Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
HAZEL SHRADER
Hazel Shrader, 95, of Greensburg, died Wednesday, June 7, 2000, in Westmoreland Manor, Greensburg. She was born Feb. 23, 1905, in Madison, a daughter of the late Enos and Ella Henry Shrader. She was a retired employee of the former ITE Plant in South Greensburg and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Greensburg. She was preceded in death by her three sisters , Stella Craig, Mary Hamman, and Beulah Berkebile. She is survived by two nieces, Katheleen Gillotti of California and Jane Rugh of Sarver; and two nephews, Don Craig of Maryland and Charles Hamman of Greensburg. There will be no public viewing. Family and friends are invited to a graveside service at Hillview Cemetery Friday at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Robert C. Wilson officiating. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, South Maple Avenue, Greensburg. KEPPLE-GRAFT FUNERAL HOME, Greensburg, in charge of the funeral arrangements.
GUERINA M. SOSINSKI
Guerina M. "Gueda" Sosinski, 83, of Claridge, died Tuesday, June 6, 2000, in Baldock Health Care Centre, North Huntingdon. She was born April 27, 1917, in Brush Hill, a daughter of the late John and Louise Marsiglio Viecelli. She was a member of St. Barbara Church in Harrison City. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Alexander F. Sosinski, in 1980; two brothers , Angelo and Moses Viecelli; and a sister, Louise Derry. She is survived by a son, Robert and wife, Carol Sosinski, of Claridge; three brothers , Albin P. and William E. Viecelli, both of Westmoreland City, and John Viecelli of Uniontown; and four sisters , Eleanor Schnupp and Jennie Cruder, both of Westmoreland City, Marie Golobish and Crona Struzzi, both of Harrisburg. Friends will be received in the JAMES E. LINDSAY FUNERAL HOME INC., Harrison City, Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday at 10:30 a.m. in St. Barbara Church, Harrison City, with the Rev. V. Paul Fitzmaurice as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Barbara Cemetery, Penn Township. A vigil service will be held Thursday at 8:30 p.m. in the funeral home.
JAMES A. SPARK
James A. Spark, 72, of Irwin, died Tuesday, June 6, 2000, in Baldock Health Care Centre, North Huntingdon. He was born Jan. 8, 1928, in West Elizabeth. Preceded in death by his parents, Gladys Mae Hunter Spark and James Spark, formerly of Elrama, Pa. He was a 1946 graduate of Clairton High School, a
Korean War veteran in the U.S. Army, and a member of the Boilermaker's Union. He did heavy construction work throughout the country, including: the Fort Pitt Tunnel in Pittsburgh and the Turnpike tunnel in Somerset, and had retired in 1988. Survived by brothers , Donald Spark of North Huntingdon and Allan L. Spark of Monessen; sisters , Gladys Spark Diehl of Glassport, Shirley Spark Poziviak and Doris Spark Kuzo, both of Elrama; friend, Betty Snoots of Coshocton, Ohio; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 10, at 11:30 a.m. in St. Isaac Jogues Church, Floreffe, Pa., with the Rev. Robert Kohuch officiating. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.
JAMES W. SPIKER
James W. Spiker, 78, of North Huntingdon, died Wednesday, June 7, 2000, in Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. He was born May 7, 1922, in New Castle, a son of the late Harry and Mary McConnell Spiker. Prior to his retirement, he was employed as an electrician. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during World War II, and a member of the National VFW. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers , Albert and Harvey E. Spiker. He is survived by his wife, Mildred I. Spiker; his daughter, Mrs. Donald (Sandra) Von Arb of Spring, Texas ; two brothers , Robert C. of New Castle and Donald M. of Ellwood City; five sisters , Jennie Beight of Poland, Ohio, Freda Hudspath of Harpers Ferry, W.Va., Virginia Gee of New Castle, Anna Hawk of Maidens, Va., and Genevieve Lydic of Indiana, Pa.; and two grandchildren, Trisha and Tanya Spiker. Friends will be received at the SHIRLEY-KUKICH FUNERAL HOME INC., Clay Pike, Circleville, North Huntingdon, Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday 2 to 4 and 7 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held Friday at 8 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will take place Saturday at 1 p.m. in Penn-Lincoln Memorial Park, North Huntingdon.
MARY HORMELL WOOD
Mary Hormell Wood, of Brownsville and Washington , D.C., died Wednesday, June 7, 2000, in Frederick, Md. mother of Harry Nelson Wood and wife, Karen, of Knoxville, Md.; grandmother of Lindsey Calder Wood, Graham Harrison Wood, Nelson Huntting Wood, and Sean Daniel Reilly Wood. Funeral services Friday, June 9, at 2 p.m. from St. Columba's Episcopal Church, 4201 Albermarle St., N.W., Washington , D.C. Interment in Highland Memorial Cemetery, California, Pa., Saturday, June 10, at 11 a.m. No visitation. Memorial donations to the National Alzheimer's Association, Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute, 919 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60611. Arrangements by KEENEY & BASFORD FUNERAL HOME, Frederick, Md.
JOHN C. WOODWARD
John C. Woodward, 90, of Tionesta RD, formerly of Westmoreland County, and a resident of Snyder Memorial Health Care of Marienville, Pa., died Tuesday, June 6, 2000, at Snyder's. He was born Dec. 27, 1909, in Penn Station, Westmoreland County, a son of the late William and Agnes Eicher Woodward. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in World War II. He retired from the Woodward Foundry of Greensburg, where he was employed as a general laborer, prior to working at Semlers Foundry. He was a lifetime member of the Masonic Blue Lodge of Greensburg. Surviving are three nieces, Gene Hill of Missouri, Joan Stewart, with whom be resided in Tionesta, and Bettymae Buoninconti of Canonsburg. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth Smith Woodward, who died in 1986; his second wife, Wilma Woodward, who died in 1990; two brothers , William K. Woodward and a brother in infancy; and two sisters , Florence Feight and Catherine Miller. There will be no public visitation. Friends are welcome to attend graveside memorial services Monday, June 19, at the Westmoreland County Memorial Park at 11 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction of the NORMAN J. WIMER FUNERAL HOME of Tionesta.
WILLIAM F. ZAJDEL
William F. Zajdel, 92, of South Greensburg, died Tuesday, June 6, 2000, in the St. Anne Home, Greensburg. He was born April 21, 1908, in Barnum, W.Va., a son of the late Frank and Louise Wojtowicz Zajdel. Prior to retirement, he had been employed by the former Walworth Valve Co. of South Greensburg. He was a lifelong member of St. Bruno Catholic Church, South Greensburg, a life member of the Roosevelt Club of Hempfield Township, a former auxiliary policeman for the Borough of South Greensburg, and a former Civil Defense Warden during World War II. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Agnes E. Sedlacko Zajdel, on April 5, 1993; by five brothers , Albert, Tony, Stanley and Joseph Zajdel and Edward Vincent; and two sisters , Nellie Sirock and Verna Turek. He is survived by three sons , William E. and his wife, Irene Zajdel, of South Greensburg, Frank J. and his wife, Bertha Zajdel, of Greensburg RD6, and Thomas R. and his wife, Diane Zajdel, of Fairfax, Va.; a daughter, Mrs. Frank (Joan) Kraisinger-Lackney of Latrobe; 10 grandchildren, Dr. Robert, Dr. William, Pamela, Susan, Jill and Thomas Zajdel, Jerome, Dr. Paul, Charles and Andrew Kraisinger; 18 great-grandchildren; a brother, Walter Vincent of Armbrust; a sister, Anna Vincent of Greensburg; and several nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the BACHA FUNERAL HOME INC., 516 Stanton at Green streets, Greensburg, Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. A blessing service will be held in the funeral home Saturday at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. in St. Bruno Catholic Church, South Greensburg, with the Rev. Blane L. Resko, O.S.B., as celebrant. Interment will follow in the Visitation Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant.
MARGARET E. BARTKO
Margaret E. Bartko, 71, of Hutchinson, on Tuesday, June 6, 2000. Wife of John Bartko of Port Vue. Daughter of the late Alexander and Hilda Tarter Christie. mother of John Bartko, with whom she resided, and James Bartko of Port Vue. Seven grandchildren. Five great-grandchildren. Sister of Dorothy Dinzeo of Manor and Jim Christie of North Braddock. Nieces and nephews. Friends received at STRIFFLERS' OF PORT VUE, 325 Gumbert Ave., Port Vue, Wednesday and Thursday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Services will be held at the funeral home chapel Friday 11:30 a.m. Burial Calvary Cemetery, Port Vue.
MARGARETHA M. (NEUMANN) BLAHUT
Margaretha M. (Neumann) Blahut, 89, died Saturday, June 3, 2000, in Mariner Nursing Home of Laurel, Md., formerly of Brentwood. Wife for 61 years of the late Andrew Blahut, who passed away in 1996. mother of Gerard A. of Bensalem and Frederick V. of Seabrook, Md. Sister of Fred Neuman of Allison Park, Charles Neumann of Memphis, Tenn., James Neumann of Omaha, Neb., and Mary Ellen Holder of North Huntingdon. Also survived by six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Friends received at the JOHN F. SLATER FUNERAL HOME INC., 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood, Wednesday and Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral prayer Friday morning at 9:15. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Wendelin Church at 10 a.m. If desired, family suggests contributions to the Little sisters of the Poor, 1028 Benton Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212.
PETER BLAZEVICH
Peter Blazevich, 75, of Export, died Tuesday, June 6, 2000. He was born Oct. 24, 1924, in East Pittsburgh, a son of the late Joseph and Olga Fabyanic Blazevich. Pete was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, having been awarded the Purple Heart. He was also a member of the Iron Workers Local #3, Pittsburgh, and a member of the L.O.O.M. #234, Export. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, George; and a sister, Anne Lawrence. He is survived by his wife, Lillian Haskin Blazevich; three sons , Richard and wife, Sally, of North Huntingdon, Curtis and John, both of Export; two daughters , Mrs. Eric (Deborah) Schoch of Baltimore, Md., and Mrs. William (Susan) Burkhart of Saxonburg; two sisters , Mary Blazevich of McKees Rocks and Mrs. Ed (Katherine) Martin of Pittsburgh; and three granddaughters, Abeni Schoch, Julie and Jessica Burkhart. Friends will be received at the EDWIN N. WOLFE FUNERAL HOME INC., Export, Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., where services will be held Friday at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Timothy Dietrich officiating. Interment will follow in Grandview Cemetery, Export.
FRANK D. BYERS
Frank D. Byers, 95, of Birmingham, Ala., formerly of Youngwood, died Sunday, June 4, 2000, in Brookwood Medical Center, Homewood, Ala. He was born March 9, 1905, a son of the late Jacob Wesley and Agnes Walker Byers. He was employed for 44 years at Robertshaw, Fulton Controls, as controller and assistant plant manager. He was a lifelong member of Trinity United Church of Christ of Youngwood. Also he was a member and past president of the Youngwood Lions Club, F&AM #518, Greensburg, 32nd Degree Mason, Syria Shrine, and Tall Cedars. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred E. (Patton) Byers, in 1989; and two brothers , Henry and Alex Byers. He is survived by a son, Lyle W. Byers and wife, Sandra M., of Pittsburgh; two grandchildren, Cynthia Byers Casto and husband, William, and Douglas S. Byers and wife, Karen; six great-grandchildren, Timothy, Gregory, Bryan, and Sarah Casto, Natalie and Julia Byers; a sister, Marian Enlow of Birmingham, Ala.; and a dear friend, Louise Vandenbers of Birmingham, Ala. Friends will be received Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the C. RICHARD McCAULEY FUNERAL HOME INC., Youngwood, where service will be held Friday at 2 p.m. with the Rev. J.M. Kim officiating. Interment Westmoreland Memorial Park, Greensburg.
TERESA ZAMOSKY CERESA
Teresa Zamosky Ceresa died peacefully in her sleep Tuesday, June 6, 2000. Age 68, of North Versailles. Daughter of the late Stanley Zamosky and the late Amelia Rodosky Zamosky-Milcic. Wife of Paul R. Ceresa. mother of Paul D. "Cid" (Mary Jane) Ceresa, James S. (Kimberly) Ceresa, Sharon "Shari" (Michael O.) Smith and Christopher A. (Michele) Ceresa. Grandmother of Lindsey, Michael and Rachel Smith, Paul J., Brittney, Adrian, David, Christopher and Elainna Ceresa, and Ivy Hensler. Sister of Elaine Wheeler and the late Arthur Zamosky. Niece of Sister Mary Josephine Zamojska and Adolph Rodosky. Also numerous nieces and nephews. Friends were received at the ALFIERI FUNERAL HOME INC., 201 Marguerite Ave., Wilmerding, Wednesday and will be received Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Services in the funeral home Friday at 9 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Robert Bellarmine Church at 10 a.m. with the Rev. John Oesterle officiating. Entombment will follow in the New St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum.
HARRIET E. BERNINGER SIGRIST CRINER
Harriet E. Berninger Sigrist Criner, 79, of Greensburg (Salem Township), loving mother , devoted wife and adored grandmother, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 6, 2000, in the warmth and comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 3, 1920, a daughter of the late Ira and Bertha Bowen Berninger. Prior to retirement, she was employed by Nutrition Inc. with the Greensburg Salem School District. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Greensburg. Harriet's special interest in life was love and devotion to her family. She enjoyed her favorite hobby of crocheting, and created beautiful afghans. She was a wonderful cook and baker and enjoyed making her special coffee cakes and pecan breakfast rolls. Harriet was also well known for her "special" home-made root beer. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her first husband, William F. Sigrist; and a brother, Ira Berninger. She is survived by her husband, Emile Criner; two daughters , Nancy Sigrist Smith and her husband, Nick, of Greensburg and Lois Sigrist Jones of Greensburg; a grandson, Michael Chicka; a granddaughter, Jenna Jones of Greensburg; a brother, John Berninger and his wife, Evelyn, of Port Charlotte, Fla.; a sister, Margaret Cobb and her husband, James, of Export; and a sister-in-law, Ellen Berninger Zaus of Englewood, Fla. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Sister Judith Ann Criner of Pittsburgh; Jerry Criner and his wife, Helga, of Bryn Mawr, and their children, Kate, Kristen, Karla, Andrew and Rachel; two special nieces, Carol Kaufman and Darlene Rupinsky and their families; and two special nephews, Jim Cobb and Dan Cobb and their families. During her long illness, Harriet was an inspiration to her family by her courage and strength. She touched the hearts and lives of many with her kind words and loving smile. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Family and friends received at the KEPPLE-GRAFT FUNERAL HOME INC., 524 N. Main St., Greensburg, Wednesday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. A celebration of life service will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Robert Wilson officiating. Interment will follow at the William Penn Memorial Park.
