emmet M. Patterson; and a great-grandchild, Foster Wilbert.
Deceased is a brother, David O. Patterson.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Additional visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., the time of service, Monday, February 10, in Fourth United Presbyterian Church, Washington, with the Rev. Robert Miller and Pastor Alice Curry officiating. Burial will follow in Upper Buffalo Cemetery, West Middletown.
Additional information and guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
Jefferson Avenue United Methodist Church member
Barbara Jo Rager, 62, of Washington, died Friday, February 7, 2014, in UPMC-Presbyterian hospital, Pittsburgh, following a courageous two-month battle with pulmonary fibrosis.
She was born March 23, 1951, in Wheeling, W.Va., a daughter of the late Charles Evans and Joan Caldwell.
Mrs. Rager was a 1969 graduate of McGuffey High School, and went on to be a customer service representative for Hills Department Store, and then worked for 18 years for Huntington Bank as a teller.
She was a member of Jefferson Avenue United Methodist Church for more than 30 years, where she also served as youth coordinator.
Mrs. Rager was team captain and committee member for Relay For Life, and loved fireworks, doing crafts for her grandchildren, camping and the beach. She considered Christmas her favorite time of year. She loved life and was an adventurous person who will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her.
On November 17, 1995, she married Cecil W. Rager, who survives.
Also surviving are four sons, Christopher Janovich of Washington, Shawn (Maria) Janovich of Robinson, Cecil W. Rager Jr. of Virginia Beach, Va., and Brian K. Rager of Chesapeake, Va.; two daughters, Laura Jo (Mike) Schick of Raleigh, N.C., and Amanda L. (Robert) Morgan of Chesapeake; a brother, Richard (Debbie) Clutter of East Liverpool, Ohio; two sisters, Terri (Charles) Steadman of Washington and Deborah Jo (Kurt) Cox of Claysville; and seven grandchildren, Payton M. Janovich, Ashley and Eli Janovich, Ali Kat Schick, Tyler A. and Madison P. Morgan and Justis M. Rager.
Deceased is her stepmother, with whom she was very close, Wynona Irwin.
Friends will be received from noon to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday and from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 11. Interment will follow in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township.
Memorial contributions may be directed to www.relayforlife.org/pachrhouston, then choose the JAUMC team. Condolences may be expressed at, and photos uploaded to, www.familyremembers.com. Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors Inc., Charles R. Piatt, owner/supervisor, and Lawrence K. Donovan, director
Beloved husband, loving son
Charles T. “Charlie” Stiefvater, 64, of Washington, died Friday, February 7, 2014, after a long illness.
He was the beloved husband of Joan (Deakin) Stiefvater; loving son of Maryla and the late Thomas Stiefvater; and brother of Sharon Smith, Christina Southern, Thomas C. Jr., Donald and Timothy Stiefvater.
Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday in Boron Funeral Home Inc.,1719 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, where prayers will be said at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 11, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Basil Church, Pittsburgh. www.BoronFuneralHome.com
Beloved and devoted wife
Kathleen Anne Szalajda, 70, of South Park, died Friday, February 7, 2014.
She was born in 1943 in South Bend, Ind., a daughter of the late Ervin and Hildegarde Cryzan.
Mrs. Szalajda was the beloved and devoted wife of the late Victor Szalajda; loving mother of Frank (Mara) Szalajda of Bellmore, N.Y., and Jonathan Szalajda of Upper St. Clair; dear sister of Marie (Raymond) Koenig of Florissant, Mo., Nancy Larrick of Carrollton, Ill., and Chris Kreher of Fenton, Mo.; cherished “Nana” of Brandon Szalajda and Taylor Szalajda; and sister-in-law of John (Judy) Szalajda, Bernie (Betty) Czarniecki and Florence Gasior.
She was a graduate of St. Casimir Grade School, Washington High School and Thomas Commercial School, all of South Bend.
Mrs. Szalajda was a member of Polish Falcons Nest 118 of Pittsburgh and Canonsburg Presbyterian Crafts Group.
There will be no public visitation. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 22, in St. Joan of Arc Church, 6414 Montour Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15129. Inerment will be private.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made in her husband’s memory to Parkinson’s Foundation of Western PA, 3464 Babcock Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. Arrangements by Beinhauers, McMurray, 724-941-3211. Please view or add tributes at www.beinhauer.com.
Loved the beach, visiting with family
Concetta Rocco “Connie” Veri of McMurray lost her courageous, hard fought, two-year battle with cancer Thursday, February 6, 2014.
She was the beloved wife of James Veri, and loving mother of Jamie Veri and wife Pam of Green Bay, Wis., and Adam Veri and wife Mary of Colorado Springs, Colo.
Ms. Veri ascended into heaven to join her mother and father, the late Ralph Rocco and Lena Cafaro Rocco, formerly of Rankin.
Also surviving are a loving brother, John Rocco of Murrysville; grandchildren Adrianah and Landon Veri, Giovanni and Isabella Veri and Brooke and Tyler Bebow; and many loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was a caring sister-in-law to Loretta Veri and Jimmy James, and daughter-in-law to Mary Veri of Houston, Texas.
Ms. Veri attended St. Anselm Grade School, where she met Jim, her husband, in fourth grade. She then attended St. Paul’s Cathedral, now Oakland Catholic, Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Ray Vogue College of Design in Chicago, Ill., studying fashion design and merchandising. After graduation, she was accepted into an executive training company with Joseph Horne and Company in Pittsburgh, where she worked as an assistant buyer of women’s clothing. She then pursued a long, successful career in interior decorating and design. She most recently worked as a Move-In-Coordinator at Friendship Village of South Hills for 20 years, helping senior citizens make the difficult transition from their homes to carriage homes and apartments. Generous with her time, she assisted them in their furniture selection, floor-planning and spatial design.
Ms. Veri loved the beach, shopping, travel, movies, art, theater and visiting with family and friends. She will be remembered for her illuminating smile, melodious laugh and love of life.
Family and friends are welcome from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Cremation and Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317, 724-260-5546. A Committal Service will be held at noon Wednesday, February 12, in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 2900 Washington Road, Peters Township.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or a favorite charity. Please view and sign the family’s guest book at www.cremationfuneralcare.com.