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Daily obituaries: Published Saturday, Sept. 6,1997


Loretta J. Eckart

Burghill Baptist member worked at Mr. D's Food Fair

Loretta J. Eckart, 3739 Custer Orangeville Road, Burghill, died at 6 a.m. Friday (9-5-97) of cancer in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. She was 44.

Mrs. Eckart was born Nov. 7, 1952, in Belleaire, Ohio, to Burl C. and Evelyn Bostic Mercer.

She worked for Mr. D's Food Fair, Brookfield, for seven years as a scanning coordinator.

She was a member of Burghill Baptist Church.

Surviving, besides her husband, William A. Eckart, whom she married Oct. 31, 1970, are: two daughters, Anissa M. and Brienne D. Eckart, both at home; two sisters, Evelyn Hurlbert, Akron, Ohio; and Diana Eckart, Hartford; and six brothers, Jack Mercer, Andover, Ohio; Chuck Mercer, Kinsman; Russell Mercer, Struthers, Ohio; and Burl Jr., Dan, and Alfred Mercer, all Edgerton, Ohio.


ECKART

Mrs. William A. (Loretta J.), 44, of 3739 Custer Orangeville Road, Burghill.

Calling hours: None.

Service: Funeral in Burghill Baptist Church, time and date to be announced.

Arrangements by GALLOWAY-ONSTOTT FUNERAL HOME, Hartford.


Kathryn Elizabeth Geist

St. Michael's member lived 17 years in Florida

A memorial service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday (9-13-97) in St. Michael's Memorial Chapel, St. Michael's Cemetery, 84 N. High St., Greenville, for Kathryn Elizabeth Geist, formerly of Meadville and Greenville, who died July 26, 1997, in Good Samaritan Health Care Center, Kissimmee, Fla. She was 89.

Mrs. Geist was born Oct. 26, 1907, in Johnstown, Pa., to William B. and Agnes Kleinmeyer Gribble.

She attended Johnstown schools and was graduated from Johnstown High School.

She worked for Talon, Inc., Meadville, prior to her retirement and relocated to Florida where she lived for 17 years.

She was a member of St. Michael's Church, Greenville.

Surviving are: a daughter, Mrs. Kenneth (Gwen) Bradley, Lancaster, N.Y.; a brother, William B. Gribble, Davenport, Fla.; and three grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold M. Geist, whom she married Aug. 15, 1931, and who died in 1974; and a son, William H., who died in 1961.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael's Church or St. Michael's School Endowment Fund, Greenville 16125.


GEIST

Mrs. Harold (Kathryn Elizabeth), 89, Kissimmee, Fla., formerly of Meadville and Greenville.

Local arrangements by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.


Wayne D. Gregg

Obituary was published 9-5-97

Wayne D. Gregg, 1005 S. Center St., Grove City, who died Thursday (9-4-97), is survived by two sons, Wayne D., Fayetteville, Ga.; and David K., Santa Barbara, Calif. The second son's name was not given to The Herald.


GREGG

Wayne D., 80, of 1005 S. Center St., Grove City.

Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday (9-7-97) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.

Service: Funeral at 11 a.m. Monday (9-8-97) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Clark T. Olson-Sawyer, pastor of Tower Presbyterian Church, Grove City, officiating.

Burial: Woodland Cemetery, Grove City.


Joseph F. Gurrera

Farrell man retired after 40-plus years at Sharon Steel

Joseph F. Gurrera, 406 Indiana Ave., Farrell, died unexpectedly Friday (9-5-97) at home. He was 83.

Mr. Gurrera was born March 23, 1914, in Sharpsville to Lawrence and Concetta Muscarella Gurrera.

He was an Army veteran of World War II, serving in the 273rd Quartermaster Bakery Co. in the Pacific. He retired in 1976 from the former Sharon Steel Corp., with more than 40 years service.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7597, Farrell; the Fraternal Order of Police; and the American Association of Retired Persons.

Surviving are: a son, James Gurrera, Transfer; a stepdaughter, Mrs. Frank (Margaret) Laudo, West Middlesex; two sisters, Rose Miller, Farrell; and Mamie Blue, White Pigeon, Mich.; a brother, Steve Gurrera, Farrell; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Hornyak, who died in 1967; and by his second wife, Cora Mae McDonald, who died Sept. 8, 1995; and two brothers, Larry Gurrera Uretta and Sam Gurrera Uretta.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Fatima Church, 601 Roemer Blvd., Farrell 16121.


GURRERA

Joseph F., 83, of 406 Indiana Ave., Farrell.

Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday (9-7-97) in LEIPHEIMER-TOMON FUNERAL HOME, 1246 Roemer Blvd., Farrell.

Service: Mass of Christian burial at noon Monday (9-8-97) in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell, with Monsignor Salvatore Mitchell as celebrant.

Burial: St. Ann's Cemetery.


William H. Hedglin

William H. Hedglin died Friday afternoon (9-5-97) in Hillcrest Nursing Center, Grove City. He was 70.

Obituary information was incomplete.


HEDGLIN

William H., 70, Grove City.

Arrangements will be announced by SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 1778 Perry Highway, Village of Leesburg.


Darold A. Hinkson Jr.

'83 Sharpsville graduate worked at The Cookery

Darold A. Hinkson Jr., 100 N. Buhl Farm Drive, Hermitage, was found dead at 7:20 a.m. Friday (9-5-97) in Shenango River Lake. He was 34.

Mr. Hinkson was born Aug. 5, 1963, in Rapid City, S.D., to Darold A. Sr. and Mary Yurchison Hinkson.

A 1983 graduate of Sharpsville High School, he was an Army veteran and worked at The Cookery restaurant, Hermitage.

He attended Gentle Shepherd Church of the Nazarene, Hermitage.

Surviving are: his mother, Hermitage; two sisters, Mrs. Richard (Patty) Martell, Hermitage; and Mrs. Vincent (Darlene) Brown, Sharon; and two brothers, James and Richard Hinkson, both Sharon.

He was preceded in death by his father.


HINKSON

Darold Jr., 34, of 100 N. Buhl Farm Drive, Hermitage.

Calling hours: Noon to 1 p.m. Monday (9-8-97) in Gentle Shepherd of the Nazarene Church, 3480 Freeway, Hermitage.

Service: Funeral at 1 p.m. Monday with the Rev. Joseph E. Coniglio, pastor, officiating.

Burial: Mount Washington Cemetery, Jefferson Township.

Arrangements by CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 144 S. Pitt St., Mercer.


Anna B. Raketich

Farrell woman was longtime clerk at Hamilton Drug Store

WARREN, Ohio _ Anna B. Raketich, 3571 Boston Ave., formerly of Spearman Avenue, Farrell, died at 2:53 p.m. Thursday (9-4-97) in Trumbull Memorial Hospital. She was 82.

Mrs. Raketich was born April 27, 1915, in Farrell to Michael and Anna Augustic Sever.

A 1933 graduate of Farrell High School, she had worked at the former Hamilton Drug Store, Farrell, as a clerk for 25 years.

She was a member of Holy Trinity Church, Farrell. She was a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union, Lodge 126; and the Croatian American Civic Club and its Ladies Auxiliary, all Farrell. She was also a member of SCOPE, Senior Citizens Opportunity for Personal Endeavor, Warren.

Surviving are: a daughter, Charlotte Knock, Warren, Ohio; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Koss and Dorothy Gasparich, both Farrell; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Dorothy Marie Raketich; two brothers, Joseph and James Sever; and two sisters, Barbara Chrnko, and Katherine Fecik.


RAKETICH

Anna B., 82, of 3571 Boston Ave., Warren, Ohio, formerly of Spearman Ave., Farrell.

Calling hours: 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday (9-7-97) in JOHN A. PALISIN FUNERAL HOME, 86 Maple Drive, Hermitage.

Service: Brief service at 9:30 a.m. Monday (9-8-97) in the funeral home, followed by Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. in Holy Trinity Church, Farrell, with the Rev. John Boeckman, pastor, as celebrant.

Burial: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery, Hermitage.

Arrangements by THOMAS S. PODLEYON FUNERAL SERVICES, 86 Maple Drive, Hermitage.


Mary Smartz

Was former co-owner of Sharpsville businesses

Funeral will be Monday for Mary Smartz, John XXIII Nursing Home, Hermitage, formerly of Sharpsville, who died at 8:10 p.m. Thursday (9-4-97) in the home. She was 88.

Mrs. Smartz was born Nov. 22, 1908, in Struthers, Ohio, to John and Martha Nacin Karas.

She married Joseph ``Joe'' Smartz Sept. 2, 1929. He died Feb. 27, 1984.

She was co-owner of Smartz and Smartz Machine Shop, Smartz and Smartz TV Towers, and Smartz and Smartz Gasoline Station, all on Gasoline Alley, Sharpsville.

She was a member of St. Bartholomew's Church, Sharpsville.

Surviving are: two daughters, Martha Zenuch, Georgia; and Josephine Deal, Florida; a son, Jim Smartz, Sharpsville; four sisters, Ann Hurbis and Agnes Edwards, both Michigan; Helen Vanetti, Hermitage; and Irene Fox, Florida; two brothers, Mike Karas, Pittsburgh; John Karas, Mercer; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Nancy; and three brothers, Andrew, George, and Wesley Karas.


SMARTZ

Mrs. Joseph (Mary), 88, Hermitage, formerly of Sharpsville.

Calling hours: 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday (9-7-97) in DONALDSON-MOHNEY FUNERAL HOME, 124 Main St., Sharpsville.

Service: Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. Monday (9-8-97) in St. Bartholomew's Church, 311 Ridge Ave., Sharpsville, with the Rev. John Lynch, pastor, as celebrant.

Burial: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage.


Irene Nina Swogger

Retiree was Tower church member, GCC housekeeper

Irene Nina Swogger, Orchard Manor, Pine Township, formerly of Breckenridge Street, Grove City, died at 5:55 p.m. Friday (9-5-97) in United Community Hospital, Pine Township. She was 75.

Mrs. Swogger was born Jan. 10, 1922, in Pine Township to LeRoy Dennison and Izetta Rodgers McCluskey.

She married Paul E. Swogger March 3, 1941. He died Nov. 26, 1977.

She was a housekeeper at Grove City College for 18 years before her retirement.

She was a member of Tower Presbyterian Church, Grove City.

Surviving are: two daughters, June Ann Gravatt, New Castle; and Mrs. Richard ``Dick'' (Charlotte) Currier, Grove City; three sisters, Shelia Barsh, Bolton, N.C.; and Vallie Carpenter and Mrs. John (Dorothy) Thompson, both Grove City; 13 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, LeRoy D. McCluskey Jr., Floyd C. McCluskey, and an infant brother.


SWOGGER

Mrs. Paul E. (Irene Nina), 75, Pine Township, formerly of Breckenridge Street, Grove City.

Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday (9-7-97) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.

Service: Funeral at 1:30 p.m. Monday (9-8-97) in the funeral home.

Burial: Crestview Memorial Park Inc., Pine Township.


Mary A. Taliano

Active member of Fatima was Sharon Steel retiree

Mary A. Taliano, John XXIII Home, Hermitage, formerly of Cathedral Drive, Hermitage, died at 7:55 p.m. Thursday (9-4-97) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System. She was 84.

Mrs. Taliano was born Jan. 8, 1913, in Farrell to Michael and Mary Delise Taliano.

She was a 1933 graduate of Farrell High School.

Mrs. Taliano retired from the former Sharon Steel's Farrell plant where she was a supervisor for the United Food Management Services for more than 30 years.

She was an active member of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell.

Surviving are: two sisters, Rose Battaglia and Mrs. Lee (Elizabeth) Musat, both Cleveland.

She was preceded in death by three sisters, Louise Lowrey, Carmella Judge, and Cathryn Taliano; and a brother, Charles Taliano.


TALIANO

Mary A., 84, John XXIII Home, Hermitage, formerly of Cathedral Drive, Hermitage.

Calling hours: None.

Service: Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. Monday (9-8-97) in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell, with the Rev. Donald E. Berdis, pastor, as celebrant.

Burial: St. Anthony's Cemetery, Hermitage.


Maidie L. Thompson

Formerly taught in one-room schools, was cook at Thiel

Funeral will be Monday for Maidie L. Thompson, 1 Lancaster Ave., Greenville, who died at 5:15 p.m. Thursday (9-4-97) in Horizon Hospital System, Greenville. She was 88.

Mrs. Thompson was born Nov. 6, 1908, in Transfer to John and Anna Garts Zuschlag.

She attended Thiel College. She was a cook for the college and taught in one-room schools in the Transfer area.

She married Howard L. Thompson in 1933. He died in 1964.

She enjoyed fishing, hunting, horses, cooking and homemaking.

She was a Lutheran.

Surviving are: two daughters, Carleon Bailey, Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Devona Thompson, Greenville; a sister, Violet Beckstine, Greenville; and four grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Hilda Homer; and three brothers, Carl, Don and Quay Zuschlag.


THOMPSON

Mrs. Howard L. (Maidie L.), 88, of 1 Lancaster Ave., Greenville.

Calling hours: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday (9-7-97) in ANDREW H. OSBORNE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 73-75 Columbia Ave., Greenville.

Service: Funeral at 11 a.m. Monday (9-8-97) in the funeral home with the Rev. Mearl Henley, Greenville, officiating.

Burial: Old Findley Cemetery, Findley Township.


Lucille Williams

Ex-teacher in Hermitage, Farrell was active in church

Lucille Williams, Hospitality Care Center, Hermitage, died at 12:35 a.m. Wednesday (9-3-97) in Horizon Hospital System, Farrell, following a brief illness. She was 97.

Mrs. Williams was born May 17, 1900, in Townville, Pa., to John R. Emma Brown Carpenter.

She graduated from the former Townville High School and from Edinboro University. She was a teacher in Farrell Area School District and retired from Hermitage School District in 1965.

She was an active member of First United Methodist Church, Sharon.

Her husband, Dr. Stanley Williams, whom she married May 23, 1923, died Feb. 14, 1965.

Surviving are: a daughter, Margaret Ann McMaster, Akron, Ohio; and a grandson.


WILLIAMS

Mrs. Dr. Stanley (Lucille), 97, Hermitage.

Calling hours: 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday (9-10-97) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Service: Funeral at 1 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home with the Rev. Myles T. Bradley, pastor of First United Methodist Church, Sharon, officiating.

Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.



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


BRINK

Mrs. William W. (Ruth S.), 85, of 11386 Primrose Lane, Conneaut Lake, formerly of 204 E. Jamestown Road, West Salem Township.

Obituary was published 9-5-97

Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday (9-7-97) in ANDREW H. OSBORNE III FUNERAL HOME Inc., 73-75 Columbia Ave., Greenville.

Service: Memorial service at the family's convenience, with the Rev.Philip J. Garner, pastor of Zion's Reformed United Church of Christ, officiating.

Burial: Rocky Glen Cemetery, West Fallowfield Township, Crawford County.


KERR

George G., 72, R.D. 3, Neshannock Falls, Volant.

Obituary was published 9-5-97

Calling hours: 2 to 4:30 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday (9-5-97) in R. CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle.

Service: Memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday (9-6-97) in Rich Hill Presbyterian Church, Route 168, Volant, with the Rev. Mark J. Merritt and Rev. Wayne Bell, both of Rich Hill Presbyterian Church, Volant; and the Rev. Dr. John B. ``Mike'' Loudon, Eastridge Presbyterian Church, Lincoln, Neb., officiating.

Burial: Rich Hill Cemetery, Volant.


STEVENSON

Mrs. Alden L. (Shirley Faye), 65, Blue Springs, Mo., formerly of Greenville.

Obituary was published 9-5-97

Calling hours: None.

Service: Graveside funeral service at 2 p.m. Sunday (9-7-97) in Stevenson Cemetery, Salem Township.

Burial: Stevenson Cemetery.

Arrangements by ANDREW J. VANA FUNERAL HOME, 102 Church St., Hadley.


SZABO

Joseph, 87, of 7931 Third St. SE, Masury.

Obituary was published 9-5-97

Calling hours: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday (9-5-97) in MADASZ FUNERAL HOME, 6923 Warren Sharon Road, Brookfield.

Service: Mass of Christian burial at 9:30 a.m. Saturday (9-6-97) in St. Bernadette's Church, Masury, with the Rev. Thomas Murphy, pastor, as celebrant.

Burial: Brookfield Township Cemetery.




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