Today's obituaries
Lucille J. Auchter
Retired school cafeteria worker loved bingo, euchre
Graveside service will be Thursday for Lucille J. Auchter, 489 Clarksville Road, Hermitage. She died at 11:10 p.m. Monday (7-31-00) in Nugent Convalescent Home, Hermitage, after an extended illness. She was 84.
Mrs. Auchter was born Jan. 18, 1916, in Sharpsville to Wylie and Bessie Jones Ague.
She attended Sharpsville schools and worked in the district cafeteria, retiring in 1982.
Mrs. Auchter was a Protestant.
An avid bingo player, she enjoyed camping and loved to play euchre.
Her husband, George Auchter, whom she married July 13, 1945, died Jan. 5, 1978.
Surviving are: a daughter, Mrs. James (Bonnie) Manning, Tinley Park, Ill.; a son, George, Craig, Colo.; two brothers, James and Richard Ague, both Sharpsville; and five grandchildren.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Louise Zimmer, Treda Hassel and Julia Clapie, and two brothers, Wylie and Raymond Ague.
AUCHTER
Mrs. George (Lucille J.), 84, of 489 Clarksville Road, Hermitage.
Calling hours: None.
Service: Graveside service at 1 p.m. Thursday (8-3-00) in West Side Cemetery, South Pymatuning Township, with the Rev. Charles C. Eckles, pastor of Central Christian Church, Hermitage, officiating.
Burial: West Side Cemetery.
Arrangements by DONALDSON-MOHNEY FUNERAL HOME, 124 Main St., Sharpsville.
Steve Fustos
Obituary information remains incomplete.
FUSTOS
Steve, 82, of 125 Third St., Sharpsville.
Arrangements will be announced by DONALDSON-MOHNEY FUNERAL HOME, 124 Main St., Sharpsville.
Elizabeth Lee Gargano
Housekeeper to pastors was member of Fatima church
Elizabeth Lee Gargano, Hermitage, formerly of Farrell, died at 12:28 p.m. Tuesday (8-1-00) in John XXIII Home, Hermitage. She was 92.
Miss Gargano was born Nov. 7, 1907, in Farrell to Aniello and Dominica DeCapua Gargano.
As a housekeeper, she served the Rev. Joseph C. Vacanti, pastor of the former St. Anthony's Church of Farrell. After his death in 1939, Miss Gargano moved to Columbus, Ohio, where she was housekeeper for Bishop Edward G. Hettinger, who was an auxiliary bishop for the Columbus Diocese.
She was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell.
Surviving are several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Rose Malone, Jennie Mastrian and Theresa; and two brothers, Louis and William A.
Memorial contributions may be made to John XXIII Home, 2250 Shenango Valley Freeway, Hermitage 16148.
GARGANO
Elizabeth Lee, 92, Hermitage, formerly of Farrell.
Calling hours: None, at the family's request.
Service: Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Thursday (8-3-00) in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell, with the Rev. Donald E. Berdis, pastor of Our Lady Of Fatima Church, Farrell, as celebrant.
Burial: St. Anthony Cemetery, Hermitage.
Arrangements by A.E. PUSTINGER FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 1310 Idaho St., Farrell.
Fern K. Hillkirk
Grace Methodist member worked for shoe store
Funeral will be Thursday for Fern K. Hillkirk, 83 Centertown Road, Pine Township. She died at 8:40 p.m. Monday (7-31-00) in Orchard Manor, Pine Township. She was 83.
Mrs. Hillkirk was born Feb. 27, 1917, in Wick, Pa., to Sam and Ethel McGill Osborne.
She was previously employed by King's Shoe Store and was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, both Grove City.
Her husband, Floyd A. Hillkirk, died March 2, 1970.
Surviving are: two daughters, Mrs. John (Barbara) Zupen and Deanna, both Grove City; two brothers, Raymond Osborne, Butler; and Ralph Osborne, Grove City; a half sister, Shirley Martin, Harrisville; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Roswell and Arthur Osborne, and a sister, Olive Davis.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 19 Jefferson Ave., Sharon 16146.
HILLKIRK
Mrs. Floyd A. (Fern K.), 83, of 83 Centertown Road, Pine Township.
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (8-2-00) in FICCA FUNERAL HOME, 203 E. Pine St., Grove City.
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday (8-3-00) in the funeral home, with the Rev. W. Stephen Morse, associate pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, Grove City, officiating.
Burial: Crestview Memorial Park, Pine Township.
Courtney P. Holt
World War II veteran retired in 1980 from GATX plant
Funeral will be Saturday in East Chicago, Ind., for Courtney P. Holt, 7660 Connelly Road S.E., Masury. He died at 7:45 p.m. Monday (7-31-00) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 81.
Mr. Holt was born Aug. 6, 1918, in Murry, Ky., to Bradley and Ruth Holt.
He retired in 1980 after 32 years from General American Transportation Corp.'s former Masury plant, where he was a supervisor in the AAR Billing Department.
An Army veteran, Mr. Holt served in the infantry in the Pacific during World War II.
Surviving are: his wife, the former Barbara Kenes, whom he married June 23, 1948; and two brothers, Cambell, Marietta, Ohio; and Jim, Sun City, Ariz.
He was preceded in death by an infant son, Richard.
HOLT
Courtney P., 81, of 7660 Connelly Road SE, Masury.
Calling hours: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday (8-3-00) in LEIPHEIMER-TOMON FUNERAL HOME, 1246 Roemer Blvd., Farrell. Panachida service at 8 p.m. with Monsignor Michael Polanichka, pastor of St. John's Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church, Sharon, officiating. Friends also may call from 11 a.m. until time of service Saturday (8-5-00) in OLESKA-PASTRICK FUNERAL HOME, 3934 Elm St., East Chicago, Ind.
Service: Funeral service at 1 p.m. Saturday (8-5-00) in the East Chicago funeral home, with the Rev. Mark Tyson, pastor of Descent of the Holy Spirit Orthodox Church, Schererville, Ind., officiating.
Burial: Elmwood Cemetery, Hammond, Ind.
Michael 'Monza Mike' John Leonetti
Clark councilman was wildlife officer, electrician, racing fan
Funeral will be Friday for Michael "Monza Mike" John Leonetti, 2710 Lake Road, Clark. He died at 7:05 p.m. Monday (7-31-00) in St. Francis Hospital, Cranberry Township, Butler County, after an industrial accident. He was 45.
Mr. Leonetti was born April 18, 1955, in Sharon to Fredrick and Nancy J. Childress Leonetti.
A 1973 alumnus of Sharon High School, he attended Youngstown and Pennsylvania State universities, and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers School, Beaver.
An electrician for 20 years, Mr. Leonetti worked for Bruce & Merrilees, New Castle, and previously was employed by the maintenance department of the former National Castings Division of Midland-Ross Corp., Sharon. A journeyman wireman, he was a member of IBEW Local 712.
He was a Catholic.
Mr. Leonetti was a deputy wildlife conservation officer for Pennsylvania Game Commission and vice president of Clark council. He served on council's planning, local, personnel and police committees.
He also was a member of Mercer County Regional Planning Commission.
Mr. Leonetti belonged to Sigel (Pa.) Sportsmen's Club; Super Charged Warriors Racing Group; and International and National Hot Rod associations. He held a competition driver's license with the hot rod association's national branch.
He also enjoyed hunting, boating and water skiing.
Surviving are: his wife, the former Jenny Ecker, whom he married Sept. 7, 1974; his father, Farrell; a son, Shawn, Sharon; and two brothers, Dennis M., Pulaski; and Robert L., Greenville.
He was preceded in death by his mother.
LEONETTI
Michael "Monza Mike" John, 45, of 2710 Lake Road, Clark.
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday (8-3-00) in JOHN FLYNN FUNERAL HOME Inc., 2630 E. State St., Hermitage.
Service: Funeral service at 10 a.m.. Friday (8-4-00) in the funeral home chapel, with Monsignor John B. Hagerty, pastor of Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage, officiating.
Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.
Ronald J. McCleery
Obituary was published 8-1-00
Calling hours and funeral services will be held in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 144 S. Pitt St., Mercer. The Herald incorrectly listed services in Grove City.
McCLEERY
Ronald J., 25, of 410 Rexford Drive, Hermitage.
Calling hours: 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 p.m. today (8-2-00) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 144 S. Pitt St., Mercer.
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday (8-3-00) in the funeral home, with the Rev. William M. Brest, pastor of Mercer Free Methodist Church, officiating.
Burial: Findley Township Cemetery.
Rufus Alexander 'Alex' McCoy
Obituary was published 8-1-00
Among survivors are three stepdaughters, Valerie Trudo, Sharon; Vernell Miller, Charlotte, N.C.; and Flora Austin, Farrell; and a daughter, Casandra Geter, Nashville, Tenn. Additional information was given to the funeral home.
McCOY
Rufus Alexander "Alex," 66, of 923 Fruit Ave., Farrell.
Calling hours: Noon until time of service Saturday (8-5-00) in Community Missionary Baptist Church, 1013 Emerson Ave., Farrell.
Service: Funeral service at 1 p.m. Saturday in the church, with the Rev. Robert E. Chavers, pastor, officiating.
Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage, with full military honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Murray-Bell Post 7597, Farrell.
Arrangements by WILBERT L. SHANNON FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 33 Broadway Ave., Wheatland.
John 'Jack' Edward Mechling
Retired Conrail brakeman had owned music store
John "Jack" Edward Mechling, 12 Fairview Drive, Shenango Township, died unexpectedly Tuesday morning (8-1-00) at home of natural causes. He was 58.
Mr. Mechling was born Dec. 11, 1941, in Sharon to Dorothy Kelly Curtin.
He attended Sharon area schools and completed his high school education while serving from 1959 to 1965 in the Army.
Mr. Mechling retired after more than 25 years as a brakeman with Conrail, working in Pennsylvania and Ohio. He was also a flea market vendor for several years at Michelangelo's, New Castle.
Mr. Mechling was recently owner of Blue Frog Music Store, Hermitage.
He was a member of Sons of Italy, Shenango Valley Lodge 875; American Legion Post 299; and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1338, all Sharon.
A euchre player, Mr. Mechling belonged to the Sunday Evening League at the American Legion.
Surviving are: two daughters, Leslie A. Dilley and Tracey L, both of Sharon; a sister, Mary Hammer, Valley Cottage, N.Y.; a brother, James Curtin, Columbus, Ohio; and three grandsons.
He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, William Curtin.
MECHLING
John "Jack" Edward, 58, of 12 Fairview Drive, West Middlesex.
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday (8-3-00) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Friday (8-4-00) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Myles T. Bradley, pastor of First United Methodist Church, Sharon, officiating.
Burial: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage.
Mary Shuster Mihalcin
Sacred Heart member enjoyed baking, quilting
BEAVER FALLS -- Mary Shuster Mihalcin, 445 Joseph Drive, died at 5:26 a.m. Tuesday (8-1-00) in her Beaver Falls home. She was 92.
Mrs. Mihalcin was born March 4, 1908, in Starford, Pa., to Peter and Mary Macura Shuster.
She was a member of Holy Redeemer Parish-St. Agatha Worship Site, Ellwood City, and Church of the Sacred Heart, Sharon.
Mrs. Mihalcin enjoyed baking, making afghans and quilting.
Her husband, John W. Mihalcin Sr., whom she married Sept. 29, 1923, died March 24, 1986.
Surviving are: a daughter, Mrs. Anthony (Mary Ann) Stiggi, Beaver Falls; three sons, John Mihalcin Jr., Sharon; Robert, Hermitage; and Bernard, Monroeville; a sister, Anna Baker, Brookhaven, Pa.; 11 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Leonard.
Memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home to Medi Home Hospice, 722 Long Run Road, Suite C, McKeesport, PA 15132.
MIHALCIN
Mrs. John W. (Mary Shuster) Sr., 92, of 445 Joseph Drive, Beaver Falls.
Calling hours: None.
Service: Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. Thursday (8-3-00) in Church of the Sacred Heart, Sharon, with the Rev. Daniel J. Kresinski, pastor, as celebrant.
Burial: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage.
Arrangements by TOMON FUNERAL SERVICE, 123 Fifth St., Ellwood City.
Joseph Robert Pesek Sr.
Joseph Robert Pesek Sr., 470 Cannery Road, Springfield Township, died today (8-2-00) in UPMC Horizon, Greenville. He was 88.
Obituary information was incomplete.
PESEK
Joseph Robert, 88, of 470 Cannery Road, Springfield Township.
Arrangements will be announced by SMITH FUNERAL HOME OF LEESBURG, 1778 Perry Highway, Springfield Township.
Aloysius 'Al' P. Presnar
New Castle resident had daughter in Hermitage
NEW CASTLE -- Aloysius "Al" P. Presnar, 411 Grandview Ave., died at 5:50 p.m. Tuesday (8-1-00) in St. Francis Hospital, New Castle. He was 73.
Mr. Presnar was born Jan. 18, 1927, in New Castle to Peter and Rose Wojtyla Prejsnar.
An Army veteran, Mr. Presnar served as a staff sergeant in Korea.
He was a legal investigator for 10 years with Lamancusa Attorneys at Law, New Castle. Mr. Presnar formerly was director for 15 years of Lawrence County Tax Claims Bureau and was a sales representative in western Pennsylvania for 21 years with James Barclay Co.
Mr. Presnar was a member of Madonna Church, Mary Mother of Hope Parish; American Legion Post 343; and Cascade Park Dance Committee, all New Castle.
He also was a member of American Association of Retired Persons, Pennsylvania Association of Notaries, Polish National Alliance and Casimir Pulaski and Eagles clubs.
He was birthday analyst for many years on WBZY radio, New Castle. Mr. Presnar also was a member of the board of GNC Credit Union, New Castle.
Surviving are: his wife, the former Stella J. Wojtowicz, to whom he was married for 51 years; two daughters, Elaine P. Presnar, New Castle; and Diane L. Presnar, Hermitage; a son, Randy P., Edinburg; three brothers, Walter, Henry J. and John J., all New Castle; a sister, Frances Brown, Erie; and two grandchildren.
A son, John; three brothers, William, Frank and Edward; and a sister, Mary Mateja, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
PRESNAR
Aloysius "Al" P., 73, of 411 Grandview Ave., New Castle.
Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. today (8-2-00) and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday (8-3-00) in NOGA FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1142 S. Mill St., New Castle.
Service: Mass of Christian burial at 9 a.m. Friday (8-4-00) in Madonna Church, Mary Mother of Hope Parish, New Castle, with the Revs. Victor Molka, pastor, and John R. Boeckman, pastor of Holy Trinity Church, Farrell, as celebrants.
Burial: Madonna Cemetery, New Castle.
Lillian R. Crouch Rung
New Castle homemaker had relatives in the Sharon area
NEW CASTLE -- Lillian R. Crouch Rung, Lakewood Heights, New Castle, died at 6:50 p.m. Monday (7-31-00) in Jameson Care Center. She was 86.
Mrs. Rung was born July 10, 1914, in Chewton, Pa., to Franklin Scott and Clarabell Huddleson Crouch.
A homemaker, she was a member of Eastbrook Methodist Church, Lawrence County.
Mrs. Rung belonged to Melody Afternoon Bowling; and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 455 and Sylvan Heights Golf League, both New Castle.
She enjoyed shopping and walking.
Her husband, John D. Rung, whom she married Oct. 21, 1933, died Nov. 24, 1996.
Surviving are: three daughters, Joan Richards, New Castle; Roberta Morris, Portersville; and Vicki Lynn Coan, Sarasota, Fla.; a son, John D., Lakewood Heights; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews in the Sharon area.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by several sisters and brothers.
Memorial contributions may be made to City Rescue Mission, 319 S. Croton Ave., New Castle 16105.
RUNG
Mrs. John D. (Lillian R. Crouch), 86, Lakewood Heights, New Castle.
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (8-2-00) in R. CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle.
Service: Funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Thursday (8-3-00) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Kurt Knobel, pastor of Eastbrook Methodist Church, officiating.
Burial: Briar Hill Cemetery, New Castle.
Michael Smith Jr.
Michael Smith Jr., 1135 Fruit Ave., Farrell, died at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday (8-1-00) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 94.
Obituary information was incomplete.
SMITH
Michael Jr., 94, of 1135 Fruit Ave., Farrell.
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday (8-3-00) in JOHN FLYNN FUNERAL HOME Inc., 2630 E. State St., Hermitage.
Service: Funeral service Friday (8-4-00) in the funeral home chapel. Time and clergy to be announced.
Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.
PREVIOUS DEATHS
Look in past days' obituary files to find the full obituaries
BARRETT
Mrs. Alvin James (Geraldine), 80, of 260 Donation Road, Hempfield Township.
Obituary was published 8-1-00
Calling hours: None.
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday (8-3-00) in Westminster Chapel of First Presbyterian Church, 323 Main St., Greenville, with the Rev. Frank L. Seibel III, associate pastor, officiating.
Burial: Shenango Valley Cemetery, Greenville.
Arrangements by LOUTZENHISER-JORDAN COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME, 366-368 S. Main St., Greenville.
BAUMAN
Edward Evans, 74, Coolspring Township.
Obituary was published 8-1-00
Calling hours: None.
Service: Memorial service at 11 a.m. Aug. 12, 2000, in Trinity Presbyterian Church, Mercer, with the Rev. William P. Crooks, pastor, officiating.
Burial: New Hope Cemetery, Branchton, Pa.
Arrangements by CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 144 S. Pitt St., Mercer.
COZART-GORDON
Mrs. Charles M. (Melba Jene), 47, of 300 Orange Drive, Hermitage.
Obituary was published 8-1-00
Calling hours: Were Tuesday (8-1-00) in J.E. WASHINGTON FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1059 Hamilton Ave., Farrell, and noon until time of service Wednesday (8-2-00) in McGuffey Road Church of Christ, Youngstown.
Service: Funeral service at 1 p.m. today in the church, with Brother R.E. Barnes of the church, officiating.
Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.
ISACCO
Mrs. A.P. (Marian A. Snyder), 73, Forestville.
Obituary was published 8-1-00
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (8-2-00) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.
Service: Funeral service at 10 a.m. Thursday (8-3-00) in the funeral home, with the Rev. James Armstrong, pastor of St. Anthony's Church, Forestville, officiating.
Burial: St. Anthony's Cemetery, Harrisville.
KERINS
Mrs. Lawrence "Larry" C. (Margaret E. "Betty"), 81, of 158 Horvath Farms Road, Hermitage, formerly of 2945 Maplewood Drive, Sharpsville.
Obituary was published 8-1-00
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (8-2-00) in SAMPLE-O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME Inc., East State Street at North Oakland Avenue, Sharon. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at: Sample@infonline.net
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday (8-3-00) in the funeral home, with the Rev. H. Walter White, retired Presbyterian minister, officiating.
Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.
LIVERMORE
Mrs. Donald LeRoy (Katherine M. Myers), 82, of 508 Indiana Ave., Farrell.
Obituary was published 8-1-00
Calling hours: Were Tuesday (8-1-00) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.
Service: Funeral service at 1 p.m. today (8-2-00) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Donald P. Wilson, pastor of Lebanon Presbyterian Church, Lackawannock Township, officiating.
Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.
WHIPPLE
Mrs. Wilbur "Pete" (Mabel Hutchison), 88, of 1182 Crumbaugh Road, Georgetown, Ky., formerly of Hermitage and Conneaut Lake.
Obituary was published 8-1-00
Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. today (8-2-00) and 10 a.m. until time of service Thursday (8-3-00) in DONALDSON-MOHNEY FUNERAL HOME, 124 Main St., Sharpsville.
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home with Monsignor Thomas Snyderwine, deceased's nephew and pastor of St. Luke's Parish, Erie, officiating.
Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.
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