The Herald, Sharon, PA

Local news Friday, Feb. 22, 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

  • Madeline C. Gaydos Clovesko, 92, Masury, formerly of Farrell.
  • Helen Dalessandro, 73, Fairview, formerly of Haywood Street, Farrell.
  • Steve F. Gurrera, 84, of 524 Sharon-New Castle Road, Farrell.
  • Mary Beth Lewis Herrick, 63, of 9613 Pierrpont, Burke, Va., formerly of Mercer and Cleveland.
  • Sandra Jean Lozier, 54, of 1049 Wallis Ave., Farrell.
  • Carol Ann Muirhead, 57, of 1436 state Route 7 SE, Hubbard, Brookfield Township.


Today's obituaries
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Stephen E. Wright
Steve F. Gurrera
Sandra Jean Lozier
Mary Beth Lewis Herrick
  Ruth D. Combine
Madeline C. Gaydos Clovesko
Carol Ann Muirhead
Helen Dalessandro
Vincent B. Greenawalt

Stephen E. Wright
Plant service specialist in Wheatland was Army vet

A funeral service will be held for Stephen E. Wright, 415 Delaware St., Sharon. He died at 10:10 p.m. Wednesday (2-20-02) in UPMC Horizon, Farrell after a sudden illness. He was 58.

Mr. Wright was born May 2, 1943, in Farrell to Stephen and Laverne Flickenger Wright.

The Farrell High School graduate was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

He worked for 25 years as plant service specialist with International Mill Service in Wheatland.

Mr. Wright was a member of Carpathian-Russian Club, Sharon; and Veterans of Foreign Wars Hickory Post 6166, Hermitage. Mr. Wright also was an avid fisher and hunter

His wife, the former Julia Bertolasio, whom he married Feb. 18, 1967, died June 24, 1990.

Surviving are: two daughters, Mrs. Michael (Faith L.) Boltz, Manhattan, Kan.; and Mrs. Stephen (Hope C.) Soliz, San Antonio; a son, Ronald W. Hodge of Twenty Nine Palms, Calif.; and three grandchildren, Stephen C. Pretzer, C.C. Pretzer and Ronald Hodge.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents.

WRIGHT
    Stephen E., 58, of 415 Delaware St., Sharon.
    Cremation services by DONALDSON-MOHNEY FUNERAL HOME, 124 Main St., Sharpsville.


Steve F. Gurrera

Westinghouse retiree was Farrell organizations member

Steve F. Gurrera, 524 Sharon-New Castle Road, Farrell, died at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, 2002, in UPMC Horizon, Farrell, from injuries sustained in an automobile crash. He was 84.

Mr. Gurrera was born June 15, 1917, in West Middlesex to Lawrence and Concetta Muscarella Gurrera.

He attended Farrell area schools and retired in 1979 as a shot blaster and crane operator from the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp., where he worked for 37½ years. Mr. Gurrera previously worked 4½ years for the former National Castings Division of Midland-Ross Corp., Sharon.

He was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Church; Christopher Columbus Society; Farrell Merchants Association; American Legion Post 160; and Italian Home Club, all Farrell.

Mr. Gurrera coached Little League baseball in the 1950s and 1960s.

Surviving are: his wife, the former Clara McCree, whom he married on Aug. 28, 1941, at home; one daughter, Mrs. John (Stephanie) Vellente, Hermitage; three sons, Steve D. Gurrera, Farrell; Larry E. Gurrera and his wife Carol; and Richard J. Gurrera and his wife Cindy, all Hermitage; two sisters, Rose Miller, Farrell; and Mamie Blue, Florida; and seven grandchildren, Guido, Gabriel, Ronnie F. and Luke Gurrera; and Sunny, Joanna and Claire Vellente.

Mr. Gurrera was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Ronnie Gurrera; and three brothers, Joseph Gurrera; and Larry and Sam Uretta.

GURRERA
    
Steve F., 84, of 524 Sharon-New Castle Road, Farrell.
    Calling hours: 5 to 8 p.m. today (2-22-02) and 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday (2-23-02) in JOHN A. PALISIN FUNERAL HOME, 86 Maple Drive, Hermitage. Church rosary service at 7:45 p.m.
    Service: Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. Saturday in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell, with the Rev. Donald E. Berdis, pastor, as celebrant. Brief prayer service at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home.
    Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.
    Arrangements by THOMAS S. PODLEYON FUNERAL SERVICE, 86 Maple Drive, Hermitage.


Sandra Jean Lozier

Farrell homemaker enjoyed bingo, crafts and card games

Sandra Jean Lozier, 1049 Wallis Ave., Farrell, died at 4 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2002, in the home of her parents, 977 Pulaski-Mercer Road, Wilmington Township. She was 54.

Miss Lozier was born April 24, 1947, in Mercer to Gilbert and Virginia Perrine Lozier.

She was a homemaker and enjoyed bingo, crafts and card games.

Surviving are: a son, Kirk Andre Dillon, at home; her parents; and one sister, Laraine Paoletta, all Wilmington Township; and two brothers, Bruce Lozier and his wife Rosemary, Sharpsville; and Raymond Young and his wife Mary Ellen, Greenville.

Miss Lozier was preceded in death by one sister, Marlene Carroll; and one brother, Allen Lozier.

LOZIER
    
Sandra Jean, 54, of 1049 Wallis Ave., Farrell.
    Calling hours: None. Condolences may be sent by fax at (724) 347-1917 or by e-mail to shannonfhltd@netscape.net
    Service: Memorial service to be held at a later date at the convenience of family.
    Burial: Cremains in Oakview Cemetery, Stoneboro.
    Arrangements by WILBERT L. SHANNON FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 33 Broadway Ave., Wheatland.


Mary Beth Lewis Herrick

Farrell High, Westminster alumna worked in Pentagon

Mary Beth Lewis Herrick, 9613 Pierrpont, Burke, Va., formerly of Mercer and Cleveland, died unexpectedly on Tuesday (2-19-02) in Arlington (Va.) Hospital after an apparent heart attack. She was 63.

She was born Jan. 27, 1939, in Mercer to David and Helen Rickard Lewis.

She attended Mercer schools and graduated from Farrell High School in 1956 and from Westminster College, New Wilmington, in 1960.

She was employed by Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) and was based in the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

Surviving are: one son, Richard David MacRaild of Centreville, Va.; one daughter, Wendy Beth MacRaild of Burke; and one sister, Jane O'Shane of New Wilmington.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Library of Westminster College, Market Street, New Wilmington 16172.

HERRICK
    
Mary Beth Lewis, 63, of 9613 Pierrpont, Burke, Va., formerly of Mercer and Cleveland.
    Calling hours: 1 p.m. to time of service Sunday (2-24-02) in SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 310 W. Neshannock Ave., New Wilmington.
    Service: Funeral service at 2 p.m. Sunday in he funeral home with the Rev. William G. McCoy, pastor of New Wilmington Presbyterian Church, officiating.
    Burial: Mercer Citizens Cemetery.


Ruth D. Combine

Packard retiree of Hermitage was homemaker, volunteer

Private funeral services will be held Saturday for Ruth D. Combine of 2724 Morefield Road, Hermitage. She passed away at 8:15 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, 2002, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. She was 71.

Born Nov. 10, 1930, in Farrell, Mrs. Combine was a daughter of the late Charles and Vardina Spichetti Davano.

Mrs. Combine attended schools in Farrell and retired in the late 1980s as an inspector from Delphi Packard Electric Systems, Warren, Ohio, after 26 years of service.

A member of First Assembly of God Church in Hermitage, she enjoyed going to church and, as a homemaker, enjoyed cooking and shopping. She performed volunteer work for the American Cancer Society and, because of her ardent love for animals, also gave her time to the Humane Society of Mercer County. Mrs. Combine and her husband loved traveling, taking several trips to Las Vegas and Florida.

Survivors include: her husband, Patsy Combine Sr., whom she married July 11, 1973; one daughter, Paula Pucci, Margate, Fla.; one son, John S. Mahanovich, Sharpsville; two stepdaughters, Mrs. Phil (Pamela) Clapper, Clark; and Mrs. Joseph (Janice) Grasinger, Greenville; one stepson, Patsy Combine Jr., Delray Beach, Fla.; one sister, Joanna New, Greenville; one brother, Carmen Davano and his wife Beverly, West Middlesex; two grandchildren, Joseph and Jennifer Pucci; six stepgrandchildren, Summer, Whitney and Neely Clapper; and Christopher Grasinger, Jackie Combine and Jaime Walker; and one stepgreat-grandchild, Gianna Colello.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Combine was preceded in death by one brother, Phillip Davano.

Memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of Mercer County, Box 331, Sharpsville 16150.

COMBINE
    
Mrs. Patsy (Ruth D.) Sr., 71, of 2724 Morefield Road, Hermitage.
    Calling hours and funeral service: Private funeral service will be held Saturday (2-23-02) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon, with the Rev. Kenneth E. Martin, pastor of First Assembly of God Church, Hermitage, officiating. Friends may e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
    Entombment: St. Rose Cemetery Mausoleum, Hermitage.


Madeline C. Gaydos Clovesko

Homemaker formerly lived in Farrell

Madeline C. Gaydos Clovesko, O"Brien Memorial Nursing Home, Masury, formerly of Farrell, died of natural causes at 3:30 a.m. today, Feb. 22, 2002, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. She was 92.

Mrs. Clovesko was born Jan. 4, 1910, in Mount Pleasant, Pa., to Joseph and Caroline Kamcik Gaydos.

She was a homemaker, having previously worked for the former Tin Mill in Farrell.

Mrs. Clovesko was a member of Slovak Catholic Sokol; and St. Ann's Church, both Farrell.

Her husband, George T. Clovesko, whom she married July 18, 1935, died Jan. 11 this year.

Surviving are: one son, George Clovesko Jr., husband of Elsie, Clark; one daughter, Monica C. Wiesen, wife of Robert, Hermitage; two sisters, Irene Zigo, Mercer; and Caroline McLaughlin, South Windsor, Conn.; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Clovesko was preceded in death by four sisters, Mary Juback, Ann Marenchin, Constance Gaydos and Elizabeth Powers; and four brothers, Charles, Frank, Joseph and Martin Gaydos.

CLOVESKO
    
Mrs. George T. (Madeline C. Gaydos), 92, Masury, formerly of Farrell.
    Calling hours: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday (2-23-02) in A.E. PUSTINGER FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 1310 Idaho St., Farrell. Condolences may be e-mailed to pustinger@adelphia.net
    Service: Funeral Mass at noon Saturday in St. Ann's Church, Farrell, with the Rev. Stephen Schreiber, sacramental assistant, as celebrant.
    Burial: St. Ann's Cemetery, Hermitage.


Carol Ann Muirhead

Hairdresser, SRU employee did community youth work

Carol Ann Muirhead of 1436 state Route 7 SE, Hubbard, Brookfield Township, died at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday (2-20-02) in Trumbull Memorial Hospital, Warren, Ohio, following an extended illness. She was 57.

Mrs. Muirhead was born April 1, 1944, in Grove City, a daughter of Merle and Hazel Williams McNees.

She had worked as a hairdresser in Butler and had also been employed in food service at Slippery Rock University.

In this area, a big part of Mrs. Muirhead's life was being supportive to youth in the community.

She was a Methodist by faith.

Survivors include: three sons, Scott Muirhead, Barrington, N.H.; and twins, Jeffrey and Jeremy Muirhead, both at home; one daughter, Heather Boettner, Rochester, N.H.; one brother, David McNees, Denver; one sister, Dona Thompson, Wheat Ridge, Colo.; and two granddaughters.

Mrs. Muirhead was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son; a brother, John McNees; and a sister, Patricia McCabe.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 525 N. Broad St., Canfield, Ohio 44406.

MUIRHEAD
    
Carol Ann, 57, of 1436 state Route 7 SE, Hubbard, Brookfield Township.
    Calling hours: 1 p.m. to time of service Saturday (2-23-02) in MADASZ FUNERAL HOME Inc., 6923 Warren Sharon Road, Brookfield.
    Service: Memorial service at 2 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home, with the Rev. Daniel F. Cesene, pastor of Faith Assembly of God, Brookfield, officiating.
    Burial: Private.


Helen Dalessandro

Fatima member formerly of Farrell was Warren native

ERIE -- Helen Dalessandro of Fairview Manor, 900 Manchester Road in Fairview, formerly of Haywood Street, Farrell, passed away at 11:20 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, 2002, in Metro Hospital in Erie. She was 73.

Mrs. Dalessandro was born Feb. 23, 1928, in Warren, a daughter of Concetto and Addolorata Iachini Spitilli.

She was an alumna of Warren Harding High School and a member of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Farrell.

Her husband, Joseph Dalessandro, whom she married Oct. 10, 1952, passed away Nov. 18, 1974.

Mrs. Dalessandro is survived by: two sons, Joseph Dalessandro and his wife Hope, Hermitage; and James Dalessandro and his wife Betty, Erie. She also leaves four grandchildren, Julie, Amy, Jimmy and Melissa Dalessandro; and one sister, Ada Perone, Warren.

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

DALESSANDRO
    
Mrs. Joseph (Helen), 73, of 900 Manchester Road, Fairview, formerly of Haywood Street, Farrell.
    Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday (2-24-02) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Rosary service at 6:45 p.m. Friends may also e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Monday (2-25-02) in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell, with the Rev. Donald E. Berdis, pastor, as celebrant. Brief prayer service at 9:45 a.m. in the funeral home prior to leaving for the church.
    Interment: St. Anthony's Cemetery, Hermitage.


Vincent B. Greenawalt

Westinghouse retiree, Army vet was NASCAR fan

A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family for Vincent B. Greenawalt, 1356 Park St., Sharon. He passed away at 4:20 p.m. Wednesday (2-20-02) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System after an extended illness. He was 83.

Mr. Greenawalt was born Feb. 11, 1919, in Sigel, Pa., to Met and Margaret Aaron Greenawalt.

A 1938 alumnus of Sigel High School, he retired in 1981 as a drill press operator from the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp., where he worked for 37½ years.

Mr. Greenawalt was a U.S. Army veteran and a former member of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Farrell.

As an avid NASCAR fan, he traveled to the Indianapolis 500, Daytona 500 and the Darlington race in South Carolina.

A devoted husband, Vince and his wife enjoyed golfing together.

His wife, the former Grace M. Christello, whom he married Oct. 6, 1945, in the former St. Anthony's Church in Farrell, survives at home.

Also surviving is a sister, Mrs. Claude (Velma) Cummings, Batavia, N.Y.

Mr. Greenawalt was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Virginia Maher.

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

GREENAWALT
    
Vincent B., 83, of 1356 Park St., Sharon.
    Calling hours: None. Friends may also e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
    Service: Private funeral service to be held at the convenience of family.
    Arrangements by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.


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


BARDELICK
    
Mrs. Andrew C. (Mildred M.), 82, New Wilmington, formerly of 921 Bechtol Ave., Sharon.
    Obituary was published 2-21-02
    Calling hours: 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday (2-23-02) 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 at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in St. Ann's Church, Farrell, with Monsignor Charles S. Murcko, retired priest, as celebrant.
    Interment: St. Ann's Cemetery, Hermitage.


BELL
    
Shirley Ann, 65, Hermitage.
    Obituary was published 2-21-02
    Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. today (2-22-02) 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 11:30 a.m. Saturday (2-23-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Michael A. Sabella, pastor of First Assembly of God Church, Hermitage, officiating.
    Interment: Morefield Cemetery, Hermitage.


HUDSON
    
William A., 88, of 1580 Orangeville Road, Hermitage.
    Obituary was published 2-21-02
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (2-22-02) in HAROLD W. STEVENSON FUNERAL HOME, 264 E. State St., Sharon.
    Service: Funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday (2-23-02) in Covenant Presbyterian Church, Sharon, with the Rev. Dr. Richard Herman, pastor, officiating.
    Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.


NORCROSS
    
Mrs. Ronald R. (Ruth Eileen Osborne), 66, of 123 W. Poplar St., Grove City, formerly of Centertown Road, Wolf Creek Township.
    Obituary was published 2-21-02
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (2-22-02) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday (2-23-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. David Reagle, pastor of Hebron Community Church, Polk, officiating.
    Interment: Prairie Cemetery, Harrisville.


REED
    
John Jr., 70, of 1296 French St. Extension, Hermitage.
    Obituary was published 2-21-02
    Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. today (2-22-02) in J.E. WASHINGTON FUNERAL SERVICES Inc., 1059 Hamilton Ave., Farrell.
    Service: Funeral service at noon Saturday (2-23-02) in Second Baptist Church, Farrell, with the Rev. Thomas J. Bolling, pastor, officiating. Military rites by Veterans of Foreign Wars New Murray Bell Post 7597, Farrell.


SHANK
    
Mrs. Logan (Shirley A.), 64, of 2319 Mercer-West Middlesex Road, Lackawannock Township.
    Obituary was published 2-21-02
    Calling hours: 11 a.m. to time of service today (2-22-02) 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 1 p.m. today in the funeral home chapel, with the Rev. Dr. Donald P. Wilson, pastor of Lebanon Presbyterian Church, Lackawannock Township, officiating.
    Entombment: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.


WATKINS
    
Susie Mae, 98, Masury, formerly of 15400 W. Seven Mile Road, Detroit.
    Obituary was published 2-20-02
    Calling hours: 10 a.m. to time of service Saturday (2-23-02) in WILBERT L. SHANNON FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 33 Broadway Ave., Wheatland. 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. Owen Fraser, pastor of Bethany Pembroke Chapel, Detroit, officiating.
    Interment: Brookfield Township Cemetery.



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