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William A. 'Bill' Johnson Jr.
West Middlesex man was Sharon Steel, WE worker
William A. "Bill" Johnson Jr., 328 Spangler Road, West Middlesex, passed away at 1 a.m. Monday (10-14-02) in his home. He was 58.
Mr. Johnson, a lifelong Shenango Valley resident, was born Dec. 14, 1943, in Sharon to William A. Johnson Sr. and Dorothy A. Smith Johnson.
The Sharon High School graduate was employed by the former Sharon Steel Corp. and Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp.
He enjoyed watching and talking sports.
Surviving are: his mother, at home; one brother, Frederick Johnson and his wife, Beverly, Hermitage; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father; grandparents; one brother, Kirk Johnson; and one sister, Patricia Davis.
JOHNSON
William A. "Bill," 58, of 328 Spangler Road, West Middlesex.
Calling hours: 11 a.m. to time of services Friday (10-18-02) 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 Friday in the funeral home with the Rev. Leon Avery Jr., pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Sharon, officiating.
Burial: Morefield Cemetery, Hermitage.
William W. 'Bill' Hether
Sharon Steel retiree was ballplayer, honored war vet
A Mass of Christian burial will be Thursday (10-17-02) for William W. "Bill" Hether, Hermitage, formerly of 1016 Walnut St., Farrell. He passed away at 12:25 p.m. Sunday (10-13-02) in Nugent Convalescent Home, Hermitage. He was 79.
Mr. Hether was born June 26, 1923, in Sharon to John and Daisy Mack Hether.
He attended St. Joseph's Parochial Grade School, Sharon; and Sharon schools.
The U.S. Army veteran of World War II served as an anti-aircraft gunner. He earned the Pacific Theater Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal. He played baseball and was a boxer while in the Army.
He was a labor leader for more than 30 years at the former Sharon Steel Corp.'s Farrell plant, retiring in the mid-1980s.
The avid baseball and softball player on several Shenango Valley teams also served as an umpire for 17 years. Mr. Hether played bocce until 2002 with the New Deal Club League.
Mr. Hether was a member of Church of the Sacred Heart, Sharon; and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5286, New Deal Club and the Italian Home, all Farrell.
Surviving are: his wife, the former Helen Anne Zabych, whom he married July 12, 1947, and who lives in Nugent Convalescent Home; two daughters, Mrs. Michael (Karen) Donato, Sharon; and Mrs. Robert (Marilyn) Bossik, Mogadore, Ohio; one son, David Hether, Warren, Ohio; five grandchildren, Shawn Donato and his wife, Jennie; and Mrs. Michael (Danette) Shannon, Gregory Elias Bossick and April and Jeremy Hether; and three great-grandchildren, Kayla, Megan and Matthew Donato; one sister, Margaret Merat, West Middlesex; and one brother, Fred Hether, Daytona Beach, Fla.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Elizabeth Dunham and Mary; and four brothers, George, John, Charles and Joseph Hether.
HETHER
William W. "Bill," 79, of Hermitage, formerly of 1016 Walnut St., Farrell.
Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday (10-16-02) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Friends may e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
Service: Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. Thursday (10-17-02) in Church of the Sacred Heart, 40 S. Irvine Ave., Sharon, with Monsignor Salvatore P. Mitchell, as celebrant.
Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.
Nick Gracenin
Decorated vet retired from Army, Wheatland Tube
Nick Gracenin, 1224 Webster Ave., Farrell, died at noon Sunday, Oct. 13, 2002, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System after an extended illness. He was 77.
Mr. Gracenin was born Dec. 17, 1924, in Farrell to Damjan and Rosica Sarac Gracenin.
The 1942 graduate of Farrell High School served as a medic during World War II and the Korean War. He retired in 1966 after 20 years of active service in the U.S. Army.
Mr. Gracenin received the Purple Heart Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Good Conduct Medal with one Silver Loop, Good Conduct Fifth Award, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four Bronze Stars, World War II Victory Medal, Bronze Star and Combat Medical Badge.
He worked in security for 21 years at Wheatland Tube Co., retiring in 1987.
Mr. Gracenin was a member of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, Hermitage; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5286, Farrell; Farrell American Legion Preston H. Carroll Post 160; Serbian Club; and St. George's Men's Club.
Surviving are: his wife, Johanna Stachowiak, whom he married June 21, 1965; two sons, Dietmar Ackermann, Sharon; and Daniel M. Gracenin and his wife, Catherine, Hermitage; two sisters, Bertha "Bertie" Coffee, Long Beach, Calif.; and Miranda "Minnie" Tatalovich, Warwood, W.Va.; and one brother, George Gracenin and his wife, Helen, Hermitage.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Bronco "Brownie," Russell, Michael, Sylvester "Butch" and Charles Gracenin; and three sisters, Angelka Raketich, Mary Yankovich and Rosanda Gracenin.
GRACENIN
Nick, 77, of 1224 Webster Ave., Farrell.
Calling hours: 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday (10-16-02) in JOHN A. PALISIN FUNERAL HOME, 86 Maple Drive, Hermitage. Pomen at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. There will be a brief service at 10:30 a.m. Thursday (10-17-02) in the funeral home.
Service: Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Thursday in St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, 65 S. Keel Ridge Road, Hermitage, with the Rev. Svetislav Mirolovich, pastor, officiating.
Burial: St. John Orthodox Cemetery, Hermitage, with full military honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5286, Farrell.
Arrangements by THOMAS S. PODLEYON FUNERAL SERVICE, 86 Maple Drive, Hermitage.
Sophie Geci Ortlauf Schuster
Germany native co-owned original Schuster's
Sophie Geci Ortlauf Schuster of St. Marys, Pa., formerly of Brookfield Township and Raleigh, N.C., died Monday, Oct. 7, 2002, in Elk Haven Nursing Home, St. Marys, following a brief illness. She was 92.
She was born May 14, 1910, in Donaueschingen, Germany, a daughter of the late Milan and Sophie Rothmund Geci. Her family moved to the United States in 1924.
Mrs. Schuster's first husband, John Ortlauf, died in 1949. Her second husband, John Schuster, preceded her in death in 1977.
John and Sophie Schuster were the original owners of the popular Masury area restaurant, the former John Schuster's Steak House.
Mrs. Schuster was a devoted mother and stepmother and loving grandparent.
She was actively involved in the community and attended Church of the Sacred Heart, Sharon; and St. Mary's Catholic Church, St. Marys. She was also a member of St. Anne's Society, the Altar Society and the CMF.
Surviving are: a stepson, John Schuster and his wife, Marianne, Masury; two sons-in-law, Joseph Testani, Sharpsville; and James Bazemore, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; a sister, Anne Stanish, St. Marys; a brother, Milan Geci, Raleigh; three grandchildren; eight stepgrandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four stepgreat-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and two husbands, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Charlotte Ortlauf Bazemore; a stepdaughter, June Schuster Testani; a sister, Dorothy Goldschmit; and a brother, Lucien Geci.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
SCHUSTER
Mrs. John (Sophie Geci Ortlauf), 92, St. Marys, Pa., formerly of Brookfield Township and Raleigh, N.C.
Calling hours: None.
Service: A memorial Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Saturday (10-12-02) in St. Mary's Catholic Church, St. Marys.
Burial: Morefield Cemetery, Hermitage.
Arrangements by MADASZ FUNERAL HOME Inc., 6923 Warren Sharon Road, Brookfield.
Eugene 'Jim' Pratt
Security retiree was Farrell native, decorated war pilot
Eugene "Jim" Pratt of Las Vegas passed away Sunday, Oct. 13, 2002, after an extended illness. He was 81.
Born in Farrell on Dec. 24, 1920, Mr. Pratt was the eldest son of the late Anselmo and Angela Pratt.
Mr. Pratt was a decorated Army ace Air Force veteran of World War II, who flew more than 50 combat missions.
He was a graduate of Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Va.
He served with the Federal Bureau of Investigations for several years, retiring from Hughes Aircraft Security in Los Angeles. Mr. Pratt resided in Las Vegas for many years.
Surviving are: his wife, Elfe; and a brother, Gerald "Pete" Pratt.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Henry "Rique" Pratt and Joseph Pratt.
His ashes will be scattered at sea. There are no funeral services planned. Mass remembrances will be welcome.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society or a favorite charity of your choice.
William 'Bill' John McCormick
'75 Brookfield High grad formerly lived in Sharon
William "Bill" John McCormick, formerly of Sharon, drowned Sept. 13, 2002. He was 45.
Mr. McCormick was born Sept. 15, 1957, in Sharon.
He grew up in Brookfield and graduated in 1975 from Brookfield High School.
Surviving are: two sisters, Margaret Clement, Juneau, Alaska; and Kathy McCormick, Carson City, Nev.
There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday (10-19-02) in Dayton, Ohio, led by Ron Goodemote, a classmate living in New Bedford, Pa. For information on the service, e-mail Margaret at maclement@hotmail.com
Roy A. Dawes
Army vet, Zion's Reformed member co-owned business
Roy A. Dawes, 14664 Olde Millpond Court, Fort Myers, Fla., formerly of Greenville, died at 2:45 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, 2002, in his home. He was 81.
Mr. Dawes was born May 17, 1921, in Orangeville, Ohio, to Charles and Tillie Zuschlag Dawes.
Along with his wife, he was owner and operator of Dawes Wood Products of Greenville and previously was a sergeant in the U.S. Army.
He was a member of Zion's Reformed United Church of Christ, Greenville; and St. David's United Church of Christ in Hanover, Pa.
Mr. Dawes also was a member of Hammond Organ Club; Flutter Wheels square dancing group; and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 145, all Greenville.
His wife, the former Kathryn Aubel, whom he married Feb. 27, 1943, died Oct. 11, 2000.
Surviving are: two daughters, Janice Reilly, Arlington, Va.; and Mrs. Thomas (Karen) Labutta, Hanover; three sisters, Helen Cornthwait, Transfer; Alice Godfrey, Burghill; and Nema Bailey, Greenville; and two grandchildren, Carolyn and Michael Labutta.
Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Patricia Kay Dawes; and two brothers, John and Dale Dawes.
Memorial contributions may be made to Zion's Reformed United Church of Christ, 260 Main St., Greenville 16125; or the American Heart Association, 59 N. Crescent Drive, Hermitage 16148.
DAWES
Roy A., 81, 14664 Olde Millpond Court, Fort Myers, Fla., formerly of Greenville.
Calling hours: 10 a.m. to time of service Saturday (10-19-02) in ANDREW H. OSBORNE III FUNERAL HOME Inc., 73 & 75 Columbia Ave., Greenville. Condolences may be sent to www.osbornefuneralhome.com
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home with the Rev. Philip J. Garner, pastor of Zion's Reformed United Church of Christ, 260 Main St., Greenville, officiating.
Interment: Prior to burial, a committal service will be held in the chapel of Shenango Valley Cemetery, Greenville.
PREVIOUS DEATHS
Look in past daysí obituary files to find the full obituaries
COLLAR
John F. "Jack", 87, of 522 E. Main St. Ext., Pine Township.
Obituary was published 10-14-02
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (10-15-02) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME INC., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.
Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday (10-16-02) in the funeral home with the Rev. G. Kenton Shaw of Wayside Community Church, Mercer, officiating.
Interment: Crestview Memorial Park, Inc., Wolf Creek Township.
CROSS
Annie Caroline, 62, of 114 Beechwood Ave., Wheatland.
Obituary was published 10-13-02
Calling hours: Were 5 to 8 p.m. Monday (10-14-02) in MADASZ FUNERAL HOME Inc., 6923 Warren-Sharon Road, Brookfield.
Service: Funeral service at 1:30 p.m. today (10-15-02) in the funeral home with Pastor Daniel Cesene of Faith Assembly of God, Brookfield, officiating.
Burial: Brookfield Township Cemetery.
JONES
Beva L., 78, of 729 Syme St., Masury.
Obituary was published 10-14-02
Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. today (10-15-02) at MADASZ FUNERAL HOME INC., 6923 Warren-Sharon Road, Brookfield.
Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday (10-16-02) in the funeral home with Rev. Myles Bradley, pastor of First United Methodist Church, Sharon, officiating.
Burial: Brookfield Township Cemetery, Brookfield Township.
KAROLEWSKI
Casimir F. "Casey," 82, of Hubbard.
Obituary was published 10-14-02
Calling hours: 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday (10-16-02) in KELLEY-ROBB FUNERAL HOME, 709 N. Main St., Hubbard. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.kelley-robb.com
Service: 9:30 a.m. Thursday (10-17-02) at the funeral home followed by a service at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, Hubbard, with the Rev. Timothy H. O'Neill officiating.
Burial: Hubbard Union Cemetery, Hubbard.
NORRIS
Levon Jr., 38, of 858 Cedar Ave., Sharon.
Obituary was published 10-13-02
Calling hours: Noon to time of service today (10-15-02) in Greater Mount Zion Church of God in Christ, Farrell. Friends may also call in the home of Moses Phillips, deceased's brother, 351 E. Connelly Blvd., Sharon.
Service: Funeral service at 1 p.m. today in the church, with Supt. Wilbert G. Hadden, pastor, officiating.
Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.
Arrangements by J.E. WASHINGTON FUNERAL SERVICES Inc., 1059 Hamilton Ave., Farrell.
SCHALLER
Mark E., 40, of 560 Dutch Valley Road, Atlanta, Ga., formerly of Clark.
Obituary was published 10-14-02
Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. today (10-15-02) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME INC., 1090 E. State St., Sharon, and one hour Wednesday (10-16-02) prior to the funeral service in the church. Condolences may be e-mailed to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday (10-16-02) at Clark Trinity United Methodist Church, Clark, with Rev. Larry G. Rowe, pastor, officiating.
Burial: Glenwood Cemetery, Clark.
VASBINDER
Joseph E., 70, of 662 Brookfield Ave., Masury.
Obituary was published 10-13-02
Calling hours: Were 4 to 7 p.m. Monday (10-14-02) in MADASZ FUNERAL HOME Inc., 6923 Warren-Sharon Road, Brookfield.
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. today (10-15-02) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Daniel Cesene, pastor of Faith Assembly of God, Brookfield, officiating.
Burial: Brookfield Township Cemetery.
WEAVER
Russell D., 49, of 90 Shenango Drive, Sunny View Mobile Home Park, Shenango Township.
Obituary was published 10-14-02
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (10-15-02) and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Wednesday (10-16-02) in JOHN FLYNN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY INC., 2630 E. State St., Hermitage. Friends may send condolences by e-mail to www.flynnfuneralhome.com
Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home chapel with Pastor John M. Trojak of First Baptist Church, Sharon, officiating.
Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.
WEAVER
Mrs. Walter G. (Florence B. Nulph), 92, of 674 Sterrett Road, Irwin Township, Venango County.
Obituary was published 10-13-02
Calling hours: Were 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday (10-14-02) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. today (10-15-02) in the funeral home with the Rev. Jack Patterson officiating.
Interment: Eau Claire (Pa.) Cemetery.
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