Obituaries March 13
Veteran adored family
Gary Redinger Bedillion, 77, of Hickory, died Wednesday, March 12, 2014, in his home with his family by his side.
He was born January 29, 1937, in Hickory, a son of John D. and Leila Redinger Bedillion.
Mr. Bedillion was a 1955 graduate of Hickory High School. He worked at Forbes Steel in Canonsburg from 1964 until its closing in 1990, and then worked for Universal Stainless and Alloy Products in Bridgeville, until he retired in 1999.
He was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1962.
Mr. Bedillion was a member of Hickory Evangelical Presbyterian Church and Indian Springs Rod and Gun Club in Avella.
He was an avid hunter, enjoyed nature and the outdoors, attending antique auctions and collecting antiques.
His most cherished times were spent with family. He adored his wife, his daughters and their families, especially his grandchildren.
On August 10, 1963, he married Jean Tustin, who survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Beth A. Curtis (Randy) of Bulger and Lisa L. McElhaney (Kurt) of McDonald; four grandchildren, Justin and Levi Curtis and Alyssa and Blake McElhaney; two sisters, Barbara Shaffer and Leila White, both of Hickory; a brother, James Bedillion of Hickory; sisters-in-law, Ruth Bedillion of Washington, Rowena “Skip” Bedillion of Hickory, Donna Tustin Walker (Duane) of Hickory and Carol Tustin Schwartz (Don) of Canonsburg; and a brother-in-law, Donald H. Tustin of Washington.
Deceased are two brothers, John J. and Ronald W. Bedillion; brothers-in-law, Donald Shaffer and Robert White; and sisters-in-law, Eleanor Hopper Bedillion and M. Beth Cowden Tustin.
At the request of the deceased, all services are private. Arrangements have been entrusted to McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.
Richard A. Caltuna, 54, of California, died Tuesday, March 11, 2014, in his home.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, 2830 Main Street, Beallsville. A complete obituary will appear in a later edition.
Owned Durbin’s Service Station and Garage
Halcie Dwight Durbin Sr., 92, of West Alexander, died at 12:10 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2014, in his home.
He was born November 3,1921, in Richhill Township, Nebo, Greene County, a son of the late Harry and Mary Ethel Murphy Durbin. He resided in the West Alexander area since 1947.
Mr. Durbin was a member of West Alexander United Methodist Church. He was a 68-year, and oldest continuous, member of West Alexander American Legion Post 656, Cozy Cove Camp in Elk County and was a founding member of the West Alexander Church dartball league, where he competed for more than 50 years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing as long as his health permitted.
Mr. Durbin was a veteran of World War II, where he served as tech 4 with the 8th Quartermaster Company of the U.S. Army, serving in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe, and was awarded four bronze stars and the Good Conduct Medal.
He was owner and operator of the former Durbin’s Service Station and Garage in West Alexander for more than 60 years, prior to closing in 1992.
On July 21, 1945, he married Dorothy Aldeen Hughes, who survives.
Also surviving are a daughter, Judith, wife of Bruce Kimble of Claysville; three sons, Ray, husband of Cheryl Durbin and John “Butch”, husband of Cathy Durbin, both of West Alexander, and Halcie D. Durbin Jr., husband of Debbie Durbin of Wellsburg, W.Va.; 11 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Blaine, husband of Kay Durbin of West Alexander; two sisters, June Clough of Lakeland, Fla., and Mary Lou, wife of Bill Holland of Delta; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, are three brothers, James, Harold and Harry Durbin Jr.; and a sister, Hazel Durbin McCloud.
Friends will be received from 2 to 9 p.m. Friday in West Alexander United Methodist Church, West Alexander, where funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 15, with the Rev. Daniel P. Grimes officiating. Interment will follow in West Alexander Cemetery, Donegal. Graveside military rites will be accorded by representatives of the U.S. Army and West Alexander American Legion Post 656.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the West Alexander U.M. Church, 160 Main Street, PO Box 302, West Alexander, Pa. 15376. Arrangements are under the direction of Rush Funeral Home Inc., Rogersville. Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences at www.rushfuneralhomeinc.com.
Lifelong resident of Slovan
Clara Nancy Giacomelli, 89, of Slovan, died Tuesday, March 11, 2014, in Donnell House, Washington.
She was born June 24, 1924, in Slovan, a daughter of the late Ralph and Albina Grilli Filipponi.
Mrs. Giacomelli was employed by American Zinc in Langeloth in her early years, then was a teaching assistant for Westminster Church daycare in Slovan.
She was a 1942 graduate of Union High School in Burgettstown and attended business training college in Pittsburgh.
Mrs. Giacomelli was a lifelong resident of Slovan and a member of Burgettstown Presbyterian Church. She especially enjoyed spending time with her son, her grandchildren, and family and friends.
Surviving are her son, Donald R. Giacomelli of Shrewsbury; her grandchildren, Quinn (Keith) Hofmann, and Steven and David Giacomelli; a great-grandson, Benjamin Hofmann; and many special nieces and nephews.
On February 27, 1946, she married Angelo Giacomelli, who died November 5, 1984.
Also deceased are her daughter-in-law, Tamea Giacomelli; her brothers, William, Adam and Dante Filipponi; and her sisters, Mary DiOrio, Irene Abate, and Dina and Gina Filipponi.
Friends will be received from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday in Taucher Funeral Home, 23 Erie Mine Road, Burgettstown, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 15, with the Rev. Dan Ekas officiating. Interment will follow in Chestnut Ridge Cemetery, Hanover Township.
The family suggests memorial donations be made to Burgettstown Community Library, 2 Kerr Street, Burgettstown, PA 15021. For further information or to leave a condolence, please visit www.taucherfuneralhome.com.
A memorial service for Linda L. Greco, who died February 22, 2014, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 15, in Trinity Episcopal Church, Washington.
Veteran loved spending time with granddaughter
Wilford “Biff” Hayhurst, 76, of Morgantown, W.Va., formerly of Mentor, Ohio, died at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2014, in his home.
He was born Friday, June 25, 1937, in Wetzel County, W.Va., a son of the late Fairfield Hayhurst and Ruth Edgell Hayhurst.
Mr. Hayhurst was a member of Mt. Morris Gospel Tabernacle Assembly of God. He proudly served in the U.S. Army for three years during the Korean War.
He enjoyed fishing, golfing and hunting. He especially loved spending time with his granddaughter, Angelina.
Mr. Hayhurst was a supervisor for 35 years for Worthington Precision Metals in Mentor, retiring in 2000. He then moved back to West Virginia for the last 13 years.
Surviving are his wife, Nina Keener Hayhurst, whom he married in 1981; a son, Dr. Frankie (Shannon) Pellegrini of Leetonia, Ohio; three grandchildren, Angelina Pellegrini, Gabriella Longo and Anthony Longo; a sister, Nina (Gene) Turner of Manns Choice; nine brothers and sisters-in-law, Freda Scott, Darrell (Mary) Keener, Jack (Jean) Keener, Carl (Shirley) Hartley, Marlyn (Fred) Bollette, Paul (Margi) Gotses, Tim (Barbara “Pidge”) Haines and Carolyn (Cecil) McFarland and Beatrice Hayhurst; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a daughter, Lori Moran; a son, Michael Hayhurst; and a brother, Freeman Hayhurst.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home Inc., Daryl L. Throckmorton, owner/director, 324 Mt. Morris Road, P.O. Box 478, Mt. Morris, PA 15349. There will be additional visitation from 10 to 11 a.m., the time of service, Friday, March 14, in Mt. Morris Gospel Tabernacle Assembly of God, Mt. Morris, with the Rev. Fred Tomlinson and the Rev. John Jackson officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Mt. Morris. Information is available at www.milliken-throckmortonfh.com.
National Bowling Hall of Fame inductee
C. Dean Hickman, 62, of Washington, died Tuesday, March 11, 2014, in his home, surrounded by his family.
He was born August 11, 1951, in Waynesburg, a son of Donald Hickman and the late Patty Lou Auld Hickman.
Mr. Hickman was a 1969 graduate of McGuffey High School and worked as a machinist for 25 years for Star Dynamics, then retired as a lab technician and machinist for Dynamet in Bridgeville.
He was a member of the Alpine and Keystone clubs, and was inducted into the National Bowling Hall of Fame. He was active in the annual Keystone Club golf outing.
On October 12, 1996, in Washington, he married Debra F. Sim-Forgie, who survives.
Also surviving, in addition to his wife and father, are four daughters, Dena (James) Weimer of Smithfield, Dorinda (Timothy) Bowlen of Fairchance, Darci (Sid) Griffith of Littleton, N.C., and Lauren Forgie of Austin, Texas; a brother, Jay A. Hickman of Claysville, six grandchildren, Kasie Hickman, Kayla McEuen, Karlie Belle and Karson Bowlen, and Brayden and Chase Griffith; three nieces, Miranda Hickman, Holly (Ryan) Wise and Jillian (Emerson) Duym; a nephew, Greg Hickman; and two sisters-in-law, Diana Janflone and Dawn Sim.
Deceased are a sister, Donna Lou Black, and a brother, who died in infancy.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m., the hour of services, Friday, March 14, in Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington. The Rev. Donald Waltermyer Jr. will officiate. All other services will be private.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. Condolences may be expressed at and photos may be uploaded to www.familyremembers.com. Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors Inc., Charles R. Piatt, owner/supervisor and Lawrence K. Donovan, funeral director.
1930 – 2014
Robert Earl Hickman, 83, of Washington, died Wednesday, February 19, 2014, in his home.
He was born November 18, 1930, in Washington, a son of Frank and Janice Loar Hickman.
Mr. Hickman was a graduate of Washington High School and worked as a machinist at RCA. He was a member of the Polish Club, an avid archery hunter and loved going to the Dog House in the morning for breakfast.
Surviving are two sons, Bruce Hickman of the state of California and Tracy Hickman of North Huntington; three daughters, Brenda (Cliff) Lockwood of West Newton, and Jody Piovesan and Franki Nicolard, both of Latrobe; two brothers, William Hickman of Washington and John Hickman of Wooster, Mass.; grandchildren, Kim (Chad) Heisterman, Mike Lockwood, Matt Lockwood, Ron Lavella, Marcy Hughes, Jacob Piovesan, Victor Nicolard, Dan Nicolard, Angel Nicolard, Jamie Hickman and Carolyn Hickman; and eight great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a brother, Paul Hickman, and a sister, Vivian Jean Mineart.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, with Pastor David Earnest officiating. Additional information and guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.
Co-operated Cassyle Valley Dairy Farm
Robert C. Householder, 92, of Center Township, Greene County, died at 12:20 a.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2014, in his home.
He was born April 14, 1921, in Greensboro, a son of the late James Henry and Emma Garrison Householder. He resided in the Greene County area most of his life.
Mr. Householder worshipped his Lord at Fairview United Methodist Church, Graysville.
He worked for various dairy farms when he was younger and as a heavy equipment operator.
Mr. Householder was a member of International Union of Operating Engineers Local 66 for more than 55 years. After retirement, he went into partnership with his son, Dennis, and co-operated the Cassyle Valley Dairy Farm.
For the past few years, he enjoyed riding around his neighborhood in his golf cart and visiting with neighbors.
On February 3, 1945, he married Helen Louise Teagarden, who survives.
Surviving, in addition to his wife of the past 69 years, are two sons, Robert L. Householder of Bristoria and Dennis, husband of Debe Householder, of Holbrook; two daughters, Elaine Householder of South Fayette Township, and Joyce, wife of Greg Helphenstine of Wind Ridge; seven grandchildren, Heather, John and Tammy Householder, Robert Helphenstine, Rebecca (Larry) Davis, Cassie (Ryan) Harvey and Kyle Householder; seven great-grandchildren, Michaela, Randalyn, Dakota, Evan, Dalton, Avery and Xavier; and a great-great-granddaughter, Aubrie.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, are a brother, James Franklin Householder; a sister, Mary Pearl Oest Romanosky; and a special goddaughter, Yvonne “Pic” Gibbons.
Friends will be received from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday in Rush Funeral Home Inc., Rogersville, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 15, with Pastor Nelson Boone officiating. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Richhill Township.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either Donnell House, Washington Hospice Home Care, 10 Leet Street, Washington, Pa., 15301, or Fairview Cemetery Association, c/o Carol Stein, 512 Wheeling Creek Road, Wind Ridge, Pa., 15380. Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences at www.rushfuneralhomeinc.com.
Retired coal miner active in community
John E. “Jack” Kocerka Jr., 88, of Bobtown, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2014, in his home.
He was born August 28, 1925, in Heckla, a son of John and Nellie Popernack Kocerka.
Mr. Kocerka was a retired coal miner, having worked for J&L Steel Corp. Shannopin Mine of Bobtown. He was a member and treasurer of United Mine Workers of America Local 6159 and a member of Saint Ignatius Roman Catholic Church of Bobtown, where he was a member and secretary-treasurer of Holy Name Society and also served on the parish counsel. He was also a third degree member of Knights of Columbus Council 3569 of Carmichaels, served as treasurer of the Bobtown-Dunkard Municipal Authority and was president of Bobtown Senior Citizens.
Surviving are his wife, Helen Tencer Kocerka, with whom he would have celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary October 15; three daughters, Janet Kocerka of Bobtown, and Carol Kocerka and Barbara VanHorn, both of Gilbert, Ariz.; three sons, Ed Kocerka and wife Nina of Greensboro, Jack Kocerka and wife Heidi of St. Augustine, Fla., and Michael Kocerka and wife Rachel of Bobtown; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a brother, George Kocerka of Palm Harbor, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, are four sisters, Margaret Mozel, Helen Skvarch, Elizabeth Kendralla and Mary Kocerka, and a brother, Andrew Kocerka.
Friends will be received from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday in Louis E. Rudolph Funeral Home, 15 Main Street, Point Marion, Thomas B. Rudolph, funeral director and supervisor. Additional visitation will be held until 10:30 a.m., when brief prayers will be said, Saturday, March 15, in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Saint Ignatius Roman Catholic Church, Bobtown, with the Rev. Fr. Lawrence V. Holpp as Celebrant. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park, Point Marion. Parish vigil service will be held at 8:30 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.
Loved spending time with family
Henry T. Langley, 70, of Ebensburg, formerly of Washington, died unexpectedly Monday, March 10, 2014, in Conemaugh Hospital, Johnstown.
He was born March 23, 1943, in Syracuse, N.Y., a son of the late Charles H. and Ruth Cook Langley.
Mr. Langley was a graduate of North Syracuse Central High School. He was employed as an electrician/maintenance employee at Joy Manufacturing for many years. He was also a supervisor for North Strabane Municipal Authority, from where he retired.
He enjoyed motorcycle riding, snow skiing and was an avid baseball fan. His heart and passion was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. His dog and family’s dogs were also a big part of his life.
On June 5, 1963, he married Penelope Klotz Langley, who survives.
Also surviving are his children, a son, Charles (Joanna) Langley of Washington; and daughters, Lisa (Bryan) Parkin of Ebensburg and Amy (Scott) Patton of Ellsworth; a brother, Robert (Ginny) Thater of Florida; sisters, Linda (Jerry) Kaczmarek of Florida and Mary (Art) Stier of Florida; three grandchildren, Cailyn Parkin, Troy Parkin and Nicholas Langley; and several nieces and nephews.
All funeral arrangements are private and 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. Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com.
Bernice “Bernie” I. Weaver Micjan, 78, of Coal Center, died Monday, March 10, 2014, in Washington Hospital.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, 2830 Main Street, Beallsville. A complete obituary will appear in a later edition.
A remembrance gathering for Ronald R. Hann will be held from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 17, at 230 Crago Avenue, Waynesburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eldercare, 1505 Morris Street, Waynesburg, PA, 15370, or call 724-852-2012. Condolences may be offered at www.behmfh.com.
Veteran, lawyer and local thespian
Paul F. Laughlin, 77, of Mt. Lebanon, passed away suddenly Monday, March 10, 2014.
He was born in Pittsburgh on October 23, 1936, to the late Theresa and Frank Laughlin.
He was the adored husband of Priscilla Laughlin; loving father of Paul (Michelle) Laughlin of Coopersburg, Anita (Bill) Difenderfer of Mt. Lebanon, Diana (Jim) Currie of Woodbridge, Va., and Robert J. (Beth) Quinn of Peters Township; and cherished grandfather of Emily, Quinn, Laura, Ben, Leslie, Robby, James, Philip, Sam and Patrick.
Deceased is a daughter, Elizabeth Quinn.
Mr. Laughlin was a 1954 graduate of Dormont High School. He played football at Villanova University, Class of 1958, and was a graduate of University of Pittsburgh law school. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. He was active in local theater since 1972, with more than 85 roles at Little Lake Theater alone. Recently, Mr. Laughlin was recognized by Allegheny County Bar Association for practicing 50 years of law.
He was an avid reader, historian and sports enthusiast, especially when it had to do with Villanova.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 14, in Unitarian Universalist Church of the South Hills, 1240 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15228. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Cremation and Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317, 724-260-5546.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Villanova University, 800 East Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085. Please view and sign the family’s online guest book.
Veteran enjoyed hunting and fishing
Samuel Roy Reese, 65, of Rices Landing, died March 11, 2014, in Southwest Regional Medical Center, Waynesburg.
Mr. Reese was born October 22, 1948, in Isabelle, Fayette County, to the late Woodrow and Edith Wilson Reese.
He was a graduate of Brownsville High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy for two years, followed by 18 years of service in the U.S. Army Reserve. Mr. Reese volunteered for Operation Desert Storm and survived a scud missile attack on his unit, the 475th Quarter Master Corp., Greensburg.
Mr. Reese worked as a coal miner for National Mine, Isabelle, and retired from the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers at the Charleroi lock and dam.
He was a member of American Legion Post 330, Waynesburg, and enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Surviving are his wife, Carol Zappone Reese, whom he married October 30, 1977; three children, Sherri Davis (Earl) of Crucible, and Gina Reese and Samuel Reese Jr., both of Rices Landing; three grandchildren, Joshua Reese, Sydni Reese and Tyler Reese; and two sisters, Judy Harmon (John) of Baltimore, Md., and Terry Reese of Rices Landing.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 10 to 11 a.m., the time of services, Saturday, March 15, with the Rev. Frank Vucic officiating in Lesako Funeral Home Inc., 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels, PA 15320, 724-966-5100, Paul M. Lesako, funeral director/supervisor/owner. Full military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post 330, Waynesburg, and by the U.S. Army at Hewitt Cemetery, Rices Landing.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Paul M. Lesako Funeral Home. View the obituary at www.lesakofuneralhome.com.
Lifetime member of St. Oliver Plunkett Parish
Mary E. Shimborske, 73, of Denbo, died Tuesday, March 11, 2014, in Mon Valley Care Center, Monongahela.
She was born May 28, 1940, in Greensburg, a daughter of the late Anthony Sr. and Martha Shurzinski Minskey.
For several years, she worked as a clerk/cashier in a grocery store while living in New York. She was a faithful, lifetime member of St. Oliver Plunkett Parish, Fredericktown.
Mrs. Shimborske enjoyed bowling with the Bentleyville senior league, reading and cooking, especially for family meals. Spending time with her family brought her special enjoyment.
On October 28, 1961, she married Frank L. Shimborske, who survives, in St. Michael Archangel Church, Fredericktown.
Surviving, in addition to her husband, are three sons, Michael Shimborske (Diane) of Nanuet, N.Y., Stephen Shimborske (Denise) of Long Island, N.Y., and Paul Shimborske of Queens, N.Y.; five grandchildren, Dana, Justin, Casey, Erin and Lindsey Shimborske; three sisters, Patricia Korbini of Clarksville, Diana Minskey of Staten Island, N.Y., and Antoinette Ilko of Fairfield; a brother, Anthony Minsky Jr. of Fredericktown; and numerous close nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 8 p.m. Friday in Greenlee Funeral Home, 42 Bank Street at Crawford Road, Fredericktown, where a prayer service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 15, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in St. Oliver Plunkett Parish, Fredericktown, with the Rev. Paul Grunebach as celebrant. Interment will follow in LaFayette Memorial Park, Brier Hill. A parish vigil will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Oliver Plunkett Parish, P.O. Box 638, Fredericktown, PA 15333. A guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.
Kevin A. Stotka, 48, of Brownsville, died Tuesday, March 11, 2014, in UPMC-Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Greenlee Funeral Home, 42 Bank Street at Crawford Road, Fredericktown.
A complete obituary will appear in a later edition.
Virginia Mae Jones Walker, 96, passed into her Lord’s loving arms, Wednesday, March 12, 2014, in Washington County Health Center.
Arrangements are under the direction of Warco-Falvo Funeral Home Inc. A complete obituary will follow in a later edition.