Today's obituaries
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Joseph Anthony 'Buster" Ruffo
S. Py man was veteran, coached local sports teams
A memorial service will be held Monday for Joseph Anthony "Buster" Ruffo, 2945 Maplewood Drive, South Pymatuning Township. He died at 11:45 p.m. Thursday, June 13, 2002, in the intensive care unit of Sharon Regional Health System after an extended illness. He was 68.
Mr. Ruffo was born April 7, 1934, in West Middlesex to Joseph E. Ruffo and Anna Rotunno Ruffo.
He graduated in 1952 from West Middlesex High School and worked for the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp. for 25 years. He then retired in 1999 from Highland Container of North Carolina, where he worked in the Industrial Maintenance Department.
He served in the Army during the Korean conflict from 1956 to 1958 as a Spec. 4th Class Infantryman.
Prior to moving to North Carolina, he coached Hickory Little League; Hickory Midget Football; and played softball for Mercer Tire and several other Shenango Valley leagues. After he retired, he moved back to the area to enjoy fishing, hunting, gardening, woodworking, golf and many other sports.
Surviving are: his wife, the former Denise Robb, whom he married Oct. 11, 1958; two daughters, Deborah Ruffo, Sharpsville; and Mrs. Burt (Jo Lynn) DeVries, Sharpsville; two sons, Joseph R. Ruffo and his wife, Karen, Lexington, N.C.; and Eric E. Ruffo and his fiance, Amy Stacey, Oak Ridge, N.C.; his mother, Mrs. Clifford (Anna Rotunno) Campbell, New Castle; a sister, Mrs. Allan (Elizabeth) Loosemore, Pittsburgh; two brothers, Albert Ruffo and his wife, Sandra, West Middlesex; and Larry Campbell and his wife, Paula, Winston-Salem, N.C; a sister-in-law, Sally Ruffo, West Middlesex; and two grandchildren, Andrew DeVries and Brandon Eads.
He was preceded in death by his father; and a brother, Charles Ruffo.
Memorial contributions may be made in care of the Liver Transplant Division Research to Starzl Transplant Institute, 3601 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh 15213.
RUFFO
Joseph Anthony "Buster," 68, of 2945 Maplewood Drive, South Pymatuning Township.
Calling hours: 3:30 p.m. to time of service Monday (6-17-02) in JOHN FLYNN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY Inc., 2630 E. State St., Hermitage. Friends may send condolences by e-mail to www.flynnfuneralhome.com
Service: Memorial service at 4 p.m. Monday in the funeral home chapel, with the Rev. Kenneth Martin, pastor of First Assembly of God, Hermitage, officiating.
Burial: Cremation in the funeral home.
Grace Ackerman Cotlar
Former valley woman was buyer for area retail outlets
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Grace Ackerman Cotlar, formerly of the Shenango Valley, died Friday, June 14, 2002, in Lutheran Village Courtyards. She was 87.
Mrs. Cotlar was born April 30, 1915, in Sharon.
Mrs. Cotlar began a career in retail at the former Sharon Store in the cosmetics department and later became a buyer for Strouss Department Store in Sharon, as well as Kaufmann's department store, Youngstown.
She was a member of Temple Beth Israel in Sharon.
Mrs. Cotlar was preceded in death by her parents, Rose and Samuel Ackerman; her husband, Emanuel Cotlar; and her siblings, Myer Ackerman, Dr. Walter Ackerman, Goldie Solomon and Marion Appel.
She is survived by: nieces, Charlotte "Shindy" Kaplan, Columbus; and Charlotte Ackerman, Hermitage; and many great-nieces and great-nephews, who loved her very much.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
COTLAR
Mrs. Emanuel (Grace Ackerman), 87, Columbus, Ohio, formerly of the Shenango Valley.
Calling hours: None. Friends may send condolences by e-mail to Sample@infonline.net
Service: Graveside funeral service at 2 p.m. Sunday (6-16-02) at Temple Beth Israel Cemetery, Hermitage, with Mrs. Margot Maynard, spiritual leader of Temple Beth Israel, Sharon, officiating.
Burial: Temple Beth Israel Cemetery.
Arrangements by SAMPLE-O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME Inc., East State Street at North Oakland Avenue, Sharon; member Selected Independent Funeral Homes and the International Order of the Golden Rule.
Jane G. Wilson
Pulaski woman was retired church secretary
Jane G. Wilson of 380 Rexford Drive, Hermitage, died at 3:05 p.m. Thursday (6-13-02) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System following an extended illness.
She was born in Pulaski, a daughter of Benjamin F. and Mabelle Watson Garrett.
Jane was a graduate of West Middlesex High School and the former Shenango Valley Commercial Institute in Sharon.
She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Sharon, where she served as the church secretary, retiring in 1983. She belonged to the Women's Guild of the church and the Women's Association and was also a charter member of AARP Chapter 3775 in Sharon, a retired person's organization.
Jane had been formerly employed at the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp. and Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce Credit Bureau.
Her husband, Andrew "Scotty" Wilson, whom she married in 1940, died in 1973.
Surviving are: a son, Andrew Stuart Wilson, Anaheim, Calif.; a daughter, Mrs. Donald (Barbara) Hahn, Cornville, Ariz.; and four grandchildren.
She also leaves: a sister, Mrs. Charles (Eleanor) Hilliard, New Hope, Pa.; four brothers, Edwin E. Garrett, Hubbard; Raymond L. Garrett, Pulaski; Robert M. Garrett, West Middlesex; and Frederick R. Garrett, also Pulaski; and a longtime companion, Jack E. DuMars Sr., Hermitage.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund of First Presbyterian Church, 600 E. State St., Sharon 16146.
WILSON
Mrs. Andrew "Scotty" (Jane G.), 380 Rexford Drive, Hermitage.
Service: Memorial service at 11:30 a.m. Monday (6-17-02) in First Presbyterian Church, Sharon, with the Rev. Dr. Glenn Hink, pastor, officiating.
Calling hours: None. Family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the service.
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.
Arrangements by JOSEPH P. BRASHEN FUNERAL SERVICE, 264 E. State St., Sharon.
Michael Joseph Palotas
Retired warrant officer was Beloved Disciple member
Michael Joseph Palotas, 1530 Lee Lane, Grove City, formerly of Erie, died at 12:30 p.m. Friday, June 14, 2002, in Countryside Convalescent Home, East Lackawannock Township, following an extended illness. He was 87.
Mr. Palotas was born Feb. 7, 1915, in Erie to Joseph and Anna Emrick Palotas.
He retired in 1959 from the U.S. Army Medical Corps, where he was a warrant officer for 26 years. Mr. Palotas was then employed by Eastman Kodak, from which he retired in 1976 as a film melter.
He was a member of Church of the Beloved Disciple, Grove City.
Surviving are: his wife, the former Elizabeth "Betty" O'Connor, whom he married May 31, 1941, at the residence; three daughters, Mrs. William (Barbara Ann) Jewett, Rochester, N.Y.; Mrs. Dennis (Kathleen) Roots, Canadigua, N.Y.; and Michele Connolly, Hillsville, Va.; two sisters, Marie Macey and Ann Hartline, both Erie; a brother, John Palotas, Valrico, Calif.; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Mr. Palotas was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Pauline Borowicz and Eleanor Meli; and four brothers, Joseph, Steven, George and Carl Palotas.
PALOTAS
Michael Joseph, 87, of 1530 Lee Lane, Grove City, formerly of Erie.
Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. Monday (6-17-02) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.
Service: Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. Tuesday (6-18-02) in Church of the Beloved Disciple, Grove City, with the Rev. Matthew Ruyechan, as celebrant.
Interment: Crestview Memorial Park Inc., Grove City.
Hazel I. Julian
Centenarian was active in church, excellent seamstress
Funeral service will be held Sunday for Hazel I. Julian, 168 S. Mercer St., Greenville. She died of natural causes at 10 p.m. Thursday, June 13, 2002, in her residence. She was 100.
Mrs. Julian was born April 11, 1902, in Kane, Pa., to Oliver Alden and Martha Alden.
She was a member since 1938 of Greenville Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Hempfield Township, where she was active serving as a Sunday school teacher; president of the Women's Missionary Prayer Fellowship; and was engaged in other positions of responsibility.
Mrs. Julian was an excellent seamstress and took pleasure in traveling and caring for her home and family.
Her husband, Homer F. Julian, whom she married on June 7, 1921, died May 1, 1959.
Surviving are: two daughters, Shirley Durney, Greenville; and Marie Julian, with whom she lived, also Greenville; two sons, the Rev. Ronald Julian, Dayton, Ohio; and David Julian, Lawrenceville, Ga.; a sister, Mable Heffer, wife of the Rev. Robert Heffer, Greenville; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Besides her husband, Mrs. Julian was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Bertha Nelson and Rosella Shaner.
Memorial contributions may be made to Greenville Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, 603 Conneaut Lake Road, Greenville 16125.
JULIAN
Mrs. Homer F. (Hazel I.), 100, of 168 S. Mercer St., Greenville.
Calling hours: 5 p.m. to time of service Sunday (6-16-02) in Greenville Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Hempfield Township.
Service: Funeral service at 7 p.m. Sunday in the church, with the Rev. Ronald Julian, deceased's son, officiating; assisted by the Rev. Robert Douglas, church pastor.
Burial: With committal service Monday (6-17-02) in Shenango Valley Cemetery, Greenville.
Arrangements by LOUTZENHISER-JORDAN COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME, 366-68 S. Main St., Greenville.
Josephine S. McKnight
St. Bartholomew's member was kindergarten teacher
Josephine S. McKnight of 401 Koehler Drive in Sharpsville, passed away peacefully Friday (6-14-02) in her residence following a brief illness. She was 81.
Mrs. McKnight was born July 13, 1920, in Johnstown, Pa., a daughter of Joseph and Pauline Batcher Smith.
Mrs. McKnight moved to Sharon as a young girl and was an alumna of Sharon High School.
She was a member of St. Bartholomew's Church in Sharpsville.
A kindergarten teacher, she taught students for many years at the former Mrs. Fitzgerald's Pre-School.
Mrs. McKnight loved making crafts and attending craft fairs. She also loved gardening and reading.
Her husband, James Francis McKnight, whom he married in 1942, passed away on Dec. 27, 1971.
She leaves: three daughters, Mrs. Robert (Paula) Harenchar, with whom she lived; Mrs. Richard (Gretchen) Haas, Mentor, Ohio; and Kathleen J. Thurston, Bremerton, Wash.; and two sons, James J. McKnight and his wife, Shirley, Pittsburgh; and Thomas P. McKnight and his wife, Jane, Durham, N.C.
Also surviving are: nine grandchildren, Jami M. Barnes; Sean L., Michael F., Thomas M., Mark J. and James L. McKnight; Jill S. Thurston; and Erica M. and John A. Haas; and three great-grandchildren, Kayla Thurston; and Evan and Riley Barnes.
Besides her husband, Mrs. McKnight was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Kevin J. Thurston; and a brother, Thomas P. Smith, who was killed in battle during World War II.
McKNIGHT
Mrs. James Francis (Josephine S.), 81, of 401 Koehler Drive, Sharpsville.
Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday (6-16-02) 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. Monday (6-17-02) in St. Bartholomew's Church, Sharpsville, with the Rev. John A. Murry, retired priest, as celebrant.
Interment: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.
Robert P. Karlovic
Hubbard resident retired from Republic Steel
Robert P. Karlovic, 3690 Buena Vista Drive, Hubbard, passed away Friday morning (6-14-02) in Forum Health Northside Medical Center, Youngstown. He was 77.
Mr. Karlovic was born Sept. 28, 1924, in Youngstown, a son of Blaz and Louise Terihay Karlovic.
He was a lifelong area resident and a general foreman at Republic Steel, Youngstown, for 32 years, retiring in 1979.
Mr. Karlovic was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Hubbard; and American Croatian Citizens Club.
He enjoyed bowling and working outdoors.
He leaves: his wife, Dorothy L. Siege Karlovic, whom he married Dec. 11, 1944; two daughters, Elaine Chase, Tucson; and Judith Lynn Karlovic, Elyria, Ohio; a grandson, Gary P. Karlovic II; a sister, Caroline Zitkovich, Boardman, Ohio; and two brothers, William Karlovic, Brookfield; and John Karlovic, Hubbard.
His parents; two sons, Gary P. Karlovic I and Bruce R. Karlovic; two brothers, Charles J. Karlovic and Edward Karlovic; and a sister, Diana Karlovic, are deceased.
The family requests contributions be made to Grace Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 111 Hall Ave., Hubbard 44425.
KARLOVIC
Robert P., 77, of 3690 Buena Vista Drive, Hubbard.
Calling hours: 10 a.m. to time of service Monday (6-17-02) in Grace Lutheran Church, 111 Hall Ave., Hubbard.
Service: Memorial service at 11 a.m. Monday in the church.
Burial: Hubbard Union Cemetery.
Arrangements by STEWART-KYLE FUNERAL HOME, 407 W. Liberty St., Hubbard.
Previous deaths
BARRIS
William Willis "B.J." III, 25, of 3509 Sharon Road, West Middlesex.
Obituary was published 6-13-02
Calling hours: Were Friday (6-14-02) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Friends may also e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
Service: Funeral and committal service at 1 p.m. today (6-15-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Larry Haynes, pastor of Grace Chapel Community Church, Sharon, officiating.
Interment: Haywood Cemetery, West Middlesex.
BOCHY
Mrs. Nicholas N. (Lena S.), 80, formerly of 448 Mercer Road, Hempfield Township.
Obituary was published 6-14-02
Calling hours: 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday (6-16-02) in LOUTZENHISER-JORDAN COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME, 366-68 S. Main St., Greenville.
Service: Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. Monday (6-17-02) in St. Michael's Church, Greenville, with the Rev. Dennis J. Veltri, parochial vicar of St. Michael's Church, Greenville, as celebrant.
Burial: With committal service in St. Michael's Cemetery, Greenville.
BUGHER
Charles E. "Slim," 79, of 190 S. Neshannock Road, Hermitage.
Obituary was published 6-13-02
Calling hours: Were 5 to 8 p.m. Friday (6-14-02) 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 10:30 a.m. today (6-15-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. G. Edward Hilliard, pastor of East Side Church (Baptist-Disciples of Christ), Sharon, officiating.
Interment: Morefield Cemetery, Hermitage, with full military honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Hickory Post 6166, Hermitage.
STITT
Harry Stephen Sr., 80, of 1194 Barkeyville Road, Pine Township.
Obituary was published 6-14-02
Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday (6-16-02) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.
Service: Memorial service at 1 p.m. Monday (6-17-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Jack D. Patterson, Grove City, officiating.
Entombment: Private for family in Greenlawn Burial Estates, Butler.
SUTTLES
Norma June, 69, of 55 W. Connelly Blvd., Sharon, formerly of Masury.
Obituary was published 6-14-02
Calling hours: Were Friday (6-14-02) in MADASZ FUNERAL HOME Inc., 6923 Warren Sharon Road, Brookfield. Service at 6:45 p.m. by Order of the Eastern Star.
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. today (6-15-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Bruce McLaughlin, pastor of Vienna United Methodist Church, officiating.
Burial: Brookfield Township Cemetery.
THOMPSON
Dean L., 80, of 702 Stockton Ave., Grove City.
Obituary was published 6-14-02
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday (6-16-02) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.
Service: Funeral service at 10 a.m. Monday (6-17-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Jean E. Gomola of East Brook Presbyterian Church, Lawrence County, officiating.
Interment: Prairie Cemetery, Harrisville.
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