Miscellaneous Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
Obituaries - 1999

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LARRY E. ANSELL 

Larry E. Ansell, 53, of Normalville, died Wednesday, Nov. 17, 1999, in Highlands Hospital, Connellsville. He was born March 17, 1946, in Somerset County, a son of Eleanor Ritenour Ansell of Normalville and the late Charles Ansell. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, William Roger Ansell. In addition to his mother, he is survived by five brothers, John Ansell and his wife, Patty, of Indian Head, Ronald Ansell of Pittsburgh, Carl Richard Ansell of Hyattsville, Md., Clifford Ansell and his wife, Cindy, of Normalville and James Ansell of Normalville; and four sisters, Sarah ``Dolly'' Mitts and her husband, Clifford, of Stahlstown, Barbara Sherbondy and her husband, John, of Normalville, Lillian Denny and Nancy Heidenberg, both of Hyattsville, Md. Friends will be received in the CLYDE BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., Route 711, Melcroft, Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Joe Gray officiating. Interment will follow in the Scullton Cemetery. 

HELEN OLBRISH DABIN 

Helen Olbrish Dabin, 78, of Second Street in West Newton, died Wednesday, Nov. 17, 1999, in Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. She was born Sept. 23, 1921, in Gratztown, a daughter of the late Walter and Sophia Olbrish. She was a member of the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in West Newton and the Catholic Daughters of America, Court Miriam #1315. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Alexander Dabin; three brothers, Steve, Frank and Alex Olbrish; and a sister, Stella Daniecki. She is survived by her son, David Dabin, of West Newton; a daughter, Linda Boord, and her husband, Les, of Upper St. Clair; a granddaughter, Erin Boord, of State College; a grandson, Jeff Boord, at home; and three brothers, John Olbrish of Delmont, and Joseph and Walter Olbrish, both of West Newton. There will be no viewing. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday at 9:30 a.m. in the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, West Newton, with the Rev. John Regoli as celebrant. Interment will be in the West Newton Cemetery. Arrangements by RICHARD F. DODSON FUNERAL HOME, West Newton. 

LEONARD M. GRAFF 

Leonard M. Graff, 80, of Latrobe, died Sunday, Nov. 14, 1999, in Latrobe Area Hospital. Born March 29, 1919, in Canonsburg, he was a son of the late Joseph John Sr. and Margaret Bonfanti Graff. He retired from J&L Steel in Pittsburgh. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Army. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church, Latrobe, St. Vincent DePaul Society, Senior Citizens of St. John's, and Latrobe Railroad Club. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Palmer Graff; five brothers, John, James, Stephen, Samuel and Phillip Graff; and two sisters, Anna Granata and Mary Graff. Surviving are his fiancee, Anne M. Koerbel, of Latrobe; a daughter, Mary Eleanor Lukan, of Midway, Pa.; a brother, Thomas Graff, of West Chester, Ill.; two sisters, Margaret ``Peggy'' Bell of Houston, Pa., and Freda Puccetti of Toledo, Ohio; two grandchildren, Sean Lukan and Melissa Lukan, both of Midway; and a number of nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the JOHN J. LOPATICH FUNERAL HOME INC., 601 Weldon St., Latrobe. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 11 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church with the Rev. Thomas Lukac as celebrant. Interment in Unity Cemetery, Unity Township. Military services will be held at 10:15 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the St. John Building Fund. 

ROBERTA STERRETT KEPPLE
Roberta Sterrett Kepple, 79, of New Alexandria, died Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999, in the Greensburg Nursing and Convalescent Center. She was born July 9, 1920, in Hunker, the youngest child of the late Robert Witmer and Sara Dugal Sterrett. She was a member of the Community United Presbyterian Church of New Alexandria. After graduating from Greensburg High School in 1937, she attended Indiana College. In 1942, she married Lloyd S. Kepple, who died in 1993. Along with her parents and husband, she also was preceded in death by three brothers, John, Abram and Charles Sterrett, and a sister, Margaret Smith. A devoted mother, she is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Kay and Ray Mitchell of Annapolis, Md., Margaret and Richard Graham of New Alexandria, and Martha and Paul Zanotto of Crystal Lake, Ill.; two grandsons, Kevin and Adam Graham; and several nieces and nephews. Friends will be received Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the P. DAVID NEWHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, on the corner of Church and Washington streets in New Alexandria, where services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Terry J. Carnahan, pastor of the Community United Presbyterian Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Union Cemetery, New Alexandria. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the New Alexandria Public Library.

RONALD H. McDOWELL 

Ronald H. McDowell, 56, of Manor, died Wednesday, Nov. 17, 1999, in West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh. He was born Dec. 6, 1942, in Greensburg, a son of Charles and Helen Davis McDowell of Manor. He was employed as a mechanic for Beckwith Machine in Blawnox. He was a member of the Penn Lutheran Church and the International Union #66 of Operating Engineers. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife of 34 years, Lorena Raspotnik McDowell; two sons, Ronald S. and wife, Cheryl McDowell, of North Huntingdon and James E. McDowell of Westmoreland City; a daughter, Heather L. McDowell, of Pitcairn; a sister, Donna Nedley, of Harrison City; and five grandchildren, Brian, Brent, Samantha, Megan, and Kayli McDowell. Friends will be received at the JAMES E. LINDSAY FUNERAL HOME INC., Main Street, Harrison City, Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Robert J. Marks officiating. Interment will follow in Irwin Union Cemetery, Irwin. 

PAUL E. PETENBRINK

Paul E. Petenbrink, 81, of North Grove Street, Scottdale, died Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999, in Countryside Rest Home, Mt. Pleasant. He was born March 29, 1918, in Scottdale, a son of the late Edwin and Clara Geiger Petenbrink. He was a lifelong member of the Scottdale Church of Christ and the community of Scottdale. He served his church as a deacon, elder and Sunday school teacher, and was a member of the Co-Strivers Sunday school class. Paul was a graduate from Scottdale High School with the Class of 1937. He served with the U.S. Navy from 1936 to 1940 and the U.S. Navy Air Force from 1941 to 1945. While in the Navy, he attended the Naval Air Technical Training School in Chicago, Ill., and the Link Trainers School in Pensacola, Fla. Paul retired from the U.S. Post Office on May 12, 1973, after 32 years of service as a mail carrier for the Scottdale area. He was a life member of the Scottdale VFW Post, Senior Citizens Group of Connellsville and a member of Branch 84 Postal Union in Pittsburgh. Paul leaves to cherish his memories, his loving and devoted wife, Donna J. Camlin Petenbrink, with whom he celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on June 17, 1999; a daughter, Karen K. Thornblade and her husband, Dr. Edward D. Thornblade, of Scottdale; two grandchildren, Tracey Belmont and her husband, Dr. Michael Belmont, of Philadelphia, and Dr. Carl E. Thornblade of San Antonio, Texas; two brothers, Gilbert Petenbrink and his wife, Hazel, of Christian City, Ga., and Ray Petenbrink and his wife, Ann, of Fairfield, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Paul Eugene Petenbrink Jr., who died Sept. 30, 1968; and a brother, Orlin Mankamyer. Paul's family will receive friends in the FRANK KAPR FUNERAL HOME INC., 417 W. Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, Friday from 1 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with his pastor, Bob Chambers, officiating. Interment will follow in Green Ridge Memorial Park, Pennsville. The family suggests memorials be made to the Scottdale Church of Christ, in loving memory of Paul E. Petenbrink.

MARY L. PIENCZYKOWSKI

Mary L. Pienczykowski, 79, of McKeesport, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999, in the Beverly Manor in Murrysville. Born Aug. 8, 1920, in Daiseytown, Pa., the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ignatius Luczak. Wife of the late Edward J. Survived by two daughters, Mary Frances Hussey of North Versailles and Patty Guy of North Huntingdon Township; four grandchildren; and a brother, Andrew Luczak, of Braddock. She was a member of St. Mary's Church, McKeesport, and a former member of the Christian Mothers at St. Mary's. Friends will be received at the WILLIAM H. CRAIG FUNERAL HOME, 3000 Versailles Ave., McKeesport, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Friday at noon in St. Mary's Church. Interment in St. Mary's Parish Cemetery, White Oak.

VERONICA RISKO 

Veronica ``Jean'' Risko, 73, of Smithdale, died Monday, Nov. 15, 1999, at home. Born Dec. 11, 1925, in Smithdale, she was a daughter of the late Nick and Helen Sherba Risko. She retired after more than 40 years as secretary for S&U Oil Co. She was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Sutersville. She is survived by three sisters, Mary Davis of Clairton, Julia ``Jay'' DiClaudio of West Newton and Elizabeth Albert of Washington, Pa.; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, John, Nick and Robert Risko; and two sisters, Anna Floriani and Helen Risko. Friends will be received Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the J. WILLIAM McCAULEY JR. FUNERAL HOME INC., West Newton, where a blessing service will be held Friday at 10 a.m. with the Rev. James D. Vasil officiating. Interment in West Newton Cemetery. 

HELEN RITCHEY

Helen Ritchey, 89, of Derry, died Wednesday, Nov. 17, 1999, at Latrobe Area Hospital. She was born May 31, 1910, in Duncansville, Pa., a daughter of the late Daniel and Minnie Helsel Beegle. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Derry, the Blairsville O.E.S. Chapter #166, and had been a past worthy matron of the Derry Chapter O.E.S. Also, she was a member of the Golden Circle Sunday school class and a charter member of the Derry V.F.D. Ladies Auxiliary. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence R. Ritchey, on June 26, 1987; and a son, R. Daniel Ritchey. Survived by a daughter, Mrs. Charles (Beverly) Cowan, of Derry; her daughter-in-law, Helen M. ``Toosie'' Ritchey, of Whitney; a brother, Harold Beegle, of Duncansville; a sister, Violet Diehl, of Duncansville; seven grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Friends will be received Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 300 W. Third Ave., Derry, where services will be conducted Saturday at 11 a.m. with her pastor, the Rev. David D. Wilson Jr., officiating. Interment will follow in Coles Cemetery, Derry. Blairsville O.E.S. Chapter #166 will conduct services Friday at 7 p.m. in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Derry or the Derry Borough V.F.D.

ELAINE B. ROSS 

Elaine B. Ross, 72, of Youngwood, died Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999, at Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. She was born April 20, 1927, in Youngwood, a daughter of the late Paul R. and Huldah Overdorff Baker. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Youngwood, and was a deacon and a former secretary of the church. She was a retired court clerk for the Westmoreland Courthouse; and a member of Presbyterian Women's Association of Youngwood, Order of Eastern Star #281 of Greensburg, and the Hempfield Garden Club. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, James W. Ross; a daughter, Diane Ross Buchman and husband, Richard, of Greensburg; a son, James F. ``J.R.'' Ross and wife, Judy, of Greensburg; two beloved granddaughters, Allison E. Ross and Jessica R. Buchman; a brother, Charles Baker and wife, Rosemary, of Ruffsdale; and several nieces and nephews. Friends will be received Thursday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the C. RICHARD McCAULEY FUNERAL HOME INC., Youngwood, where service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Dennis J. Hoffman officiating. Interment Westmoreland County Memorial Park, Greensburg. Eastern Star service Thursday at 7 p.m. Memorial contributions to the First Presbyterian Church Capital Fund. 

DOROTHY FOLK SALKA 

Dorothy Folk Salka, 63, of Bunola, Pa., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 17, 1999, in UPMC Presbyterian, Pittsburgh. Born May 12, 1936, in Frostburg, Md., a daughter of Ruth Mason Folk of Bunola and the late Clarence Nelson Folk. She was a member of the Clairton Sportsmen's Club. Survived by her husband, Theodore Salka Sr.; four sons, Theodore Salka Jr. of Bunola, Rod and James Salka, both of Bunola, and Robert Salka of Forward Township; three sisters, Selina Peterson of Bunola, Sharon Fine of Bunola, and Nancy Williams of Bunola; two brothers, Robert Folk and Carl Folk Sr., both of Bunola; three grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the PAUL E. BEKAVAC FUNERAL HOME, 221 Second St., Elizabeth, Pa., today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Blessing will be offered Friday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Dennis Colamarino officiating. Interment to follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Township. 

CHARLES W. SKERO JR. 

Charles W. Skero Jr., 91, of East Vine Street, Mt. Pleasant, died Wednesday, Nov. 17, 1999, in the Harmon House, Mt. Pleasant. He was born March 15, 1908, in Tarrs, a son of the late Charles W. (Skiera) Skero Sr. and Josephine Pieczynski Skero. Charles was a longtime member of Transfiguration Roman Catholic Church, Mt. Pleasant, and the Mt. Pleasant community. He was a member of the Kosciuszko Club, Mt. Pleasant, and the U.M.W.A. Charles was a coal miner for Leisenring No. 3 and Gates Mines with a total of 25 years of service. Charles leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted children, Dolores J. Komenda of Scottdale, Kenneth F. Skero and his wife, Stella, of Newton Falls, Ohio, and Bernard P. Skero and his wife, Mary Jo, of Sharon, Pa.; 10 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; two brothers, Bernard Skero of York, England, and Joseph Skero of Carson City, Nev.; and a sister, Josephine Hribal, of Mt. Pleasant. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary (Cich) Cheek Skero, who died July 17, 1975; a son, Charles Skero III; three brothers, Alec, Edward and Frank Skero; and two sisters, Anastasia Skero and Frances Vasbinder, who died in May of 1995. Charles' family will receive friends in the FRANK KAPR FUNERAL HOME INC., 417 W. Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, Thursday from 1 to 9 p.m. A blessing service will be held Friday at 9:15 a.m. in the funeral home, followed by his Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. in Transfiguration R.C. Church, Mt. Pleasant, with the Rev. Robert M. Washko as celebrant. Interment will follow in Transfiguration R.C. Parish Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant. 

GARRETT W. SWENSON 

Garrett W. Swenson, 67, of Hilton Head Island, S.C., died Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999, at the Sterling House in Hilton Head Island. He was born June 3, 1932, in Greensburg, and was a son of the late Otto E. and Eloise Dawson Swenson. He moved to Hilton Head Island in 1988 from East Northport, N.Y. He was a 1962 graduate of Duquesne University and 1969 graduate of Dickinson Law School. He was a pharmacist and attorney. At the time of his retirement, he was senior attorney and director of Worldwide Corporate Regulatory Affairs of American Home Products Corp. in New York. He was a Navy/Marine Corps veteran and served as a hospitalman in the Fleet Marine Force. He was a 3rd Degree Knight of Our Lady of Queenship Knights of Columbus Council in Camp Hill, Pa., a 4th Degree Knight of Bishop Shannahan K. of C. Council in Harrisburg, and past president of the Holy Name Society. He is survived by his wife, Eleanore O'Connell Swenson; four sons, Garrett W. Swenson Jr. of Coram, N.Y., David O. Swenson of Alpharetta, Ga., Eric O. Swenson of Tustin Ranch, Calif., and Richard F. Swenson of Kennesaw, Ga.; a daughter, Rebecca E. Swenson of Chestnut Hill, Mass.; two brothers, Robert D. Swenson and Richard O. Swenson, both of Irwin; a sister, Suzanne E. Swenson of Irwin; and three grandchildren, Timothy, Anne and Cassie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Francis Catholic Church, Hilton Head Island, with the Rev. Michael McCafferty officiating. Interment will be in the St. Francis Columbarium. The family suggests that those who wish may make memorial contributions to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 23407, Hilton Head Island, SC 29925. The ISLAND FUNERAL HOME, Hilton Head Island, S.C., is in charge of arrangements. 

BENEDICT J. WUJS 

Benedict J. Wujs, 74, of Rear Smithfield Street, Mt. Pleasant, died Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999, in West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh. He was born May 5, 1925, in Scottdale, a son of the late John T. and Clara Chiehaich Wujs. Ben was Catholic by faith and a longtime resident of the Mt. Pleasant community. He was a retired welder for Iron Works of Kansas City with 35 years of service. Ben was a member of the armed forces, serving with the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He was a member of the Scottdale VFW Post and the Boilermakers Union. Ben is survived by the following brothers and sisters: Thomas Wujs and his wife, Frances, of Scottdale, John Wujs of Scottdale, Ann Wujs of Philadelphia and Joan Wujs of Philadelphia; and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Julie Wujs, who died in 1992, and Marie Schraishuhn; and two brothers, Stanley Wujs, who died in 1996, and Steve Wujs. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family and are under the direction of the FRANK KAPR FUNERAL HOME INC., 417 W. Pittsburgh St., Scottdale. The family suggests memorials be made to St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church Building Fund, Scottdale, in memory of Benedict J. Wujs. 

ROSEANN G. (HENSBERGER) ANDRIECHACK

Roseann G. (Hensberger) Andriechack, 75, of Yukon, died Sunday, Nov. 14, 1999, at Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. She was born Jan. 27, 1924, in Yukon, a daughter of the late Andrew Sr. and Rose (Pastor) Hensberger. Mrs. Andriechack was a homemaker. Her memberships included Seven Dolors Roman Catholic Church, Yukon, and the Seven Dolors Christian Mothers. Mrs. Andriechack, ``Roseann,'' is survived by her husband of 51 years, John Andriechack; a son, Gerard J. and his wife, Cindy, of Yukon; a granddaughter, Jennifer Rae; and a brother, Andrew R. ``Junior'' Hensberger Jr. of Yukon. Friends will be received at the JOSEPH W. NICKELS FUNERAL HOME INC., Herminie, Tuesday from 7 to 9 and Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday at 10 a.m. in Seven Dolors R.C. Church, Yukon, with Father Thomas W. Rogers as celebrant. Interment will follow in West Newton Cemetery. The Seven Dolors Christian Mothers will meet at the funeral home Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. The Andriechack family is accepting flowers, and also suggests memorials to the Seven Dolors R.C. Church, Center Street, Yukon, PA 15698.

CLARA BEATTY 

Clara ``Susie'' Beatty, 72, of Monroeville, on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999. Wife of the late Edgar E. Beatty; dear mother of Mark A. Beatty of Monroeville and Susan M. Hasten of St. Louis, Mo.; dear grandmother of Jeremy, Cara, Katie and Lyndsey; and sister of Jean Dzendzel, Betty Byerly, Lottie Elias, Alice Akins, Alvin Shearer and the late William Shearer. Friends may call at GENE VAN HORN'S MONROEVILLE GOLDEN RULE FUNERAL HOME, Beatty Road at Route 48 North, Wednesday 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Services at the Crossroads Presbyterian Church Friday at 10:30 a.m. 

JOSEPH D. BROWNE III 

Joseph D. Browne III, of Baldwin Borough, on Monday, Nov. 15, 1999. Beloved husband of Corinne O. (Cherry); and father of Linda A. Paul, Brenda J. Zampini, Michael J. Browne of Dallas, Texas, Patrick E. Browne, Thomas J. Browne of Gray, Tenn., William F. Browne, Kathleen M. McNaughton and Joanne L. Reeves. Also survived by 16 grandchildren, nieces, nephews, a great-niece and a great-nephew. Brother of James J. Browne, Edward K. Browne and Mary Stone. Friends were received Tuesday 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the GRIFFITH MORTUARY INC., 5636 Brownsville Road, Broughton-Curry-South Park Township. Funeral prayer Thursday at noon with Mass of Christian Burial in Holy Angels Church at 12:30 p.m. Interment private. Family requests donations to University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Office of Development, UPCI, 3471 Fifth Ave., Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. 

WILMA L. GALL 

Wilma L. Gall, 86, of Pleasant Hills, on Monday, Nov. 15, 1999. A member of the Allegheny General Nurses Association Alumni. Beloved sister of Esther Anderson; and aunt of Judith Maurhoff. Also survived by many other nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the JEFFERSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME INC., 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pleasant Hills, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday. Entombment Jefferson Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. 

JULIA M. GOODNIGHT

Julia M. Goodnight, 89, of Jeannette, formerly of Turtle Creek, died Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999, in the Baldock Health Care Centre, North Huntingdon. She was born July 4, 1910, a daughter of the late Matthew and Mary Norkus Zellonis. She was a member of the Ascension Church of Jeannette. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Joseph and John Zellonis; two sisters, Mary Kosis and Madalyn Lockwood; and two grandsons, Kenneth and Christopher Long. She is survived by her husband, H. Kenneth Goodnight; a daughter, Linda Woloshun and her husband, John, of Jeannette; a son, Donald Long and his wife, Diane, of Murrysville; four grandchildren, Terance Woloshun of Hempfield Township, Jeremy Woloshun of Grapeville, Pamela Long of Shorewood, Wis., and Heather Long of Murrysville; and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the JOHN V. GRAZIANO FUNERAL HOME INC., 228 N. Second St., Jeannette, beginning Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday at 10 a.m. in the Ascension Church, Jeannette. Interment will follow in the Braddock Catholic Cemetery, Braddock Hills.

BRUNO KMIECIAK 

Bruno ``Bazz'' Kmieciak, 86, of Everson, died Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999, at Integrated Health Service of Greater Pittsburgh, Greensburg. He was born Nov. 24, 1912, in Everson Valley, a son of the late Albert, who died Nov. 14, 1950, and Sophia Rogalinski Kmieciak, who died Dec. 13, 1917. Bazz was a lifetime member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Everson, and a former member of the church choir for several years. He was a retired welder for Uptegraff Manufacturing Co., Scottdale, with over 35 years of service and served as shop steward for several years. Bazz was a member and past treasurer for the F.O.E. Scottdale and former board member for Scottdale Joint School District and Southmoreland School District for 17 years. He was a high school sports enthusiast and member of the Southmoreland School Board Athletic Committee. Bazz valued education, was a lifelong learner, and enjoyed being a public servant for others. He was a clarinetist in the award-winning Scottdale Thomas A. Lewellyn Post American Legion Band in 1934. Bazz leaves to cherish his memories, his loving and devoted children, a daughter, Sharyn M. Kmieciak of Everson and Randy Kmieciak and wife, Tammy, of Everson; two grandchildren, Randi Jo and Bradley David Kmieciak, both of Everson; a sister, Sophia ``Sarah'' Selemon of Scottdale; and number of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years, Mary Elizabeth Soltis Kmieciak, who died April 6, 1992; six sisters, Clara Tager, who died Feb. 18, 1980, Sally Johnson, who died in 1978, Josephine T. Parfitt, who died Dec. 6, 1988, Edna and Mary Kmieciak, both in their youth, Dorothy Siwula, who died Aug. 3, 1992; and a brother, Watson Kmieciak, who died Nov. 26, 1982. Bazz's family received friends in the FRANK KAPR FUNERAL HOME INC., 417 W. Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and will receive friends Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A blessing service will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph R.C. Church, Everson, with the Rev. Joseph L. Sredzinski and the Rev. Dennis A. Bogusz as concelebrants. Interment to follow in St. Joseph R.C. Parish Cemetery, Everson. A parish wake service will be held Thursday at 8 p.m. in the funeral home. 

GARY J. SOYKA 

Gary J. ``Guffey'' Soyka, 43, of Sutersville, died Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999, in Jeannette District Memorial Hospital, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born March 7, 1956, in Greensburg, a son of John and Martha Foster Soyka of Sutersville. He was a dog trainer and animal lover, a ``Jack of all trades and master of most.'' He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and a 1975 graduate of Yough High School. In addition to his parents, he is survived by a son, Jarett Soyka-Laudadio of Jeannette; three brothers, John ``Jerry'' and wife, Barb, of Miami Beach, Fla., Jeff of Atlanta, Ga., and Ricky and wife, Vickie, of Monessen; and a sister, Cheryl Soyka Menser and husband, Greg, of Bovard. Also several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, many friends, and a loving and caring dog, Mariah. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John and Alice Soyka and maternal grandparents, John and Maggie Foster. Friends will be received Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the J. WILLIAM McCAULEY JR. FUNERAL HOME INC., West Newton, where a service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Darrel Evans officiating. Interment West Newton Cemetery. 

V. REGINA OSTER STEVENSON

V. Regina Oster Stevenson, 80, of Mt. Pleasant, died Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh. She was born Sept. 26, 1919, in Bedford County, a daughter of the late Hugh and Florence Elliott Oster. Prior to her retirement, she was employed as a transportation manager at the Mark Lines Bus Co. After retirement, she worked as a volunteer for the Frick Hospital, Mt. Pleasant. For many years, she was an accomplished amateur bowler and also enjoyed gardening and cross-stitching. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Stevenson, in 1984; and three brothers, Alvin, Hugh and John Oster. Survived by two daughters, Cynthia Stevenson of Norvelt and Dawn Hall of Mt. Pleasant; the light of her life, her grandson, Garrett Hall of Lake Wylie, S.C.; and a sister, Reta Brown of Mt. Pleasant. Friends will be received at the JAY A. HOFFER FUNERAL HOME, Norvelt, Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursday from 2 to 9 p.m. Her funeral service will be held in the funeral home Friday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Kevin Brown officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Joy Cemetery, Star Route, Mt. Pleasant. Sandra L. Hoffer, funeral director.

WAYNE L. WATSON 

Wayne L. Watson, 77, of Jeannette, died Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999, in Westmoreland Manor, Hempfield Township. He was born Sept. 25, 1922, in Jeannette, a son of the late Walter and Ora May King Watson. He was previously employed by Al's Bargain Center in Jeannette. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Janet Peterson; and three brothers, Warren, Willis and Laird Watson. He is survived by a son, Jason Watson of Jeannette; two brothers, Glenn Watson and his wife, Ann, of Greensburg and Merle Watson and his wife, Doris, of Jeannette; and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the MASON-GELDER FUNERAL HOME INC., 201 N. First St., Jeannette, Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Mark A. Wallace officiating. Interment will follow in Brush Creek Cemetery, Hempfield Township.


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