The Herald, Sharon, PA



Local news Tuesday, July 11, 2000 newsie
These are the top stories in today's print edition. Pick up a copy on the newsstand or contact us for convenient home delivery.

Summaries of the week's news appear in the Sunday edition. These current and past weekly chronologies are online as are day-by-day links to past headlines and death records.


Today's death record

  • Ralph H. Burnett, 78, of 136 S. Irvine Ave., Sharon.
  • Ruth Fabian, 70, of 50 N. Crescent Drive, Hermitage.
  • Francis M. “Whistle” Hedglin, 78, of 7266 W. Market St., Lackawannock Township.
  • John P. Niec, 85, formerly of Sharon and Jamestown.
  • Irvin Grant Orr, 82, of 1510 N. Keel Ridge Road, Hermitage.
  • Stella (Stoyanko) Rajsich, 84, of 142 S. Mercer Ave., Sharpsville, formerly of Farrell.
  • Sandra Lynn Stern, 41, of 3213 Kennett Square, Pittsburgh, formerly of Grove City.
  • Edward A. Thomas Jr., 38, of 3796 Orchard Ave. SE, Hubbard.
  • Olga E. Zajdel, 82, of 1709 Jamestown Place, Pittsburgh, formerly of Sharon.


Today's obituaries
Ralph H. Burnett
Ralph H. Burnett, 136 S. Irvine Ave., Sharon, died at 10:15 p.m. Monday (7-10-00) in the emergency room of UPMC Horizon, Farrell. He was 78.

Obituary information was incomplete.

BURNETT
    Ralph H., 78, of 136 S. Irvine Ave., Sharon.
    Arrangements will be announced by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.


Harry W. Cole
Obituary was published 7-10-00

Among survivors are five grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four stepgreat-grandchildren. Among those preceding him in death was a sister, Alice Dobis. Incorrect information was given to the funeral director.


Ruth Fabian
Former WM service station co-owner worked at Kmart

Ruth Fabian, 50 N. Crescent Drive, Hermitage, died at 1:55 p.m. Monday (7-10-00) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System following an extended illness. She was 70.

Mrs. Fabian was born May 23, 1930, in West Middlesex to Otto and Barbara Nettinger Mirage.

She was an alumna of West Middlesex High School.

With her husband, she owned and operated the former Fabian's Ashland Service Station, state Route 318 in West Middlesex.

Mrs. Fabian was service desk supervisor for the past eight years at Kmart, Hermitage.

Her husband, Robert Fabian, whom she married on June 4, 1955, died April 14, 1992.

Surviving are a son, Robert J., Hadley; and a brother, Paul Mirage, Greenville.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Billie Jean.

FABIAN
    
Mrs. Robert (Ruth), 70, of 50 N. Crescent Drive, Hermitage.
    Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday (7-12-00) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.
    Service: Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. Thursday (7-13-00) in Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage. Brief prayer service at 10:45 a.m. in the funeral home.
    Burial: St. Rose Cemetery, Hermitage.


Francis M. 'Whistle' Hedglin

Sharon Steel retiree worked at car auction

Francis M. "Whistle" Hedglin, 7266 W. Market St., Lackawannock Township, died at 10:38 a.m. Monday (7-10-00) at home. He was 78.

Mr. Hedglin was born Oct. 21, 1921, in Volant to William and Naomi McConnell Hedglin.

He retired in 1985 after 20 years from the former Sharon Steel Corp.'s Farrell plant, where he worked in the railroad gang. At the time of his death, he was a part-time employee for ADESSA Pittsburgh car auction, Jackson Township.

Mr. Hedglin attended New Fellowship Baptist Church, Charleston; and was a former member of Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 1637, Mercer; and American Legion Post 299, Sharon.

A citizen's band radio enthusiast, Mr. Hedglin previously belonged to the former AID Citizen's Band Radio Club, Sharon.

The outdoorsman enjoyed hunting, fishing, dancing, and playing bocce, and was an expert tailor.

Mr. Hedglin was a member of West Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department.

Surviving are: his wife of 37 years, the former Thelma I. Stafford Kennedy, whom he married Oct. 6, 1962; four daughters, Mrs. William (Barbara D.) Findling, Crandall, Texas; Frances I. Fiscus, Mercer; Mrs. Calvin (Lillie E.) Beers, Masury; and Mrs. Robert (Patricia A.) Buckley, Youngstown; two sons, Albert H. Brannon, Sharon; and William A. Kennedy, Mercer; 19 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Zachary Fiscus; and a sister, Marie Curry.

HEDGLIN
    
Francis M. "Whistle," 78, of 7266 W. Market St., Lackawannock Township.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday (7-13-00) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.
    Service: Funeral service at 10 a.m. Friday (7-14-00) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Robert A. Chipps, pastor of New Fellowship Baptist Church, Charleston, officiating.
    Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.


Jennie 'Ginger' V. Jewell

Hermitage woman retired from Cleveland plant

Calling hours will be Wednesday for Jennie "Ginger" V. Jewell, 975 Biscayne Drive, Hermitage, formerly of Summerfield, Fla. She died at 8 p.m. Tuesday (7-4-00) in Hospitality Care Center, Hermitage, following a brief illness. She was 77.

Mrs. Jewell was born March 24, 1923, in Cleveland to John and Gertrude O'Boyle Vicchiarelli.

She retired in 1981 after 30 years from the assembly line of Fisher Body Plant, Cleveland.

Mrs. Jewell was an avid bowler and golfer.

Her husband, Charles R. Jewell, whom she married April 16, 1960, died May 16, 1999.

Surviving are a daughter, Connie, Hermitage, with whom she lived; and three grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Patrick Vicchiarelli.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 19 Jefferson Avenue, Sharon 16146.

JEWELL
    
Mrs. Charles R. (Jennie "Ginger" V.), 77, of 975 Biscayne Drive, Hermitage.
    Calling hours: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday (7-12-00) in DONALDSON-MOHNEY FUNERAL HOME, 124 Main St., Sharpsville.
    Service: None.
    Burial: Cochranton Cemetery.


Ann Lagun

Obituary information remains incomplete.

LAGUN
    Ann, 96, Grove City.
    Arrangements will be announced by SAMPLE-O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME Inc., East State Street at North Oakland Avenue, Sharon.


John P. Niec

Sharon Steel retiree lettered in football, was Army veteran

John P. Niec, formerly of Sharon and Jamestown, died at noon Monday (7-10-00) in Clepper Manor, Sharon. He was 85.

Mr. Niec was born Oct. 29, 1914, in Farrell to Matthias and Anna Fularz Niec.

He was an alumnus of Sharon High School, where he lettered for three years in football.

An Army veteran, Mr. Niec served as a sergeant in the Air Corps during World War II.

He retired after 35 years as a roller from the former Sharon Steel Corp.'s Farrell plant.

Mr. Niec was a member of St. Adalbert's Church, Farrell, and its Men's Club.

He loved to read, work crossword puzzles and golf. He also enjoyed boating.

Surviving are a brother, Edmund, Muncie, Ind.; and a sister, Olga Morgenstern, Sharon.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Peter and Ted; and a sister, Stephanie.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Adalbert's Church, 1035 Fruit Ave., Farrell 16121.

NIEC
    
John P., 85, formerly of Sharon and Jamestown.
    Calling hours: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday (7-12-00) in A.E. PUSTINGER FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 1310 Idaho St., Farrell.
    Service: Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Wednesday (7-12-00) in St. Adalbert's Church, Farrell, with the Rev. John R. Boeckman, pastor, as celebrant.
    Burial: Holy Cross Cemetery, Hermitage.


Irvin Grant Orr

Retired Farrell teacher was active in church, Masons

Irvin Grant Orr, 1510 N. Keel Ridge Road, Hermitage, died at 1:15 p.m. Monday (7-10-00) in O'Brien Memorial Nursing Home, Masury. He was 82.

Mr. Orr was born Jan. 15, 1918, in Sharpsville to Arthur and Bertha Grant Orr.

The alumnus of Hickory High School in Hermitage attended the University of Pittsburgh.

An Army veteran, Mr. Orr served during World War II.

He retired in 1979 after 35 years as an industrial arts teacher for Farrell Area Schools, where he worked since 1944. He was previously a welder for the former Sharon Steel Corp.'s Farrell plant.

He was an active member of First United Methodist Church, Sharpsville; and belonged to Free and Accepted Masons Lodge 810, Hermitage; and Scottish Rite's New Castle Consistory.

Mr. Orr was an avid bowler and golfer.

Surviving are: his wife, the former Martha L. Uber, whom he married Aug. 24, 1944; a daughter, Kathryn L. Venema, Tiffin, Ohio; a son, James L., Hermitage; and two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Vivian Giebner; and a brother, Chester.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 148 E. Shenango St., Sharpsville 16150.

ORR
    
Irvin Grant, 82, of 1510 N. Keel Ridge Road, Hermitage.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday (7-12-00) in DONALDSON-MOHNEY FUNERAL HOME, 124 Main St., Sharpsville. Masonic rites at 9 p.m. by Free and Accepted Masons Lodge 810, Hermitage.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday (7-13-00) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Lee Weber, pastor of First United Methodist Church, Sharpsville, officiating.
    Burial: Delaware (Township) Cemetery.


Stella (Stoyanko) Rajsich

Retiree, noted WE employee, was active in church, lodge

Stella (Stoyanko) Rajsich, 142 S. Mercer Ave., Sharpsville, formerly of Farrell, died at 5 a.m. Monday (7-10-00) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. She was 84.

Miss Rajsich was born June 16, 1916, in Youngstown to George and Vera Parcetich Rajsich.

A 1934 alumna of Farrell High School, she attended what was then Carnegie Technical School, Pittsburgh; and graduated in 1938 from Thiel College, Greenville.

Miss Rajsich retired in 1978 after 34 years from the drafting department of the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp., where she was the first woman engineer.

She was a member of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, Hermitage, where she served as choir director for many years and taught children for all church programs. Miss Rajsich also belonged to St. Petra Ladies Auxiliary and Catering Group.

As a member of Serbian National Federation Lodge 68, she was treasurer for the past 30 years and was honored as Woman of the Year in 1995.

Surviving is a cousin, Rose Zipay, Sharpsville, with whom she lived.

RAJSICH
    
Stella (Stoyanko), 84, of 142 S. Mercer Ave., Sharpsville, formerly of Farrell.
    Calling hours: 6 to 8 p.m. today (7-11-00) in JOHN A. PALISIN FUNERAL HOME, 86 Maple Drive, Hermitage. Pomen service at 7 p.m.
    Service: Funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday (7-12-00) in St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, Hermitage, with the Rev. Zvonko Kotrcenvic, interim pastor, officiating. Brief prayer service at 10 a.m. in the funeral home.
    Burial: St. John's Cemetery, Hermitage.
    Arrangements by THOMAS S. PODLEYON FUNERAL SERVICE, 86 Maple Drive, Hermitage.


George Redmond

Obituary information remains incomplete.

REDMOND
    George, 81, of 1175 March St., Sharon.
    Arrangements will be announced by SAMPLE-O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME Inc., East State Street at North Oakland Avenue, Sharon.


Sandra Lynn Stern

Grove City native lived in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH -- Sandra Lynn Stern, 3213 Kennett Square, Pittsburgh, formerly of Grove City, died at 1:31 p.m. Saturday (7-8-00) following a fire in her home. She was 41.

Mrs. Stern was born May 5, 1959, in Grove City to James E. and Carol Jean Mathay Hoffman.

She attended schools in Devils Lake, N.D., and was an alumna of Bellevue (Ohio) High School.

Mrs. Stern was disabled.

Surviving are: a daughter, Sarah Jean, Pittsburgh; her father and stepmother, Vonnie Hoffman, Grove City; a sister, Mary Beth Reece, Lawrenceville, Ga.; and two brothers, Bruce Hoffman, Belleville, Mich.; and Steve Hoffman, Fargo, N.D.

She was preceded in death by her mother; and a brother, Scott Hoffman.

Memorial contributions may be made in care of James E. Hoffman for the Sandra Stern Fund to Cunningham Funeral Home Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City 16127.

STERN
    
Sandra Lynn, 41, of 3213 Kennett Square, Pittsburgh, formerly of Grove City.
    Calling hours: None.
    Service: Private family funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday (7-13-00) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City, with the Rev. David A. Lingle, pastor of Center Presbyterian Church, Pine Township, officiating.
    Burial: Crestview Memorial Park, Pine Township.


Edward A. Thomas Jr.

Hubbard man worked at Sharpsville Container

TIONESTA -- Edward A. Thomas Jr., 3796 Orchard Ave. SE, Hubbard, was found dead at 1:30 p.m. Thursday (7-6-00) of carbon monoxide poisoning in Kingsley Township, Forest County, police said. He was 38.

Mr. Thomas was born March 17, 1962, in Youngstown to Edward and Dorothy McKnight Thomas Sr.

A lifelong area resident, he was employed by Sharpsville Container.

Mr. Thomas enjoyed camping, fishing and riding his Harley-Davidson.

Surviving are: his father, Chicago; his mother and stepfather, Curtis Myers, with whom he lived; a son, Cody; a stepson, Jason Wess; and a stepdaughter, Amber Wess, all Hubbard; two sisters, Deanna Milligan, Liberty; and Jennifer Myers, Hubbard; and his grandparents, Charles and Dorothy Myers, Youngstown.

THOMAS
    
Edward A. Jr., 38, of 3796 Orchard Ave., SE, Hubbard.
    Calling hours: None.
    Service: Memorial service at 2 p.m. Saturday (7-15-00) in Liberty (Township) Presbyterian Church, 1451 Churchill-Hubbard Road, Trumbull County, with the Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, pastor, officiating.

Arrangements by KELLEY-ROBB FUNERAL HOME, 709 N. Main St., Hubbard.


Olga E. Zajdel

Ex-Sharon woman co-owned former hotel in Wilmerding

PITTSBURGH -- Olga E. Zajdel, 1709 Jamestown Place, Pittsburgh, formerly of Sharon, died at 3 a.m. Monday (7-10-00) at home of cancer. She was 82.

Mrs. Zajdel was born Aug. 18, 1917, in Pittsburgh to John and Rose Gazda.

She was co-owner with her husband, Theodore T. Zajdel, of a former hotel in Wilmerding, Pa. He died in 1995.

Mrs. Zajdel attended First Evangelical Church, McKeesport.

Surviving are: three sons, Theodore T. Jr., Richard K. and Daniel P.; a sister, Eugenia Gazda Parisho; a brother, Theodore Gazda; and three grandsons.

ZAJDEL
    
Mrs. Theodore T. (Olga E.), 82, of 1709 Jamestown Place, Pittsburgh, formerly of Sharon.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday (7-13-00) and 1 p.m. to time of service Friday (7-14-00) in FOREST HILLS CHAPEL, WOLFE MEMORIAL Inc., 3604 Greensburg Pike, Pittsburgh.
    Service: Funeral service at 2 p.m. Friday in the funeral home chapel, with the Rev. Victor Jochen officiating.
    Burial: William Penn Cemetery, Churchill, Pa.


PREVIOUS DEATHS
Look in past days' obituary files to find the full obituaries


CULLEN
    
John Templeton Thomas, 73, of 3976 Hadley Road, Clarks Mills.
    Obituary was published 7-10-00
    Calling hours: Were 7 to 9 p.m. Monday (7-10-00) and are 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (7-11-00) in BAIRD FUNERAL HOME, 14 Louisa Ave., Greenville. Friends may send condolences by e-mail to Baird@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral service at 1 p.m. Wednesday (7-12-00) in the funeral home, with the Rev. William Ammons, Greenville, officiating.
    Burial: Findley Township Cemetery.


FEDDERS
    
Kenneth Roy, 83, Sharon, formerly of West Middlesex.
    Obituary was published 7-10-00
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (7-11-00) in W. WAYNE CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME, 3126 Main St., West Middlesex.
    Service: Funeral and committal service at 11 a.m. Wednesday (7-12-00) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Robert McCreight, pastor of Presbyterian Church of West Middlesex, officiating.
    Burial: Haywood Cemetery, West Middlesex.


GILSON
    
Richard Boyd, 97, West Salem Township, formerly of 16 Delaware Road, Delaware Township.
    Obituary was published 7-10-00
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (7-11-00) in JOHN W. KERPAN FU- NERAL HOME, 1 Donation Road, Green- ville.
    Service: Funeral and committal service at 11 a.m. Wednesday (7-12-00) in the funeral home, with the Rev. K. Joshua Christiansen, pastor of Christ Community Church, A Bible Believing People Worshipping at St. John's, Delaware Township, officiating.
    Burial: Delaware (Township) Cemetery.


HULBER
    
Mrs. John (Maria), 77, John XXIII Home, Hermitage.
    Obituary was published 7-9-00
    Calling hours: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today (7-11-00) in A.E. PUSTINGER FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 1310 Idaho St., Farrell.
    Service: Funeral Mass at 1 p.m. today in Holy Trinity Church, Farrell, with the Rev. Matthew Ruyechan, Order of Friars Minor Conventual, pastor of St. Anthony's Church, Sharon, as celebrant.
    Burial: Holy Trinity Cemetery, Hermitage.


PUHALA
    
Mrs. Stephen E. (Irene L.), 76, of 1005 Roemer Blvd., Farrell.
    Obituary was published 7-10-00
    Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday (7-12-00) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Rosary service at 6:45 p.m.
    Service: Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Thursday (7-13-00) in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell, with the Rev. Donald E. Berdis, pastor, as celebrant. Brief prayer service at 9:15 a.m. in he funeral home.
    Burial: St. Elizabeth's Cemetery, Farrell.


SHERBONDY
    
Lloyd E. "Teak," 63, of 9114 Atlantic Road, Atlantic.
    Obituary was published 7-10-00
    Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. today (7-11-00) and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday (7-12-00) in BAIRD FUNERAL HOME, 14 Louisa Ave., Greenville. Friends may send condolences by e-mail to Baird@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday (7-13-00) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Frederick Monk, pastor of Kennard United Methodist Church, Sugar Grove Township, officiating.
    Burial: Rocky Glen Cemetery, West Fallowfield Township, Crawford County.

Obituary policy

The Herald prints at no charge.

A funeral director usually provides The Herald with the obituary. Written information can be accepted from relatives or friends but they are asked to provide the name and telephone number of a funeral home or other official source that can verify the death.

Pictures can be used at the dis-cretion of the news desk.

Deadlines are:

  • 9 a.m. weekdays for same-day publication. (On particularly busy days, information may be limited to incomplete between 8:30 and 9 a.m.).

  • 9 p.m. Friday to appear in Saturday morning's edition.

  • 9 p.m. Saturday to appear in Sunday morning's edition.



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