The Herald, Sharon, PA

Local news Friday, June 7, 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

  • Ethel Sara Coxson, 93, of 847 Boyd St., Masury.
  • William H. Gaus Sr., 77, of 113 Willadell Road, Transfer.
  • Samuel W. Herriott, 79, White-Cliff Nursing Home, 110 Fredonia Road, Hempfield Township, formerly of Sharpsville.
  • Matthew Sanitate, 74, of 3745 Longview Road, Hermitage.
  • Bernard L. Spragg, 85, of 845 Wilhelm Road, Hermitage.


Today's obituaries
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William H. Gaus Sr.
Ethel Sara Coxson
Bernard L. Spragg
  Samuel W. Herriott
Helen K. Gorzo Davidson
Matthew Sanitate

William H. Gaus Sr.
Navy vet of Transfer retired from Wheatland company

William H. Gaus Sr., 113 Willadell Road, Transfer, died at 6:20 a.m. June 6, 2002, UPMC Horizon, Farrell, after a brief illness. He was 77.

Mr. Gaus was born Oct. 8, 1924, in Sharon to Herman and Mayme V. Webster Gaus.

The alumnus of Hickory High School, Hermitage, served in the Navy during World War II with the rank of SC-1.

He retired in 1987 as plant operator from Dunbar Slag Co. in Wheatland after 35 years of service.

Mr. Gaus was of the Baptist faith.

His wife, the former Marjorie Mae Alford, whom he married Oct. 2, 1950, died March 2, 1985.

Surviving are: one daughter, Mrs. James (Linda) Brady, Fredonia; two sons, Karl A. Gaus and his wife, Judy, New Castle; and William H. Gaus Jr., Havlock, N.C.; seven grandchildren, Shane Brady, James Brady III, Justin Brady, Joseph Gaus, Paula Gaus, Ryan Gaus and Michael Gaus; and three great-grandchildren, Tristan Gaus, McKayla Gaus and Tyler J. DeCarmen.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Timothy W. Brady.

GAUS
    
William H. Sr., 77, of 113 Willadell Road, Transfer.
    Calling hours: 1 p.m. to time of service Saturday (6-8-02) in DONALDSON-MOHNEY FUNERAL HOME, 124 Main St., Sharpsville.
    Service: Funeral service at 3 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home.
    Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage, with military honors provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars Hickory Post 6166, Hermitage.


Ethel Sara Coxson

Ethel Sara Coxson, 847 Boyd St., Masury, died at 12:30 p.m. Thursday (6-6-02) in St. Elizabeth Health Center, Youngstown. She was 93.

Obituary information was incomplete.

COXSON
    Ethel Sara, 93, of 847 Boyd St., Masury.
    Arrangements will be announced by MADASZ FUNERAL HOME Inc., 6923 Warren Sharon Road, Brookfield.


Bernard L. Spragg

Decorated vet, a WWII POW, retired from Sharon Steel

Bernard L. Spragg, 845 Wilhelm Road, Hermitage, died at 9:35 a.m. Thursday (6-6-02) in UPMC Horizon, Farrell, after an extended illness. He was 85.

Mr. Spragg was born March 29, 1917, in West Alexander, Pa., to Milton Dorsey and Hattie Shaler Spragg.

The Claysville (Pa.) High School served in World War II, joining the Army Air Force in 1942 and going overseas in 1944.

The sergeant with the 100th Bomber Squadron was a ball turret gunner. After 40 successful bombing missions, he was assigned three more and was shot down over Germany on the last flight. Mr. Spragg was in a Nazi concentration camp for nine-and-a-half months as a prisoner of war.

He received the Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross. Mr. Spragg's plane, "Miss Irish," had the distinction of being the most damaged aircraft ever to return safely from a mission.

The Sharon Steel retiree was a member of Oakland Avenue United Methodist Church, Sharon.

An avid sportsman, Mr. Spragg loved hunting, fishing and boating.

His wife, the former Lydia Davis, died May 25, 1996.

His first wife, the former Lucy Barrett, died Dec. 30, 1963.

Surviving is: one son, Danny M. Spragg, Mercer.

Besides his wives, he was preceded in death by one sister, Maxine R. Wolfe.

Memorial contributions may be made to Arc of Mercer County, 850 N. Hermitage Road, Hermitage 16148.

SPRAGG
    
Bernard L., 85, of 845 Wilhelm Road, Hermitage.
    Calling hours: 11 a.m. to time of the service Saturday (6-8-02) in JOHN A. PALISIN FUNERAL HOME, 86 Maple Drive, Hermitage.
    Service: Funeral service at 1 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home with the Rev. G. Duane Wolfe, his nephew of Lighthouse Community Church in Washington, Pa., officiating.
    Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.


Samuel W. Herriott

Samuel W. Herriott, White-Cliff Nursing Home, 110 Fredonia Road, Hempfield Township, formerly of Sharpsville, died at midnight June 7, 2002, in the nursing home. He was 79.

Obituary information was incomplete.

HERRIOTT
    Samuel W., 79, of 110 Fredonia Road, Hempfield Township, formerly of Sharpsville.
    Arrangements will be announced by DONALDSON-MOHNEY FUNERAL HOME, 124 Main St., Sharpsville.


Helen K. Gorzo Davidson

Homemaker belonged to St. Joseph Church

A funeral Mass will be Monday (6-10-02) for Helen K. Gorzo Davidson, 426 Superior St., Hermitage, formerly of Delaware Street, Sharon. She passed away at 8:15 p.m. Wednesday (6-5-02) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. She was 89.

Mrs. Davidson was born May 18, 1913, in Deegan, Butler County, to Michael and Veronica Fazekas Gorzo.

Moving here as a child, she attended schools in Farrell.

Prior to her marriage, she was employed by a shirt factory in Kane, Pa.

Mrs. Davidson was a homemaker and member of St. Joseph Church, Sharon.

She enjoyed embroidery and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was also well known for her delicious peach pies.

Her husband, John L. Davidson, whom she married Aug. 31, 1935, died Dec. 17, 1983.

Surviving are: three daughters, Mrs. Joseph (Shirley M.) Pacifica, Hermitage; and Mrs. Charles (Phyllis A.) Groscos and Mrs. Wayne (Evelyn L.) Daniel, both Phoenix; one sister, Anne Emery, Hermitage; 10 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by one sister, Julia Weiser; and five brothers, John, Nicholas, Lester, Andrew and Steven.

DAVIDSON
    
Mrs. John L. (Helen K. Gorzo), 89, of 426 Superior St., Hermitage, formerly of Delaware St., Sharon.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday (6-9-02) 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 on Monday (6-10-02) in St. Joseph Church, 79 Case Ave., Sharon, with time and celebrant to be announced.
    Burial: St. Rose's Cemetery, Hermitage.


Matthew Sanitate

Active First Assembly church member had lived in Calif.

Matthew Sanitate, 3745 Longview Road, Hermitage, passed away at 3:45 a.m. Thursday (6-6-02) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System following an extended illness. He was 74.

Mr. Sanitate was born Feb. 25, 1928, the son of Anthony and Mary DeMichael Sanitate.

He was employed by Wheatland Tube Co. until he moved with his family in 1960 to San Jose, Calif.

While living in California, he worked as a carpenter for the Viking Sauna Co.

Mr. Sanitate returned to the Shenango Valley in 1990.

He was an active member of First Assembly of God, Hermitage.

Mr. Sanitate loved his family and spending time with them, especially his grandchildren.

Surviving are: his wife, the former Shirley Jean Orndorff, whom he married April 7, 1947; two daughters, Mrs. Warren (Sherry) Fairbanks, Redding, Calif.; Mrs. Melinda Verroco, Lom Poc, Calif.; one son, Robert "Mickey" Sanitate, San Jose; three sisters, Mrs. Mary Gerba, Brookfield; Mrs. Loretta Longiotti, Ashland, Ore.; and Vardina McKeown, Silver Spring, Md.; four brothers, Michael and James Sanitate, both Farrell; Paul Sanitate, South Pymatuning Township; and Peter Sanitate, Wheatland; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Charles; and one infant sister.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Assembly of God, 1455 N. Keel Ridge Road, Hermitage 16148.

SANITATE
    
Matthew, 74, of 3745 Longview Road, Hermitage.
    Calling hours: 9:30 a.m. to time of the service Saturday (6-8-02) in First Assembly of God, 1455 N. Keel Ridge Road, Hermitage. Friends may also e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the church with the Rev. Kenneth E. Martin, pastor, officiating.
    Interment: Private.
    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


BARRON
    
Paul L., 82, of 50 Patterson School Road, Pine Township.
    Obituary was published 6-6-02
    Calling hours: 10 a.m. to time of service Saturday (6-8-02) in East Main Presbyterian Church, 120 E. Main St. (Route 58), Grove City.
    Service: Memorial services at 11 a.m. Saturday in the church with the Rev. Richard S. Hays of Waverly, Ohio, officiating, assisted by the Rev. Dr. Donald C. Hoagland, senior pastor; and the Rev. Christopher Weichman, associate pastor, both East Main Presbyterian.
    Burial: Crestview Memorial Park, Pine Township.
    Arrangements by CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.


BARTOLOMUCCI
    
Mrs. Pietro (Carolina), 87, of 1425 Coronado Drive, Hermitage, formerly of Sharpsville.
    Obituary was published 6-6-02
    Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. today (6-7-02) in STEVENSON-WEBB FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1142 Ridge Ave., Sharpsville. Condolences may be e-mailed to webb@surf724.com
    Service: Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Saturday (6-8-02) in St. Bartholomew Church, 311 W. Ridge Ave., Sharpsville, with the Rev. John Murray, retired priest, as celebrant.
    Burial: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage.


JACKSON
    
Harry, 81, of 334 Woodland Ave., Farrell.
    Obituary was published 6-6-02
    Calling hours: 5 to 8 p.m. today (6-7-02) in A.E. PUSTINGER FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 1310 Idaho St., Farrell. Condolences may be e-mailed to pustinger@adelphia.net
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday (6-8-02) in the funeral home with the Rev. Donald E. Berdis, pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell, officiating.
    Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.


MILLER
    
Mrs. Rueben L. (Roberta M.), 79, White-Cliff Nursing Home, 110 Fredonia Road, Hempfield Township, formerly of Transfer.
    Obituary was published 6-5-02
    Calling hours: Were 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday (6-6-02) in DONALDSON-MOHNEY FUNERAL HOME, 124 Main St., Sharpsville, and 10 a.m. to time of the service today (6-7-02) in First Baptist Church, 50 Broad St., Transfer.
    Service: Funeral service was at 11 a.m. today in the church with the Rev. Steven Malanowski, pastor, officiating.
    Burial: Transfer Cemetery.


RAINIER
    
John M. "Jack," 69, of 12070 Choctaw Circle, Conneaut Lake.
    Obituary was published 6-5-02
    Calling hours: Were Thursday (6-6-02) in WAID-COLEMAN FUNERAL HOME Inc., 12422 Conneaut Lake Road, Conneaut Lake.
    Service: Funeral and committal service at noon today (6-7-02) in the funeral home with the Rev. Bruce K. Davis, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church, Conneaut Lake, officiating.
    Burial: Lakeview Cemetery, Conneaut Lake.


SKERTIC
    
Josephine Irene, 86, Masury, formerly of 1108 Sherman Ave., Sharon.
    Obituary was published 6-5-02
    Calling hours: 5 to 8 p.m. today (6-7-02) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Friends may also e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneral Home@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Saturday (6-8-02) in St. Anthony Church, 804 Idaho St., Sharon, with the Rev. Matthew Ruyechan, Order of Friars Minor, pastor, as celebrant.
    Interment: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery, Hermitage.


WEIGEL
    
Mrs. Ross (Bertha Mae), 99, West Salem Township, formerly of 177 W. Jamestown Road, also West Salem Township.
    Obituary was published 6-6-02
    Calling hours: 5 to 8 p.m. today (6-7-02) in LOUTZENHISER-JORDAN COLONIAL FUNER-AL HOME, 366-68 S. Main St., Greenville.
    Service: Funeral and committal service at 11 a.m. Saturday (6-8-02) in Christian Assembly, 111 Main St., Greenville, with the Rev. David W. Edwards, associate pastor, officiating.
    Burial: Shenango Valley Cemetery, Greenville.



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