Today's obituaries
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Clinton 'Clint' L. Brown
Grove City insurance man was champion boxer, veteran
A Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday for Clinton "Clint" L. Brown, 511 Lincoln Ave., Grove City. He passed away at 2:15 a.m. Thursday morning, March 21, 2002, in Orchard Manor, Pine Township, after a six-year-long illness. He was 83.
Mr. Brown was born on July 13, 1918, in Butler to his father, Ruben Brown and his mother, Lena C. Bestwick.
Known as Clint, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1946-49, where he was a coach, captain and Armed Forces Featherweight Champion of his undefeated boxing team.
As a featherweight at 118 pounds, he was also a Golden Gloves Champion several times in the 1940s; Tri-State (Pennsylvania/ Ohio/West Virginia) Champion; and was ranked third in the world in 1945 by Ring Magazine while still an amateur. His career record was 242 and 10, and at one point, he won 99 straight, lost a fight, and won another 51 before losing again. Six of his 10 losses were during his first year of boxing.
Clint was elected to the Penn-Ohio Veteran Boxers Association Hall of Fame in April of 1977, noted as one of the group's first 20 inductees. Also attending this ceremony were Earnie Shavers, heavyweight contender; and Billy Soose, former Middleweight Champion of the World.
A gifted all-around athlete, Clint placed second in the 1937 Pennsylvania State High School Wrestling Championship, losing in the finals on "riding time."
He retired in 1973 after more than 30 years as owner and agent at the former Clint Brown Insurance Agency in Grove City. From 1973 to 1983, he was a salesman for AFLAC Insurance Co.
Clint was a former president of the Grove City Optimist Club and Community Fund Drive, as well as active in local events like the Easter Parade and minstrel shows.
He was a member of Church of the Beloved Disciple in Grove City.
He religiously followed Grove City High School sports and was an avid hunter, enjoying many days afield with his four sons.
Mr. Brown is survived by: a sister, Katherine Kurtz, Masury; his loving and devoted wife of 53 years, the former Mary I. "Jeanne" Waltz, whom he married Nov. 19, 1949, at home; three sons; a daughter; and six grandchildren.
His surviving children and families include: Terrance "Terry" L. Brown and his wife, Debbie, Cape May, N.J.; and their daughter, Tracy; a son, Thomas "Tom" C. Brown, and his wife Patty, Mercer; Todd M. Brown, Midland, Texas; and daughter, Ashley; and his sons, Jonathan and Clint; and a daughter, Tracy Abplanalp, and her husband, John R., Grove City; and their daughters, Michelle and Erin.
Clint was predeceased by his parents; and his second eldest son, Timothy Allen Brown.
BROWN
Clinton "Clint" L., 83, of 511 Lincoln Ave., Grove City.
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday (3-24-02) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.
Service: Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. Monday (3-25-02) in Church of the Beloved Disciple, Grove City, with the Rev. James A. Wiley, senior associate pastor, as celebrant.
Interment: Crestview Memorial Park, Pine Township.
Mildred Barbara Bittler
Hermitage homemaker was active in Girl Scouting
Mildred Barbara Bittler, 42 Jamestown Court, Youngstown, formerly of 3596 Longview Road, Hermitage, died at 7:42 a.m. Thursday, March 21, 2002, in her residence of heart failure. She was 88.
Mrs. Bittler was born April 3, 1913, in Pittsburgh to Harry Doudy and Ida Hoyle Doudy.
A homemaker, she was a member of New Virginia United Methodist Church in Hermitage.
Mrs. Bittler was a charter member of Hermitage Woman's Club, for which she served on the board and on various committees.
As a member for more than 50 years of Penn Lakes Girl Scout Council, she was a past president of Shenango Valley Girl Scouts; served on the Penn Lakes Council board; and was a District chairman for Mercer County. She also served as Day Camp director; outdoor leader trainer; and a leader of Troop 13 of Girl Scouts of America; and Brownie Troop 346. Mrs. Bittler also participated in Brownie leader training and was a finance chairman for the council.
She served on the board of Mercer County United Way, for which she worked on the Finance Committee and Budget Committee, and was a co-chairman of the organization's fund-raising drive.
Her husband, Christian Karl Bittler, whom she married on Jan. 9, 1931, died Feb. 17, 1986.
Surviving are: two daughters, Joan, wife of Robert Cunningham, Austintown, Ohio; and Carol, wife of Wayne Cook, High Springs, Fla.; a son, Daniel Bittler, Austintown; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Besides her husband, Mrs. Bittler was preceded in death by a son, George Walter Bittler; and a brother, Alvin Gould.
Memorial contributions may be made to New Virginia United Methodist Church, 1100 S. Keel Ridge Road, Hermitage 16148.
BITTLER
Mrs. Christian Karl (Mildred Barbara), 88, of 42 Jamestown Court, Youngstown, formerly of 3596 Longview Road, Hermitage.
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday (3-24-02) in W. WAYNE CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME, 3126 Main St., West Middlesex.
Service: Funeral and committal service at 11 a.m. Monday (3-25-02) in New Virginia United Methodist Church, Hermitage, with the Rev. Rick Nelson, pastor, officiating.
Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.
Edith Galarde
Edith Galarde, Masury, died at 11:05 p.m. Thursday (3-21-02) in O'Brien Memorial Nursing Home, Masury. She was 73.
Obituary information was incomplete.
GALARDE
Edith, 73, Masury.
Arrangements will be announced by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.
John E. Walheim
John E. Walheim, 18 Reno Road, Hermitage, died at 4:50 a.m. today (3-22-02) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 83.
Obituary information was incomplete.
WALHEIM
John E., 83, of 18 Reno Road, Hermitage.
Arrangements will be announced by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.
Dale Edward 'Ed' Shaffer
Bell Atlantic retiree enjoyed outdoors, was active in church
A funeral service will be held Saturday for Dale Edward "Ed" Shaffer, 489 McCullough Road, Jefferson Township. He passed away at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, 2002, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 65.
Mr. Shaffer was born March 15, 1937, in New Castle, a son of Roy Vernon Shaffer and Eva Schubert Shaffer.
A 1956 alumnus of Shenango High School, Ed retired in 1999 as a splicer for Bell Atlantic, where he worked for 42 years. Mr. Shaffer also worked in the oil fields of Wyoming for a year before joining Bell Atlantic in 1957.
He was an active member of Charleston United Methodist Church.
Mr. Shaffer enjoyed remodeling his home and gardening. He also enjoyed working in the woods, hunting and fishing.
He was well-known by many for his many acts of kindness, always willing to lend a hand to anyone at any time.
Ed also enjoyed walking his dog, Babe.
Surviving are: his wife, the former Judith Ianson Elliott, whom he married June 26, 1999, at home; one daughter, Janetta "Lynn" Brown, wife of Rick Brown, Vancouver, Wash.; two sons, Karl E. Shaffer and his wife Carmen, Cortland, Ohio; and Michael "Mike" Paul Shaffer and his wife, Sheri, Salt Lake City, Utah; three stepdaughters, Jody Cochnet, Sturgeon Bay, Wis.; Rebecca Marsala, Verona, N.Y.; Daris Raymond, Canastota, N.Y.; two stepsons, Theodore Elliott and his wife, Karen, Durhamville, N.Y.; and Zane Elliott and his wife Rachelle, Knoxboro, N.Y.; one sister, Mrs. Bill (Margaret "Peg") Ratvasky, North Olmstead, Ohio; one sister-in-law, Ruth Shaffer, New Castle; one brother, Lauren "Larry" Shaffer and his wife Karen, Sagamore Hills, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Daniel Bautista Shaffer; Taylor Shaffer; and David, Keith, Steven, Bradley and Nathan Brown; 12 stepgrandchildren; and two stepgreat-grandchildren.
Mr. Shaffer was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Richard "Dick" Shaffer.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 19 Jefferson Avenue, Sharon, 16146.
SHAFFER
Dale Edward "Ed," 65, of 489 McCullough Road, Jefferson Township.
Calling hours: 6 to 9 p.m. today (3-22-02) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon; and noon to time of service Saturday (3-23-02) in Charleston United Methodist Church. Friends may also e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
Service: Funeral service at 2 p.m. Saturday in the church, with the Rev. Roy Daugherty, pastor, officiating.
Interment: Ianson Cemetery, Coudersport, Pa.
Elvira R. Priester
Hubbard woman was retired secretary, liked to travel
Elvira R. Priester, 6781 Wise Road, Hermitage and Countryside Convalescent Home, East Lackawannock Township, formerly of East Liberty Street in Hubbard and Chicago, passed away at 7:30 a.m. Thursday (3-21-02) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. She was 92.
Mrs. Priester was born July 31, 1909, in Aurora, Ill., to Vine Alexander Raymond and Addie Matilda Miller Raymond.
Having moved to Hubbard as a child, she was a 1927 alumna of Hubbard High School.
Mrs. Priester retired in 1982 as a secretary from Lyden Oil Co. in Youngstown, where she had worked for more than 20 years.
She was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church in Hubbard.
Mrs. Priester enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family, particularly her grandchildren.
She also loved to knit and crochet.
Her husband, John Priester, whom she married on Jan. 28, 1934, passed away on Dec. 12, 1955.
Surviving are: one daughter, Barbara Griffith, Peru, Ill.; two sons, John R. Priester and his wife Paula, Lackawannock Township; and Robert V. Priester and his wife Helen, Warren, Ohio; one stepson, E. Paul Williams, San Diego, Calif.; 13 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.
Besides her husband, Mrs. Priester was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Ralph Raymond.
Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 132 Church St., Hubbard, Ohio 44425.
PRIESTER
Mrs. John (Elvira R.), 92, of 6781 Wise Road, Hermitage; and East Lackawannock Township; formerly of East Liberty Street, Hubbard; and Chicago.
Calling hours: 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday (3-24-02) 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. Monday (3-25-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Stephan J. Curtis, interim pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Hubbard, officiating.
Interment: Rose Hill Cemetery, Chicago.
PREVIOUS DEATHS
Look in past days' obituary files to find the full obituaries
BARTH0LOMEW
Phillip M., 88, of 2038 Mercer-West Middlesex Road, Lackawannock Township.
Obituary was published 3-21-02
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.
HURL
Donna Lynn Showman, 34, of Forrest Brooke Estates, 7266 W. Market St., Lot 89, Lackawannock Township.
Obituary was published 3-20-02
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 p.m. to time of service today (3-22-02) in JOHN A. PALISIN FUNERAL HOME, 86 Maple Drive, Hermitage.
Service: Funeral service at 9 p.m. today 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.
LEWIS
Mrs. Stanley George (Marilyn Marie Jones), 62, of 340 Rexford Drive, Hermitage.
Obituary was published 3-21-02
Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. today (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.
MASSELLA
Richard "Dick" A., 80, Forestville.
Obituary was published 3-21-02
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (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.
SPAULDING
Mrs. Donald George Sr. (Ruth E. Michael), 374 Perry Highway, Mercer.
Obituary was published 3-21-02
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (3-22-02) in W. WAYNE CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME, 3126 Main St., West Middlesex.
Service: Committal and services at 11 a.m. Saturday (3-23-02) in the funeral home with the Rev. Donald Wilson, pastor of Lebanon United Presbyterian Church, Lackawannock Township, officiating.
Burial: Cremation will take place.
STEEN
Mary E. McBriar, 75, of 800 Linden St., Sharon.
Obituary was published 3-21-02
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.
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