The Herald, Sharon, PA

Local news Tuesday, May 28, 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

  • Howard C. "Pete" Diefenderfer, 88, of 15 Davenport Farm Lane East, Stamford, Conn.
  • Ord Cubbage Genger, 86, of 115 Fredonia Road, Hempfield Township, formerly of Fairview Township.
  • Joann Greenfield, 74, Mertz Towers, 52 S. Mercer Ave., Apartment 514, Sharpsville.
  • Sarah Louise Robertson Linn, 97, Mount Pleasant, Mich., formerly of the Shenango Valley and Sarasota, Fla.
  • June L. Stefanowicz, 77, of 973 Hadley Drive, Sharon.
  • Norman C. Stevens, 76, of 1054 Woodland St., Sharon.
  • Paul R. "Smokey" Stevenson Jr., 57, of 14 Chestnut St., Stoneboro.
  • Edward Wolfinger, 91, of 1048 Griswold Ave., Sharon.


Today's obituaries
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Sarah Louise Robertson Linn
Ord Cubbage Genger
Meredieth Reels
Norman C. Stevens
Paul R. 'Smokey' Stevenson Jr.
  Edward Wolfinger
Joann Greenfield
June L. Stefanowicz
Dorothy L. Bishop
Howard C. 'Pete' Diefenderfer

Sarah Louise Robertson Linn
Former Shenango Valley woman was active volunteer

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- Sarah Louise Robertson Linn, Mount Pleasant, formerly of the Shenango Valley and Sarasota, Fla., died at 1:30 a.m. May 3, 2002, in Maplewood of Mount Pleasant retirement home. She was 97.

She was the wife of the late Edward V. Linn, whom she married Aug. 19, 1926. He died Nov. 19, 1965.

Born July 20, 1904, in Sharon, Mrs. Linn was a daughter of the late Mott Robertson and Bessie Collins Robertson.

She graduated from Sharon High School, where she played basketball and was president of the Class of 1922.

Mrs. Linn attended Grove City College and obtained her bachelor's degree in 1926. While attending college, she played basketball, became a member of the Sigma Delta Phi Sorority and served as class historian.

She lived in the Shenango Valley for most of her life.

In 1986, Mrs. Linn moved to Sarasota, Fla., to live with her sister, Isabel Robertson Thompson, who is now deceased.

She moved to Mount Pleasant in 1994 to be near her daughter, Marcia Johengen.

Mrs. Linn was always active in community activities, serving as a past matron of Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 156, Farrell; a driver for Meals-on-Wheels, Sharon; and a member of the auxiliary of what was then Sharon General Hospital.

In Sarasota, she was a volunteer worker for the Women's Exchange, an agency that sold clothing and furniture with proceeds distributed to various area charities.

Mrs. Linn is survived by: her daughter, Marcia, Mount Pleasant; a son, Mott Linn, Harleysville, Pa.; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 31, 2002, in the chapel of Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage, with the Rev. Dr. Glenn Hinks, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Sharon, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sarah Robertson Linn Scholarship Fund, Grove City College, Grove City 16127.


Ord Cubbage Genger
Westinghouse retiree, WWII vet was Fairview Twp. farmer

Ord Cubbage Genger of 115 Fredonia Road, Hempfield Township, formerly of Fairview Township, died unexpectedly at 9:10 a.m. Monday morning, May 27, 2002, at his residence. He was 86.

Mr. Genger was born June 27, 1915, in West Middlesex, a son of the late Warren Meade Genger and Maggie Belle Small Genger.

On Aug. 7, 1941, he married the former Stella Badila, who survives.

Mr. Genger retired in 1986 from the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp. as a crane operator and had also been a beef cattle farmer in Fairview Township for 46 years.

He was a 1932 graduate of West Middlesex High School.

Mr. Genger was a member of Coolspring Presbyterian Church and American Legion Post 919, both Fairview Township; and Mercer County Chapter of 40 and Eight.

He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served as a staff sergeant during World War II in the European theater.

Besides his wife, he is survived by: three daughters, Patricia J. Genger, Beaufort, S.C.; Marie E. Beach and her husband Drumond, South Park, Pa.; and Anita J. Genger and her husband Eric Boeldt, State College, Pa.; one sister, Marcia A. (Genger) Mitchell Keir, Greenville; two brothers, John Hesson Genger, Rancho Laguna, Calif.; and Daniel Keith Genger, Lake Havasu City, Ariz.; and three grandchildren, Cynthia S. Beach, Pittsburgh; Hope Marie Beach, Brooklyn, N.Y.; and Nicholas Ord Genger-Boeldt, State College.

Besides his parents, Mr. Genger was preceded in death by a brother, William Conrad Genger.

Memorial contributions may be made to Coolspring Presbyterian Church, 787 Coolspring Road, Mercer 16137.

GENGER
    
Ord Cubbage, 86, of 115 Fredonia Road, Hempfield Township, formerly of Fairview Township.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday (5-29-02) in ROBERT L. SNYDER FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 169 Second St., Fredonia.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday (5-30-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Ross Genger, deceased's nephew, officiating.
    Interment: With full military honors in Haywood Cemetery, West Middlesex.


Meredieth Reels

Ex-Mental Health executive secretary served in church

A funeral service will be held Friday for Meredieth Reels, 978 Sherman Ave., Sharon. She died at 8:40 a.m. Friday (5-24-02) in Hospitality Care Center, Hermitage. She was 87.

Mrs. Reels was born July 18, 1914, in Sharon to Thomas Martin and Georgia A. Scates Martin.

She was executive secretary for the Mental Health Association of Mercer County and also worked for the former Carver Community Center in Farrell.

As a member of First Baptist Church in Farrell, Mrs. Reels was church secretary; a youth leader; leader of the Sunshine Band; and taught vacation Bible school, as well as Sunday school.

Her hobbies included crafts and cooking.

Surviving are: her husband, Clifford Reels, whom she married in 1959; a brother, Douglas Martin, College Park, Ga.; nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Reels was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Coralee Hunter, Lucinda Saunde and Harriette Morrison; and three brothers, Samual T. Martin, James H. Martin and William A. Martin.

REELS
    
Mrs. Clifford (Meredieth), 87, of 978 Sherman Ave., Sharon.
    Calling hours: Noon to time of service Friday (5-31-02) in First Baptist Church, Farrell.
    Service: Funeral service at 1 p.m. Friday in the church, with the Rev. Sidney B. Walker officiating.
    Burial: Morefield Cemetery, Hermitage.
    Arrangements by J.E. WASHINGTON FUNERAL SERVICES Inc., 1059 Hamilton Ave., Farrell.


Norman C. Stevens

Norman C. Stevens, 1054 Woodland St., Sharon, died at 5:19 a.m. today (5-28-02) in UPMC Horizon, Greenville. He was 76.

Obituary information was incomplete.

STEVENS
    Norman C., 76, of 1054 Woodland St., Sharon.
    Arrangements will be announced by JOHN FLYNN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY Inc., 2630 E. State St., Hermitage.


Paul R. 'Smokey' Stevenson Jr.

Cooper Energy Services retiree lived in Stoneboro

Paul R. "Smokey" Stevenson Jr., 14 Chestnut St., Stoneboro, died at 9:50 p.m. Sunday (5-26-02) in the emergency room of Warren (Pa.) City Hospital. He was taken there after he became ill at his hunting camp in Tidioute, where along with his family and friends he had gathered for an annual Memorial Day celebration. He was 57.

Mr. Stevenson was born April 19, 1945, in Mercer to Paul R. Stevenson and Sarah E. Batley.

He attended Mercer area schools.

In 1991, after 20 years of service, Mr. Stevenson retired on disability from the former Cooper Energy Services Reciprocating Products, Grove City, where he worked on the erection floor.

He was of the Protestant faith.

Mr. Stevenson was an avid NASCAR fan and loved spending time with his family and friends, especially at his hunting camp.

He enjoyed woodworking and working with computers and digital photography.

His first wife, Marilyn "Jigs" Rogers, died in 1969. He married Margie A. Burk on Jan. 29, 1994. She survives.

Also surviving are: two daughters, Paula Mortland, Grove City; and Marcy Mosley, Stoneboro; six stepdaughters, Vickie L. Layton, Jackson Center; Robin L. Greggs, Mercer; Jody L. Foust, Volant; Dora J. Clark and Kathy C. Walker, both Sheakleyville; and Cheryl A. Clark, Greenville; and five stepsons, Elmer K. Smith Jr., Jackson Center; Mike Smith, Sandy Lake; and Rick McElrath, Keith McElrath and Dan McElrath, all Mercer.

Also among survivors are 17 grandchildren.

Besides his first wife, Mr. Stevenson was preceded in death by his father; and his mother, Sarah E. McConnell.

STEVENSON
    
Paul R. "Smokey" Jr., 57, of 14 Chestnut St., Stoneboro.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday (5-29-02) in SCOTT A. BLACK FUNERAL HOME, 99 Franklin St., Stoneboro.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday (5-30-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Edmond C. Gresick, pastor of Stoneboro United Methodist Church, officiating.
    Interment: With committal service in Find-ley Township Cemetery.


Edward Wolfinger

Edward Wolfinger, 1048 Griswold Ave., Sharon, died at 6:30 p.m. Monday (5-27-02) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 91.

Obituary information was incomplete.

WOLFINGER
    Edward, 91, of 1048 Griswold Ave., Sharon.
    Arrangements will be announced by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.


Joann Greenfield

Joann Greenfield, Mertz Towers, 52 S. Mercer Ave., Apartment 514, Sharpsville, died at 9 p.m. Monday (5-27-02) in her home. She was 74.

Obituary information was incomplete.

GREENFIELD
    Joann, 74, Mertz Towers, 52 S. Mercer Ave., Apartment 514, Sharpsville.
    Arrangements will be announced by DONALDSON-MOHNEY FUNERAL HOME, 124 Main St., Sharpsville.


June L. Stefanowicz

Sharon homemaker was Army surgical nurse

June L. Stefanowicz, 973 Hadley Drive, Sharon, died at 9 p.m. Sunday, May 26, 2002, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System after an extended illness. She was 77.

Mrs. Stefanowicz was born Dec. 30, 1924, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, to James Bradfield and Viola Carmitchel Bradfield.

She graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 1942.

A homemaker, Mrs. Stefanowicz was of the Catholic faith.

She served in the Army during World War II as a surgical nurse and was also part of the Women's Army Corps.

Mrs. Stefanowicz was a life member of American Legion Post 299 in Sharon.

She enjoyed gardening, flowers, cross-stitching and, most of all, being with her grandchildren.

Surviving are: her husband, Paul S. Stefanowicz, whom she married June 26, 1946, at home; two daughters, Carol Clepper; and Mrs. Andy (Debby) Klutcher, both Sharon; two sons, Thomas Stefanowicz, Sharon; and James Stefanowicz and his wife Sandra, Sharpsville; a sister, Janice Grosso, Hermitage; a brother, James E. Bradfield and his wife Marilyn, Massillon, Ohio; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Stefanowicz was preceded in death by her parents.

STEFANOWICZ
    Mrs. Paul S. (June L.), 77, of 973 Hadley Drive, Sharon.


    Calling hours and service: Private to be held at the convenience of family. Friends may send condolences by e-mail to www.flynnfuneralhome.com


    Burial: Cremation in JOHN FLYNN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY Inc., 2630 E. State St., Hermitage.


Dorothy L. Bishop

Sharpsville woman, Hickory grad worked at Sharon Store

A funeral service will be held Wednesday for Dorothy L. Bishop of 2958 Valley View Road, Sharpsville, and formerly of Ivanhoe Road in South Pymatuning Township. She passed away at 5:15 a.m. Saturday (5-25-02) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System after an extended illness. She was 76.

Mrs. Bishop was born March 9, 1926, in Mercer, a daughter of Kenneth and Harriet Jewell Adams.

Mrs. Bishop was a Hickory High School alumna.

She worked in the 1960s for the former Sharon Store in downtown Sharon, and later for the former Strouss-Hirschberg Store in Youngs-town, retiring in the 1980s.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Sharon.

Mrs. Bishop was an avid reader and enjoyed counted cross-stitching.

Her husband, Paul W. Bishop Sr., whom she married March 17, 1946, passed away Aug. 27, 1998.

She leaves: a son, Paul W. Bishop Jr. and his wife Linda Marie, with whom she lived; two daughters, Mrs. Frank (Jeanne A.) Koch, Sharon; and Mrs. Paul (Marylou) Polasky, Washington, Pa.; five grandchildren, Heather Lynne Micozzi, Jason Ryan Koch, Nicholas Paul Polasky, David Michael Polasky and Alyssa Joan Bishop; and one great-grandson, Jarrett-Ryan Horzich Koch.

Also surviving are: her two sisters, Mrs. Joseph (Donna) Pomponio, Transfer; and Norma Adams, Greenville; and a brother, Russell and his wife Renee Adams, also Greenville.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.

BISHOP
    
Mrs. Paul W. (Dorothy L.) Sr., 76, of 2958 Valley View Road, Sharpsville, formerly of Ivanhoe Road, South Pymatuning Township.
    Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. today (5-28-02) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon; and 10 a.m. to time of service Wednesday (5-29-02) in the parlor of First United Methodist Church, Sharon. Friends may also e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the church, with the Rev. Myles T. Bradley, pastor, officiating.
    Entombment: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.


Howard C. 'Pete' Diefenderfer

STAMFORD, Conn. -- Howard C. "Pete" Diefenderfer, 15 Davenport Farm Lane East, Stamford, died at 9:10 a.m. Monday (5-27-02) in the William and Sally Tandet Center. He was 88.

Obituary information was incomplete.

DIEFENDERFER
    Howard C. "Pete," 88, of 15 Davenport Farm Lane East, Stamford.
    Arrangements will be announced by DONALDSON-MOHNEY FUNERAL HOME, 124 Main St., Sharpsville.


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


BOZZO
    
John J., 90, of 794 S. Oakland Ave., Sharon.
    Obituary was published 5-27-02
    Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. today (5-28-02) and 9 to 9:45 a.m. Wednesday (5-29-02) 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. Wednesday in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell, with the Rev. Donald E. Berdis, pastor, as celebrant.
    Interment: St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Farrell.


HVOZDA
    
John, 89, of 745 Wilhelm Road, Hermitage.
    Obituary was published 5-27-02
    Calling hours: 5 to 8 p.m. today (5-28-02) in STEPHEN J. SHERMAN FUNERAL HOME, 2201 Highland Road, Hermitage. Services include Rosary, 4:30 p.m.; Chaplet, 4:45 p.m.; and Parastas, 5 p.m.
    Service: Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. Wednesday (5-29-02) in St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church, Hermitage, with the Rev. Frank Firko, pastor, as celebrant. Panachida service at 9:15 a.m.
    Interment: St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, Hermitage.


ZAWACKI
    
William "Bill" A., 81, of 890 Lillian Drive, Hermitage.
    Obituary was published 5-27-02
    Calling hours: 5 to 8 p.m. today (5-28-02) and 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday (5-29-02) in JOHN FLYNN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY Inc., 2630 E. State St., Hermitage. Friends may send condolences by e-mail to www.flynnfuneralhome.com
    Service: Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. Wednesday in St. Adalbert's Church, Farrell, with the Rev. John R. Boeckman, pastor, as celebrant.
    Burial: Holy Cross Cemetery, Hermitage, with full military honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Hickory Post 6166, Hermitage.



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