Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
PAUL K. KEYSER
Former Cook Township Supervisor Paul K. Keyser, 87, of Stahlstown, died Tuesday, May 9, 2000, at home. He was born Sept. 7, 1912, in Donegal Township, the only son of the late Machlin L. and Peninah B. Hauger Keyser. For many years he was a farmer and for 24 years he was a Cook Township supervisor, a title of which he was very proud. Paul was a board member of the Laurel Highlands Television & Telephone Co., a board member of the Porch Cemetery and also served on the committee in 1960 to establish the Chestnut Ridge Community V.F.D., of which he was a charter member. He was also a member of Mt. Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Donegal. Paul was preceded in death by his wife, of 61 years, Sylvia Neiderhiser Keyser, on June 23, 1994; an infant daughter; a sister, Irene Snyder; and a brother, Merle Snyder. He is survived by the following children: Kenneth and his wife, Wilma Keyser, Elmer and his wife, Janet Keyser, Joseph and his wife, Marie Keyser, Ronald and his wife, JoAnne Keyser, Ella and her husband, Dean Lenhart, and Janet Kestner, all of Stahlstown, Loretta and her husband, Donald Hough, of Connellsville, Audrey and her husband, David Caldwell, of Latrobe, Roberta and her husband, Lee Roehrig, and Gladys Barkley, all of Ligonier; 29 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter (all of whom Paul called his "kiddies"); and all his wonderful caregivers. Paul was a very loving and wonderful Father , grandfather and Father -in-law. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. The family received friends Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the L. BOYD SNYDER FUNERAL HOME INC., Church Street, Donegal. Funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Donegal, with the Rev. Audrey J. Bell officiating. Interment will be in Porch Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cook Township Community Center, Stahlstown, PA 15687, or Porch Cemetery, c/o Dale Roadman, RD2, Latrobe, PA 15650. Jamie Snyder Brown, funeral director.
ELSIE DARRALL KIRSCH
Elsie Darrall Kirsch, 98, formerly of Pittsburgh and Baldwin, died Tuesday, May 9, 2000, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. She was born Aug. 26, 1901, in Bermengham, England, a daughter of the late John Henry and Sarah Elizabeth Pope Darrall. She was a member of the Merrill Methodist Church of Florida and the AARP of Florida #19. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Kirsch; and a great-granddaughter, Stephanie Nycole Duvall. Surviving are a daughter, Vera and her husband, William Wedemeyer, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; a son, Robert and his wife, Marian Kirsch, of North Huntingdon; three grandchildren, Terry and his wife, Irene Kirsch, David and his wife, Kathryn Kirsch, and Patricia and her husband, Craig Duvall; five great-grandchildren, Kaylee and Ashley Kirsch, Kelly and Ashley Duvall and Leeann Kelly; and four stepgrandchildren, Michael and Albert Sartori, Diane Lintner and Rebecca McGee. Friends will be received at the JOSEPH F. OTT FUNERAL HOME INC., Fifth and Oak streets, Irwin, Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Robert Weeber, pastor of Calvin Presbyterian Church of North Huntingdon, officiating. Interment in Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, Pittsburgh.
ROBERT A. KYLE
Robert A. Kyle, 81, of Sebring, Fla., formerly of Belle Vernon, passed away Sunday, May 7, 2000, in Florida. Born April 28, 1919, in Johnstown, he was the son of the late William and Flora Kyle. Mr. Kyle had been employed at Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, Monessen, in the BOF department as a melter foreman for 44 years. Enjoying children, Mr. Kyle had coached Little League baseball in Belle Vernon. An avid golfer, he enjoyed golfing in Florida and at his summer home near Bedford. Mr. Kyle was preceded in death by his first wife, Catherine Kyle; a sister, Mildred Bachetti; two brothers , William and Warren Kyle; and a daughter-in-law, Kathleen Kyle. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Kyle; three sons , Robert M. Kyle of Fallowfield Township, Tim and Paula Kyle of Fallowfield Township and Terry L. Kyle and his fiancee, Valerie Bilsky, of Fayette City; a daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Gregg Martinko of Greensburg; seven grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; a sister, Doris Callaway of Belle Vernon; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the RHOME FUNERAL HOME INC., a Golden Rule Funeral Home, 1209 Grand Blvd., Monessen. Funeral services will be held Friday at 10 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Church, Belle Vernon, with the Rev. James Ramsey officiating. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery.
LYNNE D. (BEILSTEIN) LONZO
Lynne D. (Beilstein) Lonzo, 48, of Wilmerding, died Tuesday, May 9, 2000. Wife of Nicholas D. "Jr." Lonzo. mother of Nicolyn Lonzo. Daughter of Gail (Daughenbaugh) Beilstein and George Beilstein. Sister of Verna Wesner. aunt of Lauren Lagler. Friends received at ALFIERI FUNERAL HOME INC., 201 Marguerite Ave., Wilmerding, Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Services in the funeral home Friday at 10 a.m.
RUTH L. RAMSDEN
Ruth L. Ramsden, 80, of Ardara, formerly of Wilkinsburg, died Tuesday, May 9, 2000, in the Hempfield House, Hempfield Township. She was born April 1, 1920, in Cavettsville, a daughter of the late John and Mary Kline Ramsden. Prior to retirement, she was a registered nurse at Columbia Hospital, Wilkinsburg, for 35 years. She was a member of the Ardara United Presbyterian Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Dudley; and two brothers , William E. Ramsden and John L. Ramsden. She is survived by a sister, Esther Fisher of Ardara; a sister-in-law, Gladys Ramsden of Monroeville; also nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Friends received at the WILLIAM SNYDER FUNERAL HOME, 521 Main St., Irwin, Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Carlisle V. Lloyd officiating. Interment will follow in Irwin Union Cemetery, North Huntingdon. Those wishing may contribute to the Ardara United Presbyterian Church or Westmoreland Hospice. The family would like to extend sincere thanks to everyone at Hempfield House for their loving care and kindness.
BESSIE SPAHR HAURY REEDY
Bessie Spahr Haury Reedy, 80, of Davidsville, formerly of Irwin, died Tuesday, May 9, 2000, in the Conemaugh Memorial Hospital, Johnstown. She was born Jan. 29, 1920, in Donora, a daughter of the late Lawrence and Myrtle Lewis Spahr. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Irwin, the Happy Methodists, AARP Chapter 70, Manor Senior Citizens and Dorcas Circle of the church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Scott Haury and her second husband, Clyde S. Reedy; two brothers ; and three sisters . Surviving are a daughter, Jane and her husband, Tom Miller, of Melbourne, Fla.; five grandchildren; three nieces and nephews, Barbie and Bob Brilhart and family of Washington , D.C., Pat Spahr of Bethel Park and John and Beverly Morrow and family of Irwin. Friends will be received at the JOSEPH F. OTT FUNERAL HOME INC., Fifth and Oak streets, Irwin, Thursday and Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Frank M. Sherman, pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Irwin, officiating. Interment will follow in the Irwin Union Cemetery, North Huntingdon.
KEITH J. RILEY
Keith J. Riley, of Shaler Township, on Monday, May 8, 2000. Husband of Denise Ross Riley. Son of Ann Mittereder Riley and the late Jerome E. Riley. Brother of Dr. Eileen Rice of Pittsburgh, Judy Riley Eichmiller of Chicago, Ill., and Kevin Riley of Pittsburgh. Also 10 nieces and nephews. Godfather of Sean Riley. Visitation Thursday 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. at the NEELY FUNERAL HOME, 2208 Mt. Royal Blvd., Glenshaw. Mass of Christian Burial Friday 10 a.m. in St. Mary Church, Middle Road. Memorials to the American Cancer Society.
LUCY E. RODY
Lucy E. Rody, 81, of New Alexandria, died Monday, May 8, 2000, in Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. She was born May 28, 1918, in Salem Township, a daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Speal Rody. She was a beautician for more than 40 years, retiring from Doris Heasley's Beauty Salon. She was a member of St. James Catholic Church in New Alexandria, and its Rosary and Altar Society. She also belonged to the St. Bartholomew's Fellowship Association. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by two sisters , Antoinette Balik and Frances Barron. She is survived by a sister, Lena Fantini of New Alexandria; three nieces, Mary K. Ruffner, Nancy Tamborino and Diane Barron; and two nephews, George Barron and Richard Balik. Friends received Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the P. DAVID NEWHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, corner of Church and Washington streets, New Alexandria. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 a.m. in St. James Catholic Church with the Rev. Father Lawrence T. Persico as celebrant. Interment will follow in Calvary Hill Cemetery, Unity Township. The Rosary and Altar Society will pray the rosary Thursday at 3 p.m.
JANE RHEA SCHEMAN
Jane Rhea Scheman, 86, of Greensburg, died Tuesday, May 9, 2000, in the Redstone Highlands, Greensburg. She was born Dec. 12, 1913, in Greensburg, a daughter of the late David M. and Florence Knappenberger Rhea. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, David M. Rhea Jr. Prior to her retirement, she had taught English in the Latrobe Area School District. She was a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ of Greensburg and the Greensburg College Club. She is survived by a sister, Mrs. Anne Adams of Upper Nyack, N.Y. There will be no public visitation. A memorial service will be held Friday at 2 p.m. in the chapel of the Redstone Highlands, 6 Garden Center Drive, Greensburg, with the Rev. Dr. Robert S. McKie officiating. BARNHART FUNERAL HOME, Greensburg, is in charge of arrangements.
FRANCES (MITRO) BENYAK
Frances (Mitro) Benyak, 62, of Hempfield Township, died Tuesday, May 9, 2000, in Jeannette. She was born Aug. 5, 1937, in Braddock, a daughter of the late Andrew and Mary (Marinak) Mitro. She was a vice president at Benyak Tool & Die Corp. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church, Irwin, and a former member of the Christian Mothers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Thomas M.A. Benyak Jr.; and a sister, Mary Anne (Mitro) Harris. Survivors include her husband, Thomas Benyak Sr.; a son, David Benyak and wife, Cheryl, of Irwin; two daughters , Lorraine Lerch and husband, Mark, of Greensburg and Patricia Benyak of Pitcairn; a sister, Eleanore (Mitro) Schaffer of White Oak; four grandchildren, Shannon Lerch, Kylie Lerch, Bree Benyak and Britt Benyak; and several nieces and nephews. Friends were received Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the VINCENT V. RODGERS FUNERAL HOME, 805 Pennsylvania Ave., Irwin. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday at 10 a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Church, Irwin. Interment Braddock (All Saints Catholic) Cemetery.
JOSEPH (BRKLYCICA) BERK
Joseph (Brklycica) Berk, 83, of Greensburg, died Tuesday, May 9, 2000, in Westmoreland Manor, Greensburg. He was born Dec. 8, 1916, in Greensburg, a son of the late Stephen and Margaret Tepper Brklycica. Prior to his retirement, he had been employed as a machinist with the Elliott Company in Jeannette. Joe was a former Scout leader with Troop 229 and oversaw six young men who became Eagle Scouts. In 1961-62, he was voted Outstanding Scout Leader of the Westmoreland-Fayette Council. He was a member of Roosevelt Club of Greensburg and the Polish White Eagles and the Jeannette Fort Pitt Sportsmen's Club. He was also a member of the Woodcarving Society and the Famous Poet Society. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Joyce Hixson; a brother, Peter Brklycica; and three sisters , Mary Ann Poole, Catherine Springer and Helen Kivala. He is survived by a son, Stephen F. Berk of Nashville, Tenn.; a daughter, Linda Bottegal of Greensburg; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two brothers , Stephen Brklycica of Seattle, Wash., and John Edward Brklycica of Greensburg; and four sisters , Anna Burk of Bovard, Margaret Thompson of New Florence and Ethel Overly and Matilda Brklycica, both of Greensburg. There will be no public visitation. Interment will be in the St. Clair Cemetery, Hempfield Township, Friday at noon. BARNHART FUNERAL HOME, Greensburg, is in charge of arrangements.
EVELYN I. CLINE
Evelyn I. Cline, 79, of Derry, died Wednesday, May 10, 2000, in Latrobe Area Hospital. She was born April 17, 1921, in Newport, Pa., a daughter of the late George Ambrose Bonsall Sr. and Flossie E. Meloy Bonsall. She was a member of the Derry Presbyterian Church, a former deacon and Sunday school teacher. She liked working at the Derry Agricultural Fair and helped with the"Shepherds Lunch." Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Robert Cline, on March 2, 2000; a brother, Edward Eugene Bonsall; and a daughter, Margaret Ann Cline. She is survived by two daughters , Evelyn I. and her husband, Dr. Tjalle T. Vandergraaf of Pinawa, Manitoba, Canada, and Nancy L. Cline of Blairsville; three sons , Robert E. and his wife, Karen Cline, of Apollo, Charles E. and his wife, Christine Cline, of Mechesneytown and George R. and his wife, Brenda Cline, of Jacksonville, Ala.; a brother, George A. Bonsall Jr. and his wife, Shirley, of Marysville, Pa.; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Friends will be received Saturday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 300 W. Third Ave., Derry, where services will be conducted at 8 p.m. with the Rev. F. Neal Galley officiating. Memorials may be given to the Latrobe Area Hospital Cancer Unit or the Pediatrics Unit.
JOSEPHINE A. COLBAUGH
Josephine A. Colbaugh, 88, of Monroeville, on Tuesday, May 9, 2000. She was born Oct. 14, 1911, in Star Junction, the daughter of the late Frank and Josephine Brunclik. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Nicholas Colbaugh; a sister, Ethel Bowser; and a brother, Bill Brunclik. She is survived by her daughter, Nicki Lynn Gibson and her husband, James, of Irwin; and grandchildren, Kimberly Gibson of Pittsburgh, and Erik and Jaclyn Gibson, both of Irwin. Friends were received Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and will be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the GENE H. CORL INC. FUNERAL CENTER OF MONROEVILLE, 4335 Northern Pike, where services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. with Dr. James Ritchie officiating. Interment Restland Cemetery, Monroeville.
ELDA SWENSON COLE
Elda Swenson Cole, 96, of Greensburg, formerly of Irwin, died Tuesday, May 9, 2000, at LAS Crownpointe, Greensburg. She was born Dec. 8, 1903, in Irwin, a daughter of the late Ernest and Esther Solberg Swenson. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Greensburg, where she was active in the Mary Martha Circle. She had been a former volunteer with the Tri-City Meals on Wheels. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, the Rev. Myron E. Cole; a son, Myron E. Cole Jr.; a brother, Roy Swenson; and a sister, Wilma Vial. She is survived by a daughter, Joan Gourley of Indianapolis, Ind.; three grandchildren, William C. Gourley III, Nancy Poston and Judy Quyle; and three great-grandchildren. Friends will be received at the BARNHART FUNERAL HOME, 505 E. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, Friday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Services will be held in the funeral home Saturday at 2:30 p.m. with the Rev. E. Allen Scanlon officiating. Interment will follow in the Irwin Union Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials may be placed with the First Lutheran Church, 246 S. Main St., Greensburg.
JEFFREY M. DeMARCHI
Jeffrey M. DeMarchi, 41, of Harrison City, died Tuesday, May 9, 2000, in Jeannette District Memorial Hospital. He was born Feb. 20, 1959, in Jeannette, a son of Virginia Mae Zackel DeMarchi of Claridge and the late William M. DeMarchi. He was a social member of the Bushy Run American Legion Post 260 in Claridge, the Diaz Club in Jeannette and the Slovenian Home in Claridge. In addition to his mother , he is survived by his wife of 18 years, Rebecca Visnick DeMarchi; a son, Stephen M. DeMarchi at home; two brothers , Ronald DeMarchi of Claridge and William and wife, Cheryl DeMarchi, of Penn Township; and a niece, Gabrielle. Friends will be received at the JAMES E. LINDSAY FUNERAL HOME INC., Main Street, Harrison City, Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. V. Paul Fitzmaurice officiating. Interment will follow in Twin Valley Memorial Park, Delmont.
ELMA ZANELLA EYLER
Elma Zanella Eyler, 82, of Irwin, died Wednesday, May 10, 2000, in Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. She was born April 8, 1918, in Irwin, a daughter of the late Joseph and Louise Zanella. She was a member of the First United Church of Christ, Irwin, and the United Church of Christ of New Smyrna Beach, Fla. She was a graduate of Norwin High School, Class of 1935, and Grace Martin Business School of Pittsburgh. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 400, Irwin, the Greensburg Country Club, the Pittsburgh Athletic Association, Sugar Mill Country Club of New Smyrna Beach, and a member of the Irwin Garden Club for many years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Corrin Zanella; and a sister, Caroline Riebe. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Jess W. Eyler; and a son, Jack Eyler and his wife, Diane, of Santa Monica, Calif. Friends were received at the WILLIAM SNYDER FUNERAL HOME, 521 Main St., Irwin, Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and will be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in the First United Church of Christ, Irwin, with the Rev. Robbin R. Clouser officiating. Interment will follow in Irwin Union Cemetery. Those wishing may contribute to the Alzheimer's Association, Laurel Mountains Chapter, 1011 Old Salem Road, Greensburg, PA 15601. Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 400 will hold services Friday at 7 p.m. in the funeral home.
