The Herald, Sharon, PA

Local news Thursday, March 21, 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

  • Phillip M. Bartholomew, 88, of 2038 Mercer-West Middlesex Road, Lackawannock Township.
  • Grace M. Boston, 90, Grove City, formerly of Penn Hills.
  • Clinton L. Brown, 83, of 511 Lincoln Ave., Grove City.
  • A. Nina Giannone Cagno, 84, of 520 New Castle St., New Wilmington.
  • Marilyn Marie Jones Lewis, 62, of 340 Rexford Drive, Hermitage.
  • Richard "Dick" A. Massella, 80, Forestville.
  • Dale Edward "Ed" Shaffer, 65, of 489 McCullough Road, Jefferson Township.
  • Ruth E. Michael Spaulding, 71, of 374 Perry Highway, Mercer.
  • Mary E. McBriar Steen, 75, of 800 Linden St., Sharon.



Today's obituaries
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Phillip M. Bartholomew
Grace M. Boston
Clinton L. Brown
A. Nina Giannone Cagno
Donna Lynn Showman Hurl
  Marilyn Marie Jones Lewis
Richard 'Dick' A. Massella
Ruth E. Michael Spaulding
Dale Edward 'Ed' Shaffer
Mary E. Smith
Mary E. McBriar Steen

Phillip M. Bartholomew
Farmer was township auditor, school director, church elder

Phillip M. Bartholomew, 2038 Mercer-West Middlesex Road, Lackawannock Township, died at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, 2002, in his residence after an extended illness. He was 88.

Mr. Bartholomew was born Oct. 21, 1913, in Lackawannock Township to Phillip Elmer Bartholomew and Glennie McCullough Bartholomew.

He was a graduate of Sharon High School Class of 1931 and attended Slippery Rock University.

Mr. Bartholomew was a lifetime self-employed farmer and served as Lackawannock Township auditor from 1935-65. He also served on the West Middlesex Area School Board; and the Middlesex Area Welfare Board.

As a member of Unity Presbyterian Church in Lackwannock Township, he served as an elder and Sunday school superintendent.

Mr. Bartholomew was a member of U.S. Trotting Horse Association; Pennsylvania Farmers Association; and Mercer County Fruit Growers Association, where he was a past president and secretary.

He also belonged to Lackawannock Township Civic League, having been designated as Citizen of the Year in 1997, and served with the Unity Cemetery board of directors.

His wife, the former Ella Mae Thompson, whom he married March 22, 1933, died May 26, 1999.

Surviving are: four daughters, Shirley Mae, wife of Charles Garrett, Greenville; Janice Lee, wife of James Erb, New Wilmington; Jolene, wife of Richard Mitcheltree, Columbiana, Ohio; and Joyce, wife of Ervin Criddle, Birmingham, Ala.; two sisters, Genevieve Bartholomew, New Wilmington; and Temple, wife of Alan "Hap" Hoagland, Muncie, Ind.; 13 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.

Besides his wife, Mr. Bartholomew was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Francis Bartholomew.

Memorial contributions may be made to Unity Presbyterian Church, 1857 Mercer-West Middlesex Road, Mercer 16137.

BARTH0LOMEW
    
Phillip M., 88, of 2038 Mercer-West Middlesex Road, Lackawannock Township.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday (3-23-02) in W. WAYNE CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME, 3126 Main St., West Middlesex.
    Service: Funeral and committal service at 3 p.m. Sunday (3-24-02) in Unity Presbyterian Church, Lackwannock Township, with the Rev. James Wigley, retired minister, officiating.
    Burial: Unity Cemetery, Lackawannock Township.


Grace M. Boston

Retired retail sales secretary was formerly of Penn Hills

Grace M. Boston, Grove City, formerly of Penn Hills, died at 1:15 a.m. Wednesday, March 20, 2002, in United Community Hospital, Pine Township. She was 90.

Miss Boston was born March 18, 1912, in Bellevue, Pa., a daughter of the late Edward N. and Flora A. Beckert Boston.

Prior to her retirement, Grace was a secretary in retail sales.

She was of the Christian Science faith.

Miss Boston is survived by a niece, Lois J. Hammer, Ross Township, Allegheny County; and many great-nieces and -nephews.

In addition to her parents, Miss Boston was preceded in death by a brother, Clarence Boston; and a niece, Lorraine Lowe.

BOSTON
    
Grace M., 90, Grove City, formerly of Penn Hills.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday (3-22-02) in SCHELLHAAS FUNERAL HOME Inc., 388 Center Ave., West View, Pa. Friends may also e-mail condolences to www.schellhaasfuneralhome.com
    Service: Funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday (3-23-02) in the funeral home, with Reader James Cobb of Christian Science Church of Wilkinsburg officiating.
    Interment: Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Avalon Heights, Pa.


Clinton L. Brown

Clinton L. Brown, 511 Lincoln Ave., Grove City, died at 2:15 a.m. today (3-21-02) in Orchard Manor, Pine Township. He was 83.

Obituary information was incomplete.

BROWN
    Clinton L., 83, of 511 Lincoln Ave., Grove City.
    Arrangements will be announced by CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.


A. Nina Giannone Cagno

New Wilmington homemaker served in New Castle church

NEW CASTLE -- A. Nina Giannone Cagno, 520 New Castle St., New Wilmington, died Wednesday morning, March 20, 2002, in the hospital of Jameson Health System. She was 84.

Mrs. Cagno was born Sept. 16, 1917, in New Castle to Vincenzo and Concetta Aveni Giannone.

A homemaker, she was involved in Boy Scouts of America.

As a member of Christian Assembly Church in New Castle, Mrs. Cagno served as church secretary, a Sunday school teacher and a member of the women's ministry.

Her husband, Carmen Cagno, died July 15, 1977.

Surviving are: two sons, Dr. Carmen J. Cagno, New Castle; and Raymond E. Cagno, Sharon; one brother, Richard Giannone, New Castle; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, Mrs. Cagno was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Nathan and Frank Giannone; and two sisters, Jennie and Theresa Giannone.

CAGNO
    
Mrs. Carmen (A. Nina Giannone), 84, of 520 New Castle St., New Wilmington.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday (3-22-02) in WILLIAM F. AND ROGER M. DeCARBO FUNERAL HOME Inc., 926 Cunningham Ave., New Castle.
    Service: Funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday (3-23-02) in the funeral home memorial chapel, with the Rev. Michael Trotta, pastor of Christian Assembly Church, New Castle, officiating.


    
Burial: Castleview Memorial Gardens, New Castle.


Donna Lynn Showman Hurl
Obituary was published 3-20-02

Ms. Hurl was 34 years old. An incorrect age was given to The Herald.

HURL
    
Donna Lynn Showman, 34, of Forrest Brooke Estates, 7266 W. Market St., Lot 89, Lackawannock Township.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 p.m. to time of service Friday (3-22-02) in JOHN A. PALISIN FUNERAL HOME, 86 Maple Drive, Hermitage.
    Service: Funeral service at 9 p.m. Friday in the funeral home, with the Rev. Daniel F. Cesene, pastor of Faith Assembly of God Church, Brookfield, officiating.
    Arrangements by THOMAS S. PODLEYON FUNERAL SERVICE, 86 Maple Drive, Hermitage.


Marilyn Marie Jones Lewis

Loving wife and mother was avid reader, outdoor lover

Marilyn Marie Jones Lewis, 340 Rexford Drive, Hermitage, passed away at 1:20 a.m. today, March 21, 2002, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System after a prolonged illness. She was 62.

Born Jan. 12, 1940, in Sharon, Mrs. Lewis was a daughter of Walter Jones Sr. and Mary Mock Jones.

A 1957 graduate of Sharon High School, she attended Sharon School of Nursing and was employed by Southside Golden Dawn, Superior Market and the former Sharon General Hospital. Mrs. Lewis was also employed by Simco Management Corp. as a manager for Penngrove Apartments for 12 years until her retirement in 1996.

Mrs. Lewis was active in religious education in St. Bernadette's Church in Masury and St. Joseph's Church in Sharon. She was a member of St. Joseph's Church.

Her husband of 42 years, Stanley George Lewis, whom she married Oct. 1, 1959 in Sharon, survives at home.

Mrs. Lewis leaves behind one son, Kevin Lewis and his wife Sandy, Franklin; three daughters, Leslie Wingard and her husband Joe, Hermitage; Mary Mitcheltree and her husband L. Kent, New Castle; and Shawna Lewis and her partner Linda Fedorko, Brookfield; and their "adopted" daughter, Linda McGinnis, Hermitage; her father, Sharon; four brothers, Walter Jones Jr. and his wife Laura, Clintonville, Pa.; James Jones and his wife Betty, Sparta, Ill.; and Robert Jones and his wife Barbara; and David Jones and his wife Sherry, all Sharon.

She also leaves behind six grandchildren, Cathy, Joey, Shawna Rea, Larry "Buster," Kyle and Mandy; and one great-granddaughter, Emily.

Mrs. Lewis was preceded in death by her mother.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association of Pennsylvania, 3524 W. 26th St., Erie 16506.

LEWIS
    
Mrs. Stanley George (Marilyn Marie Jones), 62, of 340 Rexford Drive, Hermitage.
    Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday (3-22-02) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Friends may also e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Saturday (3-23-02) in St. Joseph's Church, Sharon, with the Rev. Charles Schmitt, pastor, as celebrant.
    Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.


Richard 'Dick' A. Massella

WWII Marines vet belonged to Grove City K. of C.

Richard "Dick" A. Massella, Forestville, died at 9:25 a.m. Wednesday, March 20, 2002, in United Community Hospital, Pine Township. He was 80.

Mr. Massella was born Dec. 5, 1921, in Middletown, Conn., to Anthony J. and Mildred Toczko Massella.

A graduate of Middletown High School, he was a supervisor in the receiving department of American Hardware in East Butler.

Mr. Massella was a member of St. Anthony Church in Forestville and its men's group.

He also belonged to Knights of Columbus Council 3658 in Grove City, where he was a fourth degree member; and the Tri-County Golf League.

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Mr. Massella served as a platoon sergeant during World War II and belonged to American Legion Post 852, Harrisville; and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6231, Slippery Rock.

Surviving are: his wife, the former Jean A. Isacco, whom he married Jan. 12, 1946, at the residence; two sons, Richard A. Massella, Butler; and Larry J. Massella, Slippery Rock; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mrs. Edward L. (Mary C.) Woods, Haddam, Conn.

Mr. Massella was preceded in death by his parents.

MASSELLA
    
Richard "Dick" A., 80, Forestville.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday (3-22-02) in JAMISON FUNERAL HOME, 117 N. Main St., Harrisville. Rosary service at 8:30 p.m. by the Christian Mothers of the Church.
    Service: Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. Saturday (3-23-02) in St. Anthony Church, Forestville, with the Rev. James L. Armstrong, pastor, as celebrant.
    Burial: St. Anthony Cemetery, Harrisville.


Ruth E. Michael Spaulding

Mercer homemaker had 48 surviving family members

Ruth E. Michael Spaulding, 374 Perry Highway, Mercer, died at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, 2002, in United Community Hospital, Pine Township, after an extended illness. She was 71.

Mrs. Spaulding was born Feb. 28, 1931, in New Castle to John and Sadie Mae Haybarger Michael.

She was a homemaker.

Her husband, Donald George Spaulding Sr., whom she married Jan. 23, 1951, died Nov. 1, 1979.

Surviving are: four daughters, Shirley J. Perrine and Sharlene Marie Spaulding, both Mercer; Sonya Ann Trimble, Sharon; and Tracy Lynn Good, Brookfield; seven sons, Gary Lee Spaulding and his wife, Shirley, Butler; Allen Wayne Spaulding and his wife, Barbara, Kent, Ohio; Rodney Lee Spaulding and his wife, Carol, New Castle; Arthur James Spaulding and his wife, Esther, Sharon; William Jay Spaulding and his wife, Lisa, New Wilmington; and Charles Raymond Spaulding and his wife, Dawn; and Richard Allen Spaulding and his wife, Grace, both Mercer; four brothers, John Michael and Raymond Michael, both Farrell; Kinsey Sonny Michael, Hartford; and Robert Michael, Sharon; 24 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Donald G. Spaulding Jr. and Jeffrey A. Spaulding; and a sister, Sandy Davis.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 19 Jefferson Avenue, Sharon 16146.

SPAULDING
    
Mrs. Donald George Sr. (Ruth E. Michael), 374 Perry Highway, Mercer.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday (3-22-02) in W. WAYNE CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME, 3126 Main St., West Middlesex.
    Service: Funeral and committal services at 11 a.m. Saturday (3-23-02) in the funeral home with the Rev. Dr. Donald P. Wilson, pastor of Lebanon Presbyterian Church, Lackawannock Township, officiating.
    Burial: Cremation will take place.


Dale Edward 'Ed' Shaffer

Dale Edward "Ed" Shaffer, 489 McCullough Road, Jefferson Township, died at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday (3-20-02) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 65.

Obituary information was incomplete.

SHAFFER
    Dale Edward "Ed," 65, of 489 McCullough Road, Jefferson Township.
    Arrangements will be announced by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.


Mary E. Smith

Homemaker belonged to Farrell church, guild

A funeral Mass will be held Friday for Mary E. Smith of 402 Indiana Ave., Farrell. She passed away peacefully at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday (3-19-02) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. She was 87.

Mrs. Smith was born July 29, 1914, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of Andrew and Mary Brinska Vodzak.

Mary attended St. Matthew's Parochial School in Pittsburgh and moved to Farrell in 1929.

A homemaker, Mary was a member of St. Ann's Church and the Infant Jesus of Prague Guild of St. Adalbert's Church, both Farrell.

She also belonged to the Auxiliary to American Legion Post 160, Farrell, where she served as a past president.

Her husband, Frank Smith, whom she married in 1933 in St. Ann's Church, passed away March 4, 1976.

Surviving are: one daughter, Derise W. Niemi, wife of Ted Niemi, Hermitage; one son, Albert C.F. Smith and his wife Lois, Sharon; one daughter-in-law, Stella Smith, Folsom, Calif.; one sister, Irene Wallow, Cleveland; one brother, Frank P. Billak and his wife Mary, Brookfield; seven grandchildren, Christine Huntt, Bernadette Anderson, Kevin Smith, Wendy Fusco, Tedd Niemi, Dan Niemi and Matthew Niemi; and eight great-grandchildren, Ted, Sharus, Cheyenne, Nicole, Devin, Colin, Keeley and Anna Marie.

Besides her husband, Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Ted Smith; one brother, Andrew A. Billak; three sisters, Rose Scott, Hazel Sirak and Emily Krish; and one grandson, Albert Smith, who died in 1959.

Memorial contributions may be made to Prince of Peace Center, 502 Darr Ave., Farrell 16121.

SMITH
    
Mrs. Frank (Mary E.), 87, of 402 Indiana Ave., Farrell.
    Calling hours: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday (3-21-02) 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 a.m. Friday (3-22-02) in St. Ann's Church, Farrell, with the Rev. Matthew Ruyechan, Order of Friars Minor Conventual, pastor of St. Anthony's Church, Sharon, as celebrant.
    Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery, Hermitage.


Mary E. McBriar Steen

Crippled children's agency retiree belonged to groups

Mary E. McBriar Steen, 800 Linden St., Sharon, passed away at 6:15 a.m. Wednesday, March 20, 2002, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. She was 75.

Mrs. Steen was born June 12, 1926, in Sharon, a daughter of Albert Roy McBriar and Alice Griffith McBriar.

She attended Sharon and Farrell schools and retired from the Mercer County Crippled Children's Association, where she worked with the hearing impaired.

Mary was an active member and past treasurer of White Shrine of Jerusalem Shrine 8 in Sharon. She also belonged to Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 242 in Sharon.

She enjoyed crocheting and crafts.

Surviving are: one sister, Jane A. Plaster, Canton, Ohio; one brother, Roy McBriar Jr., Hermitage; six nephews; and one niece.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Charles Howard McBriar.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mercer County Crippled Children's Association, North Hermitage Road, Hermitage 16148.

STEEN
    
Mary E. McBriar, 75, of 800 Linden St., Sharon.
    Calling hours: 10 a.m. to time of service Saturday (3-23-02) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Friends may also e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral services at noon Saturday in the funeral home with rites by White Shrine of Jerusalem Shrine 8, Sharon, followed by a service with the Rev. David Plaster, deceased's nephew, officiating.
    Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.


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


HILL
    
Mrs. William (Anna May), 92, of 4000 Crocker Road, Westlake, Ohio, formerly of Brookfield.
    Obituary was published 3-20-02
    Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. today (3-21-02) in MADASZ FUNERAL HOME Inc., 6923 Warren Sharon Road, Brookfield.
    Service: Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Friday (3-22-02) in Church of the Sacred Heart, Sharon, with the Rev. Stanley J. Swacha, pastor, as celebrant.
    Burial: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage.


RUDOLPH
    
Mrs. Clayton McBride "Rudy" (Mary Grace Kennedy), 88, Grove City.
    Obituary was published 3-19-02
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (3-21-02) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Friday (3-22-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. W. Stephen Morse, associate pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, Grove City, officiating.
    Interment: Crestview Memorial Park, Pine Township.


SMITH
    
Mary E., 87, of 402 Indiana Ave., Farrell.
    Obituary was published 3-20-02
    Calling hours: 6 to 9 p.m. today (3-21-02) 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 a.m. Friday (3-22-02) in St. Ann's Church, Farrell, with the Rev. Matthew Ruyechan, Order of Friars Minor Conventual, pastor of St. Anthony's Church, Sharon, as celebrant.
    Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery, Hermitage.


WEBER
    
George E., 67, of 368 Oregon Road, Springfield Township.
    Obituary was published 3-20-02
    Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. today (3-21-02) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.
    Service: Funeral service at 1:30 p.m. Friday (3-22-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. David A. Lingle, pastor of Center Presbyterian Church, Pine Township, officiating.
    Interment: Center Church Cemetery, Pine Township.


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: Were 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 was 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 was at 10 a.m. today (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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