Neva E. Belleville
Former Claysville resident was a homemaker
Neva E. Belleville, 97, of Bradford, formerly of Gashel Road, Claysville, died Monday, February 23, 1998, at Bradford Ecumenical Home.
She was born July 19, 1900, in Martin's Ferry, Ohio, the daughter of Elmer and Bessie Moore.
She was married to John E. Belleville, who died November 16, 1980.
Mrs. Belleville was a homemaker.
Surviving are a daughter, Phyllis Springer of Alliance, Ohio; three sons, Glenn T. Armstrong of Lubbock, Texas, John E. Belleville Jr. of Bradford and Gerald L. Belleville of Claysville; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
Deceased are her husband and four brothers.
Graveside services were held February 25 at Claysville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Citizens Library of Washington, PA, the Salvation Army or the charity of the donor's choice.
James C. Berry
Army veteran was retired from U.S. Steel
James C. Berry, 82, of Library, died Thursday, February 26, 1998, in his home.
He was born February 20, 1916, in Eighty Four, a son of Harry and Hazel McNary Berry.
Mr. Berry served with the U.S. Army during World War II and was a retired mill worker from U.S. Steel.
His wife, Virginia Deak Berry, is deceased.
Surviving are a sister, Mary Briggs of Monroeville, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two sisters, Virginia Durant and Anna Miller; and a brother, Albert Berry.
Mary E. Bosdash
Member of Ave Maria Parish in Ellsworth
Mary E. Bosdash, 83, of Ellsworth, formerly of Scenery Hill, died 9:48 p.m. Wednesday, February 25, 1998, at home.
She was born January 19, 1915, in Cokeburg, a daughter of Andrew and Anna Merichko Korba.
Mrs. Bosdash was a member of Ave Maria Parish, St. Clements Church, Ellsworth.
Surviving are two sons, Michael Bosdash Jr. of Beallsville and William Bosdash of New Eagle; two daughters, Peg Hickman of Ellsworth and Dolores Clark of Wyano; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; and two sisters, Anna Staschiak of Bentleyville and Rose Teluch of Ellsworth.
Deceased are her husband, Michael Bosdash Sr., who died October 20, 1974; a daughter, Patricia Katruska, who died February 7, 1996; a brother, Andrew Korba; and a sister Helen Lojek.
George E. Burke
Retired coal miner from U.S. Steel was veteran
George E. Burke, 76, of Smithfield, died Thursday, February 26, 1998, it UPMC Presbyterian, Pittsburgh.
He was born on May 12, 1921, in Royal, a son of Althea Cupp Burke.
Mr. Burke was a retired coal miner from U. S. Steel's Robena Mine and was an Army veteran of World War II.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 278 Smithfield, serving as financial secretary; UMWA local 6310; Fairchance Rod and Gun Club; Smithfield Senior Citizens and Golden Agers; Valley Lodge 459 F&AM of Masontown, where he was past master; Uniontown Lodge of Perfection 14th Degree; Pennsylvania Consistery 32nd Degree; Union Royal Chapter No 165; St. Omar's Commandery 7; Tall Cedars of Lebanon; DeMolay International; and Scottish Rite, Washington and Greene counties.
Mr. Burke attended the First Baptist Church of Fairchance.
Surviving are his wife of 49 years, Mary Fritzman Burke; a daughter, Linda Colleen Barrish of Waynesburg; three grandchildren, John F. "J.F.," Janna B. and Julie A. Barrish; three sisters, Dorothy Tremble and Clara Delaney, both of Uniontown and Shirley Joiner of Flemmington, N.J.; a brother, Robert Burke of Somerset, N.J.; and many nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two brothers, Charles and William Burke; and a sister, Jean Younkin.
Lois C. Cunningham
Played church organ in Washington
Lois Chalfant Cunningham, 92, of Fredonia-Stockton Road, Stockton, N.Y., died at the home of her daughter Wednesday, February 25, 1998, after a brief illness.
She was born in Washington, May 25, 1905, the daughter of Odell S. and Annie Baglin Chalfant, Esq.
Mrs. Cunningham was a graduate of East Washington High School and Washington Female Seminary. She earned a bachelor's degree from Ohio Wesleyan University, where she majored in organ. She received a master's degree from Boston University's School of Religious Education and Social Work.
Mrs. Cunningham was a former resident of Washington, Berea, Ohio, Indianapolis, Ind., Westfield, N.Y., Chautauqua, N.Y. and Brocton, N.Y.
She was a lifetime member and the oldest member of First United Methodist Church of Washington. She was an associate member of Hulbut Community United Methodist Church at Chautauqua Institution. She was a member of American Guild of Organists, a life member and a 1966 graduate of Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. She was a member of Chautauqua Bird, Tree and Garden Club and a member of Chautauqua County Weavers Guild. She was a 90-year Chautauquan.
She had played the organ professionally for churches in Washington, Berea and Indianapolis.
On June 21, 1932, she married the Rev. Harold Cunningham, who died December 9, 1985.
Surviving are three daughters, Mathilda Murphy of Meadville, Emilie C. Bishop Moore of Belleview, Ohio, and Lucinda "Cindy" C. Durbin of Stockton, N.Y; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Deceased are a sister, Ruth Hannah Chalfant; and a brother, Paul Chalfant.
A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family and burial will be in Washington Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to Hurlbut Community Church, Chautauqua, N.Y., United Methodist House at Chautauqua Institution or the charity of the donor's choice.
William F. Dexter
Was a design engineer for Brockway Glass
William F. Dexter, 77, of 702 Webster Road, Richmond, Ind., died Monday, February 23, 1998, at Reid Hospital after an illness.
He was born July 24, 1920, in Brooklyn, N.Y., a son of William A. and Helen McCarthy Dexter. He moved to Richmond from Bloomington in 1971.
Mr. Dexter was a sales engineer at Maul Tecnology Inc. for 14 years before retiring in 1985.
He had also worked as a design engineer at Brockway Glass and Lynch Corp. He was a member of Holy Family Church, where he served on the parish council. He was also a member of Habitat for Humanity.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and attended Columbia University, N.Y.
He was married to Claire C. Dexter, who survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Jenifer M. Fletchall of Burke, Va., and Mayrbeth Jones of Glenview, Ill.; three sons, William F. Dexter of San Luis Obispo, Calif., Ronn N. Dexter of Washington, D.C., and Richard A. Dexter of Columbus, Ohio; 12 grandchildren; a sister, Helen Cetella of Palm Coast, Fla.; and nieces and nephews.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Seton Catholic High School in care of the Richmond Catholic Office, 240 South Sixth Street, Richmond.
Ida M. Garrity
Washington area cook
Ida M. Garrity, 64, of Highland Avenue, Washington, died Tuesday, February 24, 1998, in Washington Hospital.
She was born July 7, 1933, in Unity Township, Westmoreland County, a daughter of Michael and Adrien Smith Garrity.
Miss Garrity was employed as a cook in the Washington area for many years.
She attended the Greater Latrobe School.
Surviving are several nieces and nephews.
At the request of the family there will be no public viewing. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of one's choice.
Mary M. Hoffman
Member of Faith Methodist Church in Delmont
Mary M. "Flora" Hoffman, 65, of Hoffman Heights, Greensburg, died Wednesday, February 25, 1998, in the UPMC Presbyterian, Pittsburgh.
She was born January 16, 1933, in Wana, W. Va., a daughter of the late William and Ida Henderson Haught.
Prior to her illness, she worked for many years at Fatur's Market in the deli department.
She was a member of Faith United Methodist Church in Delmont.
Surviving are a son, Gary Hoffman of Delmont; three daughters, Kathy Statler of Waynesburg, Sherry Karas of Export and Deanna Karas of Hoffman Heights; two brothers, Lonnie "Boss" Haught of Waynesburg, and Francis "Pete" Haught of Wana; three sisters, Helen Cummins, Minnie Moore and Louise Hall, all of Waynesburg; and many nieces and nephews.
Deceased are her husband, Henry Hoffman; a son, Rick Hoffman; six brothers, Freman, D.R., Lloyd, Freddie, William and Homer L. Haught; and a sister, Ruth Folwell.
Sam Meno
Operated a concession in Waynesburg courthouse
Word has been received of the death of Sam Meno, 80, of Harrisburg, formerly of Waynesburg, who died Friday, February 20, 1998, at his daughter's home in Harrisburg.
He was born in Denver, Colo., a son of James and Elizabeth Meno.
Mr. Meno was a member of Holy Family Church, Camp Hill.
He was retired from Pennsylvania Blind Concessionaires. He operated a concession in the courthouse in Waynesburg.
He was married to Arthela Reed Meno, who survives.
Also surviving are a daughter, Patricia Cassel of Harrisburg; a son, Samuel of Carlisle; two grandchildren; and a sister, Josephine Retucci of Millsboro.
Services and interment were held in Harrisburg.
Kenneth E. Penvose
Houston resident was veteran of Vietnam War
Kenneth E. Penvose, 51, of Houston, died Thursday, February 26, 1998, at Forbes Hospice Care, Pittsburgh, after a lengthy illness.
He was born August 23, 1946, in Canonsburg, a son of Ruth E. Miller Penvose of Houston and the late Raymond H. Penvose.
Mr. Penvose was a member of First United Presbyterian Church in Houston.
He was a 1965 graduate of Chartiers-Houston High School and a graduate of Voluscia County Community College, Daytona Beach, Fla.
He had worked as a welder for Hillman Barge Co. and the former Pennsylvania Transformer before becoming disabled.
He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and was a member of American Legion Post 902, Houston.
Surviving, in addition to his mother, are a son, Michael of Frankfort, Germany; four brothers, Raymond G. Penvose of Greensboro, N.C., Clarence Penvose of Washington, Robert Penvose of Houston and Wayne Penvose of Bellaire, Ohio; four sisters, Marjorie Reynolds of Vandergrift, Jean Dubois and Mildred Orbin, both of Houston and Linda Penvose of Horsham.
Deceased is one brother, Norman Penvose.
Robert Lee Swaney
Coal miner at Republic Steel for 41 years
Robert Lee Swaney, 79, of 230 Stockbridge Street, Gregory, Mich., formerly of Greene County, died Monday, February 23, 1998, at his home.
He was born July 28, 1918, in Mt. Braddock, a son of Albert Lester and Carrie McNatt Swaney.
Mr. Swaney worked as a coal miner for 41 years at the Republic Steel, Clyde Mine, Fredericktown, retiring in 1980.
He was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Lippencott.
On December 13, 1938, he married Dortha Mayle Swaney, who survives.
Also surviving are three daughters, Rose Ellen Huey of Hamburg, Mich., Bonny Laraway of Southville, Mich., and Sharon Nagy of Pinckney, Mich.; three sons, William Swaney of Greensboro, Robin Lee Swaney of Waynesburg and Larry Swaney of Morgantown, W.Va.; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; four brothers, Charles Swaney of Brownsville, Edwin, Ralph and Thomas Swaney all of Cleveland, Ohio; four sisters, Lillian White of Fredericktown, Catherine DeBord of Streetsboro, Ohio, Gertrude Porter of Denbo and Carrie Davis of Castana, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are three brothers, his twin, Henry Swaney, Frank and Albert Swaney.
Meagan Paige Thomas
Family in Washington
Meagan Paige Thomas, infant daughter of Louis L. Thomas Jr. and Danielle Bodnovich of Dormont, died Wednesday, February 25, 1998, at Magee Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh.
She was born February 19, 1998.
Surviving, in addition to her parents, are her maternal grandmother, Mary Lou Bodnovich of Washington; paternal grandparents, Louis Sr. and Elaine Thomas of Washington; maternal great-grandparents Charles and Dora Kearns of Washington; paternal great-grandmother, Grace Oliver of Washington; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Carroll Winseck
Hosted many hunters from this area
Word has been received of the death of Carroll Winseck, 78, of Roulette R.D.1, formerly of Strabane, who died February 17, 1998.
He was a son of Charles and Katherine Winseck.
He was self-employed and a host to many hunters from this area at his farm in Potters County.
Surviving are his wife, Harriett; daughters Eileen and Kathy; several grandchildren; a brother, Michael of Bloomsburg; a sister, Blanche Kloska of Houston; and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Deceased are his son, Carroll "Dude" Jr., who died in 1997; three brothers, John, Walter and Joseph; and two sisters, Stella Chyko and Ann Koziel.
Mr. Winseck's remains were donated to science.
Charles A. Bails
Clergyman and trucker from West Alexander
The Rev. Charles A. Bails, 61, of West Alexander, died at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, February 1, 1998, at home.
He was born March 11, 1936, in Canonsburg, a son of the late Boyd Albert and Aretta Kennel Bails.
Rev. Bails was a member of Chartiers Hill United Presbyterian Church and had attended Canonsburg High School.
He was a clergyman and a trucker employed by Suwak Trucking, and had been formerly employed at Canonsburg Pottery.
He was a member of Christian Outreach and various religious-charitable organizations and a member of the National Rifle Association.
Surviving are two sons, Robert Bails of Claysville and Joseph Bails of Prosperity; two daughters, Kandee Kovatch of Claysville and Lori Roach of Canonsburg; three brothers, Jim and Rocky Bails, both of Canonsburg and Bill Carter of Fort Wayne, Ind.; a sister, Rita Smiddle of Canonsburg; 10 grandchildren, Michael, Nathan and Stephen Miller, Chelsee and Haylee Kraushaar, Jaclyn and Steven Roach, and Megan, Robert and Samuel Bails.
Deceased are a sister, Betty Bails; and two brothers, Don Carter and Frank Bails.
Joseph G. Belsky Sr.
Retired after 46 years as coal miner
Joseph G. Belsky Sr., 85, of Braden Plan, Clarksville, Greene County, died at 6:45 p.m. Sunday, February 1, 1998, in Greene County Memorial Hospital, Waynesburg.
He was born September 29, 1912, in Sharrerstown, a son of Michael and Julia Salenga Belski.
Mr. Belsky retired after 46 years as a coal miner, retiring in 1977 from LTV Corp., Gateway Mine. He also worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
He was a member of UMWA Local 6330 and St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, Brownsville, and a lifelong member of the Polish National Alliance.
On November 12, 1938, he married Anna Buchmay, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Joseph Belsky Jr. of Medina, Ohio; a daughter, Helen Geiselman of Strongsville, Ohio; a granddaughter, Joanne V. Geiselman; a sister, Sophie Burish of Uniontown; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Deceased are four brothers, Paul, John, Mike and Pete Belski; and two sisters, Annie Belski and Mary Apanasewicz.
Ruth G. Bland
Retired pharmacist
Ruth G. Bland, 75, of 241 Neff Street, Powhatan Point, Ohio, died Sunday, February 1, 1998, at the Belmont Community Hospital in Bellaire, Ohio.
She was born March 15, 1922, in Burgettstown, a daughter of Arthur R. and Mary Jane Simons Bland.
She was a retired pharmacist with the former Cavalier Pharmacy of Powhatan Point and the former Duvalls Pharmacy of Bellaire. She was a Presbyterian and a member of the Powhatan Senior Citizens.
Surviving are three nieces, Carol Cunningham of Steubenville, Susan Rogers of Mentor, Ohio, and Jane Rogers of Philadelphia.
Two sisters, Thelma Cunningham and Catherine Rogers, are deceased.
Interment will be at the convenience at the family in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Steubenville, Ohio.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Ella R. Hanes
Taught school in the Bradford school system
Ella R. Hanes, 87, of 24 Abbot Road, Bradford, died Saturday, January 31, 1998, at her daughter's residence in Rochester, N.Y.
Born October 23, 1910, in Bradford, she was a daughter of Burton and Elizabeth Stroud Raver.
On March 12, 1942, in Bradford, she married Lyle Hanes, who died October 15, 1982.
Mrs. Hanes is a 1928 graduate of Bradford High School and a 1933 graduate of Indiana State Teachers College. Upon graduation she returned to Bradford and taught for several years in the Bradford school system.
She was a member of the East End Presbyterian Church, where she was also a Sunday school teacher, an elder and a member of the missionary society. She was a member of the Bradford Chapter 61 Order of the Eastern Star.
Surviving are a daughter, Mary Ann Allen of Rochester; a son, George Hanes of Claysville; two stepgrandchildren; a sister, Marian Beyler of Bradford; and several nieces and nephews.
Two brothers are also deceased.
Burial was in McKean Memorial Park, Lafayette.
William Hapchuk
Farmer, business owner and war veteran
William Hapchuk, 71, of 226 Rankin Road, Washington, died Sunday, February 1, 1998, in Donora.
He was born January 24, 1927, in Greensburg, a son of Michael and Mary Zevchak Hapchuk.
Mr. Hapchuk attended North Ten Mile Church of the Brethren, the Grace Brethren Church and also attended Harold School in the Hempfield Area School District.
A farmer in South Strabane Township, Mr. Hapchuk, owned and operated Hapchuk Inc. for 44 years and was co-owner of Liquid Assets Disposal of Wheeling, W.Va.
He was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean conflict, serving in the U.S. Army for more than seven years. He was past commander of the Glyde American Legion post; a member of the Voiture Post 676 40&8; and a member of Edwin Scott Linton Post 175, American Legion, Washington.
Mr. Hapchuk was a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union of America Lodge 354 of Cokeburg, where he was past president of the St. George Tamburitzan's Parent Organization; past president of the Junior Cultural Federation; and a member of the St. George Bowling League.
Mr. and Mrs. Hapchuk were honored as 1997 Man and Woman of the Year by the Four Counties United Lodges of Western Pennsylvania. Mr. Hapchuk made several trips to Croatia and to his home country in the Russian Ukraine.
He was also a member of the North Strabane Grange, 7th Degree; the Carpatho-Rusyn Society; and was a charter member of the Eighty Four Lions, where he was recipient of the Melvin A. Jones Award.
On June 1, 1956, in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Glyde, he married Doris Barnhart, who survives.
Also surviving are a daughter, Alice McKinley of Scenery Hill; two sons, Clayton William Hapchuk of Washington and David Paul Hapchuk, at home; a brother, George Hapchuk of Greensburg; five sisters, Helen Botsford of California, Betty Collins of Colorado, Agnes Ravel of California, Dorothy Potichko of Texas and Ruth Abernatha of California; four grandchildren, Ryan Michael McKinley, Eric Robert McKinley, Lori Ashley Hapchuk and Douglas Barton Hapchuk.
Deceased are a son, Barton Hapchuk; a brother, John Hapchuk; and a sister, Ann Slabodnick.
Aida May Henderson
Lifetime member Christian and Missionary Alliance
Aida May Proctor Henderson, 86, of Washington, died at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 1, 1998, at Presbyterian Medical Center, Washington.
She was born May 15, 1911, in Galveston, Texas, a daughter of George and Caroline Reedy Proctor.
She was a lifetime member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance of Washington and a member the Willing Workers Class. She attended Washington High School and was a former employee of Duncan Miller Glass Co.
On December 25, 1929, in Washington, she married Donald Wayne Henderson Sr., who died April 18, 1996.
Surviving are two sons, Paul E. Henderson of Eighty Four, and D. Wayne Henderson of Washington. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Debbie Jo King, Terri Luketich, Paul E. Henderson Jr., Tracy Henderson, Jody Henderson, Sherri Swart, Kristi Henderson and Darlene Phillips, and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a son, Donald Wayne Henderson Jr.; a daughter, Donna May Henderson Miller; and four sisters, Jeanette Gatten, Florence Stauffer, Georgia Riendeau, and Helen Miner.
Nellie Jackovic
Charter member of Catholic Daughters of Americas
Nellie Jackovic, 92, of McMurray, formerly of Canonsburg, died Monday, February 2, 1998, in Allegheny University Hospitals, Canonsburg.
She was born February 17, 1905, in Canonsburg, a daughter of Charles and Antoinette Beloiva Rusiewski.
Mrs. Jackovic lived in the Canonsburg-McMurray area her entire life and was a member of St. Benedict the Abbot Roman Catholic Church and its Christian Mothers. She was a charter member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Canonsburg 1211.
She was a homemaker and accomplished seamstress.
On May 22, 1922, she married Joseph A. Jackovic, who died July 19, 1979.
Surviving are two daughters, Margaret K. Trylko of Canonsburg and Doris E. Hrycko of McMurray; a son, Joseph Jackovic of McMurray; 11 grandchildren, Dennis Trylko, Bernice Bodvake, Andrew, David, Thomas and Paul Hrycko; Barbara Guest, Diane Taylor, Marian Kriston, Joseph Jackovic Jr. and Amy LoBosso; five sisters, Stella Emrick and Mary Ann Walleck, both of Madison Heights, Mich., Blanche Wisniewski of Clawson, Mich., Grace Trzcinski of Clarksburg, W.Va., Eleanor Stankiewicz of McMurray; a brother, Stanley Rusiewski of Sterling Heights, Mich.; 17 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two brothers, Anthony and Charles Rusiewski.
Hilda Joan Kern
Washington resident born in Richhill
Hilda Joan Kern, 73, of Laddie Drive, Washington, died at 6:45 p.m. Sunday, February 1, 1998, in her home. She had been in declining health the past three years.
She was born May 5, 1924, in Richhill, a daughter of John and Johanna Horjak Kern.
Mrs. Kern was a member of Immaculate Conception Church and attended Trinity High School and Penn Commercial College.
Surviving are a sister, Anna Marie Ashmore of Claysville; and several nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and nephews.
Deceased are six brothers, Wilhelm Kern, who died at 9 months, John, Joseph, Frank, Edward and Carl F. Kern; and a sister, Christina K. "Sally" Schollaert.
At the request of the deceased, there will be no public visitation. Services and interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Helen Stacko Kolesar
Lifelong resident of Avella
Helen Stacko Kolesar, 82, of Avella, died at 3:58 p.m. Monday, February 2, 1998, in her home.
She was born October 27, 1915, in Avella, a daughter of John and Kathryn Hausar Stacko.
Mrs. Kolesar lived all her life in Avella.
On September 2, 1946, she married Nick Kolesar, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, William D. Kolesar of West Middletown; a daughter, Maryanne Kolesar of Sumter, S.C.; a grandson, Wink Kolesar of West Middletown; and a sister, Johanna Goverman of Pittsburgh.
Deceased are a son, Robert Wayne Kolesar, who died in 1950; two sisters, Mary Taylor and Margaret Goverman; five brothers, John, Stephen, George, William and Albert Stacko.
Edna L. Pawlosky
Tipstaff for Greene County Judge Toothman
Edna L. Pawlosky of Waynesburg R.D.5, died Sunday, February 1, 1998, in Rolling Meadows Nursing Home, Waynesburg.
She was born in Keisterville, a daughter of John Albert and Mary Martha Baird Lopes.
Mrs. Pawlosky was a homemaker and lifetime resident of Greene and Washington counties.
She was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Waynesburg and was a volunteer at Greene County Memorial Hospital for many years.
She had worked at the Greene County courthouse as a tipstaff for Judge Glenn Toothman.
On August 24, 1931, she married Joseph M. Pawlosky, who died January 13, 1992.
Surviving are a son, Joseph C. Pawlosky of Henderson, Nev.; a daughter, Nancy T. Koppenhafer of Sheffield Village, Ohio; four grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are three sisters, Pearl Boyd, Roberta Dugan and Alberta Tewell; and three brothers, John, Edward and Charles Lopes.
Lester L. Runion Sr.
McClellandtown resident originally from Va.
Lester Leon Runion Sr., 55, of McClellandtown, died Monday, February 2, 1998.
He was born December 3, 1942, in Dumfries, Va., a son of James P. and Dorothy Jones Runion, both of Chantilly, Va.
Surviving, in addition to his parents, are two sons, Lester Runion Jr. of Katy, Texas, and Dwayne Runion of Richeyville; a daughter, Anna Marie Briner of Katy, Texas; six sisters, Nancy Taylor of Gainesville, Fla., Dena Brown and Debbie McElwain, both of Chantilly, Va., Brenda Miller and Seanie Rasnich, both of Gainesville, Va., and Norma Jean Street of Manassas, Va.; three brothers, Paul and John Runion, both of Chantilly, Va., and Ronald Runion of Leesburg, Va.; and eight grandchildren.
Virginia E. Simpson
Former resident of Washington
Virginia E. Simpson, 83, of Springfield, Mass., formerly of Washington and Augusta, N.J., died at 7:27 a.m. Sunday, February 1, 1998, in Spruce Manor, Springfield.
She was born February 7, 1914, in Buffalo Village, a daughter of William and Eliza Frye Jones.
Mrs. Simpson was a member of West Washington United Methodist Church while living in Washington.
She was formerly employed by the YMCA of Jersey City, N.J.
On June 29, 1938, she married Wilbert Glenn Simpson, who died January 23, 1964.
Surviving are two sons, Charles C. Simpson of East Stroudsburg and Donald McKee Simpson of Springfield; three daughters, Jetty Jaeger and Mildred Castillo of Jersey City, N.J., and Emma Colamarino of North Bergen, N.J.; a brother, Homer D. Jones of Washington; 24 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two brothers, Charles Leonard and Ellsworth Jones; and two sisters, Margaret Cage and Alberta Davis.
CORRECTION
Incorrect information was provided for the obituary of Virginia Simpson, published Tuesday. She was married in 1935.
John Anthony
Canonsburg graduate played many sports
John "Siz" Anthony, 81, of Canonsburg, died Monday, February 2, 1998, at Allegheny University Hospitals, Canonsburg.
He was born April 16, 1916, in Canonsburg, a son of George and Mary Mikovich Anthony.
Mr. Anthony was a lifelong resident of Canonsburg and a member of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Canonsburg. He was a 1934 graduate of Canonsburg High School where he excelled in many sports, including baseball, football and basketball.
He was a member of the Senior Citizen Center of Canonsburg and was formerly employed at Fort Pitt Bridge Works in Canonsburg as a layouter, retiring in 1978.
Surviving are his wife, Viola Kozar Anthony; a sister, Mary Anthony of Canonsburg; one brother, Dr. William "Butch" Anthony of Nags Head, N.C.; and several nieces.
Deceased are three brothers, Andy, Nick, and George Anthony; and a sister, Helen Comins.
Bessie Battaclini
Member of Mary Mother of the Church in Charleroi
Bessie Battaclini, 93, of Grandview Avenue, Monongahela, died Tuesday, February 3, 1998, in Rolling Meadows Nursing Home, Waynesburg.
She was born Friday, November 4, 1904, in Gallatin, a daughter of Romolo and Speranza Vignoli Biagini.
She was a former resident of Fallowfield Township and a member of Mary Mother of the Church in Charleroi.
Surviving are two daughters, Gloria Venanzi of Monongahela and Marion Swiatek of South Plainfield, N.J.; two grandchildren, Mary Ann Robertson and Edward P. Swiatek; and a sister, Evelyn "Dolly" Kline of Austin, Texas.
Deceased are her husband, Samuel Battaclini, who died in 1976; two sisters, Millie Galloni and Irene Pensis; and two brothers, Chris and Leo Biagini.
Theresa G. Bennardini
Member of Ave Maria Parish and Women's Guild
Theresa G. Misanik Bennardini, 84, of Van Voorhis, died Tuesday, February 3, 1998, at Mt. Macrina Manor, Uniontown.
She was born June 19, 1913, in Hazelkirk, a daughter of Joseph and Teresa Kukla Misanik.
She was a member of Ave Maria Parish and the Women's Guild of the parish.
Surviving are two daughters, Dolly Clark of Glenshaw and Terry Lewis of New Eagle; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Amelia Huzyak of Beaver; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are her husband, Lewis J. Bennardini Sr., who died January 23, 1989; a son, Lewis J. Bennardini Jr., who died February 20, 1976; a brother, Joseph Misanik; and a sister, Mary Boothe.
Sophia Dragich
Homemaker member of St. Mary's Orthodox Church
Sophia Dragich, 91, of Wheeling Street, Washington, formerly of Rices Landing, died Tuesday, February 3, 1998, in Humbert Lane Nursing Home, Washington.
She was born May 25, 1906, in Brier Hill, a daughter of Michael and Mary Rusnak Journic.
Mrs. Dragich was a homemaker and a member of St. Mary's Orthodox Church in Masontown.
Surviving are two sons, Mellon Dragich of Merritt Island, Fla., and Nick Dragich Jr. of Washington; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Mary Busti of Rices Landing, Anne Onderko of Nemacolin and Matilda Miller of King of Prussia.
Deceased are her husband, Nick Dragich, who died December 10, 1988; a sister, Julia Swistok; and three brothers, Michael, Joseph and Andrew Journic.
Andrew J. Henderson
Retired postal worker was veteran
Andrew J. Henderson, 86, of Washington, died Monday, February 2, 1998, in Veterans Hospital, Pittsburgh.
He was born June 4, 1911, in Washington, a son of Andrew R. and Laura V. Dillard Henderson.
Mr. Henderson was a member of St. Paul AME Church and a graduate of Washington High School. He was a retired postal worker of Washington, and was a veteran of World War II where he served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Surviving are a sister, Laura J. Vaughn of Washington; a brother, Henry Henderson of Woodbridge, Va.; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are six brothers, Elmer, Bradford, Chester, Curtis, Emmett and Leroy Henderson; and a sister, Mary Davis.
Margaret Mawhinney
Executive secretary at W&J, Jessop Steel Co.
Margaret Mawhinney, 82, of Elburn, Ill., a former 75-year resident of Washington, died Sunday, February 1, 1998, at Delnor Community Hospital in Geneva, Ill.
She was born July 31, 1915, in Watervliet, N.Y., a daughter of Max R. and Margaret Ellinger Trembour.
She was united in marriage to Charles H. Mawhinney Jr. on September 10, 1938, in Washington. Mr. Mawhinney is deceased.
Mrs. Mawhinney was a 1933 graduate of Beaver High School and a 1934 graduate of the Garfield Business School.
She worked as an executive secretary at Washington and Jefferson College and for the Jessop Steel Co., Washington. She served as the executive director of the Western Pennsylvania United Cerebral Palsy Foundation from 1961 until 1965 and also served as a board of director for the LeMoyne House for many years, prior to moving to Illinois.
Mrs. Mawhinney also served as an executive secretary for the Honorable Thomas Gladden of Washington County.
She was a devout Lutheran who spoke German. Mrs. Mawhinney thought of herself as a progressive thinker and a strong believer of equality.
Surviving are a daughter, Jean Mawhinney Yanzer of Aurora, Ill.; a son, Charles Henry Mawhinney III of Littleton, Colo.; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Frederick Trembour of Boulder, Colo., and Max Trembour of Mt. Clemens, Mich.
Deceased are two sons, John Ellinger Mawhinney and James Ernest Mawhinney; and a sister, Anne Marie Larimer.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, at First Lutheran Church, Washington, with the Rev. Kenneth Schott officiating. Interment in Washington Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Washington County Historical Society LeMoyne House, 49 East Maiden Street, Washington, PA 15301.
Katherine Menendez
Operated Ringside Bar in Donora
Katherine "Kay" Menendez, 78, of 825 McKean Avenue, Donora, died Monday, February 2, 1998, in Mon Valley Hospital, Carroll Township.
She was born May 24, 1919, in Aviles, Spain, a daughter, of Emilio "Rusty" and Delphina Martinez Alvarez.
She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Church in Donora, Donora Senior Citizens, the Democratic Women's Club and Donora AARP.
Mrs. Menendez, along with her late husband, Joseph R. Menendez, operated Ringside Bar in Donora for many years.
Surviving are a son, Joseph H. Menendez of Louisville, Ky.; one sister, Mary Suski of Donora; two brothers, Angel "Rusty" Alvarez of Virginia Beach, Va., and Manuel "Rusty" Alvarez of West Newton; and three grandchildren, Matthew J., Kelly and Emmy Menendez.
Marie A. Null
Member of Hundred Church of Christ
Marie A. Null, 77, of Hundred, W.Va., died Tuesday, February 3, 1998, at her home.
She was born September 9, 1920, in Hundred, a daughter of James Sylvester and Nettie Hayes McDonald.
She was a homemaker and a member of the Earl Kiger American Legion Post 120 Ladies Auxiliary and a member of the Hundred Church of Christ.
Surviving are a son, Gregory B. Null of New Martinsville, W.Va.; a daughter, Carol Roberts of Littleton, W.Va.; four grandchildren, Christopher D. Roberts, Matthew Neill, Andrea and Jacqueline Null.
Deceased are her husband, Neill N. Null, who died June 17, 1997; a son, Roger Null; two sisters and a brother who died in their childhood.
Ben W. Piatt
Retired machinist from Penn Manufacturing
Ben W. Piatt, 80, of Washington, died Tuesday, February 3, 1998, at his home.
He was born September 27, 1917, in Greene County, a son of Walter and Ola L. Godfrey Piatt.
Mr. Piatt was a 1937 graduate of Waynesburg High School and was a self-employed farmer. He was also employed as a machinist for more than 41 years at Penn Manufacturing, retiring in 1983. He served as a union treasurer for several years.
He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army infantry and was a member of the American Legion Post 175 of Washington. Mr. Piatt was a member of the Emmanuelle Presbyterian Church where he served as secretary and a member of the choir.
On April 10,1965, he married Mabel K. McDowell, who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Jack Piatt of Dunn Station and Raymond Piatt of Washington; three daughters, Carolyn Kurucz, Linda McCloskey and Marcia Frazee all of Washington; one stepdaughter, Donna Gail Reach of Fayette City; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren; and one great-stepgrandchild.
Deceased are one brother, Richard Piatt; and one stepson, Gary Matto.
Gus Pihakis
Canonsburg native was restauranteur
Gus Pihakis, 62, of Pensacola, Fla., formerly of Canonsburg, died unexpectedly Monday, February 2, 1998, in Pensacola of an apparent heart attack.
Mr. Pihakis was born December 22, 1935, in Canonsburg, a son of Mike D. and Sophie Pihakis.
Prior to his retirement, he was a restauranteur, owning and operating restaurants in Atlanta, Ga., and Pensacola. He was a member of the Greek Orthodox Church of Pensacola and had served with the U.S. Marines during the Korean conflict.
Surviving are his wife, Photine "FoFo" Pihakis; a daughter, Anna Sophia Pihakis of Atlanta; three brothers, Louis Pihakis of Pensacola, Jamo Pihakis of Birmingham, Ala., and Manual Pihakis of Canonsburg; and several nieces and nephews.
Services and burial, with full military rites, will be in Pensacola.
Sarah E. Adams
Teacher of several languages and music
Sarah E. Adams, 93, died Monday, February 2, 1998, at Rydal Park Retirement Community, Rydal, where she has lived since 1991. She formerly lived in Wayne.
Born in Waynesburg, she was a daughter of Jesse H. and Cora L. Piatt Adams.
Miss Adams graduated from Waynesburg High School in 1922 and Waynesburg College in 1926, with a bachelor of arts degree in French.
She received has master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1940 in literature; studied at the University of Sorbonne in Paris, France, and the University of Madrid in Spain; studied music at Carnegie Institute of Technology; and continued her studies in languages at Cornell University and the University of Delaware.
From 1927 to 1949 she taught in six different school districts in and around the Pittsburgh area. She taught Spanish, French, Latin and English and occasionally mathematics. After attending Carnegie, she taught in the music department and led the chorus and orchestra in one of the local high schools in the Pittsburgh area.
Miss Adams then moved to Claymont High School in Claymont, Del., where she taught for two years, and then to the Lansdowne-Aldan High School, Lansdowne, Delaware County, for 14 years where she was head of the language department.
She retired in 1964 and took a professorship in Spanish at the C.W. Post College in Stony Brook, Long Island, N.Y., for six years until retiring in 1970.
Miss Adams was a member of the American Association of University Women and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Surviving are 15 nieces and nephews.
Deceased are her siblings, Charles Adams, James Adams, J.B. Adams and Mary Thomas of Long Island, Long Island, N.Y.
