The Herald, Sharon, PA



Local news Thursday, Jan. 3, 2002 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 stories and deaths.



Today's death record

  • William James Bagnall, 34, of 3045 Amberwent Road, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, formerly of Farrell.
  • John Arthur Baymon, 78, of 401 Darr Ave, Farrell.
  • Sherry Annette Cozart, 46, of 300 Orange Drive, Apartment No. 4, Hermitage.
  • William Newton "Newt" Gibson, 93, Maple Lane, Pulaski Township, Lawrence County.
  • Robert "Curley" Kolat, 77, of 729 Warner Road, Brookfield.
  • Michael D. Milliron Sr., 52, of 1212 Broadway Ave., Masury, formerly of Scenic Mobile Home Park, Transfer.
  • Stella Mistretta, 87, of 396 W. Park Drive, Hermitage.
  • William R. "Bud" Morrison, 82, Monessen.
  • Eunice Catherine North, 90, of 1525 Greenville-Mercer Road, Jefferson Township.
  • Stanley E. Peterson, 78, of Des Moines, Iowa, formerly of the Shenango and Mahoning valleys.
  • Melba Pfeifer, 83, of 405 Norris Ave., Sharon.
  • Mary A. Rowlands, 87, of 9 Suffolk Court, Cherry Hill, N.J.
  • Merle C. Wolfgang, 88, of 529 S. Neshannock Road, Hermitage, formerly of 158 Brook Drive, Brookfield.


Today's obituaries
William James Bagnall
Farrell grad was student in truck driving school in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- William James Bagnall, 3045 Amberwent Road, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, formerly of Farrell, died Sunday evening (12-30-01) in Columbus. He was 34.

Mr. Bagnall was born March 25, 1967, in Sharon to Wilbur Rucker and Gertrude A. Bagnall.

A graduate of Farrell Area High School, he was a student at a truck driving school in the Columbus area.

Surviving are: his fiancee, Latanya Butler, at home in Reynoldsburg; three sons, Antonio, Warren, Ohio; William J. II and Dante, both Youngstown; his father, Warren; his mother, Farrell; his grandfather, Robert Bagnall, Mercer; a sister, Anna M. Bagnall, Sharon; three half sisters, Donzella Caldwell, Oregon, Ohio; Gloria Legg, Warren; and Hope Rucker, Philadelphia; four half brothers, Wilbur David Rucker, Toledo, Ohio; Daniel Rucker, Farrell; Joseph Rucker, Philadelphia; and Daryle Rucker, Pittsburgh; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mr. Bagnall was preceded in death by a sister, Robin Williams.

BAGNALL
    
William James, 34, of 3045 Amberwent Road, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, formerly of Farrell.
    Calling hours: 10 a.m. to time of service Saturday (1-5-02) in WILBERT L. SHANNON FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 33 Broadway Ave., Wheatland. Friends may also call in the home of the deceased's mother, 820 Darr Ave., Farrell. Condolences may be sent by fax at (724) 347-1917 or by e-mail to shannonfhltd@netscape.net
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home, with the Rev. Bruce A. Richael, pastor of Love Christian Center, Farrell, officiating.
    Burial: Mount Washington Cemetery, Jefferson Township.


John Arthur Baymon

Retired welder was born in Alabama, lived in Farrell

A funeral service will be held Saturday for John Arthur Baymon, 401 Darr Ave, Farrell. He died at 2:50 a.m. Wednesday (1-2-02) in UPMC Horizon, Farrell. He was 78.

Mr. Baymon was born April 16, 1923, in Ensley, Ala., to Randolph Hale and Mary Mangle Hale.

He retired in 1992 after 46 years of employment from Shenango Penn Mold, where he was a welder.

Surviving are: three sons, Jeffrey J. Baymon and Jerome P. Baymon and his wife Kim R., all Farrell; and Reggie Easterling, Bethlehem, Pa.; a sister, Mae Author; a companion, Sarah Quarles, at home in Farrell; and a host of loving nieces and nephews including Deborah, Belinda, JoAnn and Johnnie Maddox; and Carl, Kenneth and Eldred.

Mr. Baymon was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Willie F. Hale.

BAYMON
    
John Arthur, 78, of 401 Darr Ave, Farrell.
    Calling hours: 2 p.m. to time of service Saturday (1-5-02) in WASHINGTON FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1059 Hamilton Ave., Farrell. Family will receive guests in the home of Jerome P. Baymon, deceased's son, 522 Wallis Ave., Farrell.
    Service: Funeral service at 3 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home, with the Rev. Kevin Cooper, pastor of Greater Morris Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Farrell, officiating.


Sherry Annette Cozart

'73 Brookfield grad belonged to Second Baptist Church

A funeral service will be held Saturday for Sherry Annette Cozart, 300 Orange Drive, Apartment No. 4, Hermitage. She died at 2:56 p.m. Tuesday (1-1-02) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. She was 46.

Mrs. Cozart was born May 31, 1955, in Sharon to Paul Johnson and Anna J. Walters Johnson.

She was a 1973 alumna of Brookfield High School.

As a member of Second Baptist Church in Sharpsville, Mrs. Cozart belonged to the Usher Board and the Young Adult Choir.

Surviving are: three sons, Daniel Brown, Easton, Pa.; and Jason and Christopher Cozart, both at home; a daughter, Dana Brown, Sharon; her father, Farrell; two brothers, Ammaar Al'Hanif, Girard, Ohio; and Dennis Johnson, Warren, Pa.; three sisters, Angie Johnson, Chicago; and Paula and Sheila Johnson, both Farrell; two grandchildren; and an aunt, Victoria Carson, Oxnard, Calif.

Mrs. Cozart was preceded in death by her mother.

COZART
    
Sherry Annette, 46, of 300 Orange Drive, Apartment No. 4, Hermitage.
    Calling hours: 11 a.m. to time of service Saturday (1-5-02) in Second Baptist Church, Sharpsville.
    Service: Funeral service at noon Saturday in the church, with the Rev. James McKeithan, pastor, officiating.
    Burial: Brookfield Township Cemetery.
    Arrangements by J.E. WASHINGTON FUNERAL SERVICES Inc., 1059 Hamilton Ave., Farrell.


Wade H. Frampton

CB&I retiree was longtime Reynolds school director

A funeral service will be held Saturday (1-5-02) for Wade H. Frampton, formerly of Rutledge Road, Transfer. He died at 7 p.m. Tuesday (1-1-02) in White-Cliff Nursing Home, Hempfield Township, after a brief illness. He was 86.

Mr. Frampton was born Oct. 2, 1915, in Transfer to Wade H. and Susan Ferguson Frampton.

He retired in 1973 after 38 years as safety director with Chicago Bridge and Iron Co. in Hempfield Township.

The graduate of Transfer schools was a member of Zion's United Church of Christ, Transfer. Mr. Frampton also was a member for 25 years of Reynolds School Board. He belonged to Kiwanis of Transfer.

Surviving are: his wife, the former Dorothy M. Heile, Hempfield Township, whom he married July 14, 1934; two sons, David A. Frampton, and his wife, Dolores, Naperville, Ill.; and Ralph E. Frampton, Lisle, Ill.; a sister, Salina Bergstrom, Erie; and three grandchildren, Darrin Frampton, Doug Frampton and Denise Frampton.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

FRAMPTON
    
Wade H., 86, Hempfield Township, formerly of Rutledge Road, Transfer.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday (1-4-02) in DONALDSON-MOHNEY FUNERAL HOME, 124 Main St., Sharpsville.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday (1-5-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Douglas W. Garland, pastor of Zion's United Church of Christ, Transfer, officiating.
    Burial: Transfer Cemetery.


William Newton 'Newt' Gibson

Cooper-Bessemer retiree lived in Pulaski Township

William Newton "Newt" Gibson, Maple Lane, Pulaski Township, Lawrence County, formerly of Sandy Lake Road, Grove City, died at 4 a.m. today, Jan. 3, 2002, in his home after an apparent heart attack. He was 93.

Mr. Gibson was born April 7, 1908, in Harrisville to William E. and Annie Barber Gibson.

He attended Harrisville schools and served in the Pennsylvania National Guard.

Mr. Gibson retired from the former Cooper-Bessemer, Grove City, as a lathe operator.

He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing and trapping.

Mr. Gibson was of the Presbyterian faith.

His wife, the former Ethel Mae Hale, whom he married Nov. 10, 1948, died Jan. 26, 1997.

Surviving are: a daughter, Rhonda M. Artman and her husband, Howard, Maple Lane, Pulaski Township; a granddaughter, Amy Vastano and her husband, Sam, Pulaski Township; and a grandson, Aaron Artman, Pittsburgh.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and three sisters.

GIBSON
    
William Newton "Newt," 93, Maple Lane, Pulaski Township, Lawrence County, formerly of Sandy Lake Road, Grove City.
    Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday (1-4-02) in SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 310 W. Neshannock Ave., New Wilmington.
    Service: Funeral service at 1 p.m. Saturday (1-5-02) in the funeral home.
    Interment: Crestview Memorial Park, Pine Township.


Willis H. Hamm

Retiree was WWII Navy vet, lived in Pymatuning Twp.

A private funeral service will be held for Willis H. Hamm, 221 Crestview Drive, Pymatuning Township. He died at 2:35 a.m. Monday, Dec. 31, 2001, in St. Elizabeth Hospital, Belleville, Ill., after a brief illness. He was 76.

Mr. Hamm was born Nov. 1, 1925, in Riddlesburg, Pa., to Raymond Hamm and Mary Connolly Hamm.

He attended Broadtop High School in Bedford County, Pa., and worked for Tasco Industry as an insulator for 35 years, retiring in 1988.

Mr. Hamm served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

His wife, the former Florence VanDervort, whom he married Nov. 13, 1952, passed away July 13, 1998.

Surviving are: a daughter, Mrs. Donald (Lisa Rae) Williams, Pieron, Ill.; a son, Larry Ray Hamm, and his wife Jody, Maynard, Mass.; a sister, Winifred Weaverling, Bedford, Pa.; a brother, Kenneth Hamm, Naples, Fla.; and two grandchildren, Amanda and Allyson Williams, Pieron.

Besides his wife, Mr. Hamm was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Terrence Hamm.

HAMM
    
Willis H., 76, of 221 Crestview Drive, Pymatuning Township.
    Calling hours and service: Private. Friends may send condolences by e-mail to www.flynnfuneralhome.com
    Entombment: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.
    Arrangements by JOHN FLYNN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY Inc., 2630 E. State St., Hermitage.


Phillip A. Joyner

Retiree belonged to Fatima church, lived in Sharon

A private funeral service will be held for Phillip A. Joyner of 635 Federal Drive, Sharon, formerly of Cleveland and Deerfield Beach, Fla. He passed away at 1:10 a.m. Wednesday (1-2-02) in UPMC Horizon, Farrell, following an extended illness. He was 90.

Mr. Joyner was born Oct. 19, 1911, in Jacksonville, Fla., a son of Luther and Edith Palmer Joyner.

A 1929 alumnus of Hickory High School in Hermitage, he graduated from John Carroll University in Cleveland, where he earned his accounting certificate. He worked for Great Lakes Towing in Cleveland for 15 years as the company's accountant, and previously worked for a short time for Wheatland Tube Co.

He was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Farrell.

His wife, the former Mary Elizabeth D'Onofrio, whom he married on July 22, 1936, survives at home.

Also surviving are a son, Phillip F. Joyner, Cummings Ga.; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

JOYNER
    
Phillip, 90, of 635 Federal Drive, Sharon.
    Calling hours: None at the family's request. Friends may e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
    Service: Private.
    Entombment: St. Rose Cemetery, Hermitage.
    Arrangements by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.


Robert 'Curley' Kolat

Retiree was decorated WWII vet, lived in Brookfield

Robert "Curley" Kolat, of 729 Warner Road, Brookfield, died at 2:35 p.m. Tuesday (1-1-02) in St. Elizabeth Hospital Medical Center. He was 77.

Mr. Kolat was born Nov. 8, 1924, in Dunbar, Pa., to James Ignatius and Mary Peitracak Kolat.

He served in World War II in the 511th Parachute Infantry of the 11th Airborne Division for two years and seven months in the Pacific Theater, where he earned the Good Conduct Medal, the Distinguished Unit Badge, the Philippines Liberation Ribbon with two bronze stars, the Asian-Pacific Theater Service Medal with three bronze stars, and the Bronze Arrowhead Victory Medal.

Mr. Kolat retired in 1984 as a press operator from General Fireproofing, Youngstown, where he had worked for 39 years.

He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Vienna. He also enjoyed hunting, gardening, farming, working in construction, relaxing in his mountain cabin and being with family.

Surviving are; his wife, the former Mary Patrick, whom he married Nov. 20, 1948, at home; two daughters, Wilma Cwynar, Brookfield, and Marlene Vujevic, Burghill; three sons, Robert, and Lawrence "Lonnie," both Brookfield; and William, Vienna; two sisters, Mary Stefanick, Columbiana; and Martha Steiner, Hubbard; two brothers, Joseph Kolat, Campbell, Ohio; and Henry "Louie" Kolat, Poland, Ohio; and 16 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Rosie Malachin; and six brothers, John, Andrew, Frank, Walter, Stanley and James.

KOLAT
    
Robert "Curley," 77, of 729 Warner Road, Brookfield.
    Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday (1-4-02) at MADASZ FUNERAL HOME, Inc., Brookfield.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday (1-5-02) in St. Adalbert Catholic Church, Farrell, with the Rev. John Boeckman, pastor, officiating.
    Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown.


Michael D. Milliron Sr.

Purple Heart recipient served in church, Transfer fire unit

Michael D. Milliron Sr. of 1212 Broadway Ave., Masury, formerly of Scenic Mobile Home Park, Transfer, died unexpectedly Wednesday morning (1-2-02) in UPMC Horizon, Farrell. He was 52.

Mr. Milliron was born June 14, 1949, in Greenville, a son of Donald P. and Mary Jean McKalip Milliron.

He attended Greenville schools and was formerly employed at Damascus-Bishop Tube Co. in Reynolds, where he was a welder for 15 years, retiring in 1985.

As an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Sharon, Mr. Milliron was head usher, member of the Altar Guild, former Vestryman and Junior Warden. He was also assistant director of the Episcopal Community Service Food Bank.

Mr. Milliron was a volunteer member of the Transfer Fire Police and Fire Department and belonged to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7599, Reynolds.

He was an avid collector of Elvis memorabilia.

A U.S. Army veteran, Mr. Milliron served for two tours of duty in Vietnam and earned a Purple Heart.

He is survived by: his former wife, Patricia Hurley, Transfer; a daughter, Mrs. George (Cindy) Jones, Sharpsville; a son, Michael D. Milliron Jr., Transfer; two grandchildren, Adam Michael Jones and Vincent Michael Milliron; his father, Plainfield, Ill.; a brother, Barry Milliron, Illinois; and five sisters, Dawn Kelly, Barbara Hammitt, Jody Milliron and Julie Turner, all Illinois; and Ann Hummel, Greenville.

Mr. Milliron was preceded in death by his mother.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the family.

MILLIRON
    
Michael D. Sr., 52, of 1212 Broadway Ave., Masury, formerly of Scenic Mobile Home Park, Transfer.
    Calling hours: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday (1-4-02) in HAROLD W. STEVENSON FUNERAL HOME, 264 E. State St., Sharon.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday (1-5-02) in St. John's Episcopal Church, Sharon, with the Rev. Douglas K. Dayton, rector, officiating.
    Arrangements by JOSEPH P. BRASHEN FUNERAL SERVICE, 264 E. State St., Sharon.


Stella Mistretta

Stella Mistretta, 396 W. Park Drive, Hermitage, died Wednesday (1-2-02) in her home. She was 82.

Obituary information was incomplete.

MISTRETTA
    
Stella, 82, of 396 W. Park Drive, Hermitage.
    Calling hours: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday (1-4-02) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Friends may also e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral Mass will be held Saturday (1-5-02) in Church of the Sacred Heart, Sharon, with time and clergy to be announced.


William R. 'Bud' Morrison

Struthers, Ohio, native was retiree active in Monessen

MONESSEN -- William R. "Bud" Morrison of Monessen died Sunday morning, Dec. 30, 2001, in his home. He was 82.

Mr. Morrison was born Oct. 3, 1919, in Struthers, Ohio, a son of the late James H. Morrison and Mary Isabelle Kennedy Morrison.

He was a member of Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 773, Monessen; United Methodist Church of Monessen; and Monessen Fireman's Club No. 2.

Mr. Morrison was an employee of Pittsburgh Steel prior to his retirement.

Surviving are: a son, William R. Morrison Jr., Charleston, S.C.; and four daughters, Mrs. George (Lynn) Guibourdanche, Chicago; Mrs. John (Sandra) Kaufmann, Weston, Fla.; Mary M. Morrison, Central Lake, Mich.; and Becky Mestrey, Fremont, Ohio.

He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Debbie Folle; Dana, Dominique and Ciska Morrison; Ben and Ali Kaufmann; Grant and Paige Guibourdanche; and Kurt, Kent and Kreston Mestrey; a great-grandson, Ryan Redman; two nieces, Susie Broadhurst and Jane Zimmerman; and two nephews, James and Roy Morrison.

Beside his parents, preceding him in death were his three wives, Doris M. Haney Morrison, Margaret "Mitzi" Morrison and Lila Morrison; a brother, James Morrison; and a sister, Jane Williams.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Morrison's name may be made through the funeral home to Westmoreland County Humane Society.

MORRISON
    
William R. "Bud," 82, Monessen.
    Calling hours: Were 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday (1-2-02) in RHOME FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1209 Grand Blvd., Monessen, a Golden Rule Funeral Home.
    Service: Funeral service was at 10 a.m. today (1-3-02) in the funeral home chapel, with the Rev. James Morrison, deceased's nephew, officiating.
    Interment: Monongahela (Pa.) Cemetery.


Eunice Catherine North

Trinity church, Eastern Star member was a homemaker

Eunice Catherine North, 1525 Greenville-Mercer Road, Jefferson Township, died at 11:08 a.m. Tuesday (1-1-02) in Woodland Place Inc., Coolspring Township, after a brief illness. She was 90.

Mrs. North was born April 24, 1911, in Jackson Township, to William and Hattie McFall McMillan.

The homemaker was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church and Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 180, both Mercer.

Her husband, Harold C. North, whom she married Oct. 17, 1935, died Dec. 18, 1996.

Surviving are: two daughters, Mrs. Gerald T. (Frances) McCleary, Jefferson Township; and Mrs. Gerald (Catherine) Caldwell, Belleville, Mich.; a sister, Leona McDowell, Mercer; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Esther Ligo.

NORTH
    
Mrs. Harold C. (Eunice Catherine), 90, of 1525 Greenville-Mercer Road, Jefferson Township.
    Calling hours: 3 to 5 p.m. Friday (1-4-02) and 10 a.m. to time of service Saturday (1-5-02) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 144 S. Pitt St., Mercer.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home with the Rev. William P. Crooks, pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Mercer, officiating.
    Burial: Millbank Cemetery, Fairview Township.


Gloria A. Palombi

Retired hospital nursing director lived in South Py

A funeral service will be held Friday for Gloria A. Palombi, 4118 Saranac Drive, South Pymatuning Township. She died at 1 p.m. Tuesday (1-1-02) in Select Specialty Hospital, Youngstown. She was 71.

Mrs. Palombi was born Dec. 27, 1930, in Sharon to John Myers and Esther Brush Myers.

A 1948 alumna of Sharpsville High School, she graduated in 1951 from the former Sharon General Hospital's School of Nursing and retired as director of nursing at what is now UPMC Horizon in Farrell.

Mrs. Palombi was a member of First United Methodist Church in Sharpsville.

Her husband, Peter A. Palombi, whom she married Aug. 17, 1957, died March 6, 1983.

Surviving are: four nieces, Frances, Debra, Patricia and Susan; five nephews, Harold, Paul, Larry, James and Robert; a number of great-nieces and -nephews; and one aunt, Gladys Buck, Rouseville, Venango County.

Besides her husband, Mrs. Palombi was preceded in death by one brother, Robert Myers.

PALOMBI
    
Mrs. Peter A. (Gloria A.), 71, of 4118 Saranac Drive, South Pymatuning Township.
    Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. today (1-3-02) in STEVENSON-WEBB FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1142 Ridge Ave., Sharpsville.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Friday (1-4-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Lee Weber, pastor of First United Methodist Church, Sharpsville, officiating.
    Burial: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage.


Stanley E. Peterson

Retired FBI agent was chief of police in Youngstown

Stanley E. Peterson of Des Moines, Iowa, formerly of the Shenango and Mahoning valleys, died Monday in Des Moines from surgery complications for pancreatic cancer. He was 78.

Mr. Peterson was born July 24, 1923, in Glencoe, Minn., to Eben C. and Lutie Strandquist Peterson.

He graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn.

A World War II veteran, he completed Naval Officer's training at Columbia University and was the youngest to captain an LST ship, and remained extremely active with his former Naval LST crew.

He moved to the Shenango and Mahoning valleys, where he served for 28 years as a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including 20 years as the senior agent in charge of the Youngstown office of the FBI.

After his retirement from the FBI, Mr. Peterson was in charge of corporate security at the former Mahoning National Bank; then was appointed Chief of Police of Youngs-town in the Richley and Vukovich administrations.

He also worked as a special investigator with former U.S. Assistant Attorney General Doar, examining an antitrust litigation involving the Union Pacific Railroad in his latter years.

Mr. Peterson co-founded the Crime Clinic of Greater Youngstown -- a multi-disciplinary group of law enforcement officials -- and received numerous awards and honors for his service in law enforcement.

He was a member of the Youngs-town Cambian Club and attained the honor of the Fourth Degree by the Knights of Columbus.

Mr. Peterson was a very involved member and longtime usher at St. Patrick Church in Hubbard.

Surviving are: his wife, the former Kathryn Thomas, whom he married July 5, 1947, at home; two sons, Dwight, an attorney in Philadelphia; and Gregory, a physician in Des Moines; grandchildren Erin Rose and Blake; and a sister, LaVonne Birnell, Minneapolis, Minn.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Patrick Church, 225 North Main St., Hubbard 44425.

PETERSON
    
Stanley E., 78, of Des Moines, Iowa, formerly of the Shenango and Mahoning valleys.
    Calling hours: 5 to 8 p.m. today (1-3-02) and 5 to 8 p.m. Friday (1-4-02) in KELLEY-ROBB FUNERAL HOME, 709 North Main St., Hubbard.
    Service: A 9:30 a.m. service Saturday (1-5-02) at the funeral home will be followed by a funeral mass at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick Church, Hubbard.
    Burial: Hubbard Union Cemetery, Hubbard.
    To view the obituary or send condolences, visit www.kelley-robb.com


Melba Pfeifer

Melba Pfeifer, 405 Norris Ave., Sharon, died at 1:05 a.m. today (1-3-02) at UPMC Farrell, Horizon. She was 83.

Obituary information was incomplete.

PFEIFER
    Melba Pfeifer, 83, 405 Norris Ave., Sharon.
    Arrangements will be announced by JOHN A. PALSIN FUNERAL HOME, 86 Maple Drive, Hermitage.


Clifford L. Roberts

ROBERTS
    
Clifford L., 78, of 168 Shook Road, Sandy Creek Township.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday (1-4-02) in ANDREW J. VANA FUNERAL HOME, 102 Church St., Hadley.
    Service: Funeral service at 2 p.m. Saturday (1-5-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Andrew Stallsmith, retired Methodist minister, officiating.
    Interment: Hadley Cemetery.


Mary A. Rowlands

MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. -- Mary A. Rowlands, 9 Suffolk Court, Cherry Hill, N.J., died at 6 a.m. Wednesday (1-02-02) in Virtual Hospital in Mount Holly, N.J., following a brief illness She was 87.

Obituary information was incomplete.

ROWLANDS
    Mary A., 87, of 9 Suffolk Court, Cherry Hill, N.J.
    Arrangements will be announced by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.


Helen R. See

St. Joe's member was active in bridge clubs, as volunteer

A funeral Mass will be held Saturday for Helen R. See of 99 Todd Ave. in Hermitage, formerly of Meadville and of Alcoma Street in Sharon. She passed away at 8:50 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2002, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. She was 88.

Mrs. See was born April 13, 1913, in New Brighton, Pa., a daughter of John and Mary Ethel Goff McGuigan.

Mrs. See was a 1931 alumna of New Brighton High School in Beaver County and earned a bachelor's degree in home economics from Kent (Ohio) State University, where she belonged to the Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority. She later worked in the university's treasurer's office.

She was an active member of St. Joseph's Church in Sharon and belonged to the Women's Guild and their small groups organization.

In her earlier years, Mrs. See was a Girl Scout leader in Meadville and at St. Joseph's School in Sharon.

A volunteer, she gave much of her time to the Cancer Center and was also a volunteer and member of the John XXIII Home Auxiliary, both Hermitage. Mrs. See also helped with the local Meals-on-Wheels program at Christ Lutheran Church in Sharon.

She was a former member of AARP Shenango Valley Chapter 3616, a retired person's organization.

Mrs. See enjoyed sewing and playing cards. She belonged to several bridge clubs including the Buhl Club Bridge Club in Sharon and the Crippled Children's Bridge Club in Hermitage.

Her husband, Alfred C. See, whom she married Oct. 19, 1940, passed away Oct. 30, 1979.

She is survived by: three daughters, Mrs. John (Barbara E.) Young, Sharon; Mrs. Robert (Deborah) Laniewski, Edinboro; and Becky Rado, Crown Point, Ind.; two sons, Michael C. See, Port Angeles, Wash.; and Timothy See and his wife Janette, New Richmond, Ohio. She also leaves 10 grandchildren, Pamela Mourer, Dawn Kiefer, Margo and Mindi Young, Renee and Joe Rado, Robin Hoffman, Danielle and Todd Laniewski, and Sianerae See; and two great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, Mrs. See was preceded in death by her parents.

SEE
    
Mrs. Alfred C. (Helen R.) 88, of 99 Todd Ave., Hermitage.
    Calling hours: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday (1-4-02) and 10 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday (1-5-02) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Rosary recited at 4:15 p.m. by St. Joseph's Women's Guild. Friends may also e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Joseph's Church, Sharon, with the Rev. Charles Schmitt, pastor, as celebrant. Brief prayer service at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home.
    Interment and committal prayers: St. Rose Cemetery, Hermitage.


Gregory L. Shaffer

Foreman at Transfer metals plant lived in Delaware Twp.

A funeral service will be held Friday for Gregory L. Shaffer, 126 District Road, Delaware Township. He died at 11:10 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, 2001, of injuries from an automobile crash on Mercer Road in Delaware Township. He was 35.

Mr. Shaffer was born Nov. 16, 1966, in Sharon to Avery C. and Ruth M. Hedglin Shaffer.

He attended Reynolds High School and was currently a foreman for Cobra Metals in Transfer, where he worked for 10 years.

Mr. Shaffer was a past member of the former Maysville Church.

He was a devoted father and enjoyed working with care.

Surviving are: his fiancee, Donna M. Robideau, and her children, D.J. and Michael Robideau, all Greenville; a son, Gregory Lee Shaffer Jr., Atlantic; his mother, Mercer; four sisters, Mary Henry, Pittsburgh; Peggy "Bones" Shaffer and Tomilyn Watt, both Greenville; and Crystal Watt, Sharon; and three brothers, James A. Tuminello, Pittsburgh; Joseph Tuminello, Greenville; and Bryan L. Shaffer, Owensboro, Ky.

Mr. Shaffer was preceded in death by his father; and one sister, Lisa Shaffer.

SHAFFER
    
Gregory L., 35, District Road, Delaware Township.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (1-3-02) in LOUTZENHISER-JORDAN COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME, 366-68 S. Main St., Greenville.
    Service: Funeral service at 10 a.m. Friday (1-4-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Jeff Sterling, pastor of Atlantic Congregational Church, officiating.
    Burial: West Side Cemetery, South Pymatuning Township.
    


Merle C. Wolfgang

Westinghouse retiree was New Virginia U.M. member

Merle C. Wolfgang, 529 S. Neshannock Road, Hermitage, formerly of 158 Brook Drive, Brookfield, died at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan, 2, 2002, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System after an extended illness. He was 88.

Mr. Wolfgang was born April 16, 1913, in New Castle to Norman Wolfgang and Sarah Wilson Wolfgang.

He graduated in 1930 from East Brady (Pa.) High School and worked for the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp. as a fitter inspector for 34 years. He retired in 1976.

As a member of New Virginia United Methodist Church in Hermitage, Mr. Wolfgang belonged to the church choir and was a former member of the Methodist Men's organization; and a past conference president of the Methodist Men of the former Erie Conference. He also at one time belonged to the former Shenango Valley Men's Chorale.

Mr. Wolfgang enjoyed crafts, woodworking, traveling and playing harmonica.

His wife, the former Iris Jameson, whom he married Jan. 21, 1936, passed away Feb. 5, 2000.

Surviving are: one daughter, Esther Janice Foster, with whom he lived, Hermitage; one son, Richard A. Wolfgang, Jefferson, Mo.; four grandchildren, Krista L. (Wolfgang) Welschmeyer, Argyle, Mo.; Brian A. Foster, Franklin; Bethann R. (Foster) Bickel, Sharon; and Scott A. Wolfgang, Osage Beach, Mo.; and three great-grandchildren.

Besides his wife, Mr. Wolfgang was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Jessie Williams, Jennie Lytle and Violet LaGrande; and two brothers, Lester and Howard Wolfgang.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund of New Virginia United Methodist Church, 1100 S. Keel Ridge Road, Hermitage 16148.

WOLFGANG
    
Merle C., 88, of 529 S. Neshannock Road, Hermitage, formerly of 158 Brook Drive, Brookfield.
    Calling hours: 9:30 a.m. to time of service Saturday (1-5-02) in JOHN FLYNN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY Inc., 2630 E. State St., Hermitage. Friends may send condolences by e-mail to www.flynnfuneralhome.com
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home chapel, with Pastor Rick Nelson of New Virginia United Methodist Church, Hermitage, officiating.
    Entombment: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.


Joseph R. Vedilago
Obituary was published 1-2-02

Memorial contributions may be made to the scholarship fund of Slippery Rock Area High School, 201 Keister Road, Slippery Rock 16057.

VEDILAGO
    
Joseph R., 18, of Seldom Seen Lane, Slippery Rock.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Friday (1-4-02) in SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock.
    Service: Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. Saturday (1-5-02) in St. Peter's Church, Slippery Rock, with the Rev. James Armstrong, pastor, officiating.
    Interment: Private.


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


BRANCA
    
Mrs. Charles P. (Rose Marie Fazzalore), 72, of 913 Indiana Ave., Farrell.
    Obituary was published 1-2-02
    Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. today (1-3-02) and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday (1-4-02) in A.E. PUSTINGER FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 1310 Idaho St., Farrell. Rosary will be recited at 8:45 p.m. Friday. Condolences may be e-mailed to pustinger@adelphia.net
    Service: Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Saturday (1-5-02) in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell, with the Rev. Donald E. Berdis, pastor, as celebrant.
    Burial: St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Farrell.


CALDWELL
    
Clifford L., 87, Whispering Oaks, South Buhl Farm Drive, formerly of 5195 E. State St., both Hermitage.
    Obituary was published 1-2-02
    Calling hours: 2 to 5 p.m. today (1-3-02) in HAROLD W. STEVENSON FUNERAL HOME, 264 E. State St., Sharon. Masonic memorial service at 4:45 p.m.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Friday (1-4-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Myles T. Bradley, pastor of First United Methodist Church, Sharon, officiating.
    Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.
    Arrangements by JOSEPH P. BRASHEN FUNERAL SERVICE, 264 E. State St., Sharon.


ELLIOTT
    
Ambrose C., 90, of 178 Bell Road, Wolf Creek Township.
    Obituary was published 1-2-02
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (1-3-02) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.
    Service: Funeral service at 2 p.m. Friday (1-4-02) in Wayside Community Church, Find-ley Township, with the Rev. G. Kenton Shaw, pastor, officiating.
    Interment: Union Home Cemetery, Wolf Creek Township.


HORNYAK
    
Barbara "Bertha," 93, of 4080 Wynwood Drive, Sharpsville, formerly of Negley Street, Farrell.
    Obituary was published 1-2-02
    Calling hours: Private. Friends may also e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral Mass at noon today (1-3-02) in St. Rose Cemetery Chapel, Hermitage, with the Rev. Matthew Ruyechan, administrator of St. Ann's Church, Farrell, as celebrant.
    Interment: St. Michael's Cemetery, Hermitage.
    Arrangements by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.


PARKER
    
Mrs. Myers H. (Mary Catherine Haas), 79, East Lackawannock Township, formerly of 73 Skyline Drive, Mercer.
    Obituary was published 1-2-02
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (1-3-02) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 144 S. Pitt St., Mercer. Wake service at 8:30 p.m.
    Service: Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. Friday (1-4-02) in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Mercer, with the Rev. James Kennelley, pastor, as celebrant.
    Interment: All Saints Cemetery, Jefferson Township.


POSE
    
Isaac, 88, of 653 Cohasset Drive, Hermitage.
    Obituary was published 1-2-02
    Calling hours: None. Friends may send condolences by e-mail to Sample@infonline.net
    Service: Graveside funeral services at 2 p.m. today (1-3-02) in Temple Beth Israel Cemetery, Hermitage, with Rabbi Joseph Schonberger of Temple El-Emeth, Youngs-town, officiating.
    Burial: Temple Beth Israel Cemetery.
    Arrangements by SAMPLE-O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME Inc., East State Street at North Oakland Avenue, Sharon.


SYMONS
    
Mrs. M. Edwin (Anna C.), 91, of 65 Symons Road, Lackawannock Township.
    Obituary was published 12-31-01
    Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. today (1-3-02) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Friends may also e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Friday (1-4-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Roy Daugherty, pastor of Charleston United Methodist Church, officiating.
    Interment: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.



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