Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
HELEN M. DRESSLER
Helen M. Dressler, 76, of Acme, died suddenly late Saturday, May 27, 2000, in the Frick Hospital, Mt. Pleasant. She was born April 23, 1924, in Salemville, Westmoreland County, a daughter of the late Jesse F. and Susie Pribish Carnes. Helen was a resident of Acme for the last 37 years and was a loving mother , grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her loving children, Richard F. Dressler and his wife, Kathleen, of Forest Hills, John W. Dressler Jr. and his fiancee, Kim, of Stahlstown and Donna Obrocto and her husband, John, of Acme; four grandchildren, Jessica Baker and her husband, Randy, Erin McKahan and Jenna and Melissa Obrocto; and two great-grandchildren, Jordyn and Dominic. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, John W. "Red" Dressler, in 1993. Friends will be received Monday and Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the CLYDE BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., Route 711, Melcroft. A funeral service will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Leroy C. Kesler officiating. A committal service and interment will follow in the Brown Cemetery.
BYRON H. GAMBLE
Byron H. "Bus" Gamble, 80, of Ligonier, died Sunday, May 28, 2000, in the Bethlen Home, Ligonier. He was born Oct. 15, 1919, in Fairfield Township, a son of the late Walter and Agnes Snyder Gamble. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Erma Luther Gamble, in 1987; two brothers , Jim and Ben Gamble; and a sister, Betty Plummer. Prior to retirement, "Bus" had been a carpenter and estate caretaker throughout the Ligonier Valley. He was a member and former trustee of the Waterford United Methodist Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of the Ligonier Township Sportsmen's Club and the New Florence VFW #7622. "Bus" was deeply loved by all his family and anyone fortunate enough to have known him. Survivors include three daughters , Mrs. James W. (Suzann) Park, Sharyn J. Kuhns and Mrs. Kerry G. (Lynn) Byers, all of Ligonier; a son, Byron W. Gamble and wife, Frances, of Ligonier; 14 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Donna Carns of Bolivar RD1. Friends will be received Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the J. PAUL McCRACKEN FUNERAL CHAPEL INC., 144 E. Main St., Ligonier. Services will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Waterford United Methodist Church, Ligonier, with the Rev. David A. Bell officiating. Interment Green Mountain Cemetery, Ligonier. military honors will be presented at the graveside.
PAULINE E. GARVAS
Pauline E. Garvas, 81, of McCullough (Penn Township), died Sunday, May 28, 2000, in her home. She was born Jan. 10, 1919, in Claridge, a daughter of the late John and Mary Novak Shula. She was a member of St. Barbara Church, Harrison City. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Matthew L. Garvas, in 1985; three brothers , William, Frank and John Shula; and five sisters , Frances Keating, Ann Dixon, Stella Prima, Rose Kontetta and Mary Shula. She is survived by three sons , Richard J. Garvas of Long Beach, Calif., Matthew L. Garvas of Garden Grove, Calif., and Mark A. Garvas of McCullough; and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the JAMES E. LINDSAY FUNERAL HOME INC., Main Street, Harrison City, Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 a.m. in St. Barbara Church with the Rev. Robert Lubic as celebrant. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Penn Township. A vigil service will be held Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. in the funeral home.
HAZEL LUCILLE GRIMM
Hazel Lucille Grimm, 83, of Acme RD2, went to her eternal rest Saturday, May 27, 2000, at Latrobe Area Hospital. Hazel was born Oct. 28, 1916, in Bullskin Township, the daughter of the late Isaac Homer and Mary Ulery Kinneer. She was a member of the Acme Open Bible Church, where she taught Sunday school. She was a student of the former Bear Rocks School, a homemaker, and a co-owner of the family farm. Hazel was an avid gardener and baker. She is survived by her loving family: a son, Wade Grimm and daughter-in-law Jean Ann, of Uniontown; a daughter, Linda F. Ritenour and son-in-law, Will, of United; and nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Smith Hayes Grimm, in 1978; a brother, Harry R. Kinneer, in 1984; and an infant brother, Roy Kinneer. Friends will be received in the EUGENE G. SALOOM FUNERAL HOME INC., Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Her funeral service will be held in the funeral home Thursday at 11 a.m. with Pastor Russell E. Dunaway officiating. Interment will follow in the Greenlick Cemetery.
BETTY I. HIXSON
Betty I. Hixson, of Scottdale RD1, passed away Saturday evening, May 27, 2000, at her residence, two days after her 78th birthday. She entered eternal life with her loving family at her bedside following a courageous battle with her illness. She was born May 25, 1922, in Pennsville, Bullskin Township, Fayette County, a daughter of the late Byron Guynn and Margaret Marie Layton Shallenberger. Betty was a loving homemaker, mother , grandmother, great- grandmother and sister to her family. She enjoyed making quilts, ironing board covers, homemade pies, cookies, and root beer. Betty was a member of the Scottdale Church of Christ and the Co-Strivers Sunday School Class. Betty is survived by her devoted family: four daughters , Shirley Cottom and husband, Ralph, of Dawson RD1, Marjorie Urban of Connellsville RD1, Carolyn Hixson and husband, Jack, of Scottdale and Delores Christner and husband, Ray, of Scottdale; five sons , Harold Ray Hixson and wife, Elizabeth, of Mt. Pleasant RD4, Clifford Eugene Hixson and wife, Ilene, of Scottdale, Donald Hixson and wife, Bonnie, of Ruffsdale, Thomas Hixson and wife, Heidi, of Mechanicsville, Va., and Robert Boyd Hixson and wife, Denise, of Scottdale; 26 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; two sisters , Jean Luczka and husband, Bernie, of Everson and Edna Geary and husband, Ronald, of Dawson RD1; two brothers , Willard "Jim" Shallenberger of Marion, Ind., and Ralph Shallenberger and wife, Yvonne, of Clinton, Ill.; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Boyd Hixson, on March 20, 1985; a daughter, Lois Kuhns, on Oct. 29, 1998; three sisters , Eva Marie Cunningham, Esther Ruth Cottom, Ethel Shallenberger and infant Sarah Louise Shallenberger; and two brothers , Harry J. Shallenberger and William Shallenberger. Family and friends will be received at the ROBERT B. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, 105 Spring St., Scottdale, (724) 887-5300 (email rferg<\at>a1usa.net) Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 12 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastors Bob Chambers and David Shively co-officiating. Graveside committal services and interment will follow in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Bullskin Township, next to her late husband. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Scottdale Church of Christ or the American Cancer Society. A special word of appreciation is extended to the caregivers of the Westmoreland Hospice.
MARIAN M. MARTINO
Marian M. Martino, 99, of Hannastown, died Sunday, May 28, 2000, in Monsour Medical Center, Jeannette. She was born Aug. 9, 1900, in Crabtree, a daughter of the late Nicholas and Maria Lorenz Matro. She was a retired employee of the former Jamison Coal Co. Store in Hannastown. She was a member of St. Bartholomew Church, Crabtree, and St. Anthony's Guild. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Martino, in 1969; three brothers , Carmen, Anthony and Rocco; and her sisters , Ola, Margaret and Josephine. Surviving are her son, John Martino and wife, Hilda, of Greensburg; a brother, Biaz Matro and wife, Ann, of Pittsburgh; and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the KEPPLE-GRAFT FUNERAL HOME INC., 524 N. Main St., Greensburg, Monday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. in St. Bartholomew Church, Crabtree, with interment to follow in the St. Vincent Cemetery.
RICHARD LEE NICHOLAS JR.
Richard Lee "Barn" Nicholas Jr., 16, of Greensburg, died Saturday, May 27, 2000, in the J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital, Huntingdon, Pa. He was born Nov. 6, 1983, in Jeannette, a son of Richard L. and Lourie V. "Cookie" Thiem Nicholas of Greensburg. Richard was a student at Hempfield Area Senior High School completing his sophomore year, and was an avid sportsman as a member of the school's football, track and rifle teams. He was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Irwin. In addition to his parents, he is survived by a sister, Jenna E. Nicholas at home; his paternal grandparents, Robert and Grace Major Nicholas of Irwin; maternal grandmother, Phyllis Pickett Thiem of Irwin; maternal grandfather, Anthony and his wife, Alice Thiem, of Irwin; paternal great-grandmother, Stella Major of Wilkes Barre; maternal great-grandmother, Marie Gorman of Irwin; maternal great-grandfather, Robert Jack of Apollo; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. There will be no public visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the First Presbyterian Church, Main Street, Irwin, with the Rev. Dr. R. Bruce Maxwell officiating. In lieu of flowers, the Nicholas family has requested memorial contributions in memory of Richard Lee "Barn" Nicholas Jr., be made to the Hempfield Area Senior High School "Athletic Program," RD6, Box 77, Greensburg, PA 15601. BACHA FUNERAL HOME INC., Greensburg, in charge of arrangements.
WALTER G. PRATT
Walter G. Pratt, 76, of Penn, died Sunday, May 28, 2000, in the Veterans Administration Hospital, Aspinwall. He was born May 9, 1924, in Trafford, a son of the late Richard and Laura Stuchel Pratt. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by the former H.H. Foundry of Manor. Walter was a member of the St. Boniface Church of Penn, a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, a life member of both the American Legion Post #472 of Manor and the VFW Post #879 of Penn. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Agnes D. Pratt; and a brother, Richard Pratt Jr. He is survived by a sister, Jean White field and husband, Glenn; two brothers , Dale Pratt and wife, Vivian, of Jeannette and Donald Pratt of California; and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the JOHN V. GRAZIANO FUNERAL HOME INC., 228 N. Second St., Jeannette, beginning Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in the St. Boniface Church. Interment will follow in the St. Boniface Cemetery, Hempfield Township.
ROBERT W. ACKERMAN
Robert W. Ackerman, 71, of Latrobe RD1, died Friday, May 26, 2000, at home. He was born May 20, 1929, in Jamison 20, Pa., a son of the late Frank and Dorothy Reynolds Ackerman. He was a veteran of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and a member of the Community Church of Hecla. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by Dream Waterbeds Co. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Doris Grist. He was the loving husband of 39 years to Edna Musgrove Ackerman; and the loving Father and grandfather of Grace Smith of Latrobe RD1 and her children, Heather and Timmy; Deborah Vidakovich of Pleasant Unity and her husband, Greg, and their children, Greg and Joey; Mary "Ruth" Stinebiser of Greensburg and her husband, Mark, and children, Carrie, Matt and Daniel; and Robert Ackerman Jr. of Latrobe RD1. He is also survived by a sister, Leora Smith and her husband, Morris, of Latrobe RD1; three brothers , Raymond Ackerman and his wife, Barbara, of Mt. Pleasant, William Ackerman and his wife, Julie, of Latrobe RD1 and Richard Ackerman and his wife, Gloria, of Latrobe; and nieces and nephews. Friends received at the JAY A. HOFFER FUNERAL HOME, Norvelt, Sunday and Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A prayer service will be held in the funeral home Tuesday at 10:20 a.m., followed by his funeral service at 11 a.m. in the Community Church of Hecla with the Rev. Dr. Dale L. Porterfield officiating. Interment will follow in the Green Ridge Memorial Park, Pennsville. A military service will be accorded by AMVETS Post 94 of United and the Armbrust Veterans. Sandra L. Hoffer, funeral director.
JOSEPH GUS CRIVELLA
Joseph Gus Crivella, 90, of Mt. Pleasant RD6, went to sleep peacefully into the arms of the Lord, Friday, May 26, 2000, in Frick Hospital, Mt. Pleasant. Born June 12, 1909, in Mt. Pleasant, he was a son of the late William Angelo and Concetta Nesta Crivella. Prior to his retirement, he was an inspector for PennDOT. He was a member of St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church of Mt. Pleasant. Gus was also a member of the following clubs: The Assunta Club, L.O.O.M., the former sons of Italy of Mt. Pleasant, Mt. Pleasant Senior Center. He had also served for many years as a crossing guard for Mt. Pleasant Borough. He is survived by his loving family: daughters , Rebecca Koshar and Daniel Walko of Greensburg RD2, Jo Ann Helms and her husband, David, of Scottdale, and Susan L. DeWitt and her husband, Mark, of Mt. Pleasant RD6, with whom Gus resided; five grandchildren, Christopher Helms, Chad Koshar and his wife, Chelie, Tina Helms, Jillian Koshar and Nathan DeWitt; a great-grandchild, Emily Helms; and his loving sisters , Mammie Yancosky and Helen Krzemien and her husband, John, both of Mt. Pleasant. In addition to his parents, Gus was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Jacinda Bell Whigham; five brothers , Anthony, John, Carmen, Frank and William Crivella; and two sisters , Rose Vanella and Margaret Ceroni. Friends received from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday and 1 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at GALONE-CARUSO'S, 204 Eagle St., Mt. Pleasant. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 a.m. in St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church, Mt. Pleasant, with the Rev. Michael W. Matusak as celebrant. Interment in St. Pius X Parish Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant.
CAROLYN M. DIBERARDINE
Carolyn M. DiBerardine, 69, special mother , loving wife and trusted friend, died Thursday, May 25, 2000, in Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. She gave her life freely and unselfishly not only to her family and friends, but also to her community through her tireless efforts at the Salem Township Tax Office for 26 years. She was born Nov. 22, 1930, in Bradenville, a daughter of the late Constantino and Severia Montegno Vitale. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters , including: Nunzie A., Amedio V., Amergio V. Vitale, Anna Rich, Clara and Angeline Vitale, Mary Jane Wagner, Helen Unferdorfer and Clementine Vella. Carolyn is survived by her husband, Alfred J. "Shooty" DiBerardine; her children, Angella Macik of Greensburg, Ricky and Tim DiBerardine, both of Crabtree, and Andrea Eakin and her husband, Mark Sr.; three grandchildren, Joshua, Mark Jr. and Evan; two sisters and three brothers : Lucy DiMinno of Pittsburgh, Ernestine Valek of Greensburg, Anzelmo Vitale and John "Ron" Vitale, both of Bradenville, and Elio Vitale of Latrobe; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Relatives and friends will be received at the CLEMENT L. PANTALONE FUNERAL HOME, 409 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, (724) 837-0020, www.pantalone.com, Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Monday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 a.m. in St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, Crabtree, with the Rev. Luke Policicchio, O.S.B., as celebrant. Interment will follow in the Calvary Hill Cemetery, Unity Township. The St. Bartholomew Altar Rosary Society will meet in the funeral home Monday at 3 p.m. Natale N. Pantalone, supervisor.
STEPHEN J. FORISH
Stephen J. Forish, 86, of Pittsford, N.Y., died Saturday, May 27, 2000, at Genesee Hospital, Rochester, N.Y. He was born Oct. 8, 1913, in Marguerite, a son of the late Andrew J. and Anna (Koslosky) Forish. He worked as a supervisor for A&P Grocery in Rochester, N.Y., retiring after 37 years. He was a member of Guardian Angel Catholic Church, Pittsford, N.Y. He was also a member of the Holy Name Society at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Marguerite, as well as the Guardian Angel Holy Name Society. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ann A. (Gumbita) Forish; a daughter, Beverly Jean Forish; two brothers , Joseph and Andrew Forish; and two sisters , Ann Johnson and Cecilia P. Forish. He is survived by a daughter, Lorraine A. Forish of Pittsford, N.Y.; a son, Dennis S. Forish and wife, Carol, of Lexington, Ky.; four grandchildren, Dennis II and wife, Amy, of Fredericksburg, Va., Douglas and wife, Shannon, David and wife, Marchele, and Darren Forish and fiancee, Shanda, all of Lexington, Ky.; five great-grandchildren, Krista, Douglas, Kaytelyn, Dennis III and Kodi; a sister, Mary Mott and husband, George, of Humphreys; and several nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the GAUT-BACHA FUNERAL HOME INC., Pleasant Unity, Monday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the St. Benedict Catholic Church, Marguerite, Tuesday at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Stephen R. Honeygosky, O.S.B., as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Vincent Cemetery, Unity Township.