Walter G. Lonick
Guard for JFK during presidential campaign
Walter G. Lonick, 79, of Atlasburg, died Thursday, December 17, 1998, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, after a lengthy illness.
He was born January 29, 1919, in Bulger, a son of Charles and Anna Ostroski Lonick.
Prior to retirement in 1975, Mr. Lonick was an assistant superintendent for the state Department of Transportation in Washington. In his earlier years, he was assigned to protect candidate John F. Kennedy during the presidential election. He also served as Smith Township constable and justice of the peace.
Mr. Lonick served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged following service in Panama. During World War II, he re-enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving under Gen. Clare Chenault, flying in the China-Burma-India Theater.
He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, Burgettstown.
He was a charter member of Fischer-Lonick Post 6490 in Atlasburg and Raccoon Valley Sportsmen Club. He also was a member of Burgettstown Senior Citizens, SNPJ and Society of Highway Engineers.
On June 27, 1948, he married Josephine Baic, who survives.
Also surviving are four sons, Gregg and Robert, both of Slovan, Dean of Lowell, Mich., and Richard of McMurray; a daughter, Marsha Buyny of Moon Township, a brother, Anthony Lonick of Ocala, Fla.; two sisters, Shirley Capozzoli of Weirton, W.Va., and Laura Robb of Virginia; seven grandchildren, Saundra J., Elizabeth Anne, Amanda Sue, Joseph Dean-Walter, Nicole Lynn and Bryanna Jo Lonick and Krysten Buyny; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are five brothers, Henry, John, Charles, Chester and Stanley Lonick; and two sisters, Betty Vajentic and Josie Dunkovich.
Janet Rose Manning
Member of Roadside Chapel
Janet Rose Manning, 71, of Claysville, died Saturday, December 19, 1998, in Washington Hospital.
She was born March 16, 1927, in Altoona, a daughter of Clair Dewey Manning Sr. and Pearl Elsie Wingard Manning.
She was a member of Roadside Chapel.
Surviving are a son, Blair Manning of Allentown; a daughter, Catherine Diane Manning Davis of Claysville; a sister, Dorothy Dunkle of Washington; a brother, William H. Manning of Washington; seven grandchildren, Christopher Manning, Donna Krugh, Linda Ketter, Janet Barr, and Joseph, Thomas and Tammie Davis; 13 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Russell E. Walter was her caretaker and companion for 40 years.
Deceased are a daughter, Louise Manning; and a brother, Clair Dewey Manning Jr.
Joseph T. Mendish Sr.
Grocery owner was decorated WWII veteran
Joseph T. Mendish Sr., retired Army first lieutenant, 81, of Brownsville, died Sunday, December 20, 1998, in Brownsville General Hospital.
He was born October 23, 1917, a son of Andrew and Mary Glasic Mendish.
He was a member of Historic Church of St. Peter, Brownsville.
Mr. Mendish was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II, serving as a bombardier in the Pacific Theater. For his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross with clusters.
He was a member of the 380th Bombardment Group Association Inc., the Retired Officers Association, American Legion Post 295 of Brownsville, BPOE of Brownsville and Sons of Italy Lodge 1344.
Mr. Mendish retired from A&P Tea Co. after 43 years of service. He was the owner of J&D Supermarket in Derry for more than seven years.
Surviving are his wife, Louise Orlandi Mendish; a daughter, Donna Fletcher of Canfield, Ohio; a son, Joseph T. Mendish Jr. of Latrobe; five grandchildren, Dana Lee Kosco, Darcy Lynn Fletcher, Derick Fletcher, Erica Lynn Mendish and Jessica Marie Mendish; a great-grandson; and a brother, Stephen Mendish of Brownsville.
Deceased are a sister, Katherine Gusich; and a brother, John Mendish.
Ruth Phillips
Lifetime resident of Greene County
Ruth Phillips, 70, of Waynesburg R.D.2, died at 1:30 a.m. Saturday, December 19, 1998, at home, following a lengthy illness.
She was born February 11, 1928, in Jefferson Township, Greene County, a daughter of Albert and Edna Gregg Orndoff.
Mrs. Phillips lived her entire life in Greene County, where she was a homemaker. She was a member of Green Valley Presbyterian Church in Carmichaels.
On December 12, 1953, she married Francis Phillips, who survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Darlene Phillips of Rogersville and Carol Stuchell of Independence, W.Va.; a granddaughter, Jennifer Alvarado; two grandsons, Cody and Colton Stuchell; a great-granddaughter; a sister, Margaret Gump of Pittsburgh; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two brothers, Roy and Harold Orndoff; and a sister, Wilma Shipman.
Iva G. Porter
Co-sponsor of Brownsville's first blood bank
Iva G. Porter, 91 of Newville, formerly of Washington and East Millsboro, died Friday, December 18, 1998, in Swaim Health Care Center, Newville.
She was born September 30, 1907, in Grindstone, a daughter of Henry Bateman and Amy I. Laughlin Goe.
Mrs. Porter was a member of First United Presbyterian Church of Newville and a former member of Faith United Presbyterian Church of Washington and Hopewell Presbyterian Church of Brownsville.
She was a member of the Women's Auxiliary of Swaim Golden Age and a co-sponsor of the first blood bank and Red Cross in Brownsville.
Mrs. Porter was a 1929 graduate of California University of Pennsylvania and had worked as an elementary school reading specialist.
Surviving are a niece, Peggy Hays Nelson of Washington; and several other nieces and nephews.
Deceased are her husband, Howard R. Porter; a brother, Robert S. Goe; and a sister, Margaret Goe Hays.
Graveside services will be conducted at a date to be announced next year. Arrangements by Piatt & Barnhill Funeral Directors Inc., 420 Locust Avenue, Washington.
Lulu Grace Rush
Brave resident was homemaker
Lula Grace Rush, 70, of Brave, died at 1:56 a.m. Saturday, December 19, 1998, in Greene County Memorial Hospital, Waynesburg.
She was born May 27, 1928, in Brave, a daughter of Minor and Drusie "Bean" Roupe.
Mrs. Rush lived in Ohio for 20 years and spent the rest of her life in Greene County, where she was a homemaker.
She was affiliated with the Jehovah Witness faith.
Her husband, Paul Rush, died December 26, 1970.
Surviving are two daughters, Sue Trude of Brave and Brenda Lemley of Waynesburg; two sons, Edward Rush of Brave and David Rush of Clarksville; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; a brother, Carl Roupe of Akron, Ohio; a sister, Sadie Hixenbaugh of Bentleyville; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a grandson, Roger Trude Jr.; three brothers, James, Leonard and George Roupe; and a sister, Emma Marie Rogers.
There will be no public visitation. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home Inc., Waynesburg, are in charge of arrangements.
Zeata Miller Smith
Western Center retiree
Zeata E. Vactor Miller Smith, 84, of Washington, died Thursday, December 17, 1998, in Washington County Health Center.
She was born July 5, 1914, in Washington, a daughter of Raymond and Tresa Patterson Vactor.
Mrs. Smith was a member of St. Paul AME Church, Washington.
She was retired from Western Center, where she worked in the laundry department. She was last employed at the Washington County Courthouse.
She attended Washington High School.
Surviving are a daughter, Marilyn Hope Dillard of Washington, D.C.; a stepdaughter, Marsha Crooks of Washington; two grandsons, Reginald Sherron and Calvin Sherron; six great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
Deceased are her husband, William Miller; a daughter, Gladys Miller Sherron; four sisters, Emma Smith, Gladys Bush, Virginia Booker and Bardella Williams; and three brothers, Robert, Harold and Orville Vactor.
Anthony J. Smoke
Former employee of MAC Plastics
Anthony Joseph Smoke, 42, of Canonsburg, died at 1:09 p.m. Saturday, December 19, 1998, in his home.
He was born December 5, 1956, in Canonsburg, a son of Patsy and Irene Dupesko Smoke of Canonsburg.
He was a lifelong resident of Canonsburg, where he was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Smoke enjoyed bowling and fishing and was a former member of Canonsburg Sportsman's Club.
He previously had been employed as a machine operator for MAC Plastics at the Canonsburg and Washington plants.
Surviving, in addition to his parents, are a brother, James Patrick Smoke of Peters Township; two sisters, Diana Lynn Blicha of Eighty Four and Gina Marie Vierheller of Upper St. Clair Township; and several nieces and nephews.
Barbara Lojak was his companion of several years.
Mildred Weaver
Member of Laboratory Presbyterian Church
Mildred "Pete" Weaver, 71, of Fayetteville, Ga., formerly of Washington, died Saturday, December 19, 1998, in Newnan, Ga.
She was born January 5, 1927, in Washington, a daughter of Howard E. and Lucy Petitt Harvey.
She was a homemaker and resided most of her life in the Pancake area.
Mrs. Weaver was a member of Laboratory Presbyterian Church.
In 1948, she married William E. Weaver, who died in 1983.
Surviving are a daughter, Pamela Huffman of Fayetteville, Ga.; a son, William E. Weaver Jr. of Indiana; three sisters, Mary Margaret LaFerriere of Millville, N.J., Shirley McLaughlin of Fresno, Calif., and Phyllis Pindale of Ocean City, N.J.; three brothers, Howard "Boy" Harvey of Wilmington, N.C., William "Jim" Harvey of Columbus, Ohio, and Jack Harvey of Washington; two grandchildren, Jeremy Weaver and Christy Huffman; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two sisters, Bertha "Sis" Glover and Virginia Yoders.
Helen L. Ziegler
Member of St. Luke Church, Carnegie
Helen L. Ziegler, 88, of Scott Township, died Friday, December 18, 1998, in Allegheny University Hospitals-Canonsburg.
She was born April 2, 1910, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of Joseph and Francisca Tollie Fischinger.
Mrs. Ziegler was a member of St. Luke Church in Carnegie.
Her husband, Clerus J. Ziegler, died May 23, 1984.
Surviving are a daughter, Nancy Kovach of Cecil; four sons, Louis Ziegler of Heidelberg, Charles Ziegler of Bethel Park, Thomas Ziegler of Lone Pine and Girard Ziegler of Brentwood; 22 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a daughter, Joan Leasure; and three sons, Francis, Harry and Norman Ziegler.
Pearl Burkhardt
Florida resident formerly of Monongahela
Pearl Burkhardt, 73, of Largo, Fla., formerly of Monongahela, died Friday, December 18, 1998, in Largo.
She was born October 30, 1925, in Grindstone, a daughter of Charles and Elsie Liley.
In 1987, Mrs. Burkhardt retired from Mayview State Hospital after 20 years of service.
She resided in Largo for the past 11 years.
Surviving are her husband, Edward Burkhardt; two daughters, Lynn Amati of Washington and Candy McAdoo of Monongahela; four granddaughters, Elizabeth Amati, Bernadette Hasch, Tabitha Frezell and Becky Lang; and four great-grandchildren.
Shanna Kay Blake
1997 graduate of W. Greene High School
Shanna Kay Blake, 20, of Carmichaels, and formerly of Waynesburg, died at 7:30 p.m. Monday, December 21, 1998, in Children's Hospital, Pittsburgh, following a lengthy illness.
She was born June 13, 1978, in Waynesburg, a daughter of Nancy Faye Blake of Waynesburg R.D.4 and George Dennis Ealy Sr. of Aleppo.
Miss Blake attended Crabapple Community Church and enjoyed collecting teddy bears.
She was a 1997 graduate of West Greene High School.
Surviving, in addition to her parents, are four brothers, George D. Ealy Jr. of Cameron, W.Va., Joshua and Randy Blake, both of Waynesburg, and Justin Ealy of Aleppo; a sister, Virginia Ealy of Waynesburg; maternal grandmother, Iona Carr Blake of Moundsville, W.Va.; one niece; and several aunts and uncles.
Deceased are her maternal grandfather, Beryl H. Blake; and paternal grandparents, James and Helen Ealy.
Mary Birch
World War II air raid warden
Mary Birch, 90, of Barr Run Road, Marianna, Old Zollarsville, formerly of Vestaburg, died unexpectedly Tuesday, December 22, 1998, at her home.
She was born April 21, 1908, in Braznell, a daughter of Michael and Catherine Hrubish Whitcheck.
Mrs. Birch was a member of Calvary Chapel of Fredericktown and Beth-Center Senior Citizens.
She served as air raid warden during World War II.
Mrs. Birch enjoyed flowers and gardening. Her flower garden was known by many.
Surviving are a son, Richard M. Birch of Marianna, Zollarsville; three grandsons, Dr. Richard M. Birch II, William and Dr. David Birch; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was the last of her immediate family.
Deceased are her husband, Nicholas Birch, who died March 5, 1994; a brother, Anthony Whitcheck; and two sisters, Anne Crowl and Julia Supra.
William Clemont
Operated barbecue stand
William Clemont, 73, of Finleyville, died Sunday, December 20, 1998, in McMurray Hills Manor, Peters Township.
He was born August 13, 1925, in Finleyville, a son of Col. William and Ruby Barbour Clemont.
Mr. Clemont attended the former Finleyville School.
He resided in Pittsburgh for many years and recently returned to live in Finleyville, where he operated a barbecue stand for several years. He was known as Chicken Willy by many area residents.
Mr. Clemont was Baptist and the last of his immediate family.
There was no visitation at the request of the deceased. A graveside service was held Tuesday, December 22, in Finleyville Cemetery.
Delbert Wayne DeBolt
Member of House of Prayer
Delbert Wayne DeBolt, 58, of Greensboro, died Tuesday, December 22, 1998, in Carmichaels.
He was born May 30, 1940, in Greensboro, a son of the late Jay H. and Ethel J. Meese DeBolt.
Mr. DeBolt was a member of House of Prayer, Smock.
Surviving are three sons, Michael L. Strahan of Wadestown, W.Va., Delbert Jr. of Carmichaels, and David R. DeBolt of Greensboro; two grandchildren, Andrew and Samantha Strahan; two brothers, David L. Debolt of Alicia, and Howard R. Debolt of Dillner; and a sister, Earla Whyel of Alicia.
Deceased are three brothers, Charles E., Kenneth W. and George DeBolt.
William R. Hill
Mather electrician was Korean War veteran
William R. Hill, 68, of Mather, died Tuesday, December 22, 1998, in Washington Hospital.
He was born August 2, 1930, in Jefferson, a son of Clarence D. Hill Sr. and Virginia Smith Hill.
Mr. Hill was in the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Korean War, and was an electrician with Lee Norse Co. in Charleroi.
He lived all his life in the Jefferson and Mather areas, where he was a member of American Legion Post 954 in Jefferson and an honorary member of Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company.
On February 15, 1953, he married Anna Lorence Hill, who survives.
Also surviving are three daughters, Cindy Stanton of Vienna, Va., Sue Shultz of Waynesburg and Chris Lenhoff of Jefferson; a son, William R. Hill Jr. of Fairfax, Va.; seven grandchildren, Tim Stanton, Rachael, Valerie and Caroline Shultz, Anna and Steven Lenhoff and Meredith Hill; a great-granddaughter; four sisters, Betty Sue Keifer of Youngstown, Ohio, Patricia Bevins of Avon, Ill., Twylia Chambers of Mather and Martha Minnick of Clearwater, Fla.; and two brothers, Everette Hill of Beaufort, S.C., and Jack Hill of Oxford.
Deceased are a brother, Clarence D. Hill Jr.; and two sisters, Christine Fitch and Rose Coby.
Jessie Elizabeth Hoak
Volunteer as a gray lady at Uniontown Hospital
Jessie Elizabeth Hoak, 89, Karen Drive Washington, died Tuesday, December 22, 1998, in Washington County Health Center, following a 10-year illness.
She was born January 19, 1909, in Oklahoma, a daughter of Paul and Hattie Stewart.
Mrs. Hoak was a homemaker and a Methodist.
She was a graduate of East Pittsburgh High School and Clarion University of Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Hoak volunteered as a gray lady at Uniontown Hospital.
On September 4, 1929, she married William G. Hoak, who died December 26, 1987.
Surviving are four sons, George Verlin Hoak of Odessa, Texas, Thomas Andrew Hoak of Connellsville, Franklin Daniel Hoak of Oviedo, Fla., and Charles McClain Hoak of Browns Mills, N.J.; a daughter, Brenda Ellen Hoak Coleman of Washington; 11 grandchildren, Sherri Wilson, Lauren Oliverio, Patti and Kristi Coleman, Chelle Tiernan, William E. and Terry L. Hoak, Patricia Hoak Cornelius, Joyce Terk, and Christy and James Gates; 16 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Deceased is a brother, William I. Stewart.
Clifford G. Ireland
Driver for Arrow trucking
Clifford G. "Shorty" Ireland, 69, of Zedicker Station Road, Washington, died Tuesday, December 22, 1998, in his home.
He was born January 13, 1929, in Washington, a son of Ralph and Charity Mabel Chipps Ireland.
Mr. Ireland was employed by Arrow Trucking Co. as a tractor-trailer truck driver.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, receiving the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan) and Victory Medal.
On February 25, 1956, he married Virginia Lee Bird, who survives.
Also surviving are a daughter, Marcy Ireland, at home; a brother, Paul Ireland of Ontario, Calif.; two sisters, Geraldine Swart of Union City, Mich., and Marlene Staley of Washington; two grandchildren, Clifford Paul and Brandy Lynn Ayres; and three great-grandchildren.
Deceased is a brother, Harold Ireland.
Stanley Kilbosa
World War II veteran served in Battle of Bulge
Stanley Kilbosa, 78, of Low Hill Road, Centerville Borough, Brownsville, died Tuesday, December 22, 1998, in Brownsville General Hospital.
He was born May 4, 1920, in Centerville Borough, a son of Jack and Susan Skolkan Kilbosa.
Mr. Kilbosa was a retired coal miner, having worked for more than 35 years at the former Clyde No. 9 Mine of Republic Steel Corp., Fredericktown.
He was a member of United Mine Workers Local 688, Fredericktown.
Mr. Kilbosa was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Battle of the Bulge.
Surviving are two sisters, Mary Kerestes of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Ann Varner of Brownsville R.D.1, Binnstown; a stepson, Warren Hill of Centerville Borough; and many nieces and nephews.
Deceased are his wife, Sue Hill, who died July 13, 1998; and a brother, Andy Kilbosa.
Robert P. Leslie Jr.
U.S. Army veteran of World War II
Robert P. Leslie Jr., 83, of Graysville, died unexpectedly at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 22, 1998, in the Greene Memorial Hospital emergency room.
He was born September 26, 1915, in Gray Township, a son of Robert Parkinson and Laura McNeely Spragg Leslie Sr.
Mr. Leslie had resided in Gray Township all his life.
He was a member of the former South Ten Mile Baptist Church, a 52-year member of James Farrell American Legion Post 330 in Waynesburg, a long-time member of the Waynesburg Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4793, a 28-year member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 461 and a member of Elks Lodge, both in Waynesburg.
Mr. Leslie was a 1933 graduate of Center Township High School and a 1946 graduate of Repperate Auction School.
He was a self-employed farmer and livestock dealer in Gray Township all his life and had worked as an auctioneer for more than 30 years. In his early years, he was an employee of the former Patterson Farm Machinery in Waynesburg and had also worked as a real estate agent in Greene County for several years.
Mr. Leslie was a veteran of World War II, where he served as a corporal in the U.S. Army Battery B, 427th Armored Field Artillery.
He enjoyed playing the fiddle and was a square dance caller.
On August 10, 1989, he married, Oneita Burge Campbell, who died November 25, 1989.
Surviving are one niece; and several cousins.
Deceased are three half brothers, Forney, Joseph and Earl Spragg; and a half sister, Mabel Leslie.
Mr. Leslie was the last of his immediate family.
Laura E. Lewis
Bus driver for Ringgold School District
Laura E. Lewis, 78, formerly of Finleyville, died Tuesday, December 22, 1998, in McMurray Hills Manor, Peters Township.
She was born April 20, 1920, in Monongahela, a daughter of John and Grace Seafler Dale.
Mrs. Lewis was a bus driver for Ringgold School District for more than 40 years.
She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Finleyville, and a member of Elizabeth Chapter 418 Order of Eastern Star, serving as treasurer for 30 years.
Surviving are two brothers, Shannon M. Dale of Venetia, and John Blair Dale of Bethel Park; three sisters, Hazel Pontious of Kittanning, Wilma G. Morrison of Orlando, Fla., and Edith Sampson of Medical Lake, Wash.; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are her husband, Edgar P. Lewis, who died October 5, 1990; and a brother, James S. Dale, who died in 1993.
George Mulder
Michigan businessman
George Mulder, 87, of Grand Rapids, Mich., died Monday, December 21, 1998, in Washington.
He was a lifelong resident of Grand Rapids and an active member of Rememberance Reformed Church, where he served for more than 40 years in leadership roles as vice president of consistory, teacher and Sunday school superintendent. He also was a leader of Christian Endeavor at area Reformed Churches in western Michigan.
Mr. Mulder was a businessman who held numerous managerial positions at American Seating Co. in Grand Rapids and for eight years was vice president at F.H. Sheldon Co. in Muskegon, Mich.
Surviving are two daughters, Judith VanderWilt of Sarasota, Fla., and Kathleen Parker of Waynesburg; two sons, George Mulder of St. Joseph, Mo., and David Mulder of Chicago, Ill.; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Deceased is his wife, Grace Oosting, who died May 6, 1991.
Mary Popp
Employed by Westinghouse during World War II
Mary Popp, 83, of Atlasburg, died Tuesday, December 22, 1998, in Washington Hospital.
She was born June 6, 1915, in Joffre, a daughter of Ignatz and Rose Stankevich Dominski.
Mrs. Popp had worked at the Westinghouse air brake plant in Wilmerding during World War II.
Surviving are a sister, Helen Nicola of Myersdale; two nieces, Elizabeth Ann Mader of Washington, and Helen Jean Caton of Myersdale; and several other nieces and nephews.
Deceased are her husband, Vendel Popp Jr., who died May 4, 1983; and four brothers, John, Ignatz, Stanley and Frank Dominski.
Rachel V. Smith
Washington homemaker
Rachel V. Clayton Ramsey Smith, 93, of Sycamore Street, Washington, died at 5:40 a.m. Tuesday, December 22, 1998, in Charleston Memorial Hospital, Charleston, W.Va., after a brief illness.
She was born October 20, 1905, in Marshall County, Moundsville, W.Va., a daughter of Charles Westley and Louise Noble Clayton.
Mrs. Smith was a homemaker.
She was a member of Third United Presbyterian Church and Washington Senior Center.
Mrs. Smith was twice married. Her first husband, Floyd H. Ramsey, died December 19, 1925; her second husband, Glenn R. Smith, died July 21, 1981.
Surviving are two stepsons, Frank Smith of Arizona, and Don Smith of Ohio; a daughter, Dorothy Walker of Sun City, Ariz.; a sister, Bertha M. Crowe of Moundsville; three grandchildren, Pamela Beaver, Debra Richey and Alfred Leo Quinn; seven stepgrandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a daughter, Clara Mae Ramsey Quinn, who died July 9, 1986; three brothers, J. Herbert, Charles William and Elbert Richard Clayton; and a sister, Eva Mae Cecil.
Frances Stopenski
Bulger homemaker
Frances Bednarzick Stopenski, 85, of Bulger, died Tuesday, December 22, 1998, in Vencor Hospital, Oakdale.
She was born January 3, 1913, in Beaver Falls, a daughter of John and Agnes Bednarzick.
Mrs. Stopenski was a homemaker.
Surviving are a son, Stanley Stopenski of New Jersey; two sisters, Laura Morra of Burgettstown, and Virginia Tarhalla of Bulger; and three grandchildren, Shannon, Rebecca and Steven.
Deceased are her husband, Stanley Stopenski, who died in 1995; and two brothers, Stanley and Walter Bednarzick.
Elizabeth E. Sterbak
Uniontown homemaker
Elizabeth E. Sterbak, 91, of Uniontown, died at 1:46 p.m. Saturday, December 19, 1998, in Uniontown Hospital.
She was born December 1 1907, in Hazelton, a daughter of John and Anna Kontura Eagler.
Mrs. Sterbak was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church of California.
She was a homemaker.
Surviving are a son, Olan W. Sterbak of Uniontown; four daughters, Betty Jane Sinchak of Monessen, Margaret V. Sterbak of Uniontown, with whom she made her home, Patricia Rosensteel of Uniontown, and Rita Douglas of Waldorf, Md.; three brothers, Steven Eagler of New York, Albert and George Eagler, both of Florida; two sisters, Margaret Dowd of Central Islip, N.Y., and Helen Lesko of Hazelton; 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Deceased are her husband, Joseph J. Sterbak, who died September 21, 1997; two brothers, John and Joseph Eagler; and three sisters, Ann Rubino, Mary Eagler and Veronica Eagler.
Private visitation and a Mass of Christian Burial were held Tuesday, December 22, in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, California, with the Rev. Timothy Whalen as celebrant. Interment in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Heart Association and Diabetes Foundation.
Michael Washlack Sr.
U.S. Army veteran was retired miner
Michael "Kitty" Washlack Sr., 86, of Florence Drive, Charleroi, Fallowfield Township, died at 1:40 a.m. Tuesday, December 22, 1998, in Washington Hospital.
He was born November 21, 1912, in Linn Station, Fayette County, a son of Andrew and Mary Seneca Washlack.
Mr. Washlack was a retired coal miner, working at Bethlehem Mines Corp.'s Mine No. 60. He retired in 1974.
He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.
Mr. Washlack was a member of Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church, Charleroi; UMWA Local 1197 and Bentleyville Senior Citizens.
On December 7, 1941, he married, Carmella Antonucci, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Michael Washlack Jr. of Alexandria, Va.; two daughters, Rosemarie Demsher of Bridgeville, and Patricia Martos of Charleroi; two brothers, Andrew Washlock of Medino, Ohio, and Charles Washlack of Bentleyville; two sisters, Julia Abelowitz of Mayfield Heights, Ohio, and Barbara Merashoff of Bentleyville; a half sister, Susie Percosky of Mayfield, Ohio; two stepbrothers, Joseph and Paul Shriner both of Bentleyville; seven grandchildren, Timmy Washlack, Michele Shepard, Amy Lisnyk, John Demsher, Joanne McNally, Alex Martos Jr. and Holly Ann McCarty.
Deceased are a brother, Frank Washlack; and two sisters, Ann Shriner and Mary Medvek.
Helen Wasik
Burgettstown homemaker
Helen Wasik, 73, of Burgettstown, died Tuesday, December 22, 1998, in Vencor of Pittsburgh, Oakdale.
She was born August 21, 1925, in Gregg, a daughter of Victor and Anna Banke Ginosky.
Mrs. Wasik was a homemaker.
She was a member of St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church of McDonald.
Surviving are her husband, August Wasik; three sons, Charles Cook and Ronald Wasik, both of Cherry Valley, and Lloyd Cook of Pittsburgh; two daughters, Marjorie Cook Wasik of McDonald and Jessie Cook of Cherry Valley; nine grandchildren; a brother, Chester Ginosky of Illinois; and a sister, Genevieve DiNino of Cherry Valley.
Deceased are her first husband, Fred Cook, who died in 1951; two brothers, Charles and Zigmund Ginosky; and a sister, Stella Rakoz.
Dorothy Gotschall
Attended West Washington United Methodist Church
Dorothy Gotschall, 95, of Kade Nursing Home, Washington, formerly of Parkersburg, W.Va., died in her sleep Wednesday, December 23, 1998.
She was born October 31, 1903, in Washington, a daughter of John and Mary Ann Bowes Sayer.
Mrs. Gotschall was a homemaker who enjoyed crocheting, cooking and gardening as long as her health permitted.
She attended West Washington United Methodist Church.
She was married twice. She first married Leo Sickle, who is deceased. She then married Edward "Bus" Gotschall, who died May 25, 1977.
Surviving are a daughter, Leota June Long of Washington; a son, Russ Sickle of Pittsburgh; three grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and four stepgreat-grandchildren.
Mrs. Gotschall was the last of her immediate family.
Deceased are a grandson, Charles Leo Long; and 13 brothers and sisters.
Edward Lekwart
WWII veteran worked for glass companies
Edward Lekwart, 77, of Maryland Avenue, Washington, died Wednesday, December 23, 1998, in Washington County Health Center.
He was born October 14, 1921, in Washington, a son of Anthony and Aniela Jasttazemski Lekwart.
Mr. Lekwart was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army in the 873rd Engineering Aviation Battalion.
He was a member of St. Hilary Roman Catholic Church in Washington.
Mr. Lekwart was employed by Taggert Valley Glass Co. and Brockway Glass Co., Plant No. 7, for many years.
On October 3, 1948, in St. Hilary Church, Washington, he married Sophia Covaleski of Washington, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Edward J. Lekwart of Mill Valley, Calif.; a daughter, Chrisie Carroll of Washington; three sisters, Rose Jones and Helen McDonald, both of Washington, and Theresa Kania of Canonsburg; and five grandchildren, Phillip and Matthew Lekwart and Megan, Amanda and Donald Carroll.
Deceased is a brother, Walter Lekwart.
Catherine Muscaro
Member of Lady of Lourdes, Burgettstown
Catherine Muscaro, 80, of Burgettstown, died Wednesday, December 23, 1998, in Weirton (W.Va.) Medical Center.
She was born June 22, 1918, in Bulger, a daughter of Stanley and Pauline Homnitz Gibonicz.
Mrs. Muscaro was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church of Burgettstown and its Christian Mothers and Catholic Daughters of America.
Surviving are five sons, Joseph Jr. and John, both of Herndon, Va., James of Roanoke, Va., Stanley of Burgettstown and Samuel Muscaro of Stevensburg, Va.; 10 grandchildren; and a sister, Betty Testa of Washington.
Deceased are her husband, Joseph Muscaro Sr., who died July 3, 1976; five brothers, Tony, Stanley, Alex, John and Pete Gibonicz; and a sister, Frances Gibonicz.
Thomas Torch
Waynesburg bowling alley mechanic also farmed
Thomas Torch, 44, of Mt. Morris Star Route, Waynesburg, died Tuesday, December 22, 1998, in West Virginia University Hospital, Morgantown, following a lengthy illness.
He was born June 15, 1954, in Fairborn, Ohio, a son of the late Frank and Charlotte Hayes Torch.
Mr. Torch worked as a bowling alley mechanic at Arbor Terrace Lanes in Waynesburg. He also worked as a farmer on the Jim Haines farm in Perry Township.
He resided most of his life in Greene County and was a member of Mt. Morris Sportsman's Club.
Surviving are his wife, Linda Hayes Torch.
Mr. Torch was the last of his immediate family.
Anthony Caquatto
Listed in Italian-American 'Who's Who'
Anthony Caquatto, 89, of Pittsburgh, died Friday, December 25, 1998, at his home.
He was born September 17, 1909, in Turin, Italy, a son of Caterina M. Sartore and Giovanni Caquatto.
At the age of 12, Mr. Caquatto immigrated to the Pittsburgh area, where he later became owner and president of Pittsburgh Casing Co. in Lawrenceville.
He was a graduate of Schenley High School and attended Duquesne University's School of Business Administration.
Mr. Caquatto was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, and was listed in the 1942 Italian-American "Who's Who."
He was married for 53 years to Madeline D. Antonioli Caquatto, a 1930 graduate of Hickory High School, who survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Norma M. Caquatto of Pittsburgh and Gloria C. Bannister of Raleigh, N.C.; and four grandchildren, Christopher, Heather, David and Vincent Bannister.
