Angelo Cialone
Monongahela steel worker was lay minister
Angelo "Bucky" Cialone, 62, of Riverhill, Monongahela, died Friday, January 23, 1998, in Monongahela.
He was born December 17, 1935, in Monongahela, a son of the late Angelo and Nicolina Champa Cialone.
Mr. Cialone was a member of St. Anthony Church of Monongahela, where he served as lay minister and church custodian.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Rev. Edwin Kaczmarek Council 2600 and the Catholic Parents Organization of St. Anthony Church, and was a member and served as fire police for the Gallatin Sunnyside Fire Department.
Mr. Cialone was formerly employed by Robert Posi Construction and U.S. Steel's Clairton Works.
Surviving are his wife, Aldina Marraccini Cialone, with whom he celebrated 42 years of marriage on January 28, 1997; five sons, Angelo, Anthony, Leonello and Joseph, all of Monongahela and Albert Cialone of Big Spring, Texas; a daughter, Angela Tunon of Monongahela; nine grandchildren, Justin, Jason, Amy, Joshua, Zackary, Leonello, Michael, Joseph and Nicolina Cialone; three sisters, Ann Pergola and Maggie Mamie, both of Monongahela and Mary Visco of New Jersey; and two brothers, Albert Cialone of Charleroi and Ermin Cialone of Long Beach, Calif.
Deceased is a brother, Albert Cialone.
Gerald L. Clous
Former employee of J&L Steel Co.
Word has been received of the death of Gerald (Jerry) L. Clous, 56, of Finleyville, who died Saturday, January 17, 1998, in Mon Valley Hospital.
He was born June 13, 1941, in Pittsburgh, a son of late Lawrence C. and Ruth E. Mallinson Clous.
He was formerly employed by J&L Steel Co.
Surviving are his wife, Elizabeth Welch Clous; three daughters, Amy E., Denise A., and Linda L. Clous, all at home; and a brother, Ronald G. Clous of Finleyville.
Graveside services were held Friday, January 23, 1998, in Finleyville Cemetery, with Rev. Francis Blair officiating.
Charles Cruny
WW II veteran and former coal miner
Charles Cruny, 72, of Avella, died at 8:50 p.m. Thursday, January 22, 1998, in Washington Hospital.
He was born August 1, 1925, in Colliers, W.Va., a son of John and Mary Najolic Cruny.
Mr. Cruny was a lifelong resident of Avella.
He was a member of St. Michael Roman Catholic Church, American Legion Bert C. Siders Post 643, Polar Star Mutual Benefit Society, the SNPJ Lodge No. 292, Avella Sportsmen Association, the Cross Creek Valley Senior Citizens, the Avella Volunteer Fire Department, AARP, the Moose Lodge No. 1564 of Wellsburg, W.Va., and Eagles No. 1891 of Elm Grove, W.Va.
During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy as a boatswain's mate, second class, on the USS Menifee, which was involved in many amphibious landings.
He enjoyed coaching Little League baseball.
He was employed as a coal miner and was a foreman at the Valley Camp Coal Co. of Triadelphia, W.Va. In his last 12 years of employment, he worked as a federal mine inspector. He became disabled in 1985.
On July 2, 1947, he married Mary Bernardi, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Charles of Washington; a daughter, Rosemary Rush of Avella; four grandchildren, Michael and Tonya Cruny and Donald and Charles Rush; two brothers, Anthony Cruny of Avella and George Cruny of San Francisco, Calif.; a sister, Mary Cruny of Burgettstown; and many nieces and nephews.
Deceased are five brothers, John, Michael, Andrew, Joseph, and Nicholas Cruny; and a sister, Ann Rupnik.
Mary M. Ellsworth
Enjoyed dancing, crafts, computer work and fishing
Word has been received of the death of Mary M. "Margie" Ellsworth, 57, of Cortland, Ohio, who died at 7:30 p.m. January 13, 1998.
She was born May 8, 1940, in Nemacolin, a daughter of Phillip and Anna Gill Kulan. She lived in Cleveland before moving to Cortland in 1971.
A homemaker, she married Harry L. Ellsworth Sr. on December 7, 1966.
Mrs. Ellsworth attended Cortland Trinity Baptist Church and enjoyed dancing, crafts, computer work and fishing.
Surviving are her husband; three daughters, Betty L. Ellsworth and Mary A. Ellsworth, both of Warren, Ohio, and Traci L. Ellsworth of Southington, Ohio; a son, Harry L. Ellsworth Jr. of Southington; a brother, Harry Kulan of Leavittown; a sister, Betty Dragich of Merrit Island, Fla.; and a granddaughter, Taylor Ellsworth.
A memorial service is being held in Warren, Ohio, Saturday, January 24. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Masontown.
Nellie Jane Glover
Holbrook resident formerly of Hundred, W.Va.
Nellie Jane Santee Glover, 80, of Holbrook, died at 12:30 p.m. Friday, January 23, 1998, in Greene County Memorial Hospital.
She was born August 6, 1917, in Hundred, W.Va., a daughter of Fred and Bessie Cain Santee.
Mrs. Santee was a former resident of Hundred, W.Va., and resided in Holbrook since 1951.
She was a homemaker and a member of Sancho Church of Christ.
On March 10, 1937, in Cumberland, Md., she married John W. Glover, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Hugh Jackson Glover of Canonsburg; two daughters, Shirley Rose Miller of Sycamore and Patricia Ann Glover at home; four grandchildren, Cayci Roland, Christine McCauley, Vicky Null and Charles Cramer Jr.; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Santee of Fairmont, W.Va.; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased is a brother, Robert "Jack" Santee.
John W. Jackson
Life member of Living Waters Church of God
John William Jackson Sr., 87, of Beaver Falls, formerly of Cleveland Road, North Franklin Township, died at 10:15 a.m. Friday, January 23, in the Beaver County Medical Center, Beaver.
He was born January 18, 1911, in Wana, W.Va., a son of the Rev. Albert and Sarah Stiles Jackson.
Mr. Jackson was a retired roustabout for the former Washington Oil Co., where he had worked for many years.
He was a life member of the Living Waters Church of God of Washington.
On November 9, 1931, he married Sylvia I. Ealy, who died January 10, 1991.
Surviving are four sons, Harry A. and Robert L. Jackson, both of Townsend, Del., John W. Jackson Jr. of Denbrook, Texas, and David L. Jackson of Schertz, Texas; two daughters, Ester J. Karr of Middletown, Ohio, and Pauline Buchanan of Beaver Falls; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Deceased are five brothers, two sisters and a grandson, Donald Lynn Jackson.
William C. Thompson
Artillery operator with the U.S. Army
Word has been received of the death of William "Sarge" Clayton Thompson, 53, of Columbus, Ohio, who died December 6, 1997, in Columbus.
Born July 1, 1944, in Steubenville, Ohio, he was a son of Eva Delores Thompsonand the late William Reed Thompson.
Mr. Thompson served as an artillery operator with the U.S. Army from 1961-63 in Europe. He had worked at The Meadows race track for about eight years.
On May 14, 1966, he married Louise Schmidt, who survives.
Surviving are two sons, William Clayton Thompson II and Edward Campbell Thompson; three sisters, Fonya Kelley of Houston, Drucella Sickman of Townsville and Pamela Lennon of Canonsburg; and two brothers, Edward C. Thompson of Corry and Robert Thompson of Canonsburg.
Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Phillip Wolanski Sr.
Florence resident worked at Shippingport plant
Phillip Wolanski Sr., 55, of Florence, died Thursday, January 22, 1998, in Weirton, W.Va.
He was born August 4, 1942, in Hanover Township, a son of Mary Ezarik Wolanski of Bavington and the late Stephen Wolanski.
Mr. Wolanski was a 1962 graduate of South Side High School and served with the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1966.
He was employed by the Bechtel Plant of Shippingport.
On March 4, 1972, he married Gardenia Ann Bittinger, who survives.
Also surviving area son, Phillip Wolanski Jr. of Florence; two daughters, Loretta Wolanski of Atlasburg and Michelle Wolanski of Florence; three grandchildren, Shane, Zachary and Courtney; four brothers, Herman of Bavington, Steve of Hookstown, Tom of Clinton and Bob Wolanski of Burgettstown; six sisters, Betty and Pat Cox and Dolly Roy of Burgettstown, Dorothy Cox of Arkansas, Irene Waitrak of Clinton and Susan Kiger of New York.
Deceased is a brother, Joe Wolanski.
Franco Arico
Word has been received of the death of Franco Arico, 35, of Pittsburgh, who died Friday, January 16, 1998, in Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh.
He was born January 3, 1963, in Trento, Italy, a son of Giacomo and Clara Nicolli Arico.
He was a member of Parocchia Madonna Bianca Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Arico was a graduate of the Istituto Tecnico Industriale in Italy and the Community College of Allegheny County. He was the recipient of numerous collegiate and national awards in the field of graphic communications.
He was employed by Security Services Inc. and Eat 'N Park Restaurants Inc. He previously had worked in the food production industry in Italy, Germany and England.
On June 10, 1989, he married Linda Loncaric Arico, who survives.
Also surviving is a brother, Alberto of Trento, Italy.
Contributions may be mailed to Dr. Linda Loncaric Arico, care of 1870 Chessland Street, #18, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, to be used for establishment of a memorial fund.
Leocadia Dayak
Member of St. Michael's church in Canonsburg
Leocadia Demski Dayak, 79, of 775 South Central Avenue, Canonsburg, died Saturday, January 24, 1998, in her home.
She was born May 29, 1918, in Cecil, a daughter of Louis and Rosalia Kissel Demski.
Mrs. Dayak was a lifelong resident of the Canonsburg area.
She was a member of St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church of Canonsburg.
On October 21, 1948, in St. Elizabeth Church in Lawrence, she married George Dayak, who survives.
Also surviving are a brother, Edward Demski of Lawrence; a sister, Jean Krystinak of Pittsburgh; two sons, Edmund and George J. Dayak, both of Canonsburg; two daughters, Christine Krukowsky of Savannah, Ga., and Kathleen Tedeschi of Canonsburg; seven grandchildren, Tracy Rice, Candice and Tamara Krukowsky, Kerri Bandieramonte, Kristin Dayak, Jessica Walker and Yvonne Tedeschi; one great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a brother, Bennie Demski; and a grandson, Ronald L. Krukowsky Jr.
Stephen Drazich
WWII veteran was member of Slovan VFW
Stephen Drazich, 76, of Avella, died Friday, January 23, 1998, in Washington Hospital.
He was born January 5, 1922, in Slovan, a son of Mike and Mary Dragosolovich Drazich.
Prior to his retirement, Mr. Drazich was employed by Dick Corp. in Shippingport.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
He was a member of the Slovan Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Surviving are his wife, Rose Shaffer Drazich; two sons, Michael D. Drazich of Avella and Steve Drazich of Cecil; two daughters, Renee Simpson of Cherry Valley and Marcy Drazich of Avella; a brother, George Drazick of Slovan; a sister, Ann Butler of Weirton, W.Va.; and seven grandchildren.
Deceased are five brothers, Joe, Nick, Mike, Milan and Donald Drazich; and two sisters, Mildred Ellison and Sophie Radacoy.
Rheyma Godshall
Soprano soloist performed with Boston Symphony
Rheyma A. Leary Godshall, 70, of Holbrook R.D.1, died at 8:45 a.m. Sunday, January 25, 1998, in Greene County Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.
She was born March 20, 1927, in Brownsville, a daughter of the late Karl Leary and Helen Thomas Leary of Holbrook R.D.1, who survives.
She had resided in the Philadelphia area most of her life prior to moving to Greene County in 1979.
Mrs. Godshall was a former member of the Abington Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia and was a member of the Valley Chapel United Methodist Church in Holbrook.
She was a former member of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star.
She was a 1945 graduate of Bensalem High School in Philadelphia. She earned a bachelor's degree from John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., and was a graduate of the Peabody Conservatory of Music.
Prior to her retirement in 1972, she was employed for approximately 16 years as a day care center director by the Pennsylvania Head Start Program in the Philadelphia area.
She was also a professional soprano soloist, having performed with the Boston Symphony and in Philadelphia area diners and churches. Locally she sang with the Carriage House Players, and in the early 1980s, she had the lead role in "The Sound of Music."
Her first husband, Arthur McClure Zeth, died June 8, 1971, and on March 16, 1973, she married William Henry Godshall, who survives.
Also surviving, in addition to her mother, are a daughter, Kathy Helen Thomson of Waynesburg; two sons, Frederick Keith Zeth of Raleigh, N.C. and Karl Calvin Zeth of Waynesburg; and a grandson, Arthur Benjamin Zeth.
Deceased is a brother, Karl Stanley Leary.
There will be no visitation or services at the request of the deceased. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family. The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the American Cancer Society, 195 East High Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370.
Charles W. Harris
Former bread salesman from malden
Charles W. Harris, 76, of the Village of Malden, Brownsville, died Saturday, January 24, 1998, in his home.
He was born December 13, 1921, in Blainesburg, a son of Charles Norton and Sophia Tatko Harris.
Mr. Harris spent his youth in Indianapolis, Ind.
He was a member of the South Brownsville United Methodist Church, Brownsville Lodge No. 60 F&AM, Uniontown Lodge of Perfection, Consistory of Pittsburgh Valley, the Bakewell-Phelps American Legion and the Syria Shrine Temple. He was a past president of the West Brownsville Borough Council.
During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps on an air rescue boat in the Philippines.
Harris and his wife owned and operated the former Josephine's Store in West Brownsville. He was a bread salesman for more than 35 years, having served the following bakeries: the former Lincoln Bakery of West Brownsville, the former Liberty Bakery, the former Ward Tiptop Baking Co. and Stroehmann's Bakery.
He was a member of Teamsters Local No. 491 of Uniontown.
He was also a member of the California University Senior Swim Club, and he enjoyed woodworking, boating and music.
Surviving are a daughter, Charmaine J. Clark of West Brownsville; two sons, Perry A. Harris of Wyoming, Del. and Charles J. Harris of Village of Malden, Brownsville; five grandchildren, Rachel and Bryan Clark, Melanie Harris, and Jesse and Aaron Harris, all at home; and two nieces.
Deceased are his wife of 53 years, Josephine "Kozy" Harris, who died October 26, 1997; and a sister, Margaret Dufalo.
CORRECTION
ADDITIONAL information was received for the obituary of Charles W. Harris that was published Monday. Mr. Harris was a 1939 graduate of Brownsville High School.
Moynelle M. Hollaway
Resident of Avella since 1917
Moynelle M. Hollaway, 96, of Avella, died at 6:58 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 1998, in Weirton (W.Va.) Medical Center.
She was born April 30, 1901, in Bishop, a daughter of Henry and Bertha Breit Fehl.
On Aug 16, 1917, she married William Thomas Hollaway, who died Februry 13, 1960.
Mrs. Hollaway was a resident of Avella since 1917.
She was a member of the Worldwide Church of God.
Surviving are seven daughters, Moynelle Kern of Avella, Mildred Piatt of Washington, Ruth Nestor of San Diego, Calif., Bertha Thellman of Warren, Ohio, Emilie J. Holler of Rockville, Md., Catherine Griffith of Avella, Sandra Cauvet of Virginia Beach, Va.; two sons, William C. Hollaway of Hopedale, Ohio, and Homer C. Holloway of Austin, Texas; two sisters, Hazel Kerr of Cecil and B.E. Kirby of St. Petersburg, Fla.; 39 grandchildren; 73 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren.
Deceased are two sons, Henry D. Hollaway and Andrew T. Hollaway; a daughter, Hazel Ann Hollaway; three brothers; and two sisters.
Robert C. Jones
Member of Scenery Hill Lions Club
Robert C. Jones, 88, of Eighty Four, died Sunday, January 25, 1998, at his home.
He was born January 25, 1910, in Glassport, a son of Sidney and Essa Sheets Jones.
Mr. Jones was a graduate of St. Petersburg High School, St. Petersburg, Fla.
He served with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1931 until 1939.
He was employed by the Social Security Administration for several years. He was later employed at the Hazel-Atlas Glass Plant No. 2, now known as Brockway Glass, from 1943 until 1974, when he retired from the purchasing department.
He had been secretary-treasurer of the GBBA Union.
Mr. Jones was a 36-year perfect attendance member of the Scenery Hill Lions Club. He also served as president from 1966-1967. He was currently serving as tailtwister and chairman of the blind products committee.
He was an avid woodworker and furniture refinisher.
On December 21, 1936, in Wellsburg, W.Va., he married Laura Jean Ross, who died November 23, 1993.
Surviving are two daughters, Nadene Gardner of Lone Pine and Lisa K. Salata of Amity; two sons, Robert W. Jones of Eighty Four and David L. Jones of Middletown; 13 grandchildren, Bill and Jeff Gardner, Julie, Bobby and Brad Jones, Dana Burns, Rodney and Dean Yates, Jim and Chris Jones, Annissa, Heather and Sammantha Salata; 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two sisters, Frances Morrison and Ethel Roberts.
Robert S. Kimmel
WWII veteran worked for Columbia Gas
Robert S. Kimmel, 80, of Waynesburg, formerly of Wind Ridge (Nebo Ridge), died at 12:03 a.m. Sunday, January 25, 1998, in Franklin Care Center, following a five-year illness.
He was born January 5, 1918, in Berlin, a son of Peter Suder and Mae Braddock Kimmel.
Prior to moving to Greene County in 1960, he resided in Washington County for several years.
Mr. Kimmel was a member of the Crabapple Community Church, where he had formerly served as superintendent for 20 years.
He was a member of the Waynesburg VFW Post 4793 and a life member of the DAV.
During World War II, he served as a private first class with the U.S. Army in the Headquarters Detachment, 112th Airborne Signal Battalion.
Prior to his retirement, he was employed by the Columbia Gas Transmission Corp. in Clinton for 25 years as a corrosion technician, and he was a member of the Columbia Gas Quarter Century Club.
On May 28, 1960, he married Maycel Ireta, who survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Bernice Ann Collins of Canton, Ohio, and Charlotte Wells of Waynesburg; two brothers, Harry Kimmel of Canton, Ohio, and Edward "Ted" Kimmel of Graysville; a sister, Josephine Gildersleeve of Grove City; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a grandson, Kenneth Parson; and a brother, Byron Kimmel.
Betty Jean Knisley
Former resident of Burgettstown area
Betty Jean Knisley, 60, of Laurelton, formerly of the Burgettstown area, died Friday, January 23, 1998, in Laurelton Center, Laurelton.
She was born June 4, 1937, in Waynesburg, a daughter of the late Haward and Lena Martin Knisley.
Surviving are three brothers, William Knisley of Paris, John Knisley of Follansbee, W.Va., and Charles Knisley of Burgettstown; and three sisters, Roberta Tustin of Slovan, Patricia Vandermark of Carnegie and Susan Spence of Chester, W.Va.
Louis Kornick
Retired from Jones and Laughlin Steel Corp.
Louis "Lod" Kornick, 82, of Brownsville, formerly of Vestaburg and Washington, died at 6 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 1998, in Brownsville General Hospital.
He was born October 15, 1915, in Dunlevy, a son of Andrew and Nellie Lichovich Kornick.
Mr. Kornick was a member of the parish of St. Oliver Plunkett, where he was a former usher.
He was a 1934 graduate of Centerville High School.
He was a retired miner and timber inspector with Jones and Laughlin Steel Corp.'s No. 5 Mine.
He was a member of UMWA No.762 of Vestaburg and Knights of Columbus, Brownsville Council No. 3461.
Surviving are a brother, Paul Kornick of Baltimore, Md.; a sister, Josephine Mihalik of Brownsville; a stepdaughter, Janet Angott of Washington; and many nieces and nephews.
Deceased are his wife, Eleanor Thistlewaite Shives Kornick, who died August 4, 1984; and four brothers, John, Joseph, Michael and Peter Kornick.
Ellen Mader
Founder of Slovan's first Girl Scout troop
Ellen Mader, 80, of Slovan, died Friday, January 23, 1998, in Weirton (W.Va.) Medical Center.
She was born July 4, 1917, in Pitcairn, a daughter of William and Janette Six.
Mrs. Mader was a charter member of Slovan Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxilary.
She was troop leader and founder of the first Girl Scout troop in Slovan.
Mrs. Mader was a member of Mission Church of Slovan.
Her husband, Benjamin F. Mader Sr., whom she married September 26, 1938, died June 18, 1993.
Surviving are two sons, Benjamin F. Mader Jr. of Atlasburg and Dennis R. Mader of Burgettstown; a daughter, Carol Long of Slovan; seven grandchildren; three stepgreat-grandchildren; and four sisters, Christina Gibson of Pitcairn, Lois Bevil of Saltsburg, Anna Secko of Wall and Laverne Glaize of Charlestown, W.Va.
Deceased are a sister, Elizabeth Dawson, and a brother, Robert Six.
CORRECTION
IN THE OBITUARY of Ellen Mader, published Monday, it was omitted that she had three great-grandchildren.
Sylvia Martinez
Homemaker from Langeloth
Sylvia Martinez, 85, of Langeloth, died Sunday, January 25, 1998, in the Greenery Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, Canonsburg.
She was born May 24, 1912, in Landisburg, W.Va., a daughter of O.C. and Cora Williams Forinash.
Mrs. Martinez was a homemaker.
Her husband, Victor Martinez, died in 1977.
Surviving are two sons, Victor Martinez of Beaver and Raymond Martinez of Clinton; two daughters, June Watazychyn of McDonald and Phylis Breyer of Dallas, Texas; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a brother, Clarence Forinash of Clarksburg, W.Va.; three sisters, Audry Wanstreet and Leota Forinash of Clarksburg, W.Va., and Inez Leggett of Cleveland, Ohio.
Ida Mae McClain
Former resident of Houston
Ida Mae McClain, 83, formerly of Houston, died Friday, January 23, 1998, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
She had lived the last 10 years in Salt Lake City.
Mrs. McClain was born May 9, 1914, in Canonsburg, a daughter of William and Margaret Rollstin Montgomery.
She was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Houston.
Surviving are a daughter, Karen M. Metcalf of Salt Lake City, Utah; three grandchildren, Ian, Timothy and Sarah Metcalf; and a sister, Marguerite Meddings of Houston.
Deceased are her husband, Ralph "Lefty" McClain; and a sister, Celia Seward.
Gertrude A. Mull
Washington homemaker
Gertrude A. Mull, 71, of Rose Avenue, Washington, formerly of Canonsburg, died at 8:05 p.m. Friday, January 23, 1998, in Washington Hospital.
She was born July 15, 1926, in Washington, a daughter of James M. and Viola G. Bush White.
Mrs. Mull was a former member of Crossroads United Presbyterian Church of Chartiers Township.
She was a homemaker.
On February 26, 1946, she married James Martin Mull Sr, who died May 5, 1983.
Surviving are two daughters, Darlene George of Aliquippa and Bobbi Joseph of Washington; a son, James Martin Mull Jr of Reynoldsburg, Ohio; a sister, Peggy Baysinger of Ontario, Calif.; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Deceased are three brothers, Melvin, George and Gaylord White; and four sisters, Gladys VanKirk, Genevieve Cunningham, Betty Blystone and Shirley Pavlick.
Margaret Rodriquez
Homemaker from Follansbee, W.Va.
Margaret Rodriquez, 80, of Follansbee, W.Va., died Saturday, January 24, 1998, in Trinity Health Systems, Trinity East, Steubenville, Ohio.
She was born March 24, 1917, in Clarksburg, W.Va., a daughter of Alfred and Josephine Garcia Fernandez.
Mrs. Rodriquez was a homemaker.
Surviving are her husband, Nicholas Rodriquez; a daughter, Pamela Adler of Falls Church, Va.; two grandchildren, Christopher and Jenifer Adler; five sisters, Freda Vasquez and Emily Menendez of Mingo Junction, Ohio, Olga Slonaker and Mary Louise Lancaster of Moundsville, W.Va., and Blance Preniczky of Imperial.
Deceased are three brothers and a sister.
Elizabeth Servant
Former resident of Kittanning
Elizabeth "Libby" G. Servant, 84, of State College, formerly of Kittanning, died Saturday, January 24, 1998, in Center Community Hospital, State College.
She was born January 8, 1914, in Canonsburg, a daughter of C. Ross and Muriel Gibson Taylor.
Mrs. Servant was a homemaker who enjoyed craft work and music.
She was a former member of the First United Methodist Church of Kittanning, its Gleaners Class and its choir, and was a member of the Kittanning Women's Club.
Surviving are a son, John "Sandy" S. Servant of State College; two grandchildren, Shanna E. and Ryan J. Servant of State College; and a sister, Viola Schenkein of Denver, Colo.
Deceased are two sisters, Lois A. Kelso and Ruth Taylor.
Robert L. Staggers
Retired creamery worker
Robert L. Staggers, 82, of Waynesburg R.D.2, died Saturday, January 24, 1998, in Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, W.Va.
He was born January 28, 1915, in Bristoria, a son of Stacy and Nellie Rush Staggers.
On July 13, 1949, he married Nina Louk, who survives.
Mr. Staggers formerly was employed by Sutton's Creamery and Bishoff's Creamery in Waynesburg for many years.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Surviving are three sons, Bob Staggers of Lompo, Calif., Gene Louk of Davistown and John Louk of Traveller's Rest, S.C.; 12 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; a brother, Clarence Frank Staggers of Connecticut; and a sister, Melvena Clark of Las Vegas, Nev.
Deceased are a brother, Norman Staggers; and two sisters, Aldine Anderson and Katie Baker.
Frank Vlanich
Retired from Bethlehem Mines Corp.'s Mine No. 51
Frank Vlanich, 82, of Bentleyville, died Friday, January 23, 1998, in Washington Hospital.
He was born July 29, 1915, in Pittsburgh, a son of Peter and Vilma Vlanich.
On July 15, 1939, he married Miranda Vespi, who survives.
In 1976, Mr. Vlanich retired from Bethlehem Mines Corp.'s Mine No. 51 in Ellsworth after 42 years of service.
He was a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union 354 of Cokeburg, UMWA Local 1197, Pensioners Club, Independent Club of Bentleyville, Lithuanian Club of Bentleyville, and Finleyville Community Interfaith Golden-agers.
He was Catholic.
Surviving are two sons, Ronald Vlanich of Long Branch and Frank P. Vlanich of Peters Township; two granddaughters, Jean Lorick and Kathleen Harris; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Steve Vlanich of Bentleyville and Milan Vlanich of Fallowfield Township; three sisters, Julia Kilbelbek of Washington, Jennie Marshalek of Ellsworth and Katherine Vernallis of Bentleyville.
Robert J. Bongiorni
Scenery Hill resident was born in Italy
Robert J. Bongiorni, 97, of 16 Ten Mile Lane, Scenery Hill, formerly of Cuddy, died at 10:21 p.m. Sunday, January 25, 1998, in Washington Hospital.
He was born on August 20, 1900, in Massa Carerra, Italy, a son of Joseph and Lucrezzia Strenta Bongiorni.
His wife, Margaret Weir Bongiorni, died in 1971.
Surviving are three sons, Walter Weir Sr. of Corry, Michael Bongiorni of San Francisco, Calif., and Patrick Bongiorni of Ashtabula, Ohio; a daughter, Lucretia Matthews of Scenery Hill; nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Santina Monaco of Cecil.
Mr. Bongiorni was a member of Bentleyville Senior Citizens Center and UMWA Local 1198.
John W. Dawkins
Veteran retired from Combustion Engineering
John W. Dawkins, 70, of Bear Rocks, formerly of Wickerham Drive, Monongahela, died Friday, January 23, 1998, in Columbia Hospital, New Port Richey, Fla.
He was born December 15, 1927, in Rutherglen, Scotland, son of Thomas and Helen Winning Dawkins.
Mr. Dawkins was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War with the rank of sergeant. He was employed by Combustion Engineering for 22 years and retired as general manager of the Monongahela plant in 1986.
Mr. Dawkins was a member of the Mon Valley Progress Council, the executive board of the Monongahela Area Chamber of Commerce, board of directors of the Allegheny Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and the Laurel of Acacia-Eastgate Lodge 477 F&AM of St. Clair Shores, Mich.
He was a member and associate general chairperson and second vice president for the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania and formerly served on the Ringgold School Board.
Mr. Dawkins also served as a consultant for the Entreprenurial Assistance Center at California University of Pennsylvania and was a member of the former Clan Grant Scott Pipe Band.
Surviving are his wife, Christine E. Braid Dawkins, with whom he celebrated 44 years of marriage on February 14, 1997; a son, Gary Dawkins of Marrillville, Ind.; three daughters, Sandra Jean Vaughan of Monongahela, Margaret A. Suty of Finleyville and Catherine H. Pocky of Coal Center; seven grandchildren, Ian Barnett, Kelsey and Logan Vaughan, Joshua and Jenica Suty and Machall and Jordan Pocky; and a sister, Moira Dyer of Harbor Beach, Mich.
Stella R. Demski
Longtime resident of Hendersonville
Stella R. Demski, 81, of Hendersonville, died unexpectedly Sunday, January 25, 1998, in AUMC-Canonsburg.
She was born October 12, 1916, in Cokeburg Junction, a daughter of Peter and Regina Mordensky.
Mrs. Demski lived most of her life in Hendersonville and was a member of the former St. Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church of Lawrence.
On November 24, 1945, she married Bennie J. Demski, who died January 15, 1978.
Surviving are a son, Richard J. Demski of Hendersonville; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a daughter, Lorraine R. Demski, who died January 18, 1987; two brothers, Peter and John Mordensky; three sisters, Mary Gatsuk, Violet Matthews and Helen Luketich.
Mrs. Demski was the last of her immediate family.
Squire A. Kiskadden
Ohio resident formerly of Amity
Squire Alexander Kiskadden, 88, of Niles, Ohio, died at 5:22 a.m. Monday, January 26, 1998, in St. Joseph's Health Center, Eastland, Ohio.
He was born May 10, 1909, in Washington, a son of William and Mettie M. Yoders Kiskadden.
Mr. Miles formerly lived in Amity and had resided in Niles since 1974.
For 28 years prior to his retirement in 1974, he was a heavy equipment operator for Michael Brothers, Pittsburgh. He was a member of IUOE (operating engineers) Union Local 66 in Monroeville.
He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Warren, Ohio, and enjoyed traveling and billiards.
On October 10, 1931, he married Lennie C. Mosier, who died October 29, 1982.
Surviving are two daughters, Chrystal H. Carroll of Cortland, Ohio, and Joan Starcevich of Hammond, Ind.; three sons, Jerome A. "Jerry" Kiskadden of Howland Township, Ohio, and Warren and Vernon "Beady" Kiskadden, both of Washington; a sister, Alice of Washington; 24 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Deceased are two sisters, Grace Edna and Violet E. Kiskadden; and two brothers, William G. and Albert M. Kiskadden.
Willa Jean Kretzing
Retired as timekeeper
Willa Jean Kretzing, 81, of Georgetown, Fla., and formerly of Cameron, W.Va., and Aleppo Township, died at 2:30 a.m. Sunday, January 25, 1998, in the home of her son following a lengthy illness.
She was born December 24, 1916, in Aleppo Township, a daughter of Winfield and Lillie Hughes Wright and had lived in Harrisburg and Cameron, W.Va., prior to moving to Florida in 1996.
Mrs. Kretzing was a member of Windy Gap Independent Church in Aleppo Township.
She was a former employee of Cameron Clay Products, Cameron, and was last employed as a timekeeper by Pennsylvania for more than 20 years prior to her retirement.
She married John Kretzing, who is deceased.
Surviving are a son, Robert Bonar of Georgetown, Fla., with whom she made her home; three sisters, Edna Moose, Betty Kennedy and Mary Lou Ullom, all of Cameron; and four grandchildren.
Deceased are three brothers, Milton, Wayne and Robert Wright; six sisters, Thelma Simms, Wreatha Simms, Lucille Moore, Nell Yoders, Josephine Garland and Olive Pettit.
Rose Lipniskis
Carmichaels woman member of St. Hughes
Rose Lipniskis, 79, of Carmichaels, died Monday, January 26, 1998, in AUMC-Canonsburg.
She was born November 5, 1918, in Yukon, a daughter of Jacob and Mary Stoyek.
Mrs. Lipniskis lived most of her life in Carmichaels, where she was a member of St. Hughes Church and the Polish National Lodge.
She was a homemaker.
On December 15, 1940, she married Benjamin Lipniskis, who died July 28, 1995.
Surviving are a daughter, Carol Taylor of Canonsburg; two sons, Benedict of Brownsville and James Lipniskis of St. Clairsville, Ohio; six grandchildren, Kimberly Bednarski, James, Timothy, Brent and Craig Lipniskis and Jeffrey Taylor; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a granddaughter, Susan Taylor, who died August 23, 1993; a sister, Sophie Frinak; and three brothers, Jack, Guffy and Stanley Stoyek.
Mrs. Lipniskis was the last of her immediate family.
Clarence L. McKahan
Steel fabricator at McGraw-Edison
Clarence L. "Bud" McKahan, 70, of Washington, died at 8:45 a.m. Monday, January 26, 1998, in Presbyterian Medical Center, Washington, after a six-month illness.
He was born March 13, 1917, in Washington, a son of Clarence Leroy and Frances Dale Harvey McKahan.
Mr. McKahan attended Washington City schools.
He was a disabled veteran of the U.S. Navy who served during World War II.
Mr. McKahan was employed as a steel fabricator for the former McGraw-Edison Power Systems, later known as Cooper Industries, until his retirement in 1989.
He was a member of Nemacolin Bowling Club, Route 19 Senior Citizens Bowling Club and South Franklin Volunteer Fire Department where he was a bingo caller. He also called bingo for Immaculate Conception Church for many years.
On May 2, 1966, he married Margaret McCurry Mace, who survives at home.
Also surviving are two daughters, Judy McKahan of Lakewood, N.J., and Mary Lapointe of Montreal, Quebec; a son, Leroy McKahan of Lakewood; a stepdaughter, Regina Mace of Plymouth, Mass; two stepsons, Harold and Daniel Mace, both of Washington; a sister, Betty Dunn of Tempe, Ariz.; 13 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a son, Robert McKahan; a stepson, Timothy Mace; a brother, Delbert McKahan; and a sister, Barbara Werner.
CORRECTION
IN THE OBITUARY of Clarence L. McKahan, published Tuesday, his date of birth was incorrect. He was born March 13, 1927.
Clark W. Miles
Manager of Busy Beaver, Castle Shannon
Clark W. Miles, 53, of Washington, died Monday, January 26, 1997, at home, following a four-month illness.
He was born June 13, 1944, in Washington, a son of Zelma Conkle Miles of Washington and the late Clarence M. Miles.
Mr. Miles was a 1962 graduate of Trinity High School and a member of Grace Brethren Church, Washington.
He was employed by Busy Beaver Lumber Store in Castle Shannon as a manager.
Surviving, in addition to his mother, are three brothers, Glenn and Richard Miles, both of Washington and Paul Miles of Sacramento, Calif.; a sister, Carol McClain of Washington; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are two sisters, Wilda Hoover and Roberta Miles; and a brother, Clarence Miles Jr.
Mary Starek Morris
Arizona resident formerly of Washington
Word has been received of the death of Mary Starek Morris, 84, of Scottsdale, Ariz., who died January 23, 1998, in Scottsdale.
She was born in Canonsburg and moved to Arizona 11 years ago from Washington.
She was a bookkeeper in accounting and a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Scottsdale.
Surviving are a daughter, Helen Toye of Scottsdale; a son, John Morris of Forest City, Iowa; a brother, Joe Starek of Scottsdale; five grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Mass was held January 27 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Scottsdale.
Memorial contributions may be made to the North Central Human Services, P.O. Box 70, Forest City, IA 50436.
Georgetta Ann Paxton
Worked for Trinity Area School District
Georgetta Ann Bedillion Paxton, 54, of Best Avenue, Washington, died at 10:05 p.m. Sunday, January 25, 1998, in the Presbyterian Medical Center, Washington, following a 13-month illness.
Born July 20, 1943, in Washington, she was a daughter of Margaret Shores Bedillion of Washington and the late George Bedillion.
Mrs. Paxton was a 1961 graduate of Washington High School and had been employed in the cafeteria of Trinity High School.
On September 10, 1991, she married Kenneth O. Paxton Sr., who survives.
Also surviving are a daughter, Valerie Benson of Washington; a stepdaughter, Traci Jane Emph of Washington; a stepson, Kenneth O. Paxton Jr. of Washington; a grandson, Trevor Benson; and two stepgrandchildren, Samantha and T.J. Emph.
Thomas J. Rumbaugh
Was store manager for Guttman Oil Co.
Thomas John "T.J." Rumbaugh, 43, of Pittsburgh, died Sunday, January 25, 1998, in Montefiore Hospital, Pittsburgh, of an illness.
He was born April 2, 1954, in Kittanning, a son of George D. and Margaret A. Guthrie Rumbaugh of Dayton.
Mr. Rumbaugh was a store manager for Guttman Oil Co.
Surviving, in addition to his parents, are two brothers, David
Rumbaugh of Dayton and Bob Rumbaugh of Mulutha, Texas.
He made his home with Gary Borsos in Pittsburgh, and previous to that, they lived in Atlasburg with Marie Borsos and Sandy Welshans, Borsos' mother and sister.
James B. Wagner
Army veteran was retired from Hercules Inc.
James Burnett "Tucky" Wagner, 64, of Finleyville, died Monday, January 26, 1998, in Mon Valley Hospital, following an illness.
He was born April 10, 1933, in Elrama, son of the late Earl C. and Elsie E. Fitchner Wagner.
Mr. Wagner was a member of Elrama United Methodist Church.
He was a U.S. Army veteran and served during the Korean conflict.
Mr. Wagner was a retired employee of Hercules Inc., West Elizabeth.
He was a member of Elrama Sportsmens' Club, Elrama Volunteer Fire Company and Carroll Township American Legion. He was a social member of Elizabeth Volunteer Fire Company.
His wife, Mary M. Innes Wagner, survives.
Also surviving are a daughter, Mary Jo Wagner, at home; one son, James M. Wagner, at home; four brothers, Kenneth Wagner of Baton Rouge, La., Wayne Wagner of Jefferson Borough and Harry B. Wagner and Leon Wagner, both of Union Township; and several nieces and nephews.
Michael Bihum Sr.
Employed at Climax Molybdenum for 43 years
Michael Bihum Sr., 82, of Burgettstown, died Tuesday, January 27, 1998, in the Horizon Health Care Center, Canonsburg.
He was born October 20, 1915, in Scranton.
Mr. Bihum retired in 1980, from the Climax Molybdenum Co. of Langeloth after 43 years of service.
On January 6, 1963, at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Burgettstown, he was married to Emily Nee Panconi by the Rev. William J. McCashin.
Surviving are a daughter, Marlene Walker of Lutherville, Md; two sons, Michael Bihum Jr. of Lakeside, Calif., and Charles Bihum of Denver, Colo.; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ann Richards and Polly Miller both of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; and a brother Raymond Bihum of Collinsville, Ill.
Deceased is his wife, Emily Nee Panconi Bihum, who died August 20, 1996.
At the request of the deceased there will be no public visitation.
Elaine M. Billetz
Member of Holy Family Roman Catholic Church
Elaine M. Billetz, 38, of Greensboro R.D.1, died unexpectedly Monday, January 26, 1998, in her home.
She was born May 24, 1959, in Waynesburg, a daughter of James E. and Anna Mae Obrovac Moore of Carmichaels.
Mrs. Billetz was a 1977 graduate of Carmichaels Area High School and lived in Greensboro R.D.1 since 1982.
She was a member of Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in Greensboro.
Surviving, in addition to her parents, are her husband, Gary E. Billetz; a brother, James Moore of Waynesburg; two nieces; four nephews; and several aunts and uncles.
Jean Rungo Castriota
Former Washington resident dies in York
Jean R. Rungo Castriota, 70, of York Township, York, formerly of Washington, died at 6:40 a.m. Monday, January 26, 1998, in York Hospital.
She was born December 26, 1927, in Washington, a daughter of Michael and Constance Ammendola Rungo.
Mrs. Castriota, a Washington High School graduate, worked as a clerk for 15 years at Raab Fruit Farms, York. She was also a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Dallastown.
Her husband, Joseph A. Castriota Sr., survives. They had been married for 49 years on July 24, 1997.
Also surviving are two sons, Joseph A. Castriota Jr. and Louis J. Castriota Sr., both of Seven Valleys; two daughters, Teresa Mann and Constance J. Welsh, both of Dallastown; two brothers, Louis and James Rungo, both of Washington; three sisters, Angie DeFazio of Washington and Lena Rungo and Mary Curcio, both of Cape Coral, Fla.; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Beatrice A. Davin
Beatrice A. Davin of Pittsburgh, died Monday, January 26, 1998, in Marian Manor Nursing Home, Pittsburgh.
Her husband, John V. Davin, is deceased.
Surviving are four sons, Jack Davin, Mark Davin, Tim Davin and Dale Davin; six daughters, Patricia Gordon, Arleen McGinn, Linda Kelly, Karen Milbower of Canonsburg, Carol Ritchie and Joy Szczypinski; 31 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a sister, Victorine Robertson.
William Allen Lerch
Greene County resident was an accountant
William Allen Lerch, 43, of Holbrook R.D.1, died at 5:45 p.m. Monday, January 26, 1998, in St. Clair Memorial Hospital, Pittsburgh, after a 10-year illness.
He was born January 21, 1955, in Bethesda, Md., a son of Ann Agnes Grant Lerch of Holbrook R.D.1 and the late Walter Allen Lerch.
Mr. Lerch was a 1972 graduate of West Greene High School and attended Suffolk University of Boston, Mass. He earned his bachelor of science degree from Waynesburg College in 1988 and had been a resident of Greene County since 1960.
He was a former employee of Scott Paper Co. in Boston, Mass., and worked as an accountant with Fairfield & Ellis Insurance Co., also of Boston.
Mr. Lerch was employed at Gerrity Lumber Co. in Dedam, Mass., and was last employed as an accountant with the Suffolk Bank in Boston.
Mr. Lerch was Catholic.
Surviving, in addition to his mother, are two brothers, Lawrence J. Lerch of Mansfield, Mass., and Walter E. Lerch of Holbrook R.D.1; a sister, Marjorie Lowe Gillen of Gaithersburg, Md.; two nieces and a nephew.
Services for Mr. Lerch will be private and held at the convenience of the family. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
Catherine Mercurio
Member of Transfiguration Church of Monongahela
Catherine Mercurio, 84, of Marne Avenue, Monongahela, died Tuesday, January 27, 1998, in her home.
She was born August 31, 1913, in Baird (Monongahela), a daughter of Michael and Dominica Corli Togni.
Mrs. Mercurio had lived for many years in Brooklyn, N.Y. and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. She was a member of Transfiguration Church of Monongahela and its Altar Rosary-Christian Mothers and a member of the Monongahela Senior Citizens Center.
Surviving are two sons, Joseph Mercurio of Copiaque, N. Y., and Richard Mercurio of Tampa, Fla.; a sister, Mary Vogt of Monongahela; and two granddaughters, Stephanie and Michelle Mercurio.
Deceased are her husband, Peter Mercurio; and three brothers, Robert, Bert and Theodore Togni.
Stella B. Reed
Member of Broad Street Baptist Church
Stella B. Reed, 72, of Washington, died Tuesday January 27, 1998, in Presbyterian Medical Center, Washington.
She was born June 9, 1925, in Wyoming County, W.Va., a daughter of Joe and Frencis Levandowski Szimakowski.
Mrs. Reed was a homemaker and had been a member of the Broad Street Baptist Church in Washington.
Surviving are a son, John P. Reed of Washington; and three grandchildren, Jessica Lyn, Gina and John Reed.
Deceased is her husband, Neal Reed, who died in 1973.
There will be no visitation. Private interment services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Clara Petel Smith
Clara Petel Smith, 73, of McDonald (No. 9), died Monday, January 26, 1998, at Allegheny General Hospital following a lengthy illness.
Born October 1, 1924, in Carnegie, she was a daughter of John and Pauline Caijoire Petel.
Her husband, James S. Smith Sr., died in 1970.
Surviving are two daughters, Lisa Speicher of McDonald and Marion Geannett of Midway; three sons, Vernon S. Smith of McDonald, James S. Smith Jr. of Honolulu, Hawaii and Dale Smith of South Fayette Township; two sisters, Agnes Svihla of McDonald and Marie Johnston of McDonald; 13 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Deceased are two sisters, Ann Zarnick and Helen Garca; and three brothers, Jack Lynn, Stanley Lynn and Andy Petel.
CORRECTION
INFORMATION provided for the obituary of Clara Petel Smith incorrectly identified her deceased husband, James A. Smith Sr.; a daughter, Marion Jeannette of Midway; a son, James A. Smith Jr. of Honolulu, Hawaii; and a deceased sister, Helen Garcia.
Carolyn L. Witkowsky
Wash High graduate worked in glass industry
Carolyn Lee Witkowsky, 57, of Meadow Lands, died 6:35 a.m. Tuesday, January 27, 1998, at Breese Rest Home. She had been in failing health for the last three years.
She was born August 20, 1940, in Washington, a daughter of Dorothy Knotts Ward of Prosperity and the late Edward Thomas Ward Sr.
She was a 1958 graduate of Washington High School and had been employed by the Washington Company and was last employed by Brockway Glass.
She was a former member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 22.
On February 19, 1960, she married to John Witkowsky, who survives.
Surviving, in addition to her mother and husband, are two daughters, Robin Mahramas of East Meadow, N.Y., and Candice Bentz of Prosperity; three brothers, Edward Thomas Ward Jr. and Richard Allen Ward both of Prosperity and Bruce Wayne Ward of Washington; four grandchildren, Johnny, Seva, and Michael Mahramas and Robert Bentz.
CORRECTION
In the obituary of Carolyn L. Witkowsky, published Wednesday, January 28, the name of a surviving sister, Trudy Anderson Ward of Avella, was omitted.
Walter J. Marm, former state trooper, dies
Walter J. Marm had two sides. On one side he was a tenacious police investigator, intent on finding the truth; on the other side, he was a kind, considerate and gentle man.
Marm, 85, of 252 Crest Ave., Washington, died at 1 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, 1998, in UPMC Presbyterian, Pittsburgh. He suffered an apparent stroke Monday afternoon before his car went off Country Club Road in South Strabane Township and hit a utility pole.
Marm's son, Walter "Joe" J. Marm Jr., a 1966 Congressional Medal of Honor winner, said his father was on his way home from one of his favorite activities at the time of the accident. Marm had just played a round of golf at Washington Country Club, and according to his son, he often golfed there with his buddy of 20 years, Joseph Bell of Canonsburg.
"He was probably one of oldest, active golfers in town," Joseph Marm said. "He and Joe used to walk the holes together. It's pretty hilly."
Marm joined the Pennsylvania State Police in 1935. He retired in 1966 as a sergeant in charge of the criminal investigation unit at the Washington barracks.
Joseph Marm said state troopers weren't paid a lot back then but his father always managed to somehow provide for the family.
"He took care of us," Joseph Marm said. "All of his children have college degrees. That's a tribute to him and my mom."
Marm took his investigative experience to the Washington County district attorney's office in 1968, after two years as a security officer for Union Electric Steel Co. in Burgettstown. Mr. Marm was chief county detective through 1982, working for former district attorneys Jess D. Costa and Herman Bigi.
Washington County Senior Judge John F. Bell remembers Marm's bulldog-like tenacity in investigating cases. Bell was an assistant district attorney when Mr. Marm joined the office.
Bell attributed much of his friend's persistence to his years spent boxing. Mr. Marm was a welterweight Golden Gloves champion. He boxed in the 160-pound weight class, became a State and Senior AMA Champ, and in 1997 was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame for boxing.
"He pursued leads like a bulldog hanging onto a bone," Bell said. "He was never out to get somebody, but he was out to find the truth of the matter."
But there was a warm side to Marm, particularly when it came to friends and family.
"He was sympathetic and very compassionate," the senior judge added. "He was a very gentle man. He had a long and good life, and I'm thankful to have known him," Bell said. "We'll definitely miss him. I know I will."
Marm also had the highest of values, agreed Bell and Bigi.
"He was one of the finest, most moral men I've ever met in my life," Bigi said. "I am totally saddened by his death," said the Charleroi attorney. "He was one of most personable men I've met in government."
Despite his many accomplishments, Marm's proudest moment was when his son was awarded the nation's highest military honor following his first of two tours in Vietnam.
"It was the highest point in my life," Marm was quoted as saying in a 1982 Observer-Reporter interview. "I kept thinking how many others received the award...and here was my son standing there receiving it with 35 generals present."
Born June 9, 1912, in Hazelwood, he was a son of Louis and Mary Hoge Marm.
Mr. Marm first worked for B&O Railroad, where he was a union organizer. While with the state police, Marm was a member of the Pennsylvania State Police Pistol Team, and became one of the top shooters. He also served as president of the Pennsylvania County Detective's Association.
He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church; Holy Name Society of the church; Knights of Columbus Council 1083 and the 4th Degree Bishop Boyle Assembly of the Knights of Columbus.
An avid golfer, he was a member of the Washington Country Club. He also belonged to Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 776.
On April 25, 1939, in St. Phillips Catholic Church, Crafton, he married Dorothy A. Fogel, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, retired Army Col. Walter "Joe" J. Marm Jr., Fremont, N.C.; two daughters, Patricia Grable of Fallston, Md., and Nancy L. Crumrine of Columbus, Ohio; a sister, Alda Ferko of San Diego, Calif.; six grandsons, Capt. Walter J. Marm III, Justin P. Marm, William J. Marm, Jordan E. Grable, Branden A. Grable and Thomas J. Crumrine Jr.; four granddaughters, Courtney E. Marm, Carrie E. Grable, Michele R. Crumrine and Alison M. Crumrine; a great-granddaughter; three great-grandsons; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a daughter, Dorothy Marie Marm; a brother, William Marm; and two sisters, Matilda Burns and Madeline Saw.
Staff writer Heidi Price contributed to this story.
Kathryn Cushing
Area native attended school in Claysville
Word has been received of the death of Kathryn "Kit" Cushing, 85, of Daytona Beach, Fla., who died January 7, 1998, at National Health Care Facility in Daytona Beach.
She was born June 12, 1912, in Buffalo Township, Washington County, a daughter of Alexander H. and Elizabeth Gere McCrerey.
Mrs. Cushing, a homemaker, attended Claysville schools and was a resident of Leetonia, Ohio, where she raised her family and was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Her husband, Robert W. Cushing Jr., is deceased.
Surviving are her daughter, Elizabeth J. Carney of Daytona Beach, with whom she made her home; two sons, Robert W. III of Leetonia and Daniel F. of Naples, Fla.; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; two brothers, William B. McCrerey of Homestead, Fla., and Leroy McCrerey of Weirton, W.Va.
Deceased are two sisters, Gertrude McCrerey and Virginia Foster; and three brothers, Charles, Harold and Robert McCrerey.
A memorial service was held on January 10.
Patricia L. Lanzy
Canonsburg native owned catering business
Patricia L. Lanzy, 54, of 309 Lincoln Drive, Upper St. Clair, formerly of Canonsburg, died Tuesday, January 27, 1998, in her home.
She was born June 5, 1943, in Canonsburg, a daughter of the late Louis and Anna Cushma Antonilli.
Mrs. Lanzy lived in Upper St. Clair for 22 years, where she was a member of St. Louise de Marillac Church.
She owned her own catering business, known as La Cookery.
On September 11, 1965, she married Fred C. Lanzy, who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Jay Lanzy of Charlotte, N.C., and David Lanzy of Pittsburgh; a daughter, Luanne Lanzy of Pittsburgh; a brother, Edmund Antonilli of Bridgeville; a sister, Lois Laury of McLean Va.; and several nieces and nephews.
