The Herald, Sharon, PA

Local news Monday, Aug. 12, 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

  • Harriet Virginia Carr, 88, of 239 Veterans Road, Springfield Township.
  • Margaret Williams Dunkerley Gregg, 95, of 5647 Fisher Drive, Strattanville, Pa., formerly of the Village of Blacktown, Springfield Township.
  • Norman Hoffman, 83, of 1890 N. Hermitage Road, Hermitage.
  • Carolyn J. Horvath, 84, formerly of Sharon and Cleveland.
  • Jason Paul McConnell, 18, of 134 N. Spring Road, Springfield Township.
  • Ethel Louise Styers Poole, 89, of 509 Highland Ave., Grove City.
  • Ralph Francis Rummel, of 53, of 1156 Griswold St., Sharon.
  • Joan Gibson Smith, 76, of 325 Maplewood Drive, Jacksonville, Fla., formerly of Ridgeway Avenue, Grove City.
  • Linda L. Swanson, 48, of 27 Bessemer St., Greenville.
  • Gregory "Greg" E. Weimer, 22, Cranberry Township, Butler County.


Today's obituaries
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Leo Popeski
Ralph Francis Rummel
William M. Fulford
Harriet Virginia Carr
Norman Hoffman
Joan Gibson Smith
  Carolyn J. Horvath
Gregory 'Greg' E. Weimer
Clayton S. Hanna
Linda L. Swanson
Ethel Louise Styers Poole
Jason Paul McConnell
Margaret Dunkerley Gregg

Leo Popeski
Hermitage man, retired union plumber was artist

A private graveside service will be held for Leo Popeski of 745 Dutch Lane, Lot 70, Hermitage. He passed away at 11:56 p.m. Friday (8-9-02) in the emergency room of UPMC Horizon, Farrell. He was 74.

Mr. Popeski was born Feb. 15, 1928, in Titusville, a son of Frank Popeski and Frances Isbicka Popeski.

He attended Titusville schools and entered the U.S. Army shortly afterwards.

Mr. Popeski moved to the Shenango Valley in the late 1940s and retired in 1999 from Local 396 of the Plumbers and Pipefitters union with more than 40 years service.

A very talented artist, Leo enjoyed drawing caricatures and sceneries and at one time worked with renowned cartoon artist Mickey Finn.

He also worked at the Shippenport (Pa.) Nuclear Plant as a welder during its construction in the 1970s.

Leo was preceded in death by his first wife, the former Hazel Titus in 1971. He later married Lula "Lou" M. Nehls, who survives.

Also surviving are: one daughter, Mrs. Paul A. (Fran) Kranich, Sharpsville; one son, Patrick Popeski, Sharon; two sisters, Mary Hoffman, Erie; and Leona Thomas, Sharon; and one brother, James Popeski and his wife Rosemarie, Erie.

Besides his first wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and nine brothers.

POPESKI
    
Leo, 74, of 745 Dutch Lane, Lot 70, Hermitage.
    Calling hours: None. Friends may e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
    Service: Private graveside service with the Rev. Stanley Swacha, pastor of Church of the Sacred Heart, Sharon, officiating.
    Interment: Cremation services by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.


Ralph Francis Rummel

'67 Sharon grad, Vietnam vet, railroad retiree had store

Ralph Francis Rummel of 1156 Griswold St., Sharon, passed away peacefully of a service-connected disability, surrounded by his family at 10:30 p.m. Saturday evening (8-10-02) in his residence. He was 53.

Born March 22, 1949, in Sharon, Mr. Rummel was a son of the late Blaine Arthur and Eileen Mary Parks Rummel.

A 1967 graduate of Sharon High School, he retired from Conrail Railroad, where he was a welder for 15 years. Previously he had worked for five years at the former Sharon Steel Corp.'s Farrell plant.

After retiring from Conrail, he and his wife owned and operated A Cut Above in Sharon, an arts and crafts woodworking store.

Ralph was a member of St. Bartholomew's Church in Sharpsville.

A decorated and disabled war veteran, Mr. Rummel was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, having served as a medic with the 7/17 Air Cavalry Division during the Vietnam conflict. He was a member of Mercer County Vietnam Veterans organization and Veterans of Foreign Wars Hickory Post 6166 in Hermitage.

On March 10, 1973, he married the former Mary Lou Josa in Holy Trinity Church in Farrell. She survives him at home.

In addition, he leaves: one daughter, Julie Marie Rummel; and one son, Jason Victor Rummel, both at home; four sisters, Mrs. Douglas (Audrey A.) Deaton, South Gate, Ky.; Mrs. Richard (Patricia) Amato, Pleasant Hills, Pa.; Mrs. Michael (Geraldine M.) Svirbly, Erie; and Mrs. Philip (Elizabeth) Greer, New Wilmington; and one brother, Allan J. Rummel and his wife Stella, Sharpsville.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Blaine Rummel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sharon Regional Health System's Hospice Home Care, 490 N. Kerrwood Drive, Suite 204, Hermitage 16148.

RUMMEL
    
Ralph Francis, 53, of 1156 Griswold St., Sharon.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday (8-13-02) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Parish Rosary service at 8:45 p.m. Friends may e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday (8-14-02) in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell, with the Rev. Donald E. Berdis, pastor, as celebrant.


    
Interment: Hillcrest Memorial Park with military honors by the Honor Guard of Veterans of Foreign Wars Hickory Post 6166, Hermitage.


William M. Fulford
Obituary was published 8-11-02

His mother, Belva J. Mohney Fulford, survives in Orange Village Care Center, Masury. Additional information was given to The Herald.

FULFORD
    
William M., 64, of 176 Brook Drive, Brookfield.
    Obituary was published 8-11-02
    Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. today (8-12-02) in MADASZ FUNERAL HOME Inc., 6923 Warren Sharon Road, Brookfield.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Tuesday (8-13-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Dennis Bewley, pastor of Brookfield United Methodist Church, officiating.
    Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.


Harriet Virginia Carr

Springfield Twp. resident was homemaker, had care home

Harriet Virginia Carr, 239 Veterans Road, Springfield Township, died at 12:40 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, 2002, in Orchard Manor, Pine Township, following a one-year illness. She was 88.

Mrs. Carr was born June 17, 1914, in Grafton, W.Va., to Robert J. Jones and Edna Hillberry Jones.

She was a homemaker.

Many years ago, Mrs. Carr owned and operated her own personal care home on White Oak Road in Springfield Township.

She was a former member of Church of the Nazarene in Springfield Township.

Her husband, John Marvin Carr, whom she married Nov. 11, 1933, died Dec. 31, 1994.

Also preceding her in death was her son, Marvin Carr, who died Nov. 26, 1998.

Her primary caregiver was a former daughter-in-law, wife of the late Marvin Carr, Mrs. Richard (Pamela K. Carr) Barkand, Springfield Township.

Mrs. Carr also leaves: two sisters, Edna Elizabeth "Betty" Bright, Hendricks, W.Va.; and Iola Juanita Morgan, Grafton; one brother, Richard Hyson Jones, also Grafton; and two grandchildren, one stepgrandchild, one great-grandchild and one stepgreat-grandchild.

Besides her husband and her son Marvin, Mrs. Carr was preceded in death by her parents; twin infant sons, Joseph and John Carr; and a brother, Robert Howard Jones.

CARR
    
Mrs. John Marvin (Harriet Virginia), 88, of 239 Veterans Road, Springfield Township.
    Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. today (8-12-02) in SMITH FUNERAL HOME OF LEESBURG, 1778 Perry Highway, Springfield Township.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Tuesday (8-13-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Allen Moran, Orthodox Presbyterian supply pastor of Grove City, officiating.
    Interment: Bluemont Cemetery, Grafton, W.Va.


Norman Hoffman

Norman Hoffman, 1890 N. Hermitage Road, Hermitage, died at 1:05 p.m. Sunday (8-11-02) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 83.

Obituary information was incomplete.

HOFFMAN
    Norman, 83, of 1890 N. Hermitage Road, Hermitage.
    Arrangements will be announced by JOHN FLYNN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY Inc., 2630 E. State St., Hermitage.


Joan Gibson Smith

Former GC homemaker was

member of East Main church

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Joan Gibson Smith, 325 Maplewood Drive, Jacksonville, Fla., formerly of Ridgeway Avenue, Grove City, died at 12:40 a.m. Friday, Aug. 9, 2002, in Beauclerc Manor. She was 76.

Mrs. Smith was born May 5, 1926, in Butler to Donald Gibson and Kate Jack Gibson.

She was a graduate of the former Harrisville High School.

A homemaker, Mrs. Smith was a member of East Main Presbyterian Church in Grove City.

Surviving are: her husband, William E. Smith Sr., whom she married April 4, 1948; two sons, William E. Smith Jr. and his wife Barbara Bibby Smith; and Mark D. Smith and his wife Kathy Harmon Smith, all Jacksonville; a sister-in-law, Barbara Eakin Gibson, Butler; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Robert Gibson.

SMITH
    
Mrs. William E. (Joan Gibson) Sr., 76, of 325 Maplewood Drive, Jacksonville, Fla., formerly of Ridgeway Avenue, Grove City.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday (8-13-02) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.
    Service: Funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday (8-14-02) in the funeral home.
    Interment: Prairie Cemetery, Harrisville.


Carolyn J. Horvath

Carolyn J. Horvath, formerly of Sharon and Cleveland, died at 6:35 p.m. Sunday (8-11-02) in Clepper Manor, Sharon. She was 84.

Obituary information was incomplete.

HORVATH
    Carolyn J., 84, formerly of Sharon and Cleveland.
    Arrangements will be announced by HAROLD W. STEVENSON FUNERAL HOME, 264 E. State St., Sharon.


Gregory 'Greg' E. Weimer

John Carroll honor grad had grandmother in Sharpsville

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP -- Gregory "Greg" E. Weimer, Cranberry Township, Butler County, died at 7:45 p.m. Friday (8-9-02) in West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh, from complications from accidental burns sustained July 4. He was 22.

Mr. Weimer was born July 31, 1980, in McCandless Township, Allegheny County, Pa., the son of Stewart G. and Filippa M. Massaro Weimer.

Greg was a member of St. Ferdinand's Roman Catholic Church in Cranberry Township.

He attended the Governor's School for International Studies in the summer of 1997 and was co-founder of the Zelienople Eagle County Baseball League team in the summer of 2000.

He graduated from Seneca Valley High School, Harmony, as class salutatorian and National Merit Scholar in 1998.

On May 19, 2002, he graduated summa cum laude from John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio, where he received his degree in history and secondary education. He was awarded the Outstanding History Student for 2002 at John Carroll.

During the summer months, Greg worked for Cranberry Township in the Parks and Recreation Department. He also played the piano and guitar.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by one sister, Teresa M. Weimer, Oceanside, Calif.; one brother, Mark R. Weimer, Cranberry Township; and his maternal grandmother, Teresa Massaro, Sharpsville.

If desired, memorial contributions in Greg's memory may be made to the Gregory E. Weimer Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of Carolyn D. Snyder, Seneca Valley Senior High School, 126 Seneca School Road, Harmony 16037.

WEIMER
    
Gregory "Greg" E., 22, Cranberry Township, Butler County.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (8-12-02) and Tuesday (8-13-02) in GLENN-KILDOO FUNERAL HOME Inc., 130 Wisconsin Ave., Cranberry Township.
    Service: Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. Wednesday (8-14-02) in St. Ferdinand's Roman Catholic Church, Rochester Road, Cranberry Township.
    Burial: Pinewood Memorial Park, Cranberry Township.


Clayton S. Hanna

Former Delaware Twp.

man was longtime farmer

A funeral service was held Friday for Clayton S. Hanna of 294 East Ave., Greenville, formerly of 151 Cochran Road, Delaware Township. He died at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday evening (8-6-02) in UPMC Horizon, Greenville. He was 84.

Mr. Hanna was born Aug. 2, 1918, in New Springfield, Ohio, a son of the late Walter Roland Hanna and Mary Rebecca Siferd Hanna.

On Nov. 1, 1939, he married Clara M. Burrows, who survives.

Mr. Hanna was an area farmer for more than 51 years.

He is remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Besides his wife, Mr. Hanna is survived by: five daughters, Janet G. Parks and her husband David, Alliance, Ohio; Doris J. Stuyvesant and her husband David, Greenville; Virginia C. Folsom and her husband James, Fruitland Park, Fla.; Louise R. Myers and her husband Richard, Valdosta, Ga.; and Rebecca L. Cunningham and her husband Don, Lincoln, Neb.; six sons, Walter R. Hanna, Clarks Mills, Howard H. Hanna and his wife Glenna, Fountain, Fla.; Milford A. Hanna and his wife Lenora, Lincoln; Clayton D. Hanna and his wife Cynthia, Stoneboro; Thomas E. Hanna and his wife Mary Ann, Fredonia; and Timothy R. Hanna and his wife Tammy, Fredonia; three sisters, Hazel Chambers, Struthers, Ohio; Martha Blosser, New Bloomfield, Ohio; and Edith Franklin, Salem, Ohio; two brothers, Eugene Hanna, Columbiana, Ohio; and Paul Hanna, Struthers; 21 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Hanna was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Bruce A. Hanna; a grandson, Edward Charles Folsom; a great-granddaughter, Sandra Jo Hanna; a brother, Winfield Hanna; and two sisters, an infant, Mary Hanna; and Esther Zarlingo.

The family has suggested that memorial contributions be made to Fredonia Volunteer Fire Department or Hempfield Station One.

HANNA
    Clayton S., 84, of 294 East Ave., Greenville, formerly of 151 Cochran Road, Delaware Township.
    Calling hours: Were 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday (8-8-02) in ROBERT L. SNYDER FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 169 Second St., Fredonia.
    Service: Funeral service was at 11 a.m. Friday (8-9-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Eric Peters, pastor of Fredonia Presbyterian Church, officiating.
    Interment: With committal service in Millbank Cemetery, Fairview Township.


Linda L. Swanson
'72 GHS grad was therapist, active in Sharon church

Linda L. Swanson, 27 Bessemer St., Greenville, died at 4:06 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, 2002, in UPMC Horizon, Greenville, after an extended illness. She was 48.

Mrs. Swanson was born May 8, 1954, in Greenville, a daughter of Salvadore and Margaret C. DiDonato Catalano, who survive and reside in Greenville.

Mrs. Swanson was an active member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Sharon, where she was active in the Kingdom Searcher Sunday school class and the Sonshine Circle. She also served her church in various ministry and mission projects while she proclaimed her faith in Jesus Christ and His gift of salvation that helped her deal with her illness. Her faith also served to give her hope, as well as to sustain others as they dealt with difficulties in their personal lives.

Linda graduated from Greenville High School in 1972 and from Youngstown State University in 1976. She was employed for 23 years as a respiratory therapist at UPMC Horizon, Greenville. She also completed advance studies at California (Pa.) University; Thiel College, Greenville; Edinboro University and Youngstown State University. She was active in Weight Watchers and supported many within the program to meet their goals.

A loving and caring mother, she was very involved with her children's education and was a classroom assistant and aide. She was later asked to continue her support by being a substitute aide for Greenville Area School District.

Besides her parents, Mrs. Swanson is survived by her husband, Douglas R. Swanson Sr., whom she married April 9, 1988; a son, Douglas R. Swanson Jr.; a daughter, Rachael M. Swanson, all Greenville; and three brothers, Anthony Catalano, Punxsutawney, Pa.; Richard Catalano, Scott Run, in the Pocono region of Pennsylvania; and Robert Catalano, Greenville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kingdom Searchers Sunday school class for their mission work. They may be sent in care of Covenant Presbyterian Church, 236 E. State St., Sharon 16146.

SWANSON
    
Mrs. Douglas R. (Linda L.) Sr., 48, of 27 Bessemer St. Greenville.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday (8-13-02) in BAIRD FUNERAL HOME, 14 Louisa Ave., Greenville. Friends may send condolences by e-mail to Baird@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday (8-14-02) in Covenant Presbyterian Church, Sharon, with the Rev. Richard H. Herman, pastor, officiating. The body will lie in state at the church from 10 a.m. to time of service.
    Burial: Private in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.


Ethel Louise Styers Poole

Ethel Louise Styers Poole, 509 Highland Ave., Grove City, died at 3:45 p.m. Sunday (8-11-02) in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh. She was 89.

Obituary information was incomplete.

POOLE
    Ethel Louise Styers, 89, of 509 Highland Ave., Grove City.
    Arrangements will be announced by CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.


Jason Paul McConnell

Jason Paul McConnell, 134 N. Spring Road, Springfield Township, died at 1:38 p.m. Sunday (8-11-02) from injuries sustained in an automobile crash on Old Mercer Road in Springfield Township. He was 18.

Obituary information was incomplete.

McCONNELL
    Jason Paul, 18, of 134 N. Spring Road, Springfield Township.
    Arrangements will be announced by CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.


Margaret Dunkerley Gregg

Former Blacktown woman was U.M., Republican officer

SLIGO, Pa. -- Margaret Williams Dunkerley Gregg, 5647 Fisher Drive, Strattanville, Pa., formerly of the Village of Blacktown, Springfield Township, died at 7:13 p.m. Saturday (8-10-02) in Clarview Nursing Facility. She was 95.

Mrs. Gregg was born March 16, 1907, in Grove City to Carl Williams and Anna Magee Williams.

She was a former switchboard operator for the former Bashline Memorial Hospital in Grove City; and previously served as a telephone operator for Blacktown Telephone Co.

Mrs. Gregg was a member of Balm United Methodist Church near Mercer and was a district officer for the United Methodist Conference. She also belonged to Women's Christian Temperance Union and was a past president of Mercer County Republican Women as well as the Republican Committee of Women.

Mrs. Gregg was a former school director of Springfield Township during World War II.

Her first husband, Clyde Dunkerley, whom she married June 4, 1924, died Feb. 28, 1978. Her second husband, Lewis S. Gregg, whom she married Nov. 21, 1981, died March 3, 1990.

Surviving are: a daughter, Louise Gross, Mercer; a son, C. Edward Dunkerley and his wife Carmella, Strattanville; five stepchildren, Mrs. Larry L. (Evelyn) Fields; George R. Gregg and his wife Carol Ann; and Robert E. Gregg and his wife Eleanor, all Grove City; Mrs. Michael D. (Caroline) McCullon, Harrisville; and Kenneth L. Gregg and his wife Bonnie, Missouri; six grandchildren; several stepgrandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and several stepgreat-grandchildren.

Besides her first and second husbands, Mrs. Gregg was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Walter A. Dunkerley; a grandson, Gary A. Dunkerley; two sisters, Ella Pierce and Mabel "Betty" Williams; and two brothers, George and Glenn Williams.

Memorial contributions may be made to Balm United Methodist Church, Grove City-Mercer Pike, Mercer 16137.

GREGG
    Mrs. Lewis S. (Margaret Williams Dunkerley), 95, of 5647 Fisher Drive, Strattanville, Pa., formerly of Springfield Township.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday (8-13-02) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.
    Service: Funeral service at 1 p.m. Wednesday (8-14-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Hugh D. Crocker, minister of visitation of Mercer United Methodist Church and family friend, officiating.
    Interment: Crestview Memorial Park Inc., Pine Township.


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


POOLE


    
Mrs. Willie (Eunice H.), 85, of 1330 Kimberly Road, Sharon.
    Obituary was published 8-9-02
    Calling hours: 11 a.m. to time of service Tuesday (8-13-02) in WILBERT L. SHANNON FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 33 Broadway Ave., Wheatland. Condolences may be sent by fax to (724) 347-1917 or by e-mail to ShannonFHLtd@netscape.net
    Service: Funeral service at noon Tuesday in the funeral home, with the Rev. Willie Eva Peagler, assistant pastor of Price Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Youngstown, officiating.
    Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.


SHANNON


    
Mrs. William Richard (Mildred W.) Sr., 99, of 11 Chambers Ave., Greenville.
    Obituary was published 8-11-02
    Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. today (8-12-02) in LOUTZENHISER-JORDAN COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME, 366-68 S. Main St., Greenville.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Tuesday (8-13-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. David Dobi, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Greenville, officiating.
    Burial: With committal service in Shenango Valley Cemetery, Greenville.



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