Obituaries Feb. 26
Washington resident
Douglas Christian Clay, 40, of Washington, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, February 22, 2014.
A memorial service will be announced.
Services are entrusted to Cremation & Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317, 724-260-5546.
Homemaker and grandmother
Anna M. Creighton, 98, of Bentleyville, Somerset Township, died Saturday, February 22, 2014, in Washington County Health Center, Chartiers Township.
She was born November 5, 1915, in Finleyville, a daughter of John and Josephine Pliska Roman.
Mrs. Creighton was a homemaker who enjoyed baking, gardening, flowers and crafts. She was a member of Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church, Eighty Four.
Deceased are her husband, John Creighton, who died in January 2008; a daughter, Darla Jeanne Elsen; three brothers, Joseph Urbanik and Paul and William Roman; and three sisters, Josephine Harding, Mary Gaska and Rachel Creighton.
Surviving are her son, John “Jack” (Mary) Creighton; two brothers, John Jr. and Leonard Roman, both of Finleyville; a sister, Helen Rybar of Finleyville; three grandchildren, Alea Schuyler, Natalie Livingston and Heather Trumble; a great-granddaughter, Danielle Schuyler; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Kegel Funeral Home Inc., Tim P. Kegel, supervisor, 3560 Washington Avenue, Finleyville, where services will be held at noon Saturday, March 1, with Pastor Robert Schul officiating. Interment will follow in James Chapel Cemetery, Finleyville.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Eleanor Liptak Crowl, 79, died Thursday, February 20, 2014, in Wheaton, Ill.
Husband William T. Crowl, son William M. Crowl and sister Mary L. Sumner survive.
Arrangements are by Greenlee Funeral Home, Beallsville.
Greene Arc worker bowled in Special Olympics
Jesse Dias, 37, of Greensboro, died unexpectedly at 10:25 a.m. Tuesday, February 25, 2014, in his home.
He was born September 28, 1976, in Waynesburg, a son of Joseph C. and Cynthia L. Lemmon Dias.
Mr. Dias attended Central Greene Vocational Training School and was a 1997 graduate of Southeastern Greene School District. On October 7, 1997, he began working in the recycling center at Greene Arc, where he performed numerous tasks. He enjoyed great camaraderie with fellow employees.
Mr. Dias was an avid wrestling fan and liked rock music: his favorite band was KISS. Mr. Dias was accomplished at playing video games and liked to dance. For many years, he participated as a bowler in the Special Olympics.
Most of all, he cherished spending time with his family, especially vacationing at amusement parks and Disney.
Deceased are his maternal grandfather, Charles E. Lemmon; and his paternal grandparents, Joseph and Christine Dias.
Surviving, in addition to his parents, are a brother, Jay C. (Kerstin) Dias of Boardman, Ohio; his maternal grandmother, Thelma M. Lemmon of Uniontown; and an uncle, Ronald C. Lemmon.
Family and friends are welcome from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in Yoskovich Funeral Home, 300 South Vine Street, Carmichaels, PA 15320, Martin J. Yoskovich, funeral director, 724-966-5500, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 1, with the Rev. Keith G. Hornung officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Greene Arc Inc., 197 Dunn Station Road, Prosperity, PA 15329. For further information and to sign a guest book, please visit www.YoskovichFH.com.
Nurse at Greene County, Washington hospitals
Helen L. McNeely Dugan, 80, of Washington, died Tuesday, February 25, 2014, in Donnell House, Washington.
She was born November 4, 1933, in Jefferson, a daughter of the late Harry and Nellie Huffman McNeely.
Mrs. Dugan was a 1951 graduate of Jefferson High School and a 1958 graduate of Regina School of Nursing, Albuquerque, N.M.
She was a registered nurse at Greene County Memorial Hospital, Lakewood Hospital and Washington Hospital, from where she retired in November 1995.
She enjoyed gardening, playing games and spending time with her granddaughter. She also loved her dogs and cats.
On June 11, 1960, she married George R. Dugan, who survives.
Also surviving are a daughter, Rebecca J. Dugan of Washington; a granddaughter, Ashleigh (Jared Dorsey) Dugan of Fairfax, Va.; six brothers, Scott (Dorothy) McNeely of Jefferson, Allen McNeely of Waynesburg, Frank McNeely of Waynesburg, William (Ginny) McNeely of Waynesburg, Hal McNeely of Mena, Ariz., and Doug (Chris) McNeely of Jefferson; a sister, Betty Manrow of Washington; five sister-in-laws, Nancy McNeely of Waynesburg, JoAnn Taylor of Morgantown, W.Va., Donna Vavrek of Carmichaels, Carol (Herman) Bowser of Rices Landing and Betty Dugan of Melbourne, Fla.
Deceased are a son, George S. Dugan; two brothers, George McNeely and Arleigh McNeely; and a sister-in-law, Lois McNeely.
Family and friends will be received from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Behm Funeral Homes, 1477 Jefferson Road, Jefferson, Gregory P. Rohanna, supervisor, where services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, February 28. Interment will follow in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to either the Foundation for Aids Research (www.amfar.org) or the Names Project-AIDS Memorial Quilt. Condolences may be expressed at www.behm-funeralhomes.com.
Monongahela resident
Kimberly Fernandez, 31, of Monongahela, passed away Friday, February 21, 2014, from complications of an asthma attack.
Services have been entrusted to Cremation & Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317, 724-260-5546.
Worked at Westinghouse Air Brake
Carl Garrett Hoge, 90, of South Park, died Sunday, February 23, 2014, in his home.
He was born August 31, 1923, in West Alexander, a son of Morgan T. and Flora Booth Hoge.
Surviving are his wife, Ann Hoge; children Gregg C. (Kathleen) Hoge of Hanover N.H., Paul M. (Julie) Hoge of West Alexander, Martha H. (Hilary) Schramm of Jeannette, Morgan T. (Pamela) Hoge II of Venetia, and James B. (Linda) Hoge of Waterford; 14 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
He was a brother of Donald S. Hoge, Wayne E. (Louise) Hoge, Judy (Phillip) Daly, and the late Frances Stewart and James Morgan Hoge.
Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mr. Hoge served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II.
He was an avid woodworker.
Mr. Hoge enjoyed his work tremendously for 35 years as a materials engineer at Westinghouse Air Brake.
Friends are welcome 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Beinhauer Funeral Home, 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 28. Interment will be in West Alexander Cemetery.
The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to Transverse Myelitis Association, 1787 Sutter Parkway, Powell, OH 43065-8806. www.myelitis.org.
Please add or view tributes at www.beinhauer.com.
Washington Grocery Association treasurer
Leslie John James Jr., 85, of Washington, died Monday, February 24, 2014, in St. Paul Home, Greenville.
He was born November 11, 1928, in Coleford, Gloustershire, England, a son of the late Leslie John James Sr. and Mary Gertrude Cullis James.
Mr. James graduated from Washington High School and served in the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant in Korea, receiving the Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars, U.N. Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and Good Conduct Medal.
He was a self-employed merchant for James’ Food Market for 47 years.
He was a member of Trinity Church and Masonic Lodge 623, where he served as vestry four times and senior warden three times. He was also treasurer of Washington Grocery Association for 25 years, where he had been a member since its inception.
Deceased are a brother, Harry Maxwell James, and a sister, Kathleen James Fleissner.
On June 21, 1950, he married Dorothy Wilson, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Rebecca (Patrick) Hecking of Greenville; and three grandchildren, Steven, Matthew and Julia Hecking.
Friends will be received from 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., the time of service, Thursday, February 27, in Trinity Church, 550 South Main Street, Washington, with the Rev. Karen Stevenson officiating. Arrangements are being handled by William G. Neal Funeral Homes, 925 Allison Avenue, Washington.
Additional information and a guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
Purple Heart recipient and league bowler
Louis Anthony Johns, 97, a lifelong resident of Washington, most recently of Hawthorne Woods, South Strabane Township, died Tuesday, February 25, 2014, in Washington County Health Center, Chartiers Township, following a brief illness.
He was born April 10, 1916, in Washington, a son of the late Michael and Mary Louise Oritelli Johns.
He attended Washington schools.
A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, Mr. Johns participated in the Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe campaigns.
For his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Medal with 3 bronze stars and the World War II Victory Medal. Mr. Johns was honorably discharged November 9, 1945.
Mr. Johns worked for Hazel Atlas from 1932 until 1956, then as a grinder-fitter for National Annealing Box from 1956, until his retirement.
He was a founding member of Independent Club, a life member of Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of American Legion and a member of Veteran of Foreign Wars and United Steelworkers of America.
Mr. Johns actively marked veterans’ graves in local cemeteries each year at the holidays. He was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
He was a league bowler and enjoyed playing softball and baseball in his younger years. Mr. Johns loved watching his grandchildren playing sports.
Deceased are five brothers, Boots, Tony, Nick, Joe and Antonio (infant), and three sisters, Angeline Cipoletti Camden, Rose Whetsell and Esther (infant).
Surviving are two sons, Richard (Gretchen) Johns of Murrells Inlet, S.C., and Robert Johns of Washington; a daughter, Roberta (Ray) Roccon of Harmony; a brother, Jake (Millie) Johns of Washington; eight grandchildren, Christine Johns, Jamie Johns, Richard (Eileen) Johns, Beth Ann Grantz, Raymond (Ayron) Roccon, Ryan (Stephanie) Roccon, Rachel (Jake) Barlow and Rebecca (Craig) Stanionis; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Friends will be received from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the time of a blessing service, Thursday, February 27, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd, 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Father Pat Barkey will officiate. Full military honors will be accorded in the funeral home by Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of American Legion. Burial will follow on a later date in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of donor’s choice.
A service for Robert J. Lewis, who died February 24, 2014, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, February 27, in Sollon Funeral Home Ltd., Canonsburg.
Member of First Baptist Church of Canonsburg
Shirley M. Markle, 80, of Canonsburg, died Monday, February 24, 2014, in Townview Health and Rehabilitation Center, Canonsburg.
She was born August 3, 1933, in Canonsburg, a daughter of Albert and Gertrude Clark Schor.
She was a member of First Baptist Church of Canonsburg and was active at Greater Canonsburg Senior Citizens Center.
Deceased, in addition to her parents, are her husband, Walter E. Markle; brothers, Albert Schor and Wolfard Schor; and grandson, Michael Harris.
Surviving are four sons, Wesley (Diana) Markle of Cecil Township, Walter (Jamie) Markle of Eighty Four, Wayne (Pam) Markle and William (Sydney) Markle of Connellsville; two daughters, Charmiane Alexander of Erie and Shirley (James) Harris of Canonsburg; her sister, Mary Richter of Eighty Four; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday 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. Friday, February 28, with Pastor Bill Barnett officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray.
Please visit www.sollon.com for additional information and to view and leave condolences.
Mt. Lebanon optician
Duane E. Moore, 78, of Cecil Township, completed his journey Sunday, February 23, 2014, surrounded by his family.
He was born April 27, 1935, in Triadelphia, W.Va., a son of the late Challen and Ruth Doughtery Moore.
Surviving are his loving wife, Roberta Sarraf; a brother, Ivan R. Moore of Wheeling, W.Va.; two nieces, Sally (Bob) Byard and Gail (Ernie) Grubb; and two nephews, Scott (Maggie) Moore and Dale (Kelly) Moore and their children.
Mr. Moore was certified by the American Board of Opticians and was a partner in Medical Center Opticians and then Sabish Opticians, both in Mt. Lebanon, for more than 30 years.
In semi-retirement, he worked with his longtime friend, Don Freuden, at Pyramid Optics Inc.
Mr. Moore served his country in the U.S. Army in Berlin, Germany.
He was a 25-year member and past president of Mt. Lebanon Lions Club.
Mr. Moore enjoyed grilling, vegetable gardening and canning, hunting, country music and NASCAR.
Friends will be received from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Beinhauer Funeral Home, 2828 Washington Road, McMurray. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 28, in Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church, 112 West Pike Street, Canonsburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Family Hospice and Palliative Care, 50 Moffett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15243.
Please add or view tributes at www.beinhauer.com.
Dedicated nurse and Steelers fan
Sara Jane Piper, 62, of Washington passed away unexpectedly Monday, February 24, 2014, with her family by her side.
Born December 12, 1951, in Brownsville, she was a daughter of Orval and Anna Marie Evans Watson.
Mrs. Piper was a very proud and dedicated nurse. She enjoyed decorating her home for the holidays and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren.
Deceased are her father and a sister, Donna Rose.
She was the beloved wife of 42 years to James B. Piper Sr.; cherished mother of James B. (Vicky) Piper and Christine M. (Mike) Breese; dear grandmother of Brittany, Brianna and Stephen; sister of Beverly (Lloyd Shawley) Constantine and Orval (Sherri) Watson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are welcome from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday in Cremation & Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317, 724-260-5546. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, February 28, in the funeral home. Inurnment will take place privately at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at http://www.stjude.org or 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Please view and sign the family’s guest book at www.cremationfuneralcare.com.
Musical performer was longtime secretary
Thelma Prandini, 89, of Washington, formerly of Meadow Lands, died Monday, February 24, 2014, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, after a traumatic fall two weeks ago.
She was born July 6, 1924, in New Castle, a daughter of Angelo and Angelina Frank Laita.
Mrs. Prandini was a graduate of New Castle High School.
She was employed at Washington Hospital School of Nursing as a library assistant and secretary for 23 years and also as a cashier at several local theaters in Washington.
Mrs. Prandini loved to perform country-western music. As a young woman, she cut a record with Bob Pandas called “Sweet Darling” and performed with him for several years. She also played guitar and sang with a group called the Sunshine Girls from the New Castle and Butler area. She was a former member of the Sweet Adelines and spent several years with the Washington Community Theater group production. Playing guitar and singing were her favorite hobbies.
She was a member of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, Meadow Lands, and its Christian Mothers and Guild.
Surviving are two daughters, Debra Powell and Janet Burt, both of Washington. She was the proud grandmother of three grandchildren, Allison Rider (Dan) and Tina and Tony Powell, and a great-grandchild, Garrett David Rider.
Deceased are her husband, Larry Prandini, and a sister, Rose Cugini.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, February 28, in Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, Meadow Lands, with the Rev. Carmen A. D’Amico as celebrant. Interment will follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Peters Township. Memorial contributions may be made to Washington City Mission, 84 West Wheeling Street, Washington, PA 15301 or Donnell House, in care of Hospice of Washington Hospital, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301. Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.
Corning Glass retiree loved red roses
Margaret “Marge” Smida, 82, of Carroll Township, died Tuesday, February 25, 2014, in Hallsworth House, Monessen.
Born October 6, 1931, in Cokeburg, she was a daughter of Edward and Frances Rishka Rosemeir Sr.
She was a member of Ave Maria Church, Bentleyville, and its Ladies Guild.
Mrs. Smida retired from Corning Glass and was a member of Corning Retirees. She had also worked for a number of years at the former J.I.B. Restaurant in Charleroi. She was a lover of red roses.
Deceased are her husband, Michael Smida; three brothers, Edward Jr., George and Walter Rosemeir; and a sister, Adeline Ward.
Surviving are two sons, Michael (Aggie) Smida and Mark Smida of Monessen; a daughter, Michelle (Jim) Ward of Carroll Township; a sister, Blanche Wallace of Parma, Ohio; six grandchildren, Mark (Angela) Smida Jr., Rachel (Chuck) Boch, and Ryan, Lisa, Jeremy and Joette Smida; and two great-grandchildren, Scarlet and Claire Boch.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 27, in Leonard M. Pavlic Funeral Homes Inc., 405 Main Street, Bentleyville. Funeral services are incomplete and will be announced in a later edition.
Formerly of Strabane
Ann M. Moscovic Tomsic of North Tonawanda, N.Y., formerly of Strabane, passed away Monday, February 24, 2014, in Niagara Hospice, Lockport, N.Y.
On October 1, 1938, she married her beloved husband of nearly 69 years, Joseph P. Tomsic, who passed away March 2, 2008.
Also deceased are a son, Joseph P. Tomsic; brothers, sisters, brothers- and sisters-in-law, John (late Helen) Mastic, Joseph (late Mary), Frank (late Peg), Stephen (Edna) and Paul (Veronica) Moscovic.
Surviving are a daughter, Carol (John Michalek) Joseph; a son, Gregory (Kathleen) Tomsic; daughter-in-law Barbara Tomsic; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a brother, Tom (Rita) Moscovic; three sisters, Elizabeth (late Charles) Zaken, Mary (late Joseph) Tyburski and Dorothy (late Joseph) Maslocha; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends are welcome from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 27, in Salandra Funeral Service Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120, where departing prayers will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, February 28. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Canonsburg. Interment will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Canonsburg. Additional visitation was held Wednesday in Amigone Funeral Home in New York.
The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in care of Mrs. Tomsic to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094, or www.niagarahospice.org. To view or send condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.
H&R Block manager, Dallas Cowboys fan
Brian S. “Charlie” Wade, 57, of Washington, died Sunday, February 23, 2014, in his home, following a 2-year battle with cancer.
He was born February 10, 1957, in Washington, a son of Marion Odelph Wade of Arkansas and Shirley Jean Black of Washington.
He graduated from California State University with a bachelor’s of science degree and was a field-marketing manager for H&R Block.
He was a member of Living Waters Church of God and Canonsburg Sportsman Club.
There is not enough time or space to tell all the stories or count the hearts he has touched. To know him was to love him. His generosity, kindness and humor were always shared with his family, friends and perfect strangers. He did nothing in moderation, and love was no exception.
It would be silly to say that he loved the Dallas Cowboys, because it was so much more than that. He was dedicated, unwavering and hopeful year after year.
The same can be said of his relationships with those he loved. His whole-hearted approach made him a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, uncle, friend and more.
The same hearty attitude led him to adventures in tree cutting, fire jumping, karaoke singing and countless other escapades. He looked at life as an opportunity to have fun, to spend his days with the Lord in the sun on the porch, his nights with his beloved, watching movies and eating popcorn, and to be thankful for every last minute.
On April 19, 1996, he married Nena Interval, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Matthew (Ashley) Abbondanza of Washington; two daughters, Krista (John) Wade of Washington and Georgiann (Joe) Martin of Uniontown; two brothers, Alan (Dawn) Wade of Washington and Douglas (Lori) Wade of Ellsworth; two sisters, Brenda (Mark) Lacks of Fredricktown and Cindy Wade of Washington; six grandchildren, Julian “Bubba” Dennis, Jordan “Moose,” Lily Jo “Lil Butt” and Luke “Squeeker” Martin, all of Uniontown, and John “Tuck” and Kai Miller, both of Washington; and a godchild, Cory Wade.
Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 27, with Pastor Mike Singo officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Living Waters Church of God, Men’s Ministry, 965 Weirich Avenue, Washington, PA 15301.
Additional information and a guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
Frances I. Warco, 85, of Washington, died Tuesday, February 25, 2014.
Arrangements are incomplete and have been entrusted to Warco-Falvo Funeral Home Inc., Washington. A complete obituary will follow in a later edition.
1961 Washington grad, member of Door Fellowship
John P. Wilson, 70, of West Second Avenue, South Williamsport, passed away Sunday, February 23, 2014, in Williamsport Regional Medical Center.
He was born April 7, 1943, in Washington, a son of Harry L. and Rebecca Cox Wilson.
Mr. Wilson was a 1961 graduate of Washington High School and a member of Door Fellowship.
He managed Pic-Way stores and, at the time of his death, drove for Susquehanna Trailways.
Deceased are his parents and a brother, Harry A. Wilson.
Surviving are his wife of 47 years, the former Connie A. Campbell; his son, Jeffrey A. Maneval of South Williamsport; daughters Lori J. (Scott) Eck of South Williamsport and Lisa M. Maneval of Allenwood; two sisters, Dorothy (John) James of Greenville and Gloria (Bob) Weber of Hickory; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Spitler Funeral Home, 733 Broad Street, Montoursville, where a funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 28, with the Rev. Wayne A. Holcomb officiating. Interment will follow in Montoursville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Door Fellowship, 470 Pine Street, Williamsport, PA 17701.