Today's obituaries
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Grace Ann Babnis
'60 BHS grad was assembler for Ohio cabinetry business
Grace Ann Babnis of 712 Valley View Lane, Brookfield, passed away unexpectedly Sunday (6-16-02) in her residence. She was 59.
She was born July 19, 1942, in Sharon, a daughter of Joseph and Grace A. Troyer Babnis.
Grace was a graduate of Brookfield High School Class of 1960.
She was working for Kraft Maid Cabinetry in Middlefield, Ohio, where she was an assembler.
Grace attended St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Sharon and was a member of the Polish National Alliance.
She also enjoyed bowling and had bowled with the Slovenska Narodna Podporna Jednota (SNPJ) Bowling League.
Grace was a devoted mother and grandmother.
She is survived by: her son, Joseph Yurko and his wife Nancy A., Irving, Texas; and her two grandsons, Nicholas J. and Alexander C. Yurko.
She also leaves her sister, Tina Babnis-Lieb, South Pymatuning Township.
Memorial contributions may go to the Shenango Valley Animal Shelter, 2599 Broadway Ave., Hermitage 16148.
BABNIS
Grace Ann, 59, of 712 Valley View Lane, Brookfield.
Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday (6-20-02) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME INC., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Friends may e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
Service: Funeral service at noon Friday (6-21-02) in the chapel of St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Hermitage, with the Rev. Anthony Francis Spilka, Orders of Friars Minor Conventual, officiating. Brief prayer service at 11:25 a.m. in the funeral home prior to leaving for the cemetery.
Internment: St. Stanislaus Kostka Cemetery, Hermitage.
Carl M. Black Jr.
Ex-EMA head in county was Navy retiree, active in church
Carl M. Black Jr. of 1074 Griswold St., Sharon, passed away peacefully at 9:27 a.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2002, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 67.
Born April 1, 1935, in Sharpsville, Mr. Black was a son of Carl M. Black Sr. and Francis Ruth Wingard Black.
Carl attended schools in Sharon and Greenville and graduated from Hickory High School in Hermitage. He also attended the Shenango campus of Pennsylvania State University in Sharon.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 on May 13, 1952, and retired Dec. 1, 1973, with the rank of chief yeoman after 22 years of service. During that period Carl was stationed in many locations and held many other positions.
Some of his assignments included U.S. Naval Training Center, May 13, 1952 to August 1954; USS John Hood, August 1952 to June 1954; USS Markab, July 1954 to July 1955; USS Forrestal, July 1955 to September 1956; and Commander of Sixth Fleet Staff, September 1956 to February 1957. He served on staff at the Naval Damage Control Training Center in Philadelphia, February 1957 to March 1960; Yeoman "B" School, March to July 1960; Fighter Squadron 85 in Oceana, Va., July 1960-62; on staff of Commander Service Force U.S. Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., July 1962 to August 1968; on staff of Commander Hawaii Sea Frontier, Pearl Harbor, August 1966 to October 1967; Commander Naval Forcer, Vietnam, October 1967-68; Attack Squadron 85 in Oceana, October 1968 to August 1970; on staff of Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility, Portsmouth (Va.) Naval Shipyard, August 1970 to September 1972; and on staff of School of Music, Naval Amphibious Base in Little Creek, Va., September 1972 until his retirement.
Following his discharge, Carl worked for a short period of time at General American Transportation Corp.'s former Masury plant. He then became coordinator of the Mercer County Emergency Management Agency in 1977, a position he held until 1996.
He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Sharon, where he was a weekly volunteer for the church food bank. He also coordinated the butter and cheese program for the needy in Mercer County.
Carl was also a Boy Scout leader at The Salvation Army Corps, Sharon.
Mr. Black was affiliated with the Civil Defense Explorer Troop and had served as a former deputy sheriff in Mercer County.
A ham radio operator, he was a charter member of Emergency Communications Helping Others Citizens Band Club (ECHO). He also belonged to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1338; and American Legion Post 299, both Sharon; Fraternal Order of Police Rose of Sharon Lodge 3; and National Rifle Association. He was also a member of Disabled American Veterans Association and was a member-at-large of the Fleet Reserve Association.
Carl was active in several other organizations and held many certifications including Emergency Medical Technician, Basic Fire Fighter, Fire Police, Professional Certified Emergency Management Coordinator in the state of Pennsylvania; and Mercer County Amateur Radio Club -- N3KWE (Technician).
He was a past president of the Gamble Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization; and of the Keystone Emergency Management Association (KEMA); and was a life member of the Mercer County Fire Chiefs Association.
During his tenure of military service, he received numerous medals and awards including the Combat Action Ribbon; Meritorious Unit Commendation (second award); Navy Unit Commendation (second award); Good Conduct Medal (fifth award); National Defense Service Medal (one star); Korean Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea-one star); Republic of Vietnam Service Medal (seven stars); Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Commendation (Gallantry Cross with palm); United Nations Service Medal (Korea); and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Survivors include: his wife, the former Shirley Jean Barnett, whom he married Aug. 9, 1963, in Tionesta, Pa.; four daughters, Mrs. Bernard (Judith E.) Wells, Reynoldsville, Pa.; Mrs. Joseph (Eunice Marie) Foraker, Hubbard; Carol Marie Woods and her fiance, Charles J. Boyer, Sharon; and Mrs. Viola Marie Foster, wife of Raymond Foster Jr., Masury; two sons, Carl M. Black III and his wife, Diane, Wake Forest, N.C.; and William E. Black and his fiance, Terri L. Taylor, DuBois, Pa.; two sisters, Joann DeSantis, Hermitage; and Mrs. George (Viola) Allen, Sharon; 14 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Black was preceded in death by one son, Mark Anthony Black; one sister, Shirley Bich; one brother, William Edward Black; and one great-grandson.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Food Bank of First Baptist Church, 301 W. State St., Sharon 16146; or the American Lung Association/American Respiratory Alliance of Northwestern Pennsylvania, 352 W. 8th St., Erie 16502.
BLACK
Carl M. Jr., 67, of 1074 Griswold St., Sharon.
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday (6-20-02) 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 a.m. Friday (6-21-02) in First Baptist Church, Sharon, with the Rev. John M. Trojak, pastor, officiating.
Interment: With full military honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1338, Sharon, in Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.
Jean Campbell-Hassan
Mill Creek Twp. native was Realtor, had brother here
PENN HILLS -- Jean Campbell-Hassan of Penn Hills died Monday, June 17, 2002, in her home. She was 77.
She was born in Mill Creek Township, a daughter of the late William Patterson Marsteller and Alice Stone Marsteller.
Jean was a Realtor with Santorello Real Estate Co. in Plum, Pa.; and attended Penn Hills Presbyterian Church.
She was the wife of the late John Campbell and of the late John Hassan.
She is the mother of Carol Lee Campbell, Verona, Pa.; John W. Campbell, Virginia; and Jane Burton, Georgia; grandmother of Ross and Shawn Campbell and Zachery Burton; and sister of Richard Marsteller, Sandy Lake; and the late Charles Marsteller.
Memorial donations to the family would be used for the care of Jean's daughter, Carol.
CAMPBELL-HASSAN
Jean, 77, of Penn Hills.
Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. today (6-19-02) and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday (6-20-02) in PATRICK T. LANIGAN FUNERAL HOME, 700 Linden Ave. at Cable, East Pittsburgh. Condolences may be sent to www.laniganfuneralhome.com.com
Service: Funeral services will be held Friday (6-21-02) in the funeral home with time to be announced.
Burial: New Lebanon Cemetery, Mill Creek Township.
Thomas G. Lienberger
Wheatland native, WWII pilot retired from WE in Lima
LIMA, Ohio -- Thomas G. Lienberger of Lima died at 6:38 p.m. Monday, June 17, 2002, in St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima. He was 79.
He was born Sept. 17, 1922, in Wheatland to Paul and Sarah Gough Lienberger. Both parents are deceased.
He married Bernice E. Siefert, who is deceased. On June 30, 1972, he married Sharon M. Landfair, who survives.
Additional survivors include four sons, Kenneth P. Lienberger, Atlanta; Kim W. Lienberger and his wife, Janet, Jackson, Miss.; Kerry T. Lienberger and his wife, Jana, Fountain Hills, Ariz.; and Steven R. Lienberger and his wife, Kimberly, Fairfield, Ohio; one daughter, Becky J. Bellamy, Wasilla, Alaska; one stepson, Brian Deffenbaugh and his wife, Wendy, Lewis Center, Ohio; and seven grandchildren, Christie Schneider, Isaac Wiggins, Erin Deffenbaugh, Lisa Lienberger, Benjamin Bellamy, Chelsea Mueller and Joshua Deffenbaugh.
Besides his parents and his first wife, one sister, Elizabeth Smith, is deceased.
Mr. Lienberger retired from Westinghouse Electric Corp. in Lima after 40 years of service as a senior sales engineer. He graduated from Farrell High School in 1940. He was a pilot in World War II in the U.S. Army Air Corps.
He graduated from Purdue University and was a member of Shawnee United Methodist Church, Lima; Westinghouse Retirees Association; and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 54; and Fraternal Order of Eagles, both Lima.
He had been a Boy Scout leader for many years, an Indian Guides leader and had worked with Habitat for Humanity.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shawnee United Methodist Church, 2600 Zurmehly Road, Lima, OH 45806.
LIENBERGER
Thomas G., 79, Lima, Ohio.
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday (6-21-02) in BAYLIFF & SON FUNERAL HOME, 311 W. Main St., Cridersville, Ohio; and noon to time of service Saturday (6-22-02) in Shawnee United Methodist Church, 2600 Zurmehly Road, Lima.
Service: Funeral service at 1 p.m. Saturday in the church, with the Rev. Gloria Brooks, pastor, officiating.
Burial: Cremated remains will be buried at a later date in Shawnee Cemetery, Lima.
Dr. Spiro N. Mason, D.M.D.
Oral surgeon retired from Sharon hospital, was Mason
A funeral service will be held Friday for Dr. Spiro N. Mason, D.M.D., 3891 McConnell Road, Hermitage. He died at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 17, 2002, in Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He was 65.
Dr. Mason was born Dec. 12, 1936, in Sharon to Nicholas Mason and Artemis Maurovdis Mason.
An alumnus of Sharon High School, he earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh and his doctor of dentistry from its School of Dentistry. Dr. Mason specialized in oral surgery and attended Temple University in Philadelphia, completing an internship and residency program at New York Hospital and at Cornell Medical Center.
Dr. Mason was appointed to the staff of Sharon Regional Health System in 1967 and was in active practice until 1998, when he retired as chief of oral surgery. He was also an active member of the tumor, education and library committees of the hospital.
He belonged to the American Dental Association, American College of Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery, Mercer County Dental Association and Sharon Country Club.
Dr. Mason was a member of Free and Accepted Masons Shenango Lodge 810, Hermitage, for which he served as a Master Mason; belonged to Zem Zem Temple of the Shrine, Erie; and was a 32nd degree Scottish Rites Mason in Scottish Rites New Castle Consistory.
He was also a member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Farrell.
As a veteran of the U.S. Army Medical Corps, Dr. Mason achieved the rank of captain and served as chief of oral surgery in Okinawa, Japan; and at Fort Knox, Ky. He was also active during the Vietnam conflict.
His wife, the former Alanea J. Vaso, whom he married May 13, 1978, survives at home.
Also surviving are: a son, Johnathan S. Mason; and a daughter, Nicole A. Mason, both at home; his mother; and a sister, Kathryn Stanos, wife of Attorney Steven Stanos, all Boardman, Ohio; a niece, Artemis Stanos, Chicago; and three nephews, Dr. Peter Stanos and Dr. Steven Stanos, both Columbus, Ohio; and Nicholas Stanos, New York City.
Dr. Mason was preceded in death by his father.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 1007 Washington Ave., Farrell 16121; or Shenango Valley Animal Shelter, 2599 Broadway Ave., Hermitage 16148.
MASON
Dr. Spiro N. D.M.D., 65, of 3891 McConnell Road, Hermitage.
Calling hours: 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday (6-20-02) in 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. Trisagion service at 8 p.m. in the chapel. Friends may send condolences by e-mail to Sample@infonline.net
Service: Funeral service at 10 a.m. Friday (6-21-02) in Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Farrell, with the Rev. Ignatious Apostolopoulos, pastor, officiating.
Entombment: With full military honors by the U.S. Army Military District Honor Guard in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.
Denise 'Dee' Doren Davenport Seelbaugh
Grove City woman worked for publication, newspapers
Denise "Dee" Doren Davenport Seelbaugh, 220 Franklin Place, Grove City, died Tuesday, June 18, 2002, in United Community Hospital, Pine Township. She was 29.
Mrs. Seelbaugh was born March 14, 1973, in Pittsburgh to Glenn W. Davenport and Margaret Niedermeyer Davenport.
She was an advertising salesperson and placemat designer for "Destination" circular supplement and served as a delivery person for Allied News in Grove City and for the Butler Eagle.
Mrs. Seelbaugh was a member of Church of the Beloved Disciple in Grove City.
Surviving are: her husband, Dean R. "Rick" Seelbaugh, whom she married April 17, 2000; a son, Jarrod Fritsche, 9; and two daughters, Brianna Seelbaugh, 7; and Amber Seelbaugh, 4, all at home; her father and stepmother, Glenn and Gerri Davenport, Grove City; her mother and stepfather, Larry and Margaret Kladny, Butler; her grandmother, Margaret Niedermeyer, Allison Park, Pa.; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Domer and Betty Seelbaugh, Grove City; and one brother, David J. White, Munhall section of Pittsburgh.
SEELBAUGH
Mrs. Dean R. "Rick" (Denise "Dee" Doren Davenport), 29, of 220 Franklin Place, Grove City.
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.. Thursday (6-20-02) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.
Service: Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. Friday (6-21-02) in Church of the Beloved Disciple, Grove City.
Melissa Ann Yeager
Perry junior was NHS, band member, class president
Melissa Ann Yeager, 364 Beatty School Road, Hadley, died Monday, June 17, 2002, in Perry Township. She was 16.
Melissa was born April 11, 1986, to Larry Yeager and Debra Nogee Yeager.
A junior at Commodore Perry High School, Melissa attended New Lebanon Community Church, where she was a member of the youth group.
As a Commodore Perry student, she was a member of the high school band; National Honor Society; Tri-M Music Honor Society; Future Business Leaders of America; the Academic Decathlon Team; and also served as sophomore class president.
Melissa was a former student of Greenville School of Gymnastics, where she was a coach for the past three years.
She was highly interested in music and dance.
Surviving are her parents; and a sister, Michelle Yeager, all at home; her maternal grandfather, Frank Nogee, and stepgrandmother, Hazel, New Lebanon; her paternal grandparents, Clair and his wife, Vivian Yeager, Greenville; an aunt, Sally James and her husband, Daryl, Meadville; an uncle and aunt, James and his wife Susan Nogee, Mendora, Wis.; and four cousins, Scott Hatton, Jennifer Wilkinson, and Matthew and Sarah Nogee.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Commodore Perry High School Band; or New Lebanon Community Church.
YEAGER
Melissa, 16, of 364 Beatty School Road, Hadley.
Calling hours: 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. today (6-19-02) at ANDREW VANA FUNERAL HOME, 102 Church St., Hadley, and 1 p.m. to time of service Thursday (6-20-02) in New Lebanon Community Church, state Route 173, Sandy Lake.
Service: Funeral service at 2 p.m. Thursday in the church, with the Rev. Kevin Eshleman, senior pastor, and the Rev. William Merritt, pastor emeritus, officiating.
Burial: Hadley Cemetery.
Charles W. Wanchisn
WE retiree lived in Brookfield, was member of Sharon church
FULLERTON, Calif. -- Charles W. Wanchisn of 7297 Northview Drive, Brookfield, died at 9:40 p.m. Saturday (6-15-02) in Park Vista Nursing Home. He was 93.
Mr. Wanchisn was born Dec. 26, 1908, in Barnsboro, Pa., a son of Andrew and Anna Hruba Wanchisn.
He was retired from the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp., where he was employed as a mounter for 31 years. Prior to that he had worked for 18 years in the coal mines of Commodore, Pa.
Mr. Wanchisn was a member of St. John Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church in Sharon.
His wife, the former Mary Popik, whom he married Jan. 29, 1932, died March 29, 1995.
Mr. Wanchisn is survived by: three daughters, Joan Haun, Yorba Linda, Calif., Donna Marie Whiteside, Jackson, Miss.; and Patricia Lockovich, Brea, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Margaret Taczak; seven brothers, Andrew, John, Steve, George, Frank, Peter and Michael Wanchisn; and a sister, Mary Tarby.
WANCHISN
Charles W., 93, of 7297 Northview Drive, Brookfield.
Calling hours: 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday (6-21-02) at MADASZ FUNERAL HOME, INC., 6923 Warren Sharon Road, Brookfield. Panachida service at 7:45 p.m.
Service: Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Saturday (6-22-02) at St. John Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church, Sharon, with the Rev. Michael Zak as celebrant.
Burial: Brookfield Township Cemetery.
Gertrude 'Trudy' R. Christman Robinson Wright
Former Farrell resident lived, worked in Cleveland area
BEACHWOOD, Ohio -- Gertrude "Trudy" R. Christman Robinson Wright, 3523 Norwood Road, Shaker Heights, Ohio, formerly of Farrell, passed away at 8 a.m. Monday, June 17, 2002, in Beachwood of heart failure after suffering a stroke. She was 86.
Mrs. Wright was born Feb. 5, 1916, in Farrell to James Abraham Christman and Leanne Taliaferro Christman. The eighth of 10 children who survived infancy, she was the last surviving sibling.
She was educated in Farrell's public school system and also took business courses at what is now Youngstown State University.
Gertrude was nicknamed Trudy by family and friends throughout most of her life.
Trudy married Louis Robinson in 1941 in Oreland, Pa. Of that union was born one child, Louis "Butch" Robinson Jr., formerly of Farrell, who lives in Bloomington, Ind. Trudy and her husband Louis were later divorced and, in 1952, she married Paul R. Wright of Youngs-town. They lived in Cleveland and of that union was born a child, Paula Christine Wright. Both Paul and Paula preceded Trudy in death, passing away in 1983 and 1998, respectively.
Trudy attended church at St. Dominic's Church in Cleveland.
She was employed at L&B Super Market in Cleveland as an assistant manager from 1952 through 1977. In 1978, she was employed at General Electric in Cleveland. Trudy retired from GE in 1988, receiving several awards for her outstanding service to the company.
Trudy belonged to several clubs and organizations. She was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Commanders Club, which assisted disabled veterans; Local 880 of Retail Store Employees union; Order of the Eastern Star; and Fortuna Investment Club, which she served as secretary.
Prior to her passing, Trudy resided with Angela Smith of Cleveland, who was both a friend and caregiver for Trudy.
Surviving are: her son, Louis B. "Butch" Robinson Jr. and a daughter-in-law, Connie Robinson, both Bloomington; two grandsons, Damon and Jermaine Robinson, also Bloomington; two great-grandsons, Dimitri and Kobe Robinson, also Bloomington; and her caregiver, Angela Smith.
Also surviving are a host of nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends.
Besides her brothers and sisters, her husband and her daughter, Paula, Mrs. Wright was preceded in death by her parents.
WRIGHT
Mrs. Paul R. (Gertrude "Trudy" R. Christman Robinson), 86, of 3523 Norwood Road, Shaker Heights, Ohio, formerly of Farrell.
Calling hours: 10 a.m. to time of service Saturday (6-22-02) in Second Baptist Church, 1138 Spearman Ave., Farrell. Friends may also call in the home of Mrs. Louis B. (Mattie) Robinson, deceased's son's stepmother, 1089 Cedar Ave., Sharon. Condolences may be sent by fax at (724) 347-1917 or by e-mail to shannonfhltd@netscape.net
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday in the church, with the Rev. Thomas J. Bolling, pastor, officiating.
Burial: Morefield Cemetery, Hermitage.
Arrangements by WILBERT L. SHANNON FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 33 Broadway Ave., Wheatland.
Carl J. Yankovich
Carl J. Yankovich, 1700 Ashton Ave., Sharpsville, died at 6 p.m. Tuesday (6-18-02) in Nugent Convalescent Home, Hermitage. He was 70.
Obituary information was incomplete.
YANKOVICH
Carl J., 70, of 1700 Ashton Ave., Sharpsville.
Arrangements will be announced by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME, INC.
PREVIOUS DEATHS
Look in past days' obituary files to find the full obituaries
GERMADNIK
Mrs. Albert A. (Mary "Mitzie" C.), 90, Hermitage, formerly of Fairbrooke Way, Sharpsville.
Obituary was published 6-18-02
Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. today (6-19-02) 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 a.m. Thursday (6-20-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Matthew Ruyechan, pastor of St. Anthony's Church, Sharon, officiating.
Interment: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.
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