The Herald, Sharon, PA

Local news Monday, Jan. 20, 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

  • Anna Jayn "A.J." Cowan, 70, of Slippery Rock Township.
  • Peter P. Dzurinda, 70, of 5 Symons Road, Lackawannock Township.
  • Florence Friednamer, 96, of 900 Dogwood Lane, Hermitage.
  • Brian Daniel Grgurich, 17, of 1549 Catalina Place, Hermitage.
  • Richard D. Hodge, 66, of 954 N. Broad St. Ext., Grove City.
  • George Kunz of 183 Brook Drive, Brookfield, Ohio.
  • Frank Vrankovich, 74, of St. Rt. 7 NE, Brookfield, Ohio.
  • Margaret Lenore Wilson, 96, of Black Mountain, N.C., formerly of Grove City.



Today's obituaries
(Wait a moment for this page to finish loading before clicking a name link)
Anna Jayn "A.J." Cowan
Peter P. Dzurinda
<
Frank Vrankovich
Florence Friednamer
Brian Daniel Grgurich
  Richard D. Hodge

George Kunz
<
Mary V. Nixon
Margaret L. Wilson

Anna Jayn "A.J." Cowan
Sharon native was longtime Lawrence County teacher

Anna Jayn "A.J." Cowan, of R.D. 4, County Line Road, Slippery Rock Township, Lawrence County, died at 7:45 a.m. Friday (1-17-03) in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, of injuries received in a fall at her home the previous week. She was 70.

She was born Jan. 25, 1932, in Sharon, to George F. and Marie Clementson Von Strohe.

Prior to her graduation from Sharon High School in 1949, she was active in Girl Scouts, the Julia Buhl Girls' Club and in youth groups at the First Presbyterian Church of Sharon.

Mrs. Cowan graduated from Westminster College in 1953 and belonged to the Theta Upsilon sorority.

She was a teacher at Wilmington Area Schools in Lawrence County for 25 years and prior to that, taught at Laurel Elementary and New Castle Schools.

After retirement, she volunteered at the Shenango Presbyterian Home and tutored at New Wilmington Elementary School.

She belonged to Eastbrook Presbyterian Church in Lawrence County, where she was a Sunday school teacher, a youth group leader and a church deacon and sang in the choir.

Surviving are: her husband Jerry J. Cowan, whom she married Dec. 5, 1981, at home; four daughters, Karen (Mrs. Andrew) Clark of Cleveland; Wendy (Mrs. Steven) McPherson, Brookville, Pa., Tawnee (Mrs. David) Hunter, New Wilmington, and Amy (Mrs. Richard) Crawshaw of Evans City; three stepdaughters, Kathy (Mrs. Fred) Mazzanti, Ellwood City, Sue (Mrs. Donald) DiFrischia, New Castle, and Jane (Mrs. Kenneth) Erickson, Fayetteville, NC.; a stepson, Joe Cowan of Richmond, Va., two sisters, Mairy Jayn Woge of Hermitage and Frances Jayn Cranmer of Mechanicsville, Va.; 12 grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, and one great-grandchild; and her ex-husband, Jacob N. Bakuhn.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial contributions may be made to Eastbrook Presbyterian Church, State Road, Eastbrook, or New Wilmington Elementary School library, 450 Wood St., New Wilmington, 16142.

COWAN
    
Mrs. Jerry J. (Anna Jayn "A.J."), 70, of R.D. 4, County Line Road, Slippery Rock Township.
    Calling hours: 10 a.m. until time of service today (1-20-03) at Eastbrook Presbyterian Church in Eastbrook. Were also held Sunday (1-19-03) at SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 310 W. Neshannock Ave., New Wilmington.
    Service: Funeral service 11 a.m. today at the church with the Rev. David Hunter, Mrs. Cowan's son-in-law, and the Rev. Jean Gomola, church pastor, officiating.
    Burial: Castleview Memorial Gardens, New Castle.


Peter P. Dzurinda

Sharon Tube retiree was gun collector, sportsman

Peter P. Dzurinda of 5 Symons Road, Lackawannock Township, died at 1:40 p.m. Saturday (1-18-03) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System following a brief illness. He was 70.

Mr. Dzurinda was born July 12, 1932, in Farrell to Pauline Merchack and John Dzurinda.

He was a 1949 graduate of Farrell High School and served in the Navy during the Korean Conflict.

Mr. Dzurinda was employed by Sawhill Tubular, Sharon, for 20 years as an electrician; then went to work for Sharon Tube Co., Sharon, as an electrician, retiring in 1995 after 27 years.

He attended Notre Dame Church in Hermitage.

Mr. Dzurinda enjoyed collecting guns and World War II memorabilia. He also liked hunting and the outdoors.

Surviving are: his wife, the former Patricia Ann Antus whom he married on June 11, 1955, at home; two sons, Leonard Dzurinda of Masury, Oh., and Phillip and his wife Carla Dzurinda of Hermitage; and three grandchildren, Bradley, Ryan and Zachary.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Dolores Cicccarone and a brother, George Dzurinda.

DZURINDA
    
Peter P., 70, of 5 Symons Road, Lackawannock Township.
    Calling hours: None
    Service: A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.
    Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage
    Friends may email condolences to: condolences@flynnfuneralhome.com
    Arrangements by JOHN FLYNN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, Inc., 2630 E. State St., Hermitage.




Frank Vrankovich
Brookfield retiree enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening

Frank Vrankovich of 1734 state Route 7 NE, Brookfield, died at 11 p.m. Thursday (1-16-03) in his residence. He was 74.

Mr. Vrankovich was born in Youngstown on March 4, 1928, a son of Lewis and Anna Ranjedvorac Vrankovich.

He was retired in 1984 after 20 years of self-employment as a service technician.

He was a member of the former Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge in Sharon. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and was also a great cook and loved to spend time in his garden.

Surviving are: his wife, the former Elizabeth Toth at home, whom he married June 7, 1946; three sons, Frank Vrankovich, Brookfield, Mr. and Mrs. George and Kate Vrankovich, Coitsville, Ohio, and Mr. and Mrs. Rick and Deb Vrankovich, Hartford, Ohio; two daughters, Mrs. Richard (Bonnie) Maykowski, Atlantis, Fla., and Mrs. Jim (Sharon) Simion, Hubbard; one brother, Steve Vrankovich, Masury; three sisters, Grace Sydlowski, Brookfield, Mildred Pelles, Fredonia, and Lillian Barnot, Mineral Ridge, Ohio; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Lewis Vrankovich; and one sister, Mary Majitij.

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

VRANKOVICH
    
Frank, 74, of 1734 state Route 7 NE., Brookfield.
    Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. today (1-20-03) in MADASZ FUNERAL HOME, Inc., 6923 Warren-Sharon Road, Brookfield.
    Service: Funeral service is at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home with the Rev. John Lody of St. Bernadette's Church, Masury, officiating.
    Burial: Brookfield Township Cemetery, Brookfield.


Florence Friednamer

Florence Friednamer, of 900 Dogwood Lane, Hermitage, died Sunday evening (1-19-03) in UPMC Horizon, Farrell. She was 96.

Obituary information was incomplete.

FRIEDNAMER
    Florence, 96, of 900 Dogwood Lane, Hermitage.
    Arrangements will be announced by JOHN A. PALISIN FUNERAL HOME, 86 Maple Drive, Hermitage.


Brian Daniel Grgurich

Senior at Hickory was headed to Penn State

A funeral Mass will be held Wednesday (1-22-03) for Brian Daniel Grgurich of 1549 Catalina Place, Hermitage, who passed away unexpectedly at the home of a friend on Saturday morning (1-18-03) of unknown causes. He was 17.

Brian was born Feb. 22, 1985 in Sharon, the son of Dale E. Grgurich and Theresa M. Worten Grgurich.

A senior at Hickory High School, he was a member of both the football and track teams. Brian was accepted at Pennsylvania State University where he had planned to attend in the fall of this year.

Brian was a loving son and brother and will be sadly missed by his parents and his sister Rebecca, with whom he lived.

He is also survived by his maternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Mary Norene Wharton of Sharon and his paternal grandmother Mrs. Marion L. Grgurich of Hermitage.

GRGURICH
    
Brian Daniel, 17, of 1549 Catalina Place, Hermitage.
    Calling hours: 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday (1-21-03) in the J. BRADLEY MCGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Friends unable to attend services can email condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
    Service: Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday (1-22-03) in St. Joseph's Church, Sharon, with the Rev. Chris Merry, pastor, as celebrant.
    Burial: St. Rose Cemetery, Hermitage.


Richard D. Hodge

Reznor retiree was union president, Guardsman

Richard D. Hodge, of 954 N. Broad St., Ext., Grove City, died at 4:10 p.m. Saturday (1-18-03) in United Community Hospital, Pine Township, following an extended illness. He was 66.

Mr. Hodge was born March 4, 1936 in Grove City to Paul H. and Louella Weaver Hodge.

He retired as an assembler in 1997 from Reznor -- A Unit of Thomas & Betts Corp., Mercer, after 42 years and was a former member of the Pennsylvania National Guard where he served for over 18 years.

Mr. Hodge belonged to Grace United Methodist Church of Grove City.

He was a former past president of Local Union 7099. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and attending Little League games with his family. He also enjoyed hunting.

Surviving are; his wife, the former Jo Ella Bice, whom he married June 30, 1956, at home; a daughter, Mrs. Robert (Sharon) Lucas of Grove City; two sons, Jeffrey L. Hodge and his wife Georgie, of Grove City, and Mark D. Hodge, Grove City; a sister, Mrs. William L. (Roberta) Labor of Grove City; three brothers, Robert P. Hodge, William L Hodge and his wife Jane, and Donald J. Hodge, all of Grove City; and six grandchildren; Jeffrey L. Hodge, Jr., Joshua Hodge, Jessica Hodge, Robert J. Lucas, Jr., Benjamin Lucas, and Daniel Lucas.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial tributes may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 368, Grove City, 16127.

HODGE
    
Richard D., 66, of 954 N. Broad St. Ext., Grove City.
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (1-20-03) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME, Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.
    Service: Funeral service is 11 a.m. Tuesday (1-21-03) in the funeral home with the Rev. John K. Jefferis, pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, officiating, with assistance by associate church pastor W. Stephen Morse.
    Burial: Crestview Memorial Park, Pine Township.




George Kunz
George Kunz of 183 Brook Drive, Brookfield, died at 3:45 p.m. Friday (1-17-03) at his residence.

Obituary information was incomplete.

KUNZ
    George, of 183 Brook Drive, Brookfield.
    Arrangements will be announced by JOHN FLYNN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, Inc., 2630 E. State St., Hermitage.




Mary V. Nixon
Farrell woman was nurse, member of church choir

Mary V. Nixon, of 1210 Dakota St., Farrell, died at 10:45 p.m. Wednesday (1-15-03) in UPMC Horizon, Farrell. She was 75.

Mrs. Nixon was born May 26, 1927, in Farrell, to Arthemus and Rena B. Lewis Russell.

She was employed by the hospital of Sharon Regional Hospital as a licensed practical nurse, and was formerly employed by Polk State Mental Hospital and worked as a nurse with Dr. James Dabney.

Mrs. Nixon belonged to New Hope Baptist Church in Farrell, where she was a member of the choir and participated in other ministries. She was a former member of the Second Baptist Church in Farrell.

Her husband, Wilbert M. Nixon, whom she married Jan. 25, 1965, died Aug. 26, 1980.

Surviving are: three nephews, Clero A. Johnson of Ohio; Levert T. Johnson, and Alvin "Butch" Wiley, both of Farrell; and a niece, Dr. Marla Johnson of Pittsburgh. She leaves a host of great-nieces and other relatives and friends.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Artie Johnson and one brother.

NIXON
    Mrs. Wilbert M. (Mary V.), 75, of 1210 Dakota St., Farrell.
    Calling hours: 11 a.m. until time of funeral Friday (1-24-03) in New Hope Baptist Church, 909 Lee Ave., Farrell.
    Service: Funeral service at noon Friday at the church with the Rev. Clevon Dukes, church pastor, officiating.
    Burial: Western Reserve Cremation Service, Struthers, Ohio.
    Arrangments by J.E. WASHINGTON FUNERAL SERVICES, INC., of 1059 Hamilton Ave., Farrell.


Margaret L. Wilson

Former GC woman taught English, French

Margaret Lenore Wilson of Black Mountain, N.C., formerly of Grove City, died Thursday (1-16-03) at the health center of Highland Farms, Black Mountain, after a period of declining health. She was 96.

She was born Nov. 16, 1906 on her parents' farm in North Buffalo Township near Kittanning, Pa., a daughter of John Keener and Elizabeth Anne Jack Wilson.

In 1929, upon her graduation from Grove City College, Grove City, she taught high school English and French.

On Sept. 20, 1930, Margaret married college classmate Carroll Beryl Wilson. They set up housekeeping in Grove City where they raised their family and where Carroll worked in the family-owned lumber and hardware business.

Following the closing of the retail part of the Wilson Company in 1955, the Wilsons moved to Jacksonville, Ill., where Carroll was business manager of Illinois College and Margaret returned to her teaching career. Her husband died of cancer on April 28, 1962, in Jacksonville.

Mrs. Wilson continued teaching in Jacksonville and in Texas where she moved to be with her daughter Donna while her son-in-law, a career Air Force officer, was serving in Vietnam. After retiring from teaching, Margaret returned to Kittanning where she lived several years before moving to Rhinebeck, N.Y.

In January 1990, Mrs. Wilson came to Highland Farms. She was a member of the Black Mountain Presbyterian Church and of the P.E.O. Sisterhood.

She is survived by her two children; a son, Carroll Vaughn Wilson of Black Mountain, N.C.; and a daughter, Kathleen Wilson Todd of College Station, Texas. She is also survived by her five grandchildren: Anne Wilson Butler of Black Mountain, N.C., David Wilson of Brighton, Colo., Allen Todd of Houston, Texas, Stanford Todd of Austin, Texas; and Susan Todd Bowman of Dayton, Ohio; and by 11 great-grandchildren.

Memorial gifts may be sent to Grove City College, Grove City, 16127; or to the Black Mountain Presbyterian Church, Black Mountain, N.C.

WILSON
    
Mrs. Carroll B. (Margaret Lenore), 96, of Black Mountain, N.C., formerly of Grove City.
    Calling hours: 10:30 a.m. until time of service Wednesday (1-22-03) in FICCA FUNERAL HOME, 203 E. Pine St., Grove City.
    Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home with the Rev. John W. Culp, pastor of Tower Presbyterian Church, Grove City, officiating. A memorial service will be held in Black Mountain, N.C., at a later date.
    Burial: Crestview Memorial Park, Pine Township.


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


ANTHONY
    
Pearl Marie, 65, of 58 Grant St., Fredonia.
    Obituary was published 1-19-03
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today (1-20-03) at ROBERT L. SNYDER FUNERAL HOME, LTD., 169 Second St., Fredonia, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday (1-21-03) at Fredonia Presbyterian Church, Water St., Fredonia.
    Service: 11 a.m. Tuesday (1-21-03) at Fredonia Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Eric Peters, pastor, officiating.
    Burial: Millbank Cemetery, Fredonia.


BASTIDE
    
Phyllis L., 75, of Meadowbrook Manor, Youngstown, formerly of Connelly Manor, Sharon.
    Obituary was published 1-19-03
    Calling hours: 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today (1-20-03) at SAMPLE-O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME, East State Street and North Oakland Avenue, Sharon. If unable to visit the family during calling hours or the funeral service, please feel free to send your condolences by e-mailing the family at Sample@infonline.net.
    Service: Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday (1-21-03) at Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage, with Monsignor John B. Hagerty, pastor, officiating.
    Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.


CARPENTER
    
Elizabeth S., 71, of 47 Chambers Ave., Greenville.
    Obituary was published 1-19-03
    Calling hours: 9:30 a.m. to time of service Saturday (1-25-03) in the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church library. Condolences may be sent at www.osbornefuneralhome.com.
    Service: 11 a.m. Saturday (1-25-03) in the church, with the Rev. Martin M. Roth, pastor, officiating.
    Burial: Private burial today (1-20-03) with the family at Shenango Valley Cemetery, Greenville.


COMBINE
    
Joseph Anthony, 73, of 1445 Wakefield Drive, Hermitage.
    Obituary was published 1-19-03
    Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. today (1-20-03) at J. BRADLEY MCGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Condolences may be e-mailed to Mcgoniglefuneralhome@infon
    line.net.
    Service: 10 a.m. Tuesday (1-21-03) at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Nancie Reeves, pastor, officiating.
    Burial: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Hermitage.


LEKTORICH
    
Helen J., 83, of 649 Hazelton Ave., Masury.
    Obituary was published 1-18-03
    Calling hours: Were Sunday (1-19-03) in MADASZ FUNERAL HOME Inc., 6923 Warren Sharon Road, Brookfield.
    Service: Funeral service at 10:30 a.m. today (1-20-03) in St. Bernadette Church, 7808 Locust St. S.E., Masury, with the Rev. John Lody, pastor, officiating.
    Burial: Cremation


YEAGER
    
Timothy N., 60, of 1106 Beechwood Ave., Farrell.
    Obituary was published 1-18-03
    Calling hours: Were Sunday (1-19-03) 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 11 a.m. today (1-20-03) in the funeral home chapel followed by military honors provided by the honor guard of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6233, West Middlesex.
    Burial: St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, Hermitage.



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