Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
JOSEPH BLATNEY
Joseph Blatney, 89, of Rillton, died Sunday, May 14, 2000, at the Integrated Health Services of Greater Pittsburgh, Greensburg facility. He was born Feb. 8, 1911, in Cambria, Wyo., a son of the late Frank and Matilda "Tillie" Blatney. Mr. Blatney was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army with the 116th Engineer Combat Battalion as a combat engineer. Prior to retirement, Mr. Blatney was employed as a coal miner with 48 years of service at the Pittsburgh Consolidated Coal Co., Hutchinson Mine. He was a member of St. Edward Roman Catholic Church, Herminie, the Rillton VFW Post 8518, where he served as a trustee for 45 years, and the Italian Miners Club, Hahntown. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Louise "Lucy" (Kosik) Blatney, in November 1992; a daughter, Patrica Blatney; two brothers , John and Henry Blatney; and two sisters , Annie Evans and Tillie Bazzana. Mr. Blatney "Joe" is survived by four sons , Joseph and his wife, Isabelle, of Irwin, Robert and his wife, Elizabeth, of Greensburg, Frank and his wife, Evie, of Fullerton, Calif., and Raymond and his wife, Peggy, of Rillton; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; a brother, Frank Blatney of Greensburg; a sister, Mary Jaskolski of Romulus, Mich.; and a number of nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the JOSEPH W. NICKELS FUNERAL HOME INC., Herminie, Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday at 10 a.m. in St. Edward R.C. Church, Herminie, with Father Lawrence L. Manchas as celebrant. Interment with full military honors will follow in the Westmoreland County Memorial Park. A St. Edward parish wake service will be held Wednesday at 3 p.m. followed by a parish rosary, both in the funeral home.
RUTH O. (FOSTER) GILDROY
Ruth O. (Foster) Gildroy, 86, of Mt. Pleasant Road, died Monday, May 15, 2000, at home. She was born April 8, 1914, in Dickerson Run, Pa., a daughter of the late George and Luella Tharp Foster. Prior to her retirement, she was a homemaker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John W. Gildroy; and four brothers , Harry, Don, Thomas, and Charles Foster. She is survived by her son, John R. Gildroy of Mt. Pleasant Road; daughters , Suzi Marie Nicola of Mt. Pleasant and Ruth I. Zwierzelewski of Scottdale; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Friends will be received in the FRANK R. ZIMMERMAN FUNERAL HOME INC., 627 Smithfield St., Mt. Pleasant, Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Services will be held in the funeral home Thursday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. George Rath officiating. Interment will follow in the Green Ridge Memorial Park, Pennsville.
TERESA CERNUTO HOSTETLER
Teresa Cernuto Hostetler, of Mt. Pleasant, died Monday, May 15, 2000, in Frick Hospital, Mt. Pleasant. She was born in Mt. Pleasant, a daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Caletri Cernuto. She was a member of St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church of Mt. Pleasant and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Society of the church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Cernuto Jr. She is survived by her loving spouse of 53 years, Howard R. Hostetler; loving children, Debra Urban and her husband, David, of Mt. Pleasant RD1, Timothy H. Hostetler and his wife, Judy, of Mt. Pleasant, Thomas R. Hostetler of Monroeville and Heidi Rice and her husband, John, of Fox Chapel; five grandchildren, Cory Hostetler, Brian Urban, Michael Urban, Matthew Urban and Emma Rice; and her loving brother, Frank J. Cernuto and his wife, Doris, of Mt. Pleasant. Friends will be received Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from noon to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at GALONE-CARUSO'S, 204 Eagle St., Mt. Pleasant. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday at 10 a.m. in St. Pius X R.C. Church with Father Michael W. Matusak as celebrant. Interment in St. Pius X Parish Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant. A parish wake service will be held in the funeral home Wednesday at 2 p.m., and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Society will conduct a service at 7 p.m., both in the funeral home.
MARC A. JANSEN
Marc A. Jansen, 77, of Latrobe, died Monday, May 15, 2000, in Latrobe Area Hospital. He was born May 15, 1923, in Brussels, Belgium, a son of the late Victor and Mary Jansen. He was a member of St. Vincent Basilica, Latrobe. He was retired from Allegheny Power Systems. He was a graduate of Villanova University. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army. He was also an avid golfer. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers , Frank and Alphonse Jansen; and a sister, Margaret Fulton. Survivors include his wife, Kathleen Hughes Jansen; three daughters , Mary Kate Show and her husband, Douglas, of West Newton, Betsy Brinker and her husband, Thomas, of Latrobe and Dr. Michele Behta and her husband, Dr. Babak, of North Carolina; a sister, Ann Riffert of Philadelphia; and four grandchildren, Adrienne, James, Douglas Jr. and Danielle. Friends will be received Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. in the JOHN J. LOPATICH FUNERAL HOME INC., 601 Weldon St., Latrobe. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday at 10 a.m. in St. Vincent Basilica. Interment St. Vincent Cemetery, Unity Township. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that masses be offered for the Holy Souls.
MARGARET PLETCHER McCONNAUGHEY
Margaret Pletcher McConnaughey, 91, of Ligonier, died Sunday night, May 14, 2000, in Latrobe Area Hospital. She was born Jan. 1, 1909, in Ligonier Township, a daughter of the late Wallace H. and Mary B. Withrow Pletcher. She was a member of the Heritage United Methodist Church, Ligonier, where she taught Sunday school. She was a graduate of Ligonier High School class of 1926, and the Battle Creek College, Michigan, class of 1930. She was a teacher of physical education in the Ligonier High School, elementary education in Donegal Township, and elementary special education in Ligonier through Intermediate Unit #7 of Greensburg, having retired in 1974. She was a life member of the retired branch of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, and the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees and its Westmoreland County Branch. She was a life member of Fort Ligonier Chapter #349 O.E.S., a member of the former Ligonier Women's Club, a member of the Golden Age Club and a former Girl Scout troop leader. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, John C. McConnaughey; four sisters , Agnes P. Detwiler, Rosalie A. Stout, Iva J. Reed and Mary E. Bowser; and two brothers , D. Elwood and Lloyd W. Pletcher. She is survived by a daughter, Fern and her husband, Bill Dye, of Ligonier; a grandson, Dru P. McPherson of Michigan; and sister, Dorothy Yeager of Maryland. She was a special friend of the Hines family of Ligonier. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the SNYDER FUNERAL HOME INC. & CREMATORY, Bell and East Church streets, Ligonier. Services will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. in the chapel of the funeral home with the Rev. Donald F. Cook officiating. Interment will be in Ligonier Valley Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Ligonier Valley Youth Network, P.O. Box 303, Ligonier, PA 15658, or the Ligonier V.F.D., 112 N. Fairfield St., Ligonier, PA 15658. Elizabeth Snyder Bloom, funeral director.
JAMES D. McNAMARA
James D. "Jim" McNamara, 77, of Carnegie, on Sunday, May 14, 2000. Beloved husband of Helen McKarney McNamara; brother of Kathleen Bendl, Theresa Egan, and the late William McNamara; also survived by seven niece and nephews; 15 great-nieces and -nephews. Mr. McNamara was the owner of Fort Pitt Lumber, working in the lumber industry for over 47 years. He was a member of North American Wholesale Lumber Association and the Timber Club. Mr. McNamara's enjoyments included: life, children, dogs and cats, also traveling. Friends received Tuesday and Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at BEINHAUERS, 2630 W. Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA (Dormont), (412) 531-4000. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday in Holy Souls Church (time later). Interment Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army, Mercy Hospital, or St. Clair Hospital, I.C.U. Woodruff Family Services, L.L.P.
LELAH BLAIR MORGAN
Lelah Blair Morgan, of Grindstone, died Sunday, May 14, 2000, after a lengthy illness, in Mt. Macrina Manor. She was a lifetime member of the First Christian Church, Brownsville. She is survived by two daughters , Jean Butz of Columbus, Ohio, and Happy MacMichael of Ormond Beach, Fla.; a devoted niece, Doris Encapera of California, Pa.; two grandchildren, Jeff Butz and Kena Van Patten; and three great-grandchildren, Tyler, Whitney and Daina Van Patten. Friends will be received in the ANDREW J. SKIRPAN FUNERAL HOME, 135 Park St., Brownsville, Tuesday ONLY from 4 to 8 p.m. Funeral service will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m. Interment in LaFayette Memorial Park.
RICHARD L. REITZ
Richard L. Reitz, 50, of Bradenville RD1, died Monday, May 15, 2000, at Latrobe Area Hospital. He was born Sept. 22, 1949, in Latrobe, a son of Mrs. Christopher (Amelia DeCenzio Reitz) Hull of Hillside and the late Robert T. Reitz. Richard was employed as a psychiatric aide at Torrance State Hospital. In addition to his mother , he is survived by his wife, Joanne Volpe Reitz; three sons , Lee R. Reitz of Monaca, Terry R. Reitz of Latrobe, and Michael at home; a daughter, Michelle Reitz at home; three grandchildren, Eric, Nicole and Lauren; two brothers , Robert T. Reitz Jr. of Latrobe RD5 and Brian Hull of Superior; two sisters , Mrs. Cheryl Irwin of Derry and Mrs. Larry (Sandy) Smith of Hillside; a half sister, Mary Marche of Brockport; stepbrothers, Curtis Hull of Elkton, Md., and Craig Hull of Ohio; and a stepsister, Cheryl Bankston of Greenville. Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the MICHAEL J. QUINLISK FUNERAL HOME INC., 548 N. Chestnut St., Derry. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home with the Rev. Ronald A. Brown of Trinity Lutheran Church, Derry, officiating. Interment will follow in Coles Cemetery, Derry.
DOROTHY JEAN (CALDWELL) RICHARD
Dorothy Jean (Caldwell) Richard, 59, of Mt. Pleasant RD1 (Norvelt), died Monday, May 15, 2000, at her home. She was born Jan. 12, 1941, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Rhea and Steffie (Langer) Caldwell. She was a homemaker and also worked for Union Apparel, Norvelt, for several years. She was a member of St. Florian Catholic Church in United. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers , Thomas and Donald Caldwell; and a sister, Janet Golliday. She was the loving wife of Robert J. Richard, to whom she was married for 32 years. She was the loving mother of two children, Andy J. Richard at home and Stephanie J. (Richard) King and her husband, Matthew, of Latrobe RD3. She is also survived by two brothers , Robert and William Caldwell; and a sister, Carole Patsilevas; and nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the JAY A. HOFFER FUNERAL HOME, Norvelt, Tuesday and Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday at 10 a.m. in St. Florian Catholic Church with the Rev. John M. Foriska as celebrant. Interment in St. Florian Cemetery, Trauger. A wake service will be held in the funeral home Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. Sandra L. Hoffer, funeral director.
ROBERTA DEPUE STEWART
Roberta Depue Stewart, 70, of Titleist Drive, Amelia Island, Fla., wife of Edwin C. Stewart, passed away Monday, May 15, 2000, at her residence. A native of Summit, N.J., she was a daughter of the late Sherrerd and Marion Baker Cornish Depue. Mrs. Stewart spent a total of 43 years in Summit, N.J.; and lived in Pittsburgh for 12 years, Royal Oak, Md., for 10 years, and had lived on Amelia Island, Fla., since August 1998. She was a homemaker and a member of the Central Presbyterian Church in Summit, N.J., and was active in the Junior League and the public school library in that city. Survivors, besides her husband, include two daughters , Sherrerd Ann Stewart of New York City, N.Y., and Susan Clark Stewart Rasmussen of Largo, Fla.; a sister, Mabel Depue O'Brien of Alna, Maine; an aunt, Mabel Norris Depue of Nantucket, Mass., and three grandchildren, Thayer Clark, Geoffrey Scott, and Brent Carl Rasmussen. A memorial service will take place Friday, May 19, at 3:30 p.m. in the Central Presbyterian Church in Summit, N.J., with the Rev. Robert Colman officiating. Inurnment will follow in Allegheny Cemetery, Pittsburgh, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Summit Child Care Center, 14 Beekman Terrace, Summit, N.J. 07901. OXLEY-HEARD FUNERAL DIRECTORS, Fernandina Beach, Fla.
PRISCILLA (WRIGHT) VERNER
Priscilla (Wright) Verner, 79, of Ligonier, formerly of Edgewood, on Saturday, May 13, 2000. Beloved wife of 58 years to James P. Verner Jr. mother of Devon Johns of Plum, Kimberly Distinger of Wexford and the late Scott M. Verner. Sister of Janet Matsik of Chatham, Mass., and Bayard Wright of Rockport, N.Y. Also four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. THE FAMILY REQUESTS NO VISITATION. SERVICES WILL BE HELD PRIVATELY. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Ligonier Valley Library, 120 W. Main St., Ligonier, PA 15658. Arrangements by the THOMAS L. NIED FUNERAL HOME INC., 7441 Washington Ave., Swissvale.
RUTH B. (BEISGEN) WOLF
Ruth B. (Beisgen) Wolf, 84, of White hall, on Monday, May 15, 2000. Wife of the late Julius A. mother of Lois W. (John P.) Riske. Grandmother of Eric P. (Cynthia Morates) Riske. Great-grandmother of Julius George Riske. Friends will be received at the JOHN F. SLATER FUNERAL HOME INC., 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood, Tuesday and Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Sylvester Church Thursday (time to be announced). If desired, the family suggests contributions to the Hospice Preferred Choice, 2400 Ardmore Blvd., Suite 302, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, or the Alzheimer's Association, 1323 Forbes Ave., Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
CHARLES W. ZELENSKE
Charles W. Zelenske, 60, of Ligonier, died Sunday, May 14, 2000, in Kregar at the home of his brother, Sylvester. He was born May 2, 1940, in Somerset, a son of Ethel May Zelenske of Latrobe and the late Charles C. Zelenske. He was a member of Holy Trinity Church, Ligonier, and the Donegal American Legion. Chuck and his wife, Arlene, operated the Washington Furnace Inn, Laughlintown, and he was formerly employed by U.S. Steel National Tube Works, McKeesport. He was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army Reserves, and he graduated from the former Ramsey High School class of 1958. He was preceded in death by his Father on Aug. 23, 1973, and his pet Rottweiler, Thena. In addition to his mother , he is survived by his wife, Arlene Pfeifer Zelenske, formerly of Mt. Pleasant; a son, Andrew "Tuggy" and his wife, Kathleen Zelenske, of Laughlintown; a brother, Sylvester of Kregar; a number of nieces and nephews; a great-niece, Alyssa; a great-nephew, John; and two Rottweilers, Gunter and Rocky, who were very special to Chuck. The family will receive friends at the SNYDER FUNERAL HOME INC. & CREMATORY, Ligonier, Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. A vigil service will be held at 7:45 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Thursday at 10 a.m. in Holy Trinity Catholic Church with the Rev. Joseph P. Maddalena as celebrant. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the NRA-ILA, 1250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030, or the Northeast Rottweiler Rescue and Referral, P.O. Box 917, Westford, MA 01886, in memory of Charles Zelenske. Elizabeth Snyder Bloom, funeral director.
ROBERT D. BARTKO
Robert D. Bartko, 66, of Delmont, died Saturday, May 13, 2000, in his home. He was born Sept. 29, 1933, in McKeesport, the son of the late John and Elizabeth Bartko. Robert was a member of St. John the Baptist de la Salle Catholic Church of Delmont, and was retired from U.S. Steel National Tube Works in McKeesport. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Evelyn Yoncheff Bartko; a son, David A. Bartko of Delmont; a daughter, Christine M. Nixon of Towanda, Kan.; and two grandchildren, Bryan Christopher Nixon and Jarrett Brandon Nixon. The family received friends at the VAIA FUNERAL HOME INC. AT TWIN VALLEY, 463 Athena Drive, Delmont, (724) 468-1177, Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A blessing service will be held in the funeral home Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Father William McGuirk officiating. Interment will follow in Twin Valley Memorial Park, Delmont. Kevin P. Altman, supervisor, in charge.
