The Herald, Sharon, PA

Local news Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2003 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

  • Robert L. Colson, 71, of 4739 Thomason Road, South Pymatuning Township.
  • Deloris L. Gergely, 80, of 7880 Orangeville Road, Sharpsville.
  • Phyllis R. Laver, 88, West Salem Township, formerly of 74 Laver Road, Perry Township.
  • Ruth R. Moore, 82, of 3460 N. Hermitage Road, Sharpsville.
  • Frank T. Murcko, 74, of 1468 Bend Road, Mercer.
  • Marcel Prelerson, 74, of 74 Chestnut St., Wheatland.



Today's obituaries
(Wait a moment for this page to finish loading before clicking a name link)
Ruth R. Moore
Peter P. Resek
Francis M. 'Butch' Sherwood Sr.
Robert L. Colson
  Deloris L. Gergely
Marcel Prelerson
Frank T. Murcko
Phyllis R. Laver

Ruth R. Moore
Retired WE secretary

enjoyed crafts, dance

Ruth R. Moore of 3460 N. Hermitage Road, South Pymatuning Township, died at 10:40 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13, 2003, in the skilled nursing care unit of Sharon Regional Health System. She was 82.

Mrs. Moore was born June 24, 1920, in Sharpsville to Duane Leander Riggs and Arlene Boyles Riggs.

Ruth was a graduate of West Middlesex High School and valedictorian of the Class of 1937. She was a graduate of Shenango Valley Commercial Institute and completed several business courses at the former Youngstown College.

After 46 years of service, she retired in 1984 from the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp., where she was secretary to the manager of Industrial Relations. Prior to the company's downsizing, she was secretary to the work's manager of Distribution Transformers.

Strong interests in antique glassware and furniture, china painting and making porcelain lace dolls and figurines were cultivated. She was especially proud of those porcelain lace dolls which she had made and displayed in her home.

For many years, Mrs. Moore had studied ballroom and other specialty dance and won numerous competitive awards.

She loved the Spanish language and for more than 10 years had studied conversational Spanish.

She was a member of Clark Trinity United Methodist Church and attended Calvary Temple Worship Center in New Castle and First Assembly of God in Fort Myers, Fla., where she had spent winter months.

Her husband, Donald F. Moore, whom she married Nov. 4, 1949, died Feb. 23, 2000. She was also preceded in death by her father Sept. 23, 1944, and her mother March 10, 1990.

Ruth was devoted from the time of their births to the concerns of her youngest siblings, Donald and Marilynn, after the fatal injury to their father. She assisted her mother with their care and rearing and was highly esteemed as their 'Second Mother."

Ruth is survived by: two brothers, Duane L. Riggs and his wife Marion, Hermitage; and Donald A. Riggs and his wife Wanda, Melrose, Fla.; one sister, Marilynn R. Dull and her husband Gerald, Fredonia; two nieces and four nephews; three great-nieces and one great-nephew; and 13 cousins and their spouses.

Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Temple Worship Center, Sampson Street Extension, New Castle 16101.

MOORE
    
Mrs. Donald F. (Ruth R.), 82, of 3460 N. Hermitage Road, South Pymatuning Township.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday (1-16-03) in DONALDSON-MOHNEY FUNERAL HOME, 124 Main St., Sharpsville.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Friday (1-17-03) in the funeral home with the Rev. Dr. Abel Robles of Calvary Temple Worship Center, New Castle, officiating.
    Interment: Riverside Cemetery, Sharpsville.


Peter P. Resek

Retired Shenango Furnace supervisor was farmer

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday for Peter P. Resek, 449 Folk Road, Delaware Township. He died at 1:02 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13, 2003, in UPMC Horizon, Greenville. He was 75.

Mr. Resek was born Oct. 4, 1927, in Fredonia to Peter Resek and Teresa Bayuk Resek.

He attended Fredonia-Delaware School and was employed for more than 35 years at the former Shenango Furnace of Sharpsville, retiring in 1986 as a maintenance supervisor.

He was also a self-employed farmer in Delaware Township all of his life and belonged to the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and Northwest Cattleman's Association.

He belonged to St. Michael's Church in Greenville, where he served as a greeter. He was a third degree member of Knights of Columbus Council 1446 in Greenville and Shenango Valley Retirees.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1946 and 1947 and was a radar instructor.

His wife, the former Dorothea O. Travnikar, whom he married Aug. 11, 1962, survives at home.

Also surviving are: four daughters, Mrs. Eric (Caroline) Rupp, Elizabethtown, Pa.; Mrs. Dale (Theresa) Hoovler, Fredonia; Marian Resek, Adamsville; and Jeanine Resek, Fredonia; two sons, Peter R. Resek, Fredonia; and Frank A. Resek and his wife Melissa, Shermansdale, Pa.; three sisters, Teresa Kasula, Brookfield; Mary Camerlengo, Masury; and Christina Gray, Waynesburg, Pa.; one brother, John Resek, Slippery Rock; and four grandchildren, Brian and Rachel Rupp; and Nicholas and Caroline Hoovler.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Francis "Rudy" Resek.

Memorial contributions may be made to the endowment fund of St. Michael's School, 85 N. High St., Greenville 16125; or to a charity of the donor's choice.

RESEK
    
Peter P., 75, of 449 Folk Road, Delaware Township.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (1-15-03) in LOUTZENHISER-JORDAN FUNERAL HOME, 366-68 S. Main St., Greenville.
    Service: Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. Thursday (1-16-03) in St. Michael's Church, Greenville, with the Rev. Rock Travnikar, Order of Friars Minor, deceased's brother-in-law and director of Lumen Christi Retreat Center, Shriever, La., as celebrant.
    Burial: With committal service in St. Michael's Cemetery, Greenville.


Francis M. 'Butch' Sherwood Sr.

Retired Sharon maintenance director owned business

A funeral service will be held Thursday for Francis M. "Butch" Sherwood Sr. of 371 Ohio St., Sharon. He died of natural causes Monday, Jan. 13, 2003, in UPMC Horizon, Farrell, after an extended illness. He was 81.

He was the husband of Arlene E. Locke Sherwood, whom he married Oct. 7, 1950.

Born Saturday, Feb. 5, 1921, in Farrell, Mr. Sherwood was a son of the late Stanley and Hattie Tyres Sherwood.

For many years, he worked as head of maintenance for all city buildings for the City of Sharon, retiring in 1982. From 1946 until 1973, he owned and operated F.M. Sherwood and Sons Painting Co. He had also worked at Wheatland Tube Co., Sawhill Division; and the former Robbins Furniture Store in Warren, Ohio.

Francis was a 1939 graduate of Farrell High School and served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a military policeman.

Mr. Sherwood was an avid Steelers fan, both Pittsburgh and Farrell. He loved to bowl, having belonged to several area bowling leagues. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, especially being with his granddaughter, Andrea, and working around the house.

He was a member of the Sharon Beautification Committee and took care of the flower boxes on the State Street bridge in downtown Sharon. He also headed the Bicentennial project of painting the fire hydrants in Sharon.

He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5286, Farrell; American Legion Post 299, Sharon; Local 2692 of A.S.C.M.E.; and was an honorary member of Fraternal Order of Police Rose of Sharon Lodge.

He was well-known for his humor and joke-telling.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by: two sons, Francis M. Sherwood Jr., husband of Marianne Sherwood; and Robin Sherwood, husband of Carlotta Sherwood; and a granddaughter, Andrea Sherwood, all Sharon; and two brothers, Harry Sherwood, also Sharon; and Raymond Sherwood, Mercer.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Doris Campbell and Lois Wolf; and two brothers, Joseph Sherwood and Stanley Sherwood Jr.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to Shenango River Watchers Inc., Box 986, Sharon 16146.

SHERWOOD
    
Francis M. "Butch" Sr., 81, of 371 Ohio St., Sharon.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (1-15-03) in HAROLD W. STEVENSON FUNERAL HOME, 264 E. State St., Sharon.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday (1-16-03) in the funeral home with Pastor Chester D. Williams of Calvary Baptist Church, Hermitage, officiating.
    Interment: West Side Cemetery, South Pymatuning Township.


Robert L. Colson

Robert L. Colson, 4739 Thomason Road, South Pymatuning Township, died at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday (1-14-03) in his home after an extended illness. He was 71.

Obituary information was incomplete.

COLSON
    Robert L., 71, of 4739 Thomason Road, South Pymatuning Township.
    Arrangements will be announced by DONALDSON-MOHNEY FUNERAL HOME, 124 Main St., Sharpsville.


Deloris L. Gergely

South Py homemaker

bowled in Hartford league

Deloris L. Gergely of 7880 Orangeville Road, South Pymatuning Township, died at 8 p.m. Monday (1-13-03) in her home. She was 80.

Mrs. Gergely was born March 19, 1922, in Sharon, a daughter of Floyd and Sarah Frew Miller.

She was a homemaker and a 1940 graduate of the former Hartford High School.

Her memberships included the Hartford Bowling League. She was a Protestant by faith. She had also enjoyed crocheting in her spare time.

Survivors include: her husband, Alex Gergely, whom she married Nov. 13, 1948; two brothers, Robert F. Miller, Masury; and Glenn E. Miller, Hubbard; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, William J. Miller; and a sister, Lillian Ruth Rogan.

GERGELY
    
Mrs. Alex (Deloris L.), 80, of 7880 Orangeville Road, South Pymatuning Township.
    Service: Memorial service at 2 p.m. Tuesday (1-21-03) in MADASZ FUNERAL HOME Inc., 6923 Warren Sharon Road, Brookfield, with the Rev. Daniel Cesene, pastor of Faith Assembly of God, Brookfield, officiating.
    Burial: Private.


Marcel Prelerson

Marcel Prelerson, 74 Chestnut St., Wheatland, died at 3:15 a.m. Tuesday (1-14-03) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 74.

Obituary information was incomplete.

PRELERSON
    Marcel, 74, of 74 Chestnut St., Wheatland.
    Arrangements will be announced by JOHN FLYNN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY Inc., 2630 E. State St., Hermitage.


Frank T. Murcko

'47 Hickory grad was

self-employed bricklayer

Frank T. Murcko, 1468 Bend Road, Mercer, died at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, Jan, 14, 2003, of natural causes in UPMC Horizon, Farrell, following an extended illness. He was 74.

Mr. Murcko was born Aug. 21, 1928, in Jefferson Township to Joseph M. Murcko and Susan Rindos Lynch-Murcko.

A self-employed bricklayer, Frank was a graduate of Hickory High School Class of 1947. He had worked on the former family dairy farm in Jefferson Township, where he was born and raised.

Mr. Murcko was a member of St. Ann Church, Farrell; and the Brick Layers and Masons Lodge 43.

He was a great lover of the outdoors.

Surviving are: four brothers, Michael Murcko, Paul Murcko and Dr. Alois V. Murcko, all Jefferson Township; and the Rev. Monsignor Charles S. Murcko, Lackawannock Township; and a sister, Mary Miklos, Sharon.

Mr. Murcko was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Joseph, John and Andrew Murcko; a half brother, Stephen Lynch; and two sisters, Susie Kutcher and Anna Sniezek.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Ann Church, 601 Fruit Ave., Farrell 16121.

MURCKO
    
Frank T., 74, of 1468 Bend Road, Mercer.
    Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday (1-16-03) in A.E. PUSTINGER FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 1310 Idaho St., Farrell. Vigil service at 6:30 p.m. Condolences may be e-mailed to pustinger@adelphia.net
    Service: Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Friday (1-17-03) in St. Ann's Church, Farrell, with Monsignor Charles S. Murcko, deceased's brother; and the Rev. John S. Lynch, deceased's nephew, concelebrating. Brief prayer service at 10 a.m. in the funeral home.
    Burial: St. Ann's Cemetery, Hermitage.


Phyllis R. Laver

Greenville Hospital retiree showed horses with family

Phyllis R. Laver, St. Paul Homes, West Salem Township, formerly of 74 Laver Road, Perry Township, died at 4:55 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2003, in St. Paul Homes, West Salem Township. She was 88.

Mrs. Laver was born Aug. 24, 1914, in Akron, Ohio, to Marion and Hazel Beggs Limber.

She was a Class of 1933 graduate of the former Penn High School in Greenville and retired from the dietary department of the former Greenville Hospital.

Mrs. Laver was a member of Sheakleyville Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed sewing and was a former member of the Hadley Homemakers.

She also enjoyed traveling with her husband and exhibiting Morgan horses with her family in the tri-state area.

Her husband, Nevin Laver, whom she married Oct. 11, 1940, died March 21, 1995.

Surviving are: four daughters, Mrs. Mont (Jane) Clark, Fredonia; Mrs. Robert (Esther) Scrivens, Hadley; Donna Laver, Greenville; and Lynn Laver, Meadville; and five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, Mrs. Laver was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Jean Hockett; and a brother, Ross Limber.

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

LAVER
    
Mrs. Nevin (Phyllis R.), 88, West Salem Township, formerly of 74 Laver Road, Perry Township.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday (1-16-03) in ANDREW J. VANA FUNERAL HOME, 102 Church St., Hadley.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Friday (1-17-03) in the funeral home with the Rev. Ray B. Brugler, interim pastor of Sheakleyville Presbyterian Church, officiating.
    Burial: Hadley Cemetery.


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


CRAWFORD
    
Robert, 96, of 5560 N. Hermitage Road, Transfer.
    Calling hours: 11 a.m. to time of service Friday (1-17-03) in Ruth African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, 95 W. Connelly Blvd., Sharon. Friends may also call in the home of Tyrone L. Crawford, deceased's son, 919 Lisa Lane, Farrell. 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 church with the Rev. Geraldine Williams, pastor, officiating.
    Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.
    Arrangements by WILBERT L. SHANNON FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 33 Broadway Ave., Wheatland.


FORBES
    
Ian Scott, 72, of 118 Plum St., Greenville.
    Calling hours: Were 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday (1-14-03) in LOUTZENHISER-JORDAN FUNERAL HOME, 366-68 S. Main St., Greenville.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. today (1-15-03) in First Presbyterian Church, Greenville, with the Rev. David A. Dobi, pastor, officiating.
    Burial: With committal service in Shenango Valley Cemetery, Greenville.


LOPOCHONSKY
    
John H. Sr., 83, of 178 Conneaut Lake Road, Greenville.
    Obituary was published 1-14-03
    Calling hours: 5 to 8 p.m. today (1-15-03) in BAIRD FUNERAL HOME, 14 Louisa Ave., Greenville. Condolences may be e-mailed to Baird@infonline. net
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday (1-16-03) in the funeral home with the Rev. Stanford O. Stenson, officiating. Military honors will be conducted after the service at the funeral home by the U.S. Army Military Honor Guard, Pittsburgh Military District.
    Burial: Rocky Glen Cemetery, Atlantic.


STEESE
    
Robert H., 55, of 441 Blacktown Road, Grove City.
    Calling hours: Were 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday (1-14-03) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. today (1-15-03) in the funeral home with the Rev. David A. Lingle, pastor of Center Presbyterian Church, Grove City, officiating.
    Interment: Center Church Cemetery, Pine Township.


WOLFE
    
Mrs. John Joseph (Jennie A.), 81, of 2185 Trout Island, Hermitage.
    Obituary was published 1-14-03
    Calling hours: 11 a.m. to time of service today (1-15-03) 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 1 p.m. today in the funeral home chapel with Monsignor Salvatore P. Mitchell, retired priest, officiating.
    Interment: Mount Washington Cemetery, Jefferson Township.



Previous days' headlines for 2003 // 2002 // 2001 // 2000 // 1999 // 1998 // 1997
Go to TOP // Herald Local news // Herald Home page

Questions/comments: online@sharonherald.com

Copyright ©2003 The Sharon Herald Co. All rights reserved.
Reproduction or retransmission in any form is prohibited without our permission.