Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
Joseph S. Carmassi Jr.
Joseph S. Carmassi Jr. died Monday, July 3, 2000 in North Hills Pasavant Hospital, Pittsburgh. Born December 23, 1942 in Pittsburgh, the son of Joseph S. and Evelyn Yocamelli Carmassi. Mr. Carmassi previously owned a restaurant in North Hills, and was the current owner of Carmassi's Tuscany Grill, downtown. In addition to his parents, Mr. Carmassi is survived by a son, Bradley J. Carmassi of McCandless; two brothers , Gary M. Carmassi and Ronald P. Carmassi, both of McCandless. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday in the SIMONS FUNERAL HOME INC., 7720 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh. The time of a service Friday in St. Teresa of Avila Church is to be announced. Interment will be in North Side Catholic Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to: UPMC Passavant Hospital Memorial Fund, 9100 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237-9973.
ALEXANDER JACK GLENN COLUMBUS
Alexander Jack Glenn Columbus, infant son of Andrea Lynn Swank of Bullskin Township and Bryan James Columbus of Latrobe, passed away Monday morning, July 3, 2000, in Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. In addition to his parents, Alex is survived by a brother, Kyle James Smith; his maternal grandmother, Margaret "Peg" Earnesty Swank of Bullskin Township; his paternal grandmother, Coleen Ray Chambers and husband, Ivan, of Blairsville; his paternal grandfather, James L. Columbus and wife, Paula, of Dayton, Ohio; his paternal great-grandfather, Homer Glenn Burkett and wife, Esther, of Bolivar; his paternal great-great-grandmother, Zella Larimer of Stahlstown; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Alex was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Jack L. Swank Sr., in 1997; his paternal great-grandmother, Violet Burkett; his paternal great-grandfather, Melvin Columbus and his great-grandmother, Glea Columbus. Private graveside committal services and interment were held in Greenlick Cemetery, Bullskin Township, with the Rev. Robert Bixel officiating. Personalized funeral services were under the direction of the ROBERT B. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, 105 Spring St., Scottdale.
VIOLA BERYL CUMMINGS
Viola Beryl "Betty" Cummings, 81, of Blairsville, died Monday, July 3, 2000, at Edgewood Nursing Home, Latrobe. She was born Sept. 26, 1918, in Cokeville, Pa., a daughter of the late James Cummings and Anna (Ferguson) Cummings. She was of the Methodist faith. Survived by her sister, Mrs. Charles (Lila Jean) Ray of Blairsville; and nine nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters , Leona Cummings and Coralie Squibbs. Friends will be received at the JAMES F. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, Blairsville, Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., where service will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Bruce J. Theakston officiating. Interment Blairsville Cemetery.
CHARLES W. CUNNINGHAM
Charles W. Cunningham, 90, of Star Route, Mt. Pleasant, died Sunday, July 2, 2000, in the Harmon House, Mt. Pleasant. He was born Dec. 3, 1909, in East Huntingdon Township, the son of the late Charles and Alice brothers Cunningham. He was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Church of God. He started in the hardware business in 1926 at the age of 17 and worked in that field for 60 years, having retired in 1985. He was partner of the M.R. George Hardware Store for 35 years (now known as George and Cunningham Hardware). He was director of the American Hardware Supply Co. of Butler. He was vice president of the Frick Hospital Board from 1941 to 1947, president of the hospital board from 1959 to 1966, and had spent 40 plus years of service with the hospital. Also he was an honorary member of the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery Board; and an honorary member of the Boy Scouts of America and served on the Executive Board in 1964. He was president of the Inter-Community Industries which consists of Mt. Pleasant, Scottdale, and Connellsville. In 1965, he was recipient of the Benjamin Rush Award by the Pa. Medical Society. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Lesa McCoy. Survived by his wife, Mabel C. Cooper Cunningham of Star Route, Mt. Pleasant; three sons , Richard L. Cunningham and wife, Joan, of Mt. Pleasant, Donald C. Cunningham and wife, Catherine, of Mineral Wells, W.Va., and the Rev. Charles W. Cunningham Jr. and wife, Margaret, of Bolivia; and a daughter, Patricia McCormack of Chambersburg. Friends will be received at the LUTHER J. GRIMM FUNERAL HOME, Mt. Pleasant, Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home Friday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Charles W. Yost officiating and assisted by the Rev. Charles W. Cunningham Jr. Interment will be held in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to the Boy Scouts of America, 2 Garden Center Drive, Greensburg.
Giles C. Driscoll
Giles C. Driscoll, 73, died Sunday, July 2, 2000. Survivors include his wife, Clara (Murray) Driscoll; one daughter, Jean; three sons , Giles, Thomas, and Martin Driscoll; seven grandchildren, Valerie and Jessica Morrell, Evan, Eric, and Thomas Jr., Trent and Mason Driscoll; two sisters , Maryann Thompson and Margaret Bittner. He was preceded in death by a son, Daniel Driscoll; and a sister, Agnes Driscoll. Friends will be received Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. in FREYVOGEL SLATER FUNERAL DIRECTORS, 112 Fort Couch Road, Pittsburgh. Christian Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday in St. Thomas More Church.
CHARLES R. FOX
Charles R. Fox, 87, formerly of New Stanton, died Tuesday, July 4, 2000, at Westmoreland Manor, Hempfield Township. He was born May 1, 1913, in Hempfield Township, a son of the late Ellis R. and Hanna B. Riggle Fox. He was a self-employed dairy farmer, a member of the St. Mark Lutheran Church of New Stanton and a member of the New Stanton Senior Citizens. Besides his parents, he was also preceded in death by his first wife, Eleanor K. Long Fox. He is survived by his wife, Helen Anderson Fox; two sons , James C. Fox and wife, Margaret, of Mt. Pleasant and Robert E. Fox and wife, Beverly, of New Stanton; six grandchildren, Maria Fox, James A. Fox, Mrs. John (Beth) Semon, Mrs. David (Carrie) Gilbert, Kenneth Fox and wife, Christina, and Matthew Fox and wife, Roxanne; two great-grandchildren, Abigail Gilbert and Courtney Semon; two stepchildren, Mrs. Tom (Gloria) Hunt of Lycippus and Patty McCabe of Jeannette; four stepgrandchildren, Cheri McCormick, Lisa DePalma, Allen Close and Rhonda Williams; six stepgreat-grandchildren, Emily and Christy DePalma, Melissa and Heidi Dunlop, Allen Michael Close and Austin Williams; a sister, Ruth Miller of Lycippus; and a number of nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the C. RICHARD McCAULEY FUNERAL HOME INC., Youngwood, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, where there will be a funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday, with interment to follow at Seanors Cemetery.
BETTY JANE PAHEL HINES
Betty Jane Pahel Hines, 82, of Derry, died Tuesday, July 4, 2000, in the home where she was born on Oct. 13, 1917, a daughter of the late Charles E. and Ida Mae Miller Pahel. Prior to her many years of suffering from a chronic illness, Betty and her husband enjoyed traveling in this country and abroad. Her devoted husband provided her support and loving care during her illness. In her final days, Betty required in-home palliative care, which was provided by her four daughters through the direction of Latrobe Hospital Home Services. Betty was a special friend of the Derry Presbyterian Church, a longtime member of the Derry Volunteer Fire Department and the B. of R.T. Lodge 421 ladies auxiliaries. She was a wonderful wife and mother , and will be sadly missed by her family, close friends and neighbors. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers , Eugene and Roy Delbert Pahel; sisters , Grace "Isabel" Clopp and Dorothy Mae Fleisch; and a granddaughter, Tammy Jane Barchesky in September 1978. Betty is survived by her husband of 63 years, Michael J. Hines; four daughters , Jean Elder and her husband, James, of Georgia, Jackie Schneider and her husband, Al, and Jane Barchesky and her husband, James, all of Latrobe, and Judy Bridge and her husband, Charles, of Harrisburg; eight grandchildren, Sandy, Terry, Russ and Scott Elder, Lori Schneider Rolla, James M. Barchesky, Kristie Beck Meisinger and Kimberly Beck Harris; 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers , Calvin Miller "Bud" Pahel of Arizona and Thomas Dixon Pahel and his wife, Josephine, of North Carolina; two sisters -in-law, Mrs. Stephen (Hannah) Fergelec of North Huntingdon and Helen Johnson of South Carolina; and numerous nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the MICHAEL J. QUINLISK FUNERAL HOME INC., 548 N. Chestnut St., Derry. A "Celebration of Betty's Life" will be held in the funeral home Friday at 2 p.m. with the Rev. F. Neal Galley officiating. Interment will follow in Coles Cemetery, Derry. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Carillon Fund at Derry Presbyterian Church, South Chestnut Street, Derry .
WILLIAM H. JOHNSON JR.
William H. Johnson Jr., 46, of New Stanton, died Sunday, July 2, 2000. He was born Dec. 16, 1953, in Greensburg, a son of Vivian Smith Oliver of Florida and the late William H. Johnson Sr. He was employed as a systems administrator for KTG Systems, Wexford. He was a former Eagle Scout. In addition to his mother , survivors include his wife, Georgette Hollenbeck Johnson of New Stanton; a son, James Johnson and wife, Amy, of New Stanton; a daughter, Rachel Johnson of Youngwood; two grandchildren, Mathew and Jamie; a sister, Carolyn Silvis and husband, David, of Youngwood; a brother, Robert Johnson and wife, Terri, of Hyde Park, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews. No visitation. Funeral service will be held Friday at 10 a.m. in the Westmoreland County Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel, Hempfield Township, with the Rev. Jim Liston officiating. Interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements under the direction of the CLEMENT L. PANTALONE FUNERAL HOME, 409 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, (724) 837-0020, www.pantalone.com. Natale N. Pantalone, supervisor.
JAMES G. KEYS
James G. Keys, 73, of West Newton, died Monday, July 3, 2000, at his home. He was born July 20, 1926, in Latrobe, a son of the late Henry J. and Ida Gregory Keys. He was a retired conductor with over 41 years of service with Conrail. He was a member of the United Transportation Union, and a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Gladys (Shiley) Keys; four daughters , Janet Lee Davis of McComb, Ohio, Eleanor Anne Reynolds of Findley, Ohio, Evelyn Jean Feldman of Clifton, Va., and Charlotte Elaine Coking of Norfolk, Va.; a son, James Henry Keys of Pleasant Hills; 15 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers , Arthur Keys of Hunker and Gary Keys of Youngwood; and a sister, Celena Anne Strosko of Youngwood. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Eleanor Hazel. Friends will be received at the J. WILLIAM McCAULEY JR. FUNERAL HOME INC., West Newton, Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., where services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. with Dr. Glen F. Richardson officiating. Interment in West Newton Cemetery.
AUGUSTINA KNOR
Augustina "Augie" Knor, 86, of Herminie, died Monday, July 3, 2000, in the Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. She was born July 21, 1913, in Herminie #2, a daughter of the late John and Sophie (Hefferle) Patsche. Mrs. Knor, "Augie," is survived by a son, Kenneth Knor and his wife, Cheryl, of Herminie; a daughter, Mrs. Marilyn Lambie and her husband, Kenneth, of Fairport, N.Y.; five grandchildren, Scott Lambie and his wife, Heather, Heather Baum and her husband, Dr. David Baum, Cadet Timothy Lambie, and Becky and Rachel Knor; two great-granddaughters, Caitlin Lambie and Emily Baum; a sister, Margaret Sensue of Herminie; and a number of nieces and nephews. Mrs. Knor was an active member of St. Edward Roman Catholic Church, Herminie, St. Edward Sunshine Club and Altar Rosary Society. She was also a longstanding member of T.O.P.S. and the Herminie Homemakers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph A. Knor in 1980; a son, Joseph R. Knor in 1997; two brothers , Joseph and John Patsche; and a sister, Mildred Rosso. Friends received in the JOSEPH W. NICKELS FUNERAL HOME INC., Herminie, Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and 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 will follow in the Westmoreland County Memorial Park. A St. Edward Parish Rosary will be recited Wednesday at 3:30 p.m., and a parish wake service will be held at 8 p.m., both in the funeral home.
CHARLES A. KRAMER
Charles A. Kramer, 79, of Ruffsdale, formerly of Pittsburgh, entered into eternal rest Monday, July 3, 2000, at his and his daughter's home, Cedar Ridge Personal Care Home, Ruffsdale. He was born March 27, 1921, in Pittsburgh, a son of the late James G. and Selma Lofhink Kramer. He was a member of St. Raphael's Roman Catholic Church, Morningside (Pittsburgh). Prior to retirement, he was employed as an electrical wireman for the McGraw-Edison Co., Pittsburgh. Charles was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army Infantry. He was the dearly beloved Father of his daughter, Charlene A. Kramer Shawley, with whom he made his home for the past 12 years. He was also the dearly beloved Father of his son, Robert E. Kramer of Pittsburgh. Charles was the treasured and beloved grandfather of four grandsons, Charlene's sons , Calvin Lawrence Shawley Jr. and Joshua Brent Marker; and his son, Robert's, sons , Robert Joseph Kramer and Joseph Christopher Kramer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Olga Tkach Kramer (formerly of Jacob's Creek), in 1962; a son-in-law, Calvin L. Shawley Sr. in 1982; a sister, Evelyn Kramer Lowery; a brother, James T. Kramer; and his youngest sister, Joan N. Kramer Conley. In addition to his daughter, son, and four grandsons, he is survived by two sisters , Anne and Mary Kramer of Pittsburgh; and several nieces and nephews. Friends received at the EUGENE G. SALOOM FUNERAL HOME INC., Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m. A blessing service will be held in the funeral home Thursday at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. in the Visitation R.C. Church, with the Rev. Father Anthony Ditto as celebrant. Interment will follow in the Bakersville Cemetery, Somerset County. military rites will be accorded by the members of the American Legion Post 446.
BLANCHE M. LEVIS
Blanche M. Levis, 74, of North Huntingdon, died Tuesday, July 4, 2000, in UPMC Presbyterian, Oakland. She was born Sept. 29, 1925, in Brookville, Pa., a daughter of the late Jay M. and Florence Blight Steele. She was a member of Christ United Presbyterian Church, North Huntingdon, where she was an elder. Blanche was also a volunteer at Jeannette District Memorial Hospital. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Howell Steele. She is survived by her son, Robert Levis and his wife, Susan, of Singapore; her daughter, Mrs. Alan (Debbie) Cearns of North Huntingdon; three sisters , Josephine McNeil of Satellite Beach, Fla., Ruth Organ of Punxsutawney and Gladys Hughes of Media, Pa.; and two grandchildren. Friends will be received at the SHIRLEY-KUKICH FUNERAL HOME INC., Clay Pike, Circleville, North Huntingdon, Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Dr. Robert J. Anderson officiating, followed by interment in Penn-Lincoln Memorial Park.
George R. Luft
George R. Luft died Sunday, July 2, 2000 in UPMC Shadyside Hospital, Pittsburgh. Mr. Luft was born in Pittsburgh, the son of the late George M. and Ethel Carson Luft. He was a was a Veteran of the
Korean War, serving in the U.S. Army. He was a member of St. Mary Church, Sharpsburg. Mr. Luft was also a lifetime member of the V.F.W. #709, and a member of the American Legion #1106. He is survived by his wife, Marianne R. Szwedko Luft and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, James Luft. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday in WORRELL FUNERAL HOME, INC., 820 Main Street, Sharpsburg. A Christian Funeral Mass will be at 9:00 a.m. Saturday in St. Mary Church, Sharpsburg.
