The Herald, Sharon, PA

Local news Friday, Jan. 17, 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

  • Emma R. Colundjia, 79, of 741 Wheatland Road, West Middlesex.
  • Mary V. Nixon, 75, of 1210 Dakota St., Farrell.
  • Rita B. Vodenichar, 72, of 751 Boyd Road, New Vernon Township.
  • Alvin "Al" J. Wilson, 59, Shelocta, Pa., formerly of McGrann, Pa.
  • Timothy Yeager, 60, of 1106 Beechwood Ave., Farrell.



Today's obituaries
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Louise B. Muszik
Alvin 'Al' J. Wilson
Rita B. Vodenichar
  Mary V. Nixon
Timothy Yeager
Mary McCarthy
Emma R. Colundjia

Louise B. Muszik
Retired WE secretary was active in Good Shepherd

A funeral Mass will be Saturday for Louise B. Muszik, John XXIII Home, Hermitage, formerly of 93 Lakeview Drive, Lackawannock Township. She passed away at 3:10 p.m. Wednesday (1-15-03) in the emergency room of UPMC Horizon, Farrell. She was 83.

Mrs. Muszik was born Dec. 13, 1919, in Farrell to Joseph J. David Sr. and Barbara Hornak David.

Louise was a 1939 alumna of Farrell High School. She retired in 1970 as a secretary for the Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp., where she worked for more than 30 years.

Louise was an active member of Church of the Good Shepherd, West Middlesex, where she was a member and past president of the Altar Rosary Society. She was also a former member of St. Ann Church, Farrell.

Louise enjoyed working with ceramics.

Her husband, Andrew P. Muszik, whom she married Oct. 10, 1959, died March 14, 2002.

Surviving are: one sister, Betty Jane Paluga, Youngstown; one brother, David T. David and his wife, Helen Louise, Lackawanock Township; three sisters-in-law, Mary Ann David, Lackawannock Township; Julia Bailey, Hermitage; and Tamzon "Tammy" Muszik, Sharon; one brother-in-law, Joseph Plawky, Hermitage; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Joseph and Bernard David; three infant brothers; and one sister-in-law, Ann Plawky.

Memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Good Shepherd's Faith Formation Center, 3613 Sharon Road, West Middlesex 16159; or John XXIII Home, 2250 Shenango Valley Freeway, Hermitage 16148.

MUSZIK
    
Mrs. Andrew P. (Louise B.), 83, John XXIII Home, Hermitage, formerly of 93 Lakeview Drive, Lackawannock Township.
    Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. today (1-17-03) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Wake service at 6:45 p.m. Friends may e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Saturday (1-18-03) in Church of the Good Shepherd, West Middlesex, with the Rev. Howard J. King, pastor, and Monsignor Salvatore P. Mitchell, retired pastor, as concelebrants.
    Interment: Holy Trinity Cemetery, Hermitage.


Alvin 'Al' J. Wilson

Mechanic retired from West Middlesex company

Alvin "Al" J. Wilson, Shelocta, Pa., formerly of McGrann, Pa., died Wednesday (1-15-03) in Indiana Hospital, White Township, Indiana County. He was 59.

Mr. Wilson was born Aug. 18, 1943, in McGrann to Wilbur Lavern and Marie M. Chestnut Wilson.

A mechanic, he retired from Hall's Motor Transit of West Middlesex. He enjoyed doing wordworking and fishing.

Surviving are: a daughter, Mrs. Jeff (Pamela) McConnell, Rossiter, Pa.; two sons, Russell S. Wilson, McGrann; and Larry A. Wilson, Bolger, Pa.; his companion, Von Hankinson, Shelocta; his mother, McGrann; a brother, Russell L. Wilson, Kittanning Township, Armstrong County; a sister, Mrs. Joseph (Doralee) Mowery, Dayton, Pa.; and seven grandchildren.

His father and a daughter, Lisa Wilson, preceded him in death.

WILSON
    
Alvin "Al" J., 59, Shelocta, Pa., formerly of McGrann, Pa.
    Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday (1-18-03) in WELCH FUNERAL HOME, 1032 Fourth Ave., Ford City, Pa.
    Service: Funeral service at 2 p.m. Sunday (1-19-03) in the funeral home with the Rev. Al Kearns, pastor of First Baptist Church, Ford City, officiating.
    Burial: Ford City Cemetery, Manor Township.


Rita B. Vodenichar

Retired secretary belonged to St. Columbkille Church

Rita B. Vodenichar, 751 Boyd Road, New Vernon Township, died unexpectedly at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday (1-15-03) in Hamot Hospital, Erie. She was 72.

She was born March 24, 1930, in Meadville to John and Elsie E. Mattocks Berchtold.

She was a 1948 graduate of Meadville High School and a 1952 graduate of Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh.

In her early years, she worked at US Steel of Pittsburgh, and was executive secretary for The Western Auto Corp. of Butler and, from 1975 through 1978, for Community Health Services of Meadville. She retired in 1995 from Moniteau School District after 17 years as the secretary to the superintendent.

She was a member of St. Columbkille Church, Stoneboro. She loved animals, especially her dog, "Mona." She enjoyed gardening and bowling and spending time with her family.

She is survived by: three daughters, Mrs. David M. (Leigh) King, Sandy Lake; Mrs. Donald J. (Lynn) Maloney, Meadville; and Dr. Jenny S. Fisher, wife of Dr. Charles Fisher, State College, Pa.; one stepdaughter, Mrs. Robert (Nancy) Cupec, Slippery Rock; one son, Jeffry S. Vodenichar and his wife, Amy, Stoneboro; seven grandchildren; and her former husband and lifelong friend, James L. Vodenichar, Slippery Rock.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her companion of 14 years, Robert L. McCall; one son, Kurt James Vodenichar; and one granddaughter, Dana Leigh King.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Columbkille Church, Box 206, Stoneboro 16153.

VODENICHAR
    Rita B., 72, of 751 Boyd Road, New Vernon Township.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (1-17-03) in SCOTT A. BLACK FUNERAL HOME, 99 Franklin St., Stoneboro. A wake service will be held at 8:30 p.m. today in the funeral home.
    Service: Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. Saturday (1-18-03) in St. Columbkille Church, 70 Franklin St., Stoneboro, with the Rev. Henry C. Andrae, pastor, as celebrant.
    Interment and committal service: Oak Hill Cemetery, Sandy Lake Township.


Mary V. Nixon
Mary V. Nixon, 1210 Dakota St., Farrell, died Wednesday (1-15-03) in UPMC Horizon, Farrell. She was 75.

Obituary information was incomplete.

NIXON
    Mary V., 75, of 1210 Dakota St., Farrell.
    Arrangements will be announced by J.E. WASHINGTON FUNERAL HOME, 1059 Hamilton Ave., Farrell.


Timothy Yeager

Timothy Yeager, 1106 Beechwood Ave., Farrell, died at 1:35 p.m. Thursday (1-16-03) in the emergency room of UPMC Horizon, Farrell, after suffering an apparent heart attack. He was 60. Obituary information was incomplete.

YEAGER
    Timothy, 60, of 1106 Beechwood Ave., Farrell.
    Arrangements will be announced by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.


Mary McCarthy

Sacred Heart member worked at former Willson's

A Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday for Mary McCarthy, 15 W. Connelly Blvd., Sharon. She died at 10:25 a.m. Wednesday (1-15-03) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System after a lengthy illness. She was 92.

Mrs. McCarthy was born Aug. 5, 1910, in Syracuse, N.Y., to Milton and Sallie Loretta Kennedy Hamilton.

She was employed for 30 years at the former Willson's Furniture of Sharon.

Mrs. McCarthy was a member of Church of the Sacred Heart, Sharon, and an avid reader.

Her husband, John F. McCarthy, whom she married in July 1945, died June 2, 1978.

Surviving are: a daughter, Hanna McCarthy, Sharon; a brother, Milton James, Sylvania, Ohio; and three grandchildren, Katherine Leigey, Los Angeles; Margaret Leigey, Newark, Del.; and Daniel Leigey, Lewis Berry, Pa.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Vincent Hamilton Carter.

McCARTHY
    Mary, 92, of 15 W. Connelly Blvd., Sharon.
    Calling hours: 6 to 8 p.m. today (1-17-03) in HAROLD W. STEVENSON FUNERAL HOME, 264 E. State St., Sharon. There will be a wake service at 7:45 p.m. today in the funeral home.
    Service: Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. Saturday (1-18-03) in Church of the Sacred Heart, 40 S. Irvine Ave., Sharon, with the Rev. Stanley J. Swacha, pastor, as celebrant.
    Burial: Interment in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage.
    Arrangements by LEO A. HANLEY FUNERAL SERVICE, 264 E. State St., Sharon.


Emma R. Colundjia
WM woman attended Lebanon Presbyterian

Emma R. Colundjia, 741 Wheatland Road, West Middlesex, died at 4:45 a.m. Thursday (1-16-03) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. She was 79.

She was born March 21, 1923, in West Middlesex, a daughter of the late Thomas Jefferson and Esther Thompson Collins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Colundjia, whom she married Feb. 14, 1958. He died Dec. 16, 1970.

She attended Lebanon Presbyterian Church, Lackawannock Township; and was a 1941 graduate of West Middlesex High School.

She is survived by her son, Dale R. McClain, West Middlesex.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth and Thomas Collins.
    COLUNDJIA
    Mrs. Joseph (Emma R.), 79, of 741 Wheatland Road, West Middlesex.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (1-17-03) in SAMPLE-O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME Inc., East State Street at North Oakland Avenue, Sharon; member of Selected Independent Funeral Homes and the International Order of the Golden Rule. Friends may send condolences by e-mail to Sample@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral services at 11 a.m. Saturday (1-18-03) in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Donald Wilson, pastor of Lebanon Presbyterian Church, Lackawannock Township, officiating.
    Burial: Haywood Cemetery, West Middlesex.


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


COLSON
    
Robert L., 71, of 4739 Thomason Road, South Pymatuning Township.
    Obituary was published 1-16-03
    Calling hours: 5 to 8 p.m. today (1-17-03) in DONALDSON-MOHNEY FUNERAL HOME, 124 Main St., Sharpsville.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday (1-18-03) in the funeral home with the Rev. Stephen Stelle of Faith Presbyterian Church, Hermitage, officiating.
    Interment: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.


DANIELLO
    
Michael F., 52, of 1020 Linn-Tyro Road, Perry Township.
    Obituary was published 1-16-03
    Calling hours: Were 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday (1-16-03) in LOUTZENHISER-JORDAN FUNERAL HOME, 366-68 S. Main St., Greenville.
    Service: Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. today (1-17-03) in St. Michael's Church, Greenville, with the Rev. Paul Schill, senior associate pastor, as celebrant.
    Burial: With committal service in St. Michael's Cemetery, Greenville.


GREENE
    
Kenneth O. "K.O.," 63, of 2010 Stafford St., Farrell.
    Obituary was published 1-16-03
    Calling hours: 6 to 9 p.m. today (1-17-03) in A.E. PUSTINGER FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 1310 Idaho St., Farrell. Rosary service at 8:45 p.m. Condolences may be e-mailed to pustinger@adelphia.net
    Service: Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Saturday (1-18-03) in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell, with the Rev. Donald E. Berdis, pastor, as celebrant.
    Burial: St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Farrell, with military honors rendered by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5286, Farrell.


HAYNIE
    
Raymond E. Jr., 47, of 239 W. Venango St., Apartment B, Mercer.
    Obituary was published 1-16-03
    Calling hours: Were 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday (1-16-03) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 144 S. Pitt St., Mercer.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. today (1-17-03) in the funeral home with the Rev. David M. Davis, pastor of Mercer United Methodist Church officiating.
    Interment: Old Coolspring (Township) Cemetery.


MOORE
    
Mrs. Donald F. (Ruth R.), 82, of 3460 N. Hermitage Road, South Pymatuning Township.
    Obituary was published 1-15-02
    Calling hours: Were 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. today (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.


MURCKO
    
Frank T., 74, of 1468 Bend Road, Mercer.
    Obituary was published 1-15-03
    Calling hours: Were 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. today (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.



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