The Herald, Sharon, PA

Local news Monday, March 18, 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

  • Eleanor Louise Curry Bates, 84, of 8323 Lamor Road, East Lackawannock Township, formerly Ellwood City.
  • Harold Clair Bennett, 85, of 109 George Junior Road, Pine Township.
  • Maureen Olexy, 54, of 370 S. Main St., Greenville.
  • Mary Grace Kennedy Rudolph, 88, Grove City.



Today's obituaries
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Eleanor Louise Curry Bates
Maureen Olexy
Harold Clair Bennett
  Mary Grace Kennedy Rudolph
Anthony M. 'Big Russ' Russell
Joseph 'Joey' Paul Sciarrone

Eleanor Louise Curry Bates
Homemaker was longtime Sunday school teacher

Eleanor Louise Curry Bates, 8323 Lamor Road, East Lackawannock Township, formerly Ellwood City, died at 11:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2002, in St. Paul Homes, West Salem Township, following an extended illness. She was 84.

Mrs. Bates was born Feb. 25, 1918, in New Castle to William Alandis Curry and Nanny Gertrude Steele Curry.

A homemaker, she belonged to Coolspring Presbyterian Church in Fairview Township.

As a former member for 62 years of Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church in Ellwood City, Mrs. Bates taught Sunday school for 25 years, sang in the church choir for five years and belonged to the Women's Missionary Society.

For 10 years, she was a 4-H leader in Lawrence County and served on the Girl Scout Council in Ellwood City for 10 years.

Mrs. Bates was a member of the organizing committee for World Day of Prayer in Ellwood City, during which time she served as president for three years. She was also the sewing secretary for the Shenango Presbyterial for a year.

Surviving are: her husband, John Bates Jr., whom she married on Aug. 26, 1936, at the residence; three daughters, Judith Ann, wife of Thomas Shaffer, New Castle; Pamela Eileen, wife of John Courtney, Mercer; and Benetta Louise, wife of Roy Myers, Wyoming, Mich.; one son, Donald Edmond Bates and his wife Karen, Ellwood City; five sisters, Charlotte May Leishman and Vera Iona White, both New Castle; Doris Jane Wishart, Pulaski; Lois Ina, wife of Duane Marvin, Enon Valley, Pa.; and Norma Gertrude, wife of Paul Harper, Ellwood City; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Bates was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Martha Ellen Strohecker; and two brothers, George Walter Curry and Robert Warren Curry.

BATES
    
Mrs. John (Eleanor Louise Curry), 84, of 8323 Lamor Road, East Lackawannock Township, formerly Ellwood City.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday (3-20-02) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 144 S. Pitt St., Mercer.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday (3-21-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Philip Chalfant, pastor of Coolspring Presbyterian Church, Fairview Township, officiating.
    Interment: Slippery Rock Cemetery, Wayne Township, Lawrence County.


Maureen Olexy

Greenville woman worked for authority, loved crafting

Maureen Olexy, 370 S. Main St., Greenville, died at 5:50 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2002, in her residence following an extended illness. She was 54.

Mrs. Olexy was born Nov. 22, 1947, in Sharon to Trevor and Dorothy Powell Kamerer.

She was a graduate of Sharon High School and was previously employed for 17 years by the Mercer County Housing Authority, where she was a secretary.

Mrs. Olexy was of the Catholic faith and was a member of Women of the Moose Lodge 276 of Greenville.

She loved crafting.

Surviving are: her husband, James J. Olexy, whom she married on Nov. 8, 1990; one daughter, Rachel L. Olexy, at home; her mother, Greenville; and one brother, James Kamerer, Howland, Ohio.

Mrs. Olexy was preceded in death by her father.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, 300 Penn Center Blvd., Suite 700, Pittsburgh 15235.

OLEXY
    
Mrs. James J. (Maureen), 54, of 370 S. Main St., Greenville.
    Calling hours: 10 a.m. to time of service Wednesday (3-20-02) in LOUTZENHISER-JORDAN COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME, 366-68 S. Main St., Greenville.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home.


Harold Clair Bennett

Pine Township man owned Willow Hills Golf Center

Harold Clair Bennett, 109 George Junior Road, Pine Township, died at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2002, in United Community Hospital, Pine Township, following a two-year illness. He was 85.

Mr. Bennett was born Sept. 10, 1916, in Grove City to Charles W. and Elsie J. Sawyer Bennett.

A graduate of Grove City High School Class of 1935, for 44 years he was owner and operator since 1958 of Willow Hills Golf Center in Pine Township. Mr. Bennett previously worked from 1944 to 1958 at Harold's Radio and TV Shop in Grove City.

He was a member of Wayside Community Church in Findley Township.

A Navy veteran, Mr. Bennett served during World War II.

Surviving are: his wife, the former Rebecca Marie Webster, whom he married on Dec. 24, 1943, at home; three children, Nancy J. Barnes, West Palm Beach, Fla.; Mrs. John (Cathleen Jane) Merritt, Plymouth, Mich.; and Timothy L. Bennett, Grove City; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Mr. Bennett was preceded in death by his parents; and five brothers, Charles E. Bennett, E. Frank Bennett, Everett J. Bennett, George C. Bennett and Robert E. Bennett.

BENNETT
    
Harold Clair, 85, of 109 George Junior Road, Pine Township.
    Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday (3-19-02) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.
    Service: Funeral service at 10 a.m. Wednesday (3-20-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. G. Kenton Shaw, pastor of Wayside Community Church, Findley Township, officiating.
    Interment: Woodland Cemetery, Grove City.


Mary Grace Kennedy Rudolph

Mary Grace Kennedy Rudolph, Grove City, died at 1 a.m. Sunday (3-17-02) in Grove Manor, Grove City. She was 88.

Obituary information was incomplete.

RUDOLPH
    Mary Grace Kennedy, 88, Grove City.


    
Arrangements will be announced by CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.

The following obituary is being reprinted to include additional survivors and corrected information given to The Herald; and to include additional visitation information omitted by The Herald.


Anthony M. 'Big Russ' Russell

1984 Farrell grad attended Friendship Baptist Church

Anthony M. 'Big Russ' Russell, 378 Logan Ave., Sharon, died at 8:40 p.m. Wednesday (3-13-02) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 35.

He was born June 4, 1966 in Washington, Pa., to Thomas Russell Sr. and Roberta A. Baker Russell.

A 1984 alumnus of Farrell High School, Mr. Russell was self-employed, with interests in various businesses in the area.

He attended Friendship Baptist Church in Farrell.

Surviving are: a daughter, Shay'ana Motten, Hubbard; three uncles, Robert Baker, Jr., Farrell; Charles Johnson, Portland, Ore.; and Jerome Baker, Greensburg; one aunt, Darlene Griffin, Cleveland; his father, Donora, Pa.; a sister, Marika Russell, Pittsburgh; three nephews, Robert Russell, Sharon; Aundray Russell, East Spencer, N.C.; Jalen Russell, Pittsburgh; three nieces, Shayna Marks, Sharon; Payton Russell, East Spencer; and Jasmyn Russell, Pittsburgh; a brother, Thomas Russell and his wife Lisa, East Spencer; a half-brother, Charles Russell, Donora; his godmother, Ora C. Thomas; a godsister, Tonja Brown; a godson, Everton Rawlins, Sharon; and special grandson, Quintin Singleton, Sharon.

He was preceded in death by his mother; his grandparents, Robert and Beatrice Baker; his aunt, Yvonne Y. Baker; and two uncles, John and William Baker.

RUSSELL
    
Anthony M. 'Big Russ', 35, of 378 Logan Ave. Sharon.
    Calling hours: Are 2 to 4 today (3-18-02) in J.E. WASHINGTON FUNERAL SERVICES Inc., 1059 Hamilton Ave., Farrell, and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday (3-18-02) in Second Baptist Church, Farrell. Friends may also call in the home of Donald "Soupy" Campbell, 1081 Tenth St., Hermitage.
    Service: Funeral service at noon Tuesday (3-19-02) in Second Baptist Church, Farrell, with the Rev. Alphonse Allen, officiating.
    Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.


Joseph 'Joey' Paul Sciarrone

Home-schooled Sharpsville boy loved music, family, pet

Joseph "Joey" Paul Sciarrone of 2856 Hunter Street in Sharpsville, passed away at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2002, in the emergency room of Sharon Regional Health System following an extended illness. He was 12 years old.

Joey was born on Sept. 1, 1989, in Sharon, a son of Joseph and Jeannie Brannon Sciarrone.

He attended schools in Sharpsville and Hermitage and had been home-schooled for the past five years due to his illness.

Joey loved music, and being with his family and his puppy, Spot.

Considered an angel by his supportive family, he leaves: his mother, Jeannie Wheaton; and his father, both at home.

He also leaves: two sisters, Jenny Wheaton and Katherine "Nikkie" Sciarrone, both at home; his grandparents, Janet Brannon, Sharpsville; and Salvatore and Marie Sciarrone, Greenville; and a great-grandmother in England.

Joey was preceded in death by his stepgrandfather, Pete DeJulia.

SCIARRONE
    
Joseph "Joey" Paul, 12, of 2856 Hunter St., Sharpsville.
    Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday (3-19-02) 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 will be held Wednesday (3-20-02) in the funeral home, with time and clergy to be announced.
    Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage.

Previous deaths

ARNOLD
    
Thomas Ebbert, Sr., 80, or 794 North Broad St. Ext., Grove City.
    Obituary published 3-17-02
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (3-18-02) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Tuesday (3-20-02) in the funeral home with Neil Hogan of Christian Science Society, as reader.
    Interment: Prairie Cemetery, Harrisville, Pa.

JAILLET
    
Ms. Angeline, 92, of Mercer, formerly of Hermitage.
    Obituary published 3-17-02
    Calling hours: 1 p.m. to time of service today (3-18-02) in the vestibule of Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage. Funeral arrangements by 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 2 p.m. today in the church, with Rev. William G. Rice, parochial vicar, as Celebrant.
    Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage.

MARIACHER
    
David Lee, 51, of 93 Mariacher Road, Findley Township.
    Obituary published 3-17-02
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday (3-19-02) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 144 S. Pitt St., Mercer.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday (3-16-02) in the funeral home with Rev. David L. Reagle, Pastor of Hebron Community Church, Pearl, Pa., officiating.
    Interment: Findley Cemetery, Findley Township.

PETERSON
    
Richard "Rick" J., 55, of 1505 Monticello Ave., Hermitage.
    Obituary published 3-17-02
    Calling Hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (3-18-02) in J. BRADLEY MCGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Friends and family may also e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net.
    Services: Funeral service at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday (3-19-02) in the Chapel of St. Rose Cemetery, Hermitage, with Rev. Charles Schmitt, Pastor of St. Joseph's Church, officiating.
    Interment: St. Rose Cemetery, Hermitage, with military honors by Reynolds Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7599.

STATLER
    
Mrs. William G. (Dorothy Pauline), 86, of 335 McKinley Way, Poland, Ohio, formerly of 568 Carnegie Ave., Sharon.
    Obituary published 3-17-02
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (3-18-02) in the SAMPLE-O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME Inc., East State Street at North Oakland Avenue, Sharon. Friends may send condolences by e-mail to Sample@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral service at 10 a.m. Tuesday (3-19-02) in the First Presbyterian Church, Sharon, with Rev. Dr. Glenn Hink, Pastor, officiating.
    Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.

ZAGGER
    
Mrs. Louis (Julia), 86, of 901 Seminole Blvd., Apartment 422, Largo, Fla., formerly of Lexington Drive, Hermitage.
    Obituary was published 3-16-02.
    Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday (3-20-02) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Chaplet by Infant Jesus of Prague Guild of St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church and Rosary by the church Rosary Society at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday (3-20-02) followed by Parastas at 4 p.m. Friends may also e-mail condolences to: McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
    Service: Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. Thursday (3-21-02) in St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church, Hermitage, with the Rev. Frank A. Firko, pastor, as celebrant, preceded by Panachida service at 9:15 a.m. in the funeral home.
    Entombment: St. Rose Mausoleum, Hermitage.



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