Smetak
Joan B. Smetak, 73, of Vernon Hills, Ill., formerly of Irwin, died Nov. 22, 2001. 
Born April 4, 1928, in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of Herbert and Blanche (Bates) Shellenbarger. Mrs. Smetak was a secretary with Robertshaw Controls and had retired from Signet Bank in Virginia. She had attended Robert Morris Business School in Pittsburgh. 
Surviving are her husband, George Smetak; a son, Edward Smetak of Richmond, Va.; a daughter, Carol Fijalkiewicz of Mundelein, Ill.; her twin brother, John Shellenbarger; and two grandsons, Michael and Matthew Fijalkiewicz. 
Friends were received at Vincent V. Rodgers Funeral Home. Interment was at Brush Creek Cemetery. 

Soltis
Paul D. Soltis, 52, of North Huntingdon died Dec. 2, 2001, in Jefferson Hospital. 
Born Nov. 11, 1949, in McKeesport, he was the son of Mary (Kaczinska) Soltis and the late Nicholas Soltis. Mr. Soltis was the general manager of Brass Rail Restaurant in Pleasant Hills. 
He was a U. S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a member of St. Stephen's Byzantine Church of North Huntingdon. 
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his daughter, Summer Soltis-McCoy of Las Vegas; a brother, Michael Soltis; and sisters, Mary Bezick and Ann Dole. 
A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday) at St. Stephen's Byzantine Church, North Huntingdon. Memorial contributions are suggested to VFW Post 781, 100 Billott Ave., North Huntingdon, PA 15642. 

Bossart
Wendell Beck Bossart, 81, of Mamont died Nov. 19, 2001, in Westmoreland Regional Hos-pital. 
Born Feb. 17, 1920, in Young-wood, he was the son of William and Irene (Beck) Bossart. 
Mr. Bossart was an educator and school administrator at a number of schools, including Oakmont where he previously was assistant to the superintendent. 
After retirement he worked organizing the Christian Fel-lowship Academy. He enjoyed membership in Lions International, Rotary International and Gideons International. He was a pilot in the European Theater during World War II. 
Surviving are his wife of more than 54 years, Betty (Branthoover) Bossart; a son, W. Bedell Bossart of Export; daughters, Wendy Bossart of Export and W. Becky Dixon of Littleton, Colo.; a granddaughter; brother, Daniel Bossart; and a sister, Emma Lou Easley. 
Friends were received at William Snyder Funeral Home with additional viewing at Christian Fellowship Center in Jeannette. 
Interment was at Twin Valley Memorial Park. Memorial contributions are suggested to Christian Fellow-ship Academy, 2005 Ridge Road, Jeannette, PA 15644 or Free Gospel Bible Institute, P.O. Box 477, Export, PA 15632 or Gideons International, P.O. Box 45, Irwin, PA 15642. 

Mayhue
Robin J. Mayhue, 39, of Trafford died Nov. 30, 2001, in Mercy Hospital. 
Born Aug. 26, 1962, in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of John Homerick and the late Marjorie Jean Homerick. Mrs. Mayhue was formerly employed at Wendy's in Monroeville. She was a graduate of Penn-Trafford High School 
In addition to her father, she is survived by her daughter, Samantha of Trafford; and sisters, Sherry Varchetto and Tammy Homerick. 
Friends were received at Shirley-Kukich Funeral Home. Entombment was at Penn-Lincoln Memorial Park. 
Memorial contributions are suggested to her daughter Samantha c/o Sherry Varchetto, 2667 Puckety Dr., Export, PA 15632. 

Lauffer
Olga A. Yeager Lauffer, 94, of North Huntingdon, formerly of North Braddock, died Dec. 2, 2001, in Loyalhanna Care Center, Latrobe. 
Born July 14, 1907, in North Braddock, she was the daughter of Oscar and Amelia Becker. 
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Wallace Yeager; her second husband, Elton Lauffer; and a brother, Ed Becker. 
Surviving are her daughters, Faye Nichols of Irwin and Veda Thornton of North Huntingdon; four grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Bill Becker. 
Friends were received at Joseph F. Ott Funeral Home. Interment was at Restland Memorial Park in Monroeville. 

Piesik
Edward A. Piesik, 76, of North Huntingdon died Nov. 27, 2001, in Jeannette District Memorial Hospital. 
Born Dec. 19, 1924, in Port Vue, he was the son of John and Rose (Wulczinski) Piesik. Mr. Piesik was a retired tool and die maker with National Carbide Tool and Die. He was a member of St. Agnes Church and formerly of its Men's Club. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he was a past member of the VFW and American Legion of White Oak. 
Surviving are his wife, Martha (Slonska) Piesik; a son, Bernard of Penn Township; a daughter, Kathy DiDonato of North Huntingdon; brother, Albert Piesik; sister, Marie Bendik; and two grandchildren. 
Friends were received at Shirley-Kukich Funeral Home. Interment was at New St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Agnes Church, St. Agnes Lane, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. 

Kelso
Kathryn R. Kelso, 82, of Westmoreland City died Nov. 26, 2001, in Cordia Commons of North Huntingdon. 
Born Feb. 16, 1919, in Butler County, she was the daughter of Michael and Mary (Nichei) Racioppo. Mrs. Kelso was a retired employee of the Norwin School District and former employee of William Snyder Funeral Home. 
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Kelso. 
Surviving are her sons, Edward of Irwin and Robert Kelso of Westmoreland City; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brothers, Daniel and Robert Racioppo; sister-in-law, Ruth Kelso; and dear friend, Andy Vargo. Stephen, Michael, Paul and Albert Tuzikow; and a grandchild, Leeann Brady. 
Friends were received at William F. Gross Funeral Home. Mass was at St. John the Baptist Church. Interment was at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Gongaware
Elmer L. Gongaware, 79, formerly of North Huntingdon, died Jan. 24, 2002, in St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio. 
Mr. Gongaware was a former captain of the North Huntingdon Police where he served for 30 years before his 1986 retirement. 
He also had served as a deputy sheriff for Westmoreland County. He was formerly a member of Hahntown and Circleville VFD, FOP Lodge 39 of New Kensington, Shidle Masonic Lodge No. 601, Tall Cedars of Lebanon No. 77. 
He belonged to Retired Police Officers of Pennsylvania and Western Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police. During World War II, he served with the U.S. Marine Corps. 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Myrtle Gongaware; and a grandson, Timothy Gongaware; and several brothers and sisters. 
Surviving are his wife, Minerva (Shoemaker) Gongaware; sons, Tyrone of Boardman, Ohio, and Gary Gongaware of Canfield, Ohio; sisters, Ella Holder, Bernice Kapelar and Bessie Christenson; 10 grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters. 
Friends were received at Shirley-Kukich Funeral Home. Interment was at Brush Creek Cemetery. 
Memorial contributions are suggested to North Huntingdon Township Police Department Relief Fund, 11279 Center Highway, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. 

Brown
Bessie Jean Brown, 82, of Greensburg died Jan. 27, 2002, in Hempfield Manor. 
Born Feb. 27, 1919, in Sewickly Township, she was the daughter of Ellis and Lelia (Taylor) Lenhart. She was a retired employee of Westinghouse Electric. Mrs. Brown was a member of Norwin Alliance Church. 
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Brown; three sisters; a stepson, Paul Brown; and a great-grandson, Shawn Brisbane. 
Surviving are her stepdaughter, Janice Brisbine and her husband, Clarence; stepson, Melvin Brown and his wife, Mary Ann; stepdaughter-in-law, Carol (Espey) Brown; a nephew, Al Thorne and his wife, Reta; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. 
Friends were received at Shirley-Kukich Funeral Home. Interment was at Mars Hill Cemetery. 

Ferrari
Dorothy L. Ferrari, 81, of Irwin died Jan. 28, 2002, in Jeannette District Memorial Hospital. 
Born July 25, 1920, in North Braddock, she was the daughter of George and Anna (Wertenbach) Haslop. 
Mrs. Ferrari was a retired office manager with the former Sandson grocery in Irwin. She was a member of Church of the Immaculate Conception. 
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Adoth "Mass" Ferrari; and a brother, Robert Haslop. 
Surviving are her sisters, Ruth Bock of Irwin, Lillian Hensler of Conneaut, Ohio, Helen Vinton of South Gate, Calif., Gladys Bock of North Irwin, Hope Hursh of Monroeville, Margie Orr of Stahlstown.
Friends will be received 2-4, 7-9 p.m. today (Wednesday) at Joseph F. Ott Funeral Home. 
Mass will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Church of the Immaculate Conception. 
Interment will be at Irwin Union Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Norwin Public Library, 299 Third St., Irwin, PA 15642. 

Bertozzi
Veronica R. (Gombos) Bertozzi, 87, of North Huntingdon died Jan. 23, 2002, in Westmoreland Regional Hospital. 
Born Aug. 6, 1914, in Hahntown, she was a daughter of Steve and Mary (Marinchak) Gombos. 
She was a former employee of Village Inn restaurant in Adamsburg. 
Mrs. Bertozzi was a member of Church of the Immaculate Conception of Irwin and its Golden Echoes and a member of Fairmont-Hahntown VFD Ladies Auxiliary. 
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Anai "Dude" Bertozzi; a brother, John Gombos; sisters, Helen Simic, Margaret Gross, Mary Natale, Theresa, Ann, Elizabeth and Catherine Gombos. 
Surviving are a son, Richard Bertozzi of Marco Island, Fla.; a daughter, Donna Macesich of North Huntingdon; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a brother, Steve Gombos; and sisters, Martha Garlow and Madeline Hamilton. 
Friends were received at Joseph F. Ott Funeral Home. Mass was at Church of the Immaculate Conception. 
Interment was at Immaculate Conception Cemetery. 

Peters
Benjamin Peters, 78, of North Huntingdon died Jan. 25, 2002, in Jeannette District Memorial Hospital. 
He was a retired employee of Westinghouse. Mr. Peters was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and a member of Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, Tall Cedars of Lebanon and Shidle Lodge No. 601 of Irwin. 
Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Rose Marie Peters; a daughter, Barbara Pergar of Moon Township; a son, Benjamin Peters Jr. of Hockessin, Del.; a sister, Erma Peters; six grandchildren; a great-grandson; in-laws, Frank and Nora Poljanec; and several nieces and nephews. 
Friends were received at Shirley-Kukich Funeral Home. A service was at Lutheran Church of Our Saviour with the Rev. Mark Fischer officiating. Interment was at Grandview Cemetery. 

Shaffer
Florence (Forsythe) Shaffer, 90, of Irwin died Jan. 20, 2002, in Jeannette District Memorial Hospital. 
Born Sept. 30, 1911, in Fayette County, she was the daughter of Earl and Bertha (Dinsmore) Forsythe. She was a former sales associate for JCPenney in Uniontown. 
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Charles Shaffer. 
Surviving are her daughter, Alma Huffman of Irwin; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. 
Friends were received at William Snyder Funeral Home. A service was at Sylvan Heights Cemetery Chapel. 

Toth
Ellen Marie Toth, 47, of Trafford, formerly of North Versailles, died Jan. 22, 2002. 
She was the daughter of Albert Toth of North Versailles and the late Nelle (Males) Toth. Ms. Toth was a registered nurse at Forbes Regional Hospital. 
In addition to her father, she is survived by her brothers, Albert of North Huntingdon and John Toth of Restin, Va.; an aunt, Stella Edinger; and a nephew and three nieces. 
Friends were received at Jobe Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Forbes Hospice, 6655 Frankstown Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206. 

Dickey 
Ruth S. Dickey, 89, of North Huntingdon died Jan. 22, 2002, at Briarcliff Pavilion. 
Born May 11, 1912, in Taylorstown, Pa., she was the daughter of Harvey and Alma (Rainey) Stewart. She was a member of Ardara Presbyterian Church. 
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Willis Dickey; a grandson, David Truxel; two brothers, Russell and Thomas Stewart; two sisters, Mary Stewart and Nina Lyle. 
Surviving are her daughter, Peggy Taylor of Conroe, Texas; and several nieces and nephews. 
Friends were received at Shirley-Kukich Funeral Home. Interment was at Claysville Cemetery. 

Lake
J. Martin "Marty" Lake, 67, of North Huntingdon died Jan. 25, 2002, in Presbyterian Hospital. 
Born March 31, 1934, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of Joseph and Loretta (Vietch) Lake. Mr. Lake was a retired machinist with Westinghouse Electric. 
He was a member of Pittsburgh Rockets Drum and Bugle Corps, Herminie No. 2 Sportsman's Club, Pitt Pounders Leather Guild and Holland American's Cruise Club. 
Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Joyce (Tranter) Lake; sons, Steven of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Wayne Lake of Berkley Springs, W. Va.; a daughter, Marcy Horvath of Irwin; a sister, Alice May Backoefer; and seven grandchildren. 
Friends were received at Shirley-Kukich Funeral Home. Interment was at Penn -Lincoln Memorial Park. 

Thornton
Thomas Taylor Thornton, 73, of North Huntingdon died Jan. 27, 2002. 
Born Oct. 20, 1928, in Turtle Creek, he was the son of Thomas and Ida Beatrice Taylor Thornton. 
He was a retired expediter with Westinghouse Electric with more than 40 years service at the Trafford Printing Branch, East Pittsburgh division and Astronuclear division in Large, Pa. Mr. Thornton was a member of Masonic Valley Lodge 613 F&AM Turtle Creek. 
He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, 107th Field Artillery, 28th Division and also a National Guard at Hunt Armory. 
Surviving are his wife, Betty (Jones) Thornton; sons, Drew of North Huntingdon and Brian Thornton of Sanford, N.C.; a daughter, Deborah Thornton of North Huntingdon; a brother, David Thornton; three grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. 
Friends will be received Thursday 7-9 p.m. and Friday 2-4, 7-9 p.m. at Shirley -Kukich Funeral Home in North Huntingdon. 
A service will be on Saturday at a time to be announced. Memorial contributions are suggested to American Cancer Society.