Local news Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2001 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 stories and deaths.
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Today's death record
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Today's obituaries Joseph E. Biga Sharon Steel retiree served in Army Air Corps in WWII A private funeral service will be held Wednesday for Joseph E. Biga, 929 Smith Ave., Hermitage. He passed away at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, 2001, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 85. Born April 29, 1916, in Farrell, Mr. Biga was a son of the late Zigmont and Mary Motoskie Biga. A 1932 alumnus of Farrell High School, he retired as a millwright from the former Sharon Steel Corp.'s Farrell plant in 1978, after 30 years of service. Mr. Biga was a former member of Our Lady of Fatima Church and St. Adalbert's Church, both Farrell. A lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, he also belonged to the American Legion; Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 55, Farrell; and Polish National Alliance. He was a United States Army Air Corps veteran who served in World War II from 1944-46 in the European theater. On Dec. 1, 1938, Mr. Biga married the former Thelma Blair. She preceded him in death Sept. 22, 1993. Survivors include: one son, John F. Biga and his wife Gail, Colorado Springs, Colo.; one sister Helen Kohut, Springfield, Ill.; one brother, Emil Biga, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; four grandchildren, Laura and Joe Rothermel; and James and Gregory Biga; and three great-grandchildren, William, John and Natasha Biga. In addition to his parents and his wife, Mr. Biga was preceded in death by one daughter, Helen Rothermel; and one brother, Vincent Biga. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
Mary Louise Leax Former secretary worked for Greenville-area eateries Mary Louise Leax, 306 Wasser Bridge Road, Hempfield Township, died at 11:30 a.m. Monday (10-22-01) in UPMC Horizon, Greenville, following an extended illness. She was 71. Mrs. Leax was born Sept. 9, 1930, in Greenville to Rupert Stanley and Ruth Alice Andrews Cloud. She worked for Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Bell Telephone Co., where she performed secretarial duties. She also worked for various restaurants throughout the Greenville area. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, spending time with her grandchildren and traveling across the country with her husband, Donald. She also enjoyed various Greenville sporting events in which her grandchildren participated. Surviving are: her husband, Donald R. Leax, whom she married in June 1970; her former husband, William Micsky; a son, Gary Micsky and his wife, Brenda, Greenville; a daughter, Vickie Micsky, who lived with her mother; two stepsons, Gary Leax and his wife, Karen, Renter, Wash.; and Edward Leax and his wife, Lydia, Austintown, Ohio; two brothers, Harley Cloud and his wife, Donna, McLean, Va.; and Donald Cloud, Hartstown; two sisters, Mrs. Jack (Elizabeth) Paff and Mrs. Larry (Shirley) Copley, both Franklin, N.C.; and two grandchildren, Brian and Susan Micsky, both Greenville. Her parents; a stepdaughter, Donna Bloom; two brothers, Stanley and Harold Cloud; and a sister, Jesse Bonita Peterson, preceded her in death. Memorial contributions may be made to Greenville Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, 63 Conneaut Lake Road, Greenville 16125.
LEAX Edward 'Eddie' F. Boles Harley-Davidson enthusiast, outdoorsman lived in Sharon A funeral service will be held Thursday for Edward "Eddie" F. Boles of 432 Meek St., Sharon. He passed away at 7:29 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, 2001, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 38. Born March 28, 1962 in Farrell, Mr. Boles was a son of Harold and Jo Anne Steele Boles. Mr. Boles attended Hickory High School in Hermitage and was previously employed by SOS International, an environmental restoration company. He had also worked construction in the area for a number of years and was a welder at Railcon in Masury. A Harley-Davidson enthusiast, Eddie enjoyed riding motorcycles and had ridden in many charitable events on his Harley-Davidson. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and being in the outdoors. He was well-known for his generosity to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed by his loving family, whom he spent a considerable amount of time with. Survivors include: his parents, Hermitage; his companion, Regina Boyle, Transfer; two daughters, Amber Lynn Boles, Sharon; and Brandi Leigh Boles, Transfer; two sisters, Mrs. Roger (Patricia Boles) Eckard, Transfer; and Mrs. Robert (Cindy Boles) Schweiss, Masury; two brothers, Harold L. Boles Jr., Mechanicsburg, Pa.; and Gerry Boles, Pulaski Township; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one sister, Sherry Lynn Martin; and his grandparents.
BOLES Ella A. Slater Lake Township homemaker was of the Protestant faith A funeral and committal service will be Wednesday for Ella A. Slater of 319 Slater Road, Lake Township. She died at 11 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, 2001, in UPMC Horizon, Greenville, after a period of failing health. She was 74. Mrs. Slater was born Feb. 2, 1927, in Stoneboro, a daughter of Theodore and Dora McCurdy Redfoot. On July 31, 1965, she married William Glenn Slater, who survives at home. Mrs. Slater was a homemaker and of the Protestant faith. Surviving besides her husband are: a son, Larry R. Redfoot, Harrisburg; three sisters, Mary Stanek, West Middlesex; Erma Barner, Mercer; and Nellie Jones, Stoneboro; two brothers, Paul Redfoot, Pittsburgh; and Homer Redfoot, Mercer; and five step-grandchildren. Mrs. Slater was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Lee Redfoot and Charles Redfoot; and two sisters, Donna Redfoot and Jane Snyder.
SLATER Floyd Martin Snyder Mercer-area native spread Christian values in trucking MATTHEWS, N.C. -- Floyd Martin Snyder, 95, of Matthews, former Akron, Ohio, trucking executive, departed this life into the eternal presence of the Lord Jesus Christ on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2001. Born Aug. 22, 1906, on a farm four miles west of Mercer, the third in a family of 10 children, three brothers and six sisters, Floyd was a son of the late Otto Ralph Snyder II and Barbara Lucinda Iann Snyder. School was a one-room building a mile and a half from home. He and his brother, John, helped mobilize Transport for Christ, a Christ-centered ministry to over-the-road truck drivers nationwide. Floyd served as its chairman and on numerous boards of Christian ministries and Akron and Boca Raton (Fla.) Christian Business Men's committees, while still active in business. He faithfully led weekly Bible studies into the late 1980s, until he could no longer see. From a humble beginning, Floyd and John relied completely on the Lord for their success in the trucking business to promote Christian values. This was their first and foremost motivation, to not only present the Gospel to their employees but to be a witness to all who came in contact with them. His soft-spoken, compassionate, loving ways were truly a testimony to his family and to all he met. Floyd is survived by Mary Jane, his wife of 75 years; three sons, Dean of Atlanta; James of Indianapolis; and Richard of Tampa, Fla.; one daughter, Virginia of Terre Haute, Ind.; 16 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Memorials may be offered to Haven of Rest Ministries, Box 547, Akron 49309-0547; to TFC, Box 303, Denver, Pa. 17517-0303; or to CBMC International, Box 3000, Lexington, Ky. 40533.
SNYDER William J. Buckley William J. Buckley, 2017 Highland Road, Hermitage, died at 5:15 p.m. Monday (10-22-01) in John XXIII Home, Hermitage. He was 76. Obituary information was incomplete.
BUCKLEY Alma V. Hasenflu YOUNGSTOWN -- Alma V. Hasenflu, Youngstown, formerly of 495 N. Hermitage Road, Hermitage, died Monday (10-22-01) in Maplecrest Center. She was 86. Obituary information was incomplete.
HASENFLU Stanley Kapusta Stanley Kapusta, 1110 Washington St., Farrell, died at 11:15 p.m. Monday (10-22-01) in UPMC Horizon, Farrell. He was 81. Obituary information was incomplete.
KAPUSTA Ann D. 'Mimi' Roberts Former Hermitage woman was Hickory U.M. member BEAVER -- Ann D. "Mimi" Roberts, 130 Laurel Road, Darlington, Pa., formerly of 685 Cohassett Drive, Hermitage, died at 9:40 a.m. Monday, Oct. 22, 2001, in Beaver Medical Center. She was 89. Mrs. Roberts was born Aug. 30, 1912, in Johnstown, Pa., to George and Mary Grexa Diurba. She belonged to Hickory United Methodist Church in Hermitage and was a former member of Grottoetts, El Bika Grotto in Sharon. An avid sports fan, Mrs. Roberts enjoyed baseball and football and was a Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians enthusiast. Her husband, Frederick S. Roberts, whom she married Nov. 21, 1936, died Oct. 5, 1988. Surviving are: two daughters, Mrs. Richard (Kathryn) Werner, Hermitage; and Mrs. Melvin "Bud" (Ellen) Lilly, Darlington; one brother, Joseph Diurba, Sharpsville; three sisters, Sue Bakondi, Greenville; Sophie Krivak, Phoenix; and Evelyn Gilliland Vario, Sharon; and two grandchildren, Todd Lilly and his wife Danielle; and Chad Lilly. Besides her husband, Mrs. Roberts was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, George, John and Michael Diurba; and two sisters, Mary Miller and Helen Webber. Memorial contributions may be made to any Sept. 11 disaster fund of the donor's choice.
ROBERTS Michael Kessell Retired Sharon firefighter was WWII Army veteran A Divine Liturgy will be held Thursday for Michael Kessell, 844 Service Ave., Sharon. He died at 2:19 a.m. Monday (10-22-01) in Cleveland Clinic after a brief illness. He was 82. Mr. Kessell was born Oct. 18, 1919, in Sharon to Michael Kessell Sr. and Mary Billen Kessell. He retired in 1978 after 25 years as a firefighter for Sharon Fire Department. He was previously a carrier for two years for McDowell Bank; and worked for 15 years for National Castings Division of Midland-Ross Corp. in Sharon. An Army veteran, Mr. Kessell served during World War II and was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Shenango Valley Post 1338 in Sharon. He also belonged to St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church in Hermitage; Fireman's Union; Greek Catholic Union 258; and Jednota Lodge, Pittsburgh. He loved to garden. Surviving are: his wife, the former Helen V. Volansky, whom he married May 29, 1948, at home; two sisters, Elizabeth Dzurinda, Youngs-town; and Ann Bross, Sharon; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Mary Cook; and an infant. Memorial contributions may be made to the Maintenance Fund of St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church, 2230 Highland Road, Hermitage 16148.
KESSELL Jean Lucille Wilson Horrigan School cafeteria retiree lived in New Wilmington Jean Lucille Wilson Horrigan, 226½ E. Neshannock Ave., New Wilmington, died at 11:20 a.m. Monday, Oct. 22, 2001, in The Overlook nursing home, New Wilmington, after a short illness. She was 77. Mrs. Horrigan was born Aug. 10, 1924, in New Castle to John Kenneth and Bessie Edith Shaffer Wilson. She retired from the cafeteria of Wilmington Area School District and also worked at New Wilmington Borough Pool. Mrs. Horrigan was a member of Living Word Church, New Wilmington. Her husband, H.P. "Jay" Horrigan, whom she married Nov. 22, 1946, died in September 1970. Surviving are: one son, Johnny J. Horrigan and his wife Lynne, Norwalk, Ohio; two daughters, Jerri J. Offutt and her husband Mike; and Jody Baker and her husband Bill, all New Wilmington; two brothers, Lewis Gil Wilson and his wife Sara, New Wilmington; and John A. Wilson and his wife Mona, Hermitage; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren, Besides her husband, Mrs. Horrigan was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Duane Wilson. Memorial contributions may be made to Living Word Church, Cowden Road, New Wilmington 16142.
HORRIGAN Dr. David E. McKillop Grove City man was history professor at college Dr. David E. McKillop, 507 Bessemer Ave., Grove City, died at 6:35 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22, 2001, in his residence after a short illness. He was 56. Dr. McKillop was born March 20, 1945, in Detroit to Carroll J. and Lydia Priebe McKillop. An alumnus of Valparaiso (Ind.) University, he earned master's and doctorate degrees from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. For 28 years, Dr. McKillop was a professor of history for Grove City College. He was affiliated with the Lutheran church. Surviving are: his wife, Diane H. Grundy, whom he married Jan. 15, 1982, at the residence; a nephew, Paul Tassier, Cedarville, Mich.; and a niece, Yvonne Tassier, Willoughby Hills, Ohio. Dr. McKillop was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Carol Lee Tassier. Memorial contributions may be made to United Community Hospital, 631 N. Broad St. Extension, Grove City 16127; or to a charity of the donor's choice.
McKILLOP William J. Mitchell Sharon Steel retiree was formerly of Hermitage SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- William J. Mitchell, San Antonio, formerly of Hermitage, died Sunday afternoon, Oct. 21, 2001, in Metropolitan Methodist Hospital. He was 78. Mr. Mitchell was born July 1, 1923, in Wilburton, Okla., to Lodi and Anna Black Mitchell. He was a glider paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division during World War II. Mr. Mitchell then went to the former Sharon Steel Corp.'s Farrell plant, from which he retired after 38 years. He worked at Greens and Blooms after retiring from Sharon Steel. Mr. Mitchell was very proud of his flower gardens. He was a member of the First Families of the Oklahoma Territories. Surviving are: his wife, Doris Shaffer Mitchell; a son, Todd William Mitchell; and a daughter, retired Lt. Col. Caryl A. Mitchell, all San Antonio. Mr. Mitchell was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, George Mitchell; two sisters, Marcella Cometti and Anne Melton; and a daughter, Darby Mitchell. Local services may be held at a later date. Elma Patterson Elma Patterson, 22 E. Stewart Ave., Greenville, died at 9:49 p.m. Monday (10-22-01) in UPMC Horizon, Greenville. She was 87. Obituary information was incomplete.
PATTERSON John Mark Raykovich '62 Sharon High graduate was Naval worker in Calif. CONCORD, Calif. -- John Mark Raykovich, 1307 Oregon Drive, Concord 94521, formerly of Sharon, died unexpectedly the morning of Oct. 15, 2001, in Concord. He was 57. Mr. Raykovich was born Aug. 9, 1944, in Sharon to Mark and Pauline Yobe Raykovich. The alumnus of Sharon High School Class of 1962 graduated in June 1973 from Youngstown State University, where he majored in business administration. Mr. Raykovich was employed by Mare Island (Calif.) Naval Ship Yard for 16 years and the Concord Naval Weapons Station for seven years, where he served as a union shop steward. He was a past president of the Northern California Oldsmobile Automotive Club; and Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 705 in Farrell. A U.S. Army veteran, Mr. Raykovich served in the infantry from 1965-67. Surviving are: his wife, the former Judith Ann Jones, whom he married Sept. 10, 1977, at home in Concord; a daughter, Jamie Annette Raykovich; and a son, Joseph Mark Raykovich, both Concord; his mother; and a cousin, Ann "Dolly" Evans, both Sharon; a nephew, Eric Brunstad; and a niece, Keri Gonzalez, both California. Mr. Raykovich was preceded in death by his father, who died March 9, 1997; and his grandparents. Memorial contributions may be made in care of his wife to Children's Hospital Foundation, Oakland, Calif.; or to St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, 370 Spruce Ave., Sharon 16146.
RAYKOVICH V.S. 'Hap' Jones Retired WM business owner was race driver, official V.S. "Hap" Jones, 3243 Frampton Road, Shenango Township, died Saturday morning (10-20-01) in his residence following an extended illness. He was 74. Mr. Jones was born April 18, 1927, in Jackson Center to Alvin R. and Viola Jenkins Jones. Hap was a 1945 graduate of Hickory High School in Hermitage. From 1945-53, he served as a sergeant in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He was the founder and operator of Jones Performance Products, West Middlesex, for 23 years before retiring in 1990. Mr. Jones was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hickory Post 6166, Hermitage; American Legion Post 160, Sharpsville; and a member of the United States Auto Club; and NASCAR. He supported local youth sports, especially the West Middlesex Youth Soccer Association, and many other community events. He was a car racing enthusiast and former race car driver. He also served as a pit boss at Lernerville Speedway, Mercer Raceway and other racing establishments. Hap was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He and his wife of 50 years, Barb, enjoyed many vacations to Las Vegas. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed many trips with family and friends to their vacation home in Canada. Surviving are: his wife, Barbara L. Divens Jones, whom he married April 14, 1951, at home; two sons, Daniel S. Jones and his wife Connie; and David A. Jones and his wife Elaine, all West Middlesex; three daughters, Nancy L. Schlegel and her husband Bruce, Sharpsville; Claudia C. Jones DeBonis, Hermitage; and Brenda L. Wagner and her husband Dana, West Middlesex; two brothers, Neil Jones, Littleton, Colo.; and Glenn R. Jones, Denver; one sister, Ruth Ann Terrian and her husband Dale, Lady Lake, Fla.; and 10 grandchildren, Amanda and Bruce Schlegel; Rodney, Amber and Nicole Jones; Daniel and Brad Jones; Adam DeBonis; and Michael and Todd Wagner; and one great-granddaughter, Gillian Jones. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, William A. and Daniel Jones.
JONES Grace Stanley McPherson Aliquippa hospital retiree lived in Masury Grace Stanley McPherson, Masury, formerly of Potter Township, Beaver County, died at 4:45 p.m. Friday (10-19-01) in O'Brien Memorial Nursing Home, Masury. She was 88. Mrs. McPherson was born Feb. 7, 1913, in Portage County, Ohio, to the late William and Jenny Bailey Katzenmeyer. She retired from Aliquippa Hospital, where she worked in the dietary department. Mrs. McPherson was a member of Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church in Aliquippa; and was a former member of the Potter Township Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Her first husband, Burhl Stanley, is deceased. Her second husband, William McPherson, died Feb. 2, 1992. Surviving are: a daughter-in-law, Marge Stanley of Brookfield, wife of her son, the late Robert Stanley; a stepson, Bill McPherson and his wife JoAnne, Clinton, Pa.; two grandchildren, Alan Stanley and his wife Kelly, McDonald, Ohio; and Mrs. Brian (Amy) Narry, Georgetown, Pa.; three stepgrandsons, Kenny, Billy and Paul McPherson, all North Carolina; a stepgranddaughter, Terry Lynn Chamberlain, Lisbon, Ohio; a brother, Frank Katzenmeyer, Chester, W.Va.; and nine great-grandchildren. Beside her husbands, her parents and her son, Robert, Mrs. McPherson was preceded in death by two brothers, Walter and Ralph Katzenmeyer; and one sister, Irma Forrester. Calling hours were held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday (10-21-01) in Aliquippa, where a funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Monday (10-22-01). The Rev. Richard Herbster, pastor of Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, officiated. Interment was held in Shadow Lawn Memory Gardens, Newell, W.Va.
PREVIOUS DEATHS Look in past days' obituary files to find the full obituaries
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