The Herald, Sharon, Pa.: Obituary archives

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Daily obituaries: Published Friday, Aug. 29, 1997

Helen M. Atcheson

Helen M. Atcheson, Hillcrest Nursing Center, Grove City, formerly of College View Towers, 301 S. Broad St. and Fellowship Manor, all Grove City, died at 4:15 a.m. this morning (8-29-97) in United Community Hospital, Pine Township. She was 88.

Obituary information was incomplete.

ATCHESON Helen M., 88, Grove City, formerly of College View Towers, 301 S. Broad St. and Fellowship Manor, all Grove City. Arrangements will be announced by CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.

William L. Germano

William L. Germano, 2705 Anchorage Road, South Pymatuning Township, died unexpectedly Thursday afternoon (8-28-97) at home. He was 68.

Obituary information was incomplete.

GERMANO William L., 68, of 2705 Anchorage Road, South Pymatuning Township. Arrangements will be announced by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Andy Lazor

Decorated WWII veteran was retired Sharon Steel foreman

Andy Lazor, 311 Lincoln Ave., Farrell, died at 11:50 p.m. Thursday (8-28-97) at home of natural causes. He was 72.

Mr. Lazor was born Dec. 2, 1924, in Sharon to Andrew and Katherine Parimuha Lazor.

Retiring in 1979, he was a foreman for 34 years at the former Sharon Steel Corp.'s Farrell plant.

An Army veteran, Mr. Lazor served during World War II during the Allied invasion of Normandy at Omaha Beach, earning a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

He belonged to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5286, Farrell.

Mr. Lazor was a member of St. Ann's Church, Farrell.

Surviving are: his wife, the former Mary Palovcik, whom he married Jan. 31, 1953; two sons, Martin S., Butler; and James, Ohio; a stepdaughter, Emily Brangham, Costa Mesa, Calif.; two brothers, John and George, Hermitage; two sisters, Ann Morrow, Sharon; and Mary Jane Reffner; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Helen Slovesko.

LAZOR Andy, 72, of 311 Lincoln Ave., Farrell. Calling hours: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday (8-30-97) in A.E. PUSTINGER FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 1310 Idaho St., Farrell. Service: Funeral mass at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Ann's Church, Farrell, with the Rev. Richard C. Tomasone, pastor, as celebrant. Burial: St. Ann's Cemetery, Hermitage.

Ida Belle Madura

Wife of Sharon doctor was nurse, in medical auxiliary

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

Mrs. Madura was born May 6, 1916, in New Castle to Floyd and Bessie Noble Cotton.

She was a graduate of Shenango High School and the former St. Francis School of Nursing, both New Castle. She attended the University of Pittsburgh where she earned certification in psychiatry.

Mrs. Madura worked four years in Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia; and was a registered nurse for six years for Sharon Regional Health System.

She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Sharon.

Mrs. Madura belonged to the Mercer County Medical Auxiliary.

Surviving are: her husband, Dr. Joseph R. Madura, whom she married Jan. 16, 1943; a son, Joseph R. Jr., at home; a daughter, Mrs. Jiro (Karen Lee) Oi, Nashville, Tenn.; three sisters, Mrs. Clarence (Alma) Whitacre, Downey, Calif.; and Mrs. Louis (Alice) Orlando and Mrs. Francis (Dorothy) Pitzer, both New Castle; a brother, Floyd Cotton, San Mateo, Calif; and a grandson.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Helen Carow.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 600 E. State St.; or Sharon Regional Health System, 740 E. State St., both Sharon 16146.

MADURA Mrs. Ida, wife of Dr. Joseph R., 81, of 545 Fairfield Drive, Sharon. Calling hours: 6 to 9 p.m. today (8-29-97) in HAROLD W. STEVENSON FUNERAL HOME, 264 E. State St., Sharon. Service: Funeral at 10:30 a.m. Saturday (8-30-97) in First Presbyterian Church, Sharon, with the Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Sebben, pastor, officiating. Burial: Holy Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Hermitage. Arrangements 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 remains 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.

Dorothy Hurt Sopko

Former Shenango Valley woman was a homemaker

PASADENA, Texas _ Dorothy Hurt Sopko, Deer Park, Texas, formerly of the Shenango Valley, died at 4:58 p.m. Tuesday (8-26-97) in Columbia Bay Shore Hospital of natural causes. She was 72.

Mrs. Sopko was born Sept. 7, 1924, in Texas to Thomas and Pearl Haines Hurt.

She graduated from Seagoville (Texas) High School.

Mrs. Sopko was a homemaker.

Surviving are: her husband, Joe Sopko Sr., whom she married 53 years ago, Deer Park; a son, Joe Jr., Alvin, Texas; two daughters, Diane Adoue, Montgomery, Texas; and Mrs. Kenneth (Dorothy ``Arnita'') Shaver, Uvalde, Texas; two brothers, Kenneth and Jim Hurt, both Ganado, Texas; three sisters, Mozell Novasod, Ganado; and Cozette Legan and Florece Ausbaum, both Pasadena; and eight grandchildren.

Funeral services were at 9:30 a.m. today (8-29-97) in Deer Park. Burial will be in Houston National Cemetery.

Orville L. Stowers

Masury man formerly lived in New York, was taxi driver

FOWLER _ Funeral will be Saturday for Orville L. Stowers, 697 Boyd St., Masury, formerly of Astoria, N.Y. He died at 6:15 a.m. Thursday (8-28-97) in Meadowbrook Manor after an extended illness. He was 76.

Mr. Stowers was born June 5, 1921, in Griffithsville, W.Va., to Mack and Elsie Stanley Stowers.

He was a taxi cab driver for Queens Forest Service Corp., Corona, N.Y.

His wife, the former Juliana Michaels, died in 1967.

Surviving are: four sons, Steven and Dennis, Flushing, N.Y.; Kenneth; and Terry, Monticello, N.Y.; four brothers, Russell and Mack, Masury; and Lee and Clinton, Hubbard; three sisters, Nettie Adkins, Sod, W.Va.; Arlene J. Wray, Brookfield; and Mary Jane Sowards, Charleston, W.Va.; and two grandchildren.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Clarence and Eugene; and two sisters, Ruth Sowards and Inez Brohard.

STOWERS Orville L., 76, of 697 Boyd St., Masury, formerly of Astoria, N.Y. Calling hours: Private hour for family at 10 a.m. until time of service Saturday (8-30-97) in MADASZ FUNERAL HOME, 6923 Warren Sharon Road, Brookfield. Service: Funeral at 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home, with the Rev. Daniel F. Cesene, pastor of Faith Assembly of God, Masury, officiating. Burial: Brookfield Township Cemetery.

Albert G. `Toby' Tobias

War veteran belonged to St. Joe's church

Albert G. ``Toby'' Tobias, 15 W. Connelly Blvd., Sharon, died at 10:35 a.m. Thursday (8-28-97) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System after an extended illness. He was 73.

Mr. Tobias was born Aug. 1, 1924, in Weltytown, Pa., to George and Anna Gmuca Tobias.

He was an alumnus of St. Ann's School, Sharon; and Grove City High School. He graduated cum laude from Youngstown State University where he earned a bachelor degree in accounting.

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

Retiring in 1980, Mr. Tobias was employed for 35 years as assistant paymaster at the former Sharon Steel Corp.'s Farrell plant.

He was a member of St. Joseph's Church, Sharon.

Mr. Tobias belonged to American Legion Post 160; and was past commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5286, both Farrell.

An outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing.

Surviving are: his wife, the former Louise M. Gargano, whom he married July 6, 1957; a daughter, Mrs. Bart (Lou Ann) Tuttle, Escondido, Calif.; two sisters, Mrs. Donald (Marion) Decker, Volant; and Leona Vasconi, Hermitage; three brothers, Emil F., Cape Cod, Mass.; Andrew S., Sharon; and Paul, Grove City; and two grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Memorial Fund, 79 Case Ave, Sharon 16146.

TOBIAS Albert G. ``Toby'', 73, of 15 W. Connelly Blvd., Sharon. Calling hours: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday (8-29-97) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Prayer service at 7:45 p.m. Service: Mass of Christian burial at noon Saturday (8-30-97) in St. Joseph's Church, Sharon, with the Rev. Jerry S. Priscaro, parochial vicar, as celebrant. Mass will be followed by full military honors by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5286, Farrell. Burial: Arlington (Va.) National Cemetery.

Edward J. Wagner

Retired partner in Sunoco station was in Wheel Patrol

Funeral will be Saturday for Edward J. Wagner, 221 Kutenai Trail, Lake Latonka. He died at 5:42 a.m. Thursday (8-28-97) in Overlook nursing home, New Wilmington, after a brief illness. He was 86.

Mr. Wagner was born June 18, 1911, in Wilmington Township, Lawrence County, to Daniel Earl and Eleanor Banks Wagner.

He was retired as a partner with his sons in the ownership of Ed and Jerry Sunoco, New Wilmington, which was purchased in 1964. Previously he was a truck driver and mechanic for W.D. Rubright Co., Zelienople, Pa.

He was a member of Free and Accepted Masons Wilmington (Township) Lodge 804; Mercer County Shrine Club's Wheel Patrol; and a life member of Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 1637, Mercer.

Mr. Wagner was a Methodist.

His wife, the former Margaret Ethel Kerr, whom he married March 12, 1935, died Sept. 28, 1994.

Surviving are: three sons, Jerry W. and Larry V., both New Wilmington; and Robert D., Jensen Beach, Fla.; two daughters, Janet A. Coast, Jackson Center; and Diane Grace Wagner, Mercer; two sisters, Mildred McConnell, New Castle; and Twila Armstrong, New Wilmington; two brothers, Phillip, New Castle; and James, New Wilmington; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Walter and Clare B.; and an infant son, Thomas.

WAGNER Edward J., 86, of 221 Kutenai Trail, Lake Latonka. Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (8-29-97) in SHARP-SMITHFUNERAL HOME, 310 W. Neshannock Ave., New Wilmington. Service: Funeral at 3 p.m. Saturday (8-30-97) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Harold ``Bud'' Green, pastor of Shenango Presbyterian Church, New Castle, officiating. Burial: Unity Baptist Cemetery, Harlansburg, Lawrence County.

Floyd E. Walter

Harrisville area man was ex-owner of mining company

Memorial service will be Sunday for Floyd E. Walter, Harrisville R.D. 1. He died at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday (8-27-97) at home after an extended illness. He was 71.

Mr. Walter was born Dec. 30, 1925, in Irwin Township, Venango County to Floyd R. and Florence Surrena Walter.

He was a member of Hebron United Methodist Church, Springdale, Pa.

A self-employed excavator, he was a former owner of F.W. & R.R. Mining Inc., Harrisville.

Surviving are: his wife, the former Mary McGrady, whom he married Nov. 9, 1944; a son, Frederick E., Harrisville; two daughters, Sandra Baker, Petersburg, Pa.; and Charlene Eiler, Harrisville; three sisters; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a sister.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Visiting Nurses Association of Venango County, 308 Seneca St., Oil City 16301; or Life Care Cancer Center of Stoneboro, 4352 Greenville-Sandy Lake Road, Stoneboro 16153.

WALTER Floyd E., 71, Harrisville R.D. 1. Calling hours: None. Service: Memorial service at 3 p.m. Sunday (8-31-97) in Barkeyville United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Elwin J. Sheere, pastor, officiating. Burial: Prairie Cemetery, Harrisville. Arrangements by SAMPLE-O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME, East State Street at North Oakland Avenue, Sharon.

Floyd H. Weaver

Cooper Cameron retiree had 41 grandchildren

Floyd H. Weaver, Countryside Personal Care Home, East Lackawannock Township, formerly of Jackson Center and the Grove City area, died at 12:30 p.m. Thursday (8-28-97) in United Community Hospital, Pine Township, after a brief illness. He was 90.

Mr. Weaver was born Jan. 17, 1907, in Rockland Township, Venango County, to Hugh E. ``Sam'' and Emma Frances Hendershot Weaver.

He attended country school in the Jackson Center area.

Mr. Weaver retired in 1972 after 35 years from Cooper Cameron Corp., Grove City.

He was a Protestant.

Mr. Weaver enjoyed hunting and fishing in his earlier years.

His wife, the former Ruth A. Vogus, whom he married in 1929, died in July 1981.

Surviving are: four daughters, Betty Thompson and Mrs. Fred (Mildred) Adams, both Jackson Center; Mrs. Nathan (Gladys) Haag, Sandy Lake; and Mrs. John (Carol) Liska, Mercer; five sons, Sam, Sandy Lake; Bob, Stoneboro; Dale, Slippery Rock; Gary, Mercer; and Ralph, Spanaway, Wash.; two sisters, Mrs. Clarence (Vera) Thompson, Transfer; and Mrs. Gene (Pearl) Gregary, Erie; four brothers, George, Fredonia; Kenneth, Lewiston, Idaho; John, Cochranton, Pa.; and Walter, Sharpsville; and 41 grandchildren.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by three daughters, Norma Snyder; and Nancy Mae and Clara Jane Weaver; three brothers; three sisters; and two great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

WEAVER Floyd H., 90, East Lackawannock Township, formerly of Jackson Center and the Grove City area. Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday (8-30-97) in SCOTT A. BLACK FUNERAL HOME, 99 Franklin St., Stoneboro. Service: Funeral at 2 p.m. Sunday (8-31-97) in the funeral home with the Rev. Edward Daily, pastor of Beth Emmanuel Fellowship Church, Sharon, officiating. Burial: Crestview Memorial Park, Pine Township.

Matilda `Tilly' Wheaton

Husband was Sharon native, had children in SL, Sharon

HIGHLAND, N.Y. _ Matilda ``Tilly'' Vertullo Wheaton, Highland, died Saturday (8-23-97) at the home of her daughter in Clintondale, N.Y. She was 62.

Mrs. Wheaton was born Sept. 25, 1934, in Highland to Frank and Catherine Rhinehart Jones.

She attended Highland schools.

Before retiring in September 1996, Mrs. Wheaton was a homecare health aide with Burmac, Highland.

She was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, New Paltz, N.Y.

Mrs. Wheaton enjoyed bingo and bowling and was a member of Nite Cap Bowling League.

Surviving are: her husband, John E. Wheaton, whom she married March 4, 1978, in Sharon; a daughter, Susan Jonietz, Clintondale; two stepsons, Douglas, Sharon; and Ron, Sandy Lake; two sisters, Marion LaForge, Highland; and Josephine Decker, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; a brother, Frank Jones, West Virginia; and eight grandchildren.

Three brothers, John, George and Thomas Jones, preceded her in death.

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

COOPER Harold, 76, of Volant R.D. 1, Lawrence County. Obituary was published 8-28-97 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.

DAVENPORT Mrs. George J. (Reba Kathryn), 92, of 703 Prindle St., Sharon. Obituary was published 8-28-97 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.

DiGENNARO Carl Sr., 79, of 914 Hazen St., New Castle. Obituary was published 8-28-97 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.

JONES Mrs. Walter H. (Mary A.), 77, of 445 Hull St., Sharon. Obituary was published 8-28-97 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.

LEAN Mrs. William (Gladys Heckman), 91, of 84 Franklin St., Stoneboro. Obituary was published 8-28-97 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.

PETERSON Richard J., 54, of 918 Hamilton Ave., Farrell. Obituary was published 8-27-97 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.

SIPE Mrs. John W. (Carmella ``Gladys''), 89, formerly of New Castle. Obituary was published 8-28-97 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.

STINEDURF Thomas C., 64, of 1902 Brentwood Drive, Greenville. Obituary was published 8-28-97 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.

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