The Herald, Sharon, Pa.: Obituary archives

1997 obituaries index // main Herald Obituaries page
FAQ for genealogists and researchers // Today's death record and local headlines
Daily obituaries: Published Thursday, Aug. 28, 1997

Harold Cooper

Retired as craneman, self-employed farmer

NEW CASTLE _ Harold Cooper, Volant R.D. 1, Lawrence County, died at 12:10 a.m. this morning (8-28-97) in the hospital of Jameson Health System, New Castle, after a brief illness. He was 76.

Mr. Cooper was born Oct. 29, 1920, in Plain Grove Township, Lawrence County, to Charles H. and Florence M. Armstrong Cooper.

An Army veteran, he served in the South Pacific during World War II.

He retired as a self-employed farmer and as a crane operator in 1986 from Hydrol Co., Rochester, Pa.

Mr. Cooper was a Protestant.

Surviving is his wife, the former Lois E. McNulty, whom he married Oct. 24, 1946.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Ada Campbell; a brother, DuWayne; and an infant brother, Arnold.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 19 Jefferson Ave., Sharon 16146.

COOPER Harold, 76, of Volant R.D. 1, Lawrence County. Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday (8-29-97) and 12:30 until time of service Saturday (8-30-97) in SMITH FUNERAL HOME OF LEESBURG, 1778 Perry Highway, Volant. Service: Funeral at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home, with the Rev. Mark Davis, pastor of Plain Grove Presbyterian Church, Lawrence County, officiating. Burial: Plain Grove Township North Presbyterian Cemetery, Lawrence County.

Reba Kathryn Davenport

Was a 50-year member of Covenant Presbyterian

Funeral will be Friday for Reba Kathryn Davenport, 703 Prindle St., Sharon. She died at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday (8-26-97) in White-Cliff Nursing Home, Hempfield Township. She was 92.

Mrs. Davenport was born Nov. 24, 1904, in Conneaut Lake to William Clarence and Evelyn McConnell Myers.

She was a graduate of Sharon High School and the former Shenango Valley Commercial Institute, Sharon.

She was previously employed by Sharon High School.

Mrs. Davenport was a 50-year member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Sharon, and its M.S. Sunday school class and Covenant Fellowship.

She belonged to the Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion Post 162, Sharpsville.

Her husband, George J. Davenport, whom she married Oct. 4, 1941, died in 1962.

Surviving is a son, Richard William of Sharon.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Lawrence E. Myers.

DAVENPORT Mrs. George J. (Reba Kathryn), 92, of 703 Prindle St., Sharon. Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday (8-28-97) in SAMPLE-O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME, East State Street at North Oakland Avenue, Sharon. Service: Funeral at 11 a.m. Friday (8-29-97) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Richard H. Herman, senior pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church, officiating. Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.

Carl DiGennaro Sr.

Retired district labor leader served 2 counties

Carl DiGennaro Sr., retired district labor leader, of 914 Hazen St., New Castle, died Wednesday afternoon (8-27-97) in St. Francis Hospital, New Castle. He was 79.

Mr. DiGennaro was born Oct. 24, 1917, in New Castle to Rocco and Mary Cialella DiGennaro.

He was a construction laborer.

Elected in 1947, he served Lawrence and Mercer counties as president and business manager of Construction and General Laborers Local 964.

In 1962, Mr. DiGennaro took over Crawford County, retiring in 1979.

Between the years of 1950 to 1979, he was an officer for Laborers District Council of Western Pennsylvania; secretary-treasurer of Lawrence County Building Trades Council and Laborers District Council Benefit and Trust Fund; and trustee of Laborers Welfare and Pension Fund.

Mr. DiGennaro was a member of the United Way and Human Relations Committee, both Lawrence County; and was a former board member of the Sanitation Authority and the Redevelopment Authority, both of New Castle; and Lawrence County Crippled Children's Association.

He was a member of St. Vitus Church, New Castle.

Surviving are: his wife, the former Alma Mastroddi, whom he married June 1, 1939; two sons, Carl Jr., Las Vegas; and Gene, New Castle; two sisters, Mrs. Pat (Julia) Diana, New Castle; and Kathryn Almasi, Youngstown; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia DiGennaro; and six brothers, Adolph, Albert, Domenick, James, Charles and Louis.

DiGENNARO Carl Sr., 79, of 914 Hazen St., New Castle. Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday (8-29-97) in ED & DON DeCARBO FUNERAL HOME, 941 S. Mill St., New Castle. Service: Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. Saturday (8-30-97) in St. Vitus Church, New Castle, with the Rev. John Petrarulo, pastor, as celebrant. Procession will leave funeral home at 9:30 a.m. for the church. Entombment: Parkside Mausoleum, New Castle.

Mary A. Jones

Homemaker was active member of Central Christian

Mary A. Jones, 445 Hull St., Sharon, died at 6 p.m. Wednesday (8-27-97) in the skilled care unit of Sharon Regional Health System after an extended illness. She was 77.

Mrs. Jones was born June 16, 1920, in Zanesville, Ohio, to Earl and Alice Mowry Mock.

She was a 1938 graduate of Sharon High School.

She was an active member of Central Christian Church, Hermitage, where she was a deaconess.

Mrs. Jones was a former volunteer with the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.

During the 1950s, she was a Cub Scout leader.

Mrs. Jones was a homemaker.

Surviving are: her husband, Walter H. Jones, whom she married May 12, 1938; a daughter, Mrs. Stan (Marilyn M.) Lewis, Hermitage; four sons, Walter G. Sr., Clintonville, Pa.; James E., Sparta, Ill.; and Robert K. and David L., both Sharon; 13 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

JONES Mrs. Walter H. (Mary A.), 77, of 445 Hull St., Sharon. Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday (8-29-97) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Service: Funeral at 10 a.m. Saturday (8-30-97) in Central Christian Church, Hermitage, with the Rev. Paul P. Leone, pastor, officiating. Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.

Martin L. King

Former GC man retired from Meadville Arsenal

LYONS, N.J. _ Martin L. King, Lyons, N.J., formerly of Grove City, died at 3 p.m. Tuesday (8-26-97) in Lyons Veteran Medical Center of natural causes after an extended illness. He was 74.

Mr. King was born Aug. 18, 1923, in Dormont, Pa., to Martin Luther and Pearl Mae O'Donnell King.

He was a 1942 graduate of Grove City High School and attended Grove City College.

An Army veteran, he served in Europe during World War II.

Mr. King retired as a time keeper from Meadville Arsenal. Previously he was employed by the Ravenna (Ohio) Arsenal.

Surviving is a sister, Mrs. George (Lorna Mae) Sonntag, Grove City.

He was preceded in death by a brother, J. Donnell King.

KING Martin L., 74, Lyons, N.J., formerly of Grove City. Calling hours: None. Service: Private funeral for family at 11 a.m. Friday (8-29-97) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City, with the Rev. Irfon Hughes, pastor of Hillcrest Presbyterian in America Church, Lawrence County, officiating. Burial: Crestview Memorial Park, Pine Township.

Gladys Heckman Lean

Longtime Lakeview Avon rep attended senior center

Gladys Heckman Lean, 84 Franklin St., Stoneboro, died unexpectedly at 10:20 a.m. Wednesday (8-27-97) in the emergency room of Horizon Hospital System, Greenville. She was 91.

Mrs. Lean was born Nov. 15, 1905, in Jackson Township to Jonathon and Mary Genger Whitlatch.

She attended the former Egypt School, Lake Township.

She was an Avon representative for many years in the Lakeview area.

For many years, Mrs. Lean was an active member of Stoneboro Volunteer Fireman's Ladies Auxiliary.

She regularly attended Sandy Lake Senior Community Center.

Mrs. Lean was a member of Sandy Lake (Township) Wesleyan Church.

Her first husband, Howard M. ``Dutch'' Heckman, whom she married in 1924, died June 29, 1954. Her second husband, William Lean, whom she married in 1963, died in 1971.

Surviving are: three sons, J. Duane Heckman, Winter Haven, Fla.; Richard B. Heckman, Stoneboro; and James W. Heckman, Jackson Center; 11 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Beside two husbands, she was preceded in death by a son, Lewis Dale Heckman; a grandson, Brett Heckman; two sisters, Hannah Marshall and Jeanette Lindsey; and a brother, James Whitlatch.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sandy Lake Senior Community Center for the Muiston Center Building Fund, P.O. Box 273; or Sandy Lake (Township) Wesleyan Church, 3096 Sandy Lake-Grove City Road, both Sandy Lake 16145.

LEAN Mrs. William (Gladys Heckman), 91, of 84 Franklin St., Stoneboro. Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday (8-29-97) in SCOTT A. BLACK FUNERAL HOME, 99 Franklin St., Stoneboro. Service: Funeral at 11 a.m. Saturday (8-30-97) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Frank J. Klassen, pastor of Sandy Lake (Township) Wesleyan Church, officiating. Burial: Oak Hill Cemetery, Sandy Lake Township.

Ida Madura

Ida Madura, wife of Dr. Joseph R. Madura, 545 Fairfield Drive, Sharon, died at 5:40 a.m. today (8-28-97) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. She was 81.

Obituary information was incomplete.

MADURA Ida, wife of Dr. Joseph R., 81, of 545 Fairfield Drive, Sharon. Arrangements will be announced by JOSEPH P. BRASHEN FUNERAL SERVICE, 264 E. State St., Sharon.

Anne Missik

Anne Missik, 340 Sterling Ave., Sharon, died Wednesday morning (8-27-97) at home. She was 86.

Obituary information was incomplete.

MISSIK Anne, 86, of 340 Sterling Ave., Sharon. Arrangements will be announced by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Richard J. Peterson

Obituary was published 8-27-97

A brother, Nathaniel Dillard, Morgantown, W.Va., survives. Incorrect spelling was given to The Herald.

PETERSON Richard J., 54, of 918 Hamilton Ave., Farrell. Calling hours: 11 a.m. until time of services Friday (8-29-97) in Second Baptist Church, Farrell. Service: Funeral at noon Friday in the church, with the Rev. Thomas J. Bolling, pastor, officiating. Burial: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage. Arrangements by WILBERT L. SHANNON FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 33 Broadway Ave., Wheatland.

Carmella `Gladys' Sipe

New Castle native was active in politics, enjoyed cooking

NEW CASTLE _ Carmella ``Gladys'' Sipe, formerly of New Castle, died at 10:40 a.m. Wednesday (8-27-97) in The Haven Nursing Home. She was 89.

Mrs. Sipe was born Sept. 29, 1907, in New Castle to Anthony and Louise Molinaro Mooney.

She was a Protestant and was active in politics. She enjoyed traveling and cooking.

Her husband, John W. Sipe, whom she married July 23, 1936, died Jan. 6, 1990.

Surviving are: two daughters, Bette Jane Fagnilli and Mrs. Frank (Alice) Stone; a sister, Rose Pagley; and two brothers, Mike and Sam Mooney, all New Castle; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a sister; three brothers; and a son, Richard George Louis.

SIPE Mrs. John W. (Carmella ``Gladys''), 89, formerly of New Castle. Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday (8-29-97) in SHARP-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 310 W. Neshannock Ave., New Wilmington. Service: Funeral at 11 a.m. Saturday (8-30-97) in the funeral home, with the Rev. George Yates, pastor of New Covenant Evangelical Presbyterian Church, New Castle, officiating. Burial: Fair Oaks Cemetery, New Wilmington.

Thomas C. Stinedurf

Pressman at 2 newspapers was veteran, avid genealogist

Thomas C. Stinedurf, 1902 Brentwood Drive, Greenville, died at 1 p.m. Wednesday (8-27-97) in the emergency room of Horizon Hospital System, Greenville, after an extended illness. He was 64.

Mr. Stinedurf was born Dec. 8, 1932, in Sharpsville to Clyde H. and Dorothy Bees Stinedurf.

He was a 1951 graduate of Sharpsville High School.

An Army veteran, he served as private first class during the Korean conflict.

Mr. Stinedurf was a pressman for the Record Argus, Greenville, and for the Meadville Tribune. Previously he was a fitter for 30 years at the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corp.

He was a member of East Side Church (Baptist-Disciples of Christ), Sharon.

Mr. Stinedurf was an avid genealogist. He belonged to Mercer County Historical Society.

Surviving are: his wife, the former Nancy J. Widmyer, whom he married Aug. 19, 1955; two daughters, Mrs. Stan (Regina Marie) Davis, Alexandria, Ind.; and Barbara Jean White, Mercer; a son, Thomas Clair Jr., Chalk Hill, Pa.; a sister, Alyce Leah Belle Simpson, Sharon; nine grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Mary Magdalene Kain; and three brothers, Clyde H., Roy Forrest and William Francis.

STINEDURF Thomas C., 64, of 1902 Brentwood Drive, Greenville. Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday (8-29-97) in DONALDSON-MOHNEY FUNERAL HOME, 124 Main St., Sharpsville. Service: Funeral at 11 a.m. Saturday (8-30-97) in the funeral home, with the Rev. John W. Lyons, pastor of East Side Church (Baptist-Disciples of Christ), Sharon, officiating. Burial: West Side Cemetery, South Pymatuning Township.

Orville L. Stowers

Orville L. Stowers, Fowler, died at 6:15 a.m. this morning (8-28-97) in Meadowbrook Manor, Fowler. He was 75.

Obituary information was incomplete.

STOWERS Orville L., 75, Fowler. Arrangements will be announced by MADASZ FUNERAL HOME, 6923 Warren Sharon Road, Brookfield.

Edward J. Wagner

Edward J. Wagner, 221 Kytenal Trail, Lake Latonka, formerly of New Wilmington, died at 5:42 a.m. this morning (8-28-97) in Overlook Nursing Home, New Wilmington. He was 86.

Obituary information was incomplete.

WAGNER Edward J., 221 Kytenal Trail, Lake Latonka, formerly of New Wilmington. Arrangements will be announced by SHARP-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 310 W. Neshannock Ave., New Wilmington.

Floyd E. Walter

Floyd E. Walter, Route 1, Harrisville, died Wednesday afternoon (8-27-97) at home after an extended illness. He was 72.

Obituary information was incomplete.

WALTER Floyd E., 72, Route 1, Harrisville. Arrangements will be announced by SAMPLE-O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME, East State Street at North Oakland Avenue, Sharon.

Previous deaths: (look in past days' obit files to find the full obituaries)

KNAUFF Paul D., 85, Main Street, Volant. Obituary was published 8-27-97 Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday (8-28-97) in SMITH FUNERAL HOME OF LEESBURG, 1778 Perry Highway, Springfield Township. Service: Funeral at 11 a.m. Friday (8-29-97) in the funeral home, with the Rev. James Bibza, interim pastor of Leesburg Presbyterian Church, officiating. Burial: Carpenter Cemetery, Springfield Township.

Tips for searching the obituary archives:

An incomplete obituary sometimes appears on the day a person is on the death record, followed by a full obituary the next day or when the information is available.
Each day's obituaries are in alphabetical order.
Funeral notices (calling hours, service, burial) are below the obituary. The notice is published again generally for a day or two until the funeral. Second-day notices are grouped together, in alphabetical order, after the A-Z list of new obituaries.
Corrections or additions to an obituary sometimes appears a day or two after the original obituary.
Read more in our list of frequently asked questions for genealogists and researchers, including how to reach The Herald and what our circulation area covers.

Back to TOP // 1997 obituaries index // main Herald Obituaries page
FAQ for genealogists and researchers // Today's death record and local headlines // Herald Home page

Updated Sept. 21, 1997
Questions/comments: herald@pgh.net
For info about advertising on our site or Web-page creation: advertising@sharon-herald.com