Ernest S. Boldizar
Retired National Castings inspector lived in Farrell

Ernest S. Boldizar, 255 Woodland Ave., Farrell, died of natural causes at 2 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2002, in UPMC Horizon, Farrell. He was 80.

Mr. Boldizar was born Aug. 17, 1922, in Sharon to Moses Boldizar and Mary Ponder Boldizar.

He was an inspector for the former National Castings Division of Midland Ross Corp. in Sharon, where he worked for 32 years. He retired in 1983.

Ernie loved to hunt and work with leather.

He was a life member of the National Rifle Association and belonged to Holy Trinity Church in Farrell.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Surviving are: his wife, the former Ellen Barnes, whom he married Feb. 7, 1959, at home; a sister, Mary Aleska, West Middlesex; and his pet beagle, Molly.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Church, 1132 Fruit Ave., Farrell 16121.
    BOLDIZAR
    Ernest S., 80, of 255 Woodland Ave., Farrell.
    Calling hours: 9 a.m. to time of service Thursday (9-19-02) 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. Thursday in the funeral home, with the Rev. Henry C. Andrae officiating.
    Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.

Lydia Anna Blake, Hermitage, formerly of New Wilmington, died at 11:20 p.m. Monday (9-16-02) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. She was 82.

Mrs. Blake was born Dec. 16, 1919, in Wilmington Township, Lawrence County, to Jesse and Clara Malinda Anderson Heckathorn.

She was a homemaker and had worked for SAGA Food Services of Westminster College in New Wilmington. Mrs. Blake enjoyed cooking and her family.

She was a member of White Chapel United Methodist Church, Wilmington Township.

Her husband, Samuel E. Blake, whom she married May 20, 1938, died Jan. 29, 1984.

Surviving are: two daughters and their spouses, Nancy and George Raich, Hermitage; and Margaret and Richard Yonek, Pleasantville; one sister, E. "Maxine" Brown, Sharon; five grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and five stepgreat-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Herman Heckathorn and Paul Heckathorn; and one sister, Erma Hinkson.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 59 N. Crescent Drive, Hermitage, Pa. 16148.

BLAKE
    Mrs. Samuel E. (Lydia Anna), 82, Hermitage, formerly of New Wilmington.
    Calling hours: 5 to 9 p.m. today (9-18-02) in SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 310 W. Neshannock Ave., New Wilmington.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday (9-19-02) in the funeral home with Pastor Ray Heckathorn, deceased's nephew, officiating.
    Burial: Neshannock Cemetery, New Wilmington.

Alverda Marie Matthews, John XXIII Home, 2250 Shenango Valley Freeway, formerly of 340 Rexford Drive, both Hermitage, died at 5:20 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2002, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System following an extended illness. She was 96.

Mrs. Matthews was born May 2, 1906, in Beallsville, Pa., to Samuel Coyle and Nora Blanche Barnes Coyle.

An alumna of Beallsville schools and California (Pa.) University, she completed graduate studies at Westminster College in New Wilmington and at Clarion University of Pennsylvania.

Mrs. Matthews worked for West Middlesex Area School District for 18 years as an elementary school teacher, and later as a home school visitor, retiring in 1972. Previous to her work in West Middlesex, she was employed in Beallsville School District for 18 years.

She was a member of West Middlesex United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Matthews was a past District deputy of Lady Clarke Rebekah Lodge 1191, Clarksville, Pa.; and was an associate member of Adoniram Lodge 739, Sharpsville. She also belonged to the Welfare Board of West Middlesex and Deemstor (Pa.) Grange 1372.

She was a life member of the Retired Teachers Association; and Mercer County Retired Teachers Association, the latter for which she was a charter member as well as a past president.

Her husband, John Harry Matthews, whom she married April 4, 1954, died Nov. 7, 1981.

Mrs. Matthews has no survivors.

Memorial contributions may be made to West Middlesex United Methodist Church, 3123 Main St., Box 327, West Middlesex 16159.

MATTHEWS
    Mrs. John Harry (Alverda Marie), 96, formerly of 340 Rexford Drive, Hermitage.
    Calling hours: 1 p.m. to time of service Thursday (9-19-02) in W. WAYNE CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME, 3126 Main St., West Middlesex.
    Service: Funeral and committal service at 3 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home, with the Rev. Dr. John C. Kees, pastor, officiating.
    Burial: Haywood Cemetery, West Middlesex.

Dorothy M. "Myrt" McDonnell, 416 Prospect St., Sharon, died unexpectedly on Monday morning, Sept. 16, 2002, at home. She was 80.

Mrs. McDonnell was born March 27, 1922, in Hannibal, Mo., to Samuel and Lela Maupin McQueen.

She graduated from Mars (Pa.) High School in 1939 and attended what is now Slippery Rock University.

She worked in the Claims Department of Blue Cross of Youngstown from 1951 to 1966. She was a clerk/driver for Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV in Grove City from 1971 to 1980.

Mrs. McDonnell also owned and operated a private nursing home in Mercer.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Clyde E. McDonnell Sr., who died in 1984.

Mrs. McDonnell was a member of Jackson Center Presbyterian Church. She was president of the Positive Thinkers Stroke Club of Mercer County for two years and served as the program chairman of the American Business Women's Association in the 1970s.

Surviving are: two sisters, Pauline Ferguson, Charleston; and Ruth Cestoni, Murrysville, Pa.; and three brothers, Samuel, Chula Vista, Calif.; James, New Wilmington; and Daniel, Columbia, Md.

Mrs. McDonnell's body has been donated to science.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mercer County Disabilities Coalition, 500 Roemer Blvd., Farrell 16121.

Donald J. Lyth of 796 S. Stateline Road, Masury, died at 10:20 p.m. Monday (9-16-02) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 70.

Mr. Lyth was born Jan. 17, 1932, in Sharon, a son of Wain and Stella Johnson Lyth.

Don was the owner and operator of Lyth Moving & Delivery, Masury.

In his spare time, he was an avid sports fan.

Survivors include: his wife, Eileen M. (Parkinson) Lyth, whom he married in 1949; five children, Donna Eckert and her husband Jim, Greenville; Lois Smoot and her husband Larry Smoot Sr., Brookfield; John "Jack" Lyth, Masury; Linda Hall and her husband Jim, Cincinnati; and Diane Scelsi, South Bend, Ind.; three sisters, Dorothy Bole, Hermitage; and Bonita Laverty and Norma Jean Root, both Sharon; one brother, Bud Lyth, Sharon; 14 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, William, Fred and Robert Lyth; and one sister, Shirley Lapikas.

LYTH
    Donald J., 70, of 796 S. Stateline Road, Masury.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (9-18-02) in MADASZ FUNERAL HOME Inc., 6923 Warren Sharon Road, Brookfield.
    Service: Funeral service at 2 p.m. Thursday (9-19-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. John M. Trojak, pastor of First Baptist Church, Sharon, officiating.
    Burial: Brookfield Township Cemetery.

Philip "Smitty" H. Schmidt of 655 Spruce Ave., Sharon, passed away early Tuesday morning (9-17-02) in UPMC Horizon, Farrell, following an extended illness. He was 83.

A lifelong city resident, Mr. Schmidt was born Aug. 16, 1919, in Sharon, a son of Philip and Christina Kiefavor Schmidt.

He was a Sharon High School alumnus.

Mr. Schmidt worked for the City of Sharon as a fireman for 44 years. He had also worked for the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp.; Roemer Industries Inc.; the Sons of Italy; and Vasconi's, all Sharon.

He was a member of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Sharon.

A World War II veteran, he served with the U.S. Army in the 82nd Airborne Division and was the recipient of two Purple Hearts.

He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Shenango Valley Post 1338.

An outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and camping. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

His wife, the former Edna Mae Strauss, whom he married Nov. 9, 1940, survives at home.

Also surviving are: his three daughters, Sandra A. Sculthorpe and Patricia E. Kineston, both Sharon; and Karen A. Keister, Wheatland; and one son, Philip D. Schmidt, Hermitage. He also leaves two nephews whom he reared, David Trepanosky and Paul Vrankovich.

Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, Tina M. Vukovich, John G. Kineston, Brian A. Kineston, Michelle L. Dunham, Shawn M. Dunham, Carlie M. Parker, Heather L. Davis, Alisia M. Schmidt, Ashlee B. Schmidt and Philip M. Schmidt; and two great-grandchildren, Nicholas A. and Brittanie J. Vukovich.

His parents and one sister, Louise Brest, preceded him in death.

SCHMIDT
    
    Philip "Smitty" H., 83, of 655 Spruce Ave., Sharon.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday (9-19-02) 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 (9-20-02) in the funeral home chapel, with the Rev. Jeffrey J. Lucas, pastor of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Sharon, officiating. Full military honors provided at the funeral home by the Honor Guards of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6233, West Middlesex; and American Legion Post 432, West Middlesex.
    Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.

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

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BUCHANAN

    Mrs. Max L. (Frances H.), 84, of 339 E. Jamestown Road, West Salem Township, formerly of Fredonia Road, Greenville.
    Obituary was published 9-17-02
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (9-18-02) in BAIRD FUNERAL HOME Inc., 14 Louisa Ave., Greenville; member of Selected Independent Funeral Homes and International Order of the Golden Rule. Friends may send condolences by e-mail to baird@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday (9-19-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Steven E. Voelker, chaplain of St. Paul Homes, West Salem Township, officiating.
    Burial: Millbank Cemetery, Fairview Township.

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HOUY

    Mrs. Charles (Gertrude Marie Thompson), 91, Hermitage, formerly of 26 Garfield St., West Middlesex.
    Obituary was published 9-17-02
    Calling hours: Were 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday (9-17-02) in JOHN FLYNN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY Inc., 2630 E. State St., Hermitage. Friends may send condolences by e-mail to www.flynnfuneralhome.com
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. today (9-18-02) in the funeral home chapel, with the Rev. Dr. Donald P. Wilson, pastor of Lebanon Presbyterian Church, Lackawannock Township, officiating.
    Burial: Haywood Cemetery, West Middlesex.

    FULMER
    Alice Irene, 67, of 758 N. River Road, Greenville.
    Calling hours: Were Tuesday (9-17-02) and are 2 p.m. to time of service today (9-18-02) at St. Mark's United Church of Christ, Fredonia.
    Service: 4 p.m. Wednesday (9-18-02) in the church, with the Rev. Douglas Garland, pastor, officiating. Arrangements are being handled by ANDREW H. OSBORNE FUNERAL HOME, INC., Greenville. A condolence may be sent at www.osbornefuneralhome.com.
    Burial: Delaware Cemetery, Delaware Township.

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RAYMOND

    Mrs. Clarence (Pearl E.), 87, of 787 Shady Ave., formerly of Kingman, Ariz.
    Obituary was published 9-17-02
    Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. today (9-18-02) 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 11 a.m. Thursday (9-19-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. John A. Frey, senior pastor of Sharon Baptist Church, Hermitage, officiating.
    Interment: Brookfield Township Cemetery.

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SHAFFER

    Mrs. Stephen (Mary Kish), 86, Hermitage, formerly of Farrell.
    Obituary was published 9-17-02
    Calling hours: 2 p.m. to time of service today (9-18-02) in JOHN FLYNN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY Inc., 2630 E. State St., Hermitage. Friends may send condolences by e-mail to www.flynnfuneralhome.com
    Service: Funeral service at 3:30 p.m. today in the funeral home chapel, with Dr. Gary Smith of Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, Sharon, officiating.
    Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.

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WILSON

    Glen Michael, 71, of 195è Clarksville St., Greenville.
    Obituary was published 9-16-01
    Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. today (9-18-02) at LOUTZENHISER-JORDAN COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME, 366-368 S. Main St., Greenville.
    Service: Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. Thursday (9-19-02) in St. Michael Roman Catholic Church, Greenville, with the Rev. Dennis J. Veltri, parochial vicar, as celebrant.
    Burial: St. Michael Cemetery, Greenville.

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YARABENETS

    Mrs. Michael (Idabel E. Aldrich), 72, of 564 S. Stateline Road, Masury.
    Obituary was published 9-17-02
    Calling hours: 4 to 8 p.m. today (9-18-02) in MADASZ FUNERAL HOME Inc., 6923 Warren Sharon Road, Brookfield.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday (9-19-02) in the funeral home, with Pastor Sperry C. Hogue of Church of Christ, Hermitage, officiating.
    Burial: Brookfield Township Cemetery.

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YOBE

    Elizabeth Zipay, 89, of John XIII Home, Hermitage.
    Obituary was published 9-16-01
    Calling hours: Were Tuesday (9-17-02) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.
    Service: 1 p.m. today (9-18-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Arlon K. Stubbe, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, officiating. Condolences may be e-mailed to mcgoniglefuneralhome@infonline.net.
    Burial: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage.