Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
MARILOU (GILLESPIE) WELSH GUY
Marilou (Gillespie) Welsh Guy, 75, of North Braddock, a former longtime resident of Braddock, on Tuesday, July 11, 2000. For the past 22 years, she was an employee of the Cot Club for UPMC Braddock. Wife of the late John "Harp" Welsh. mother of John "Jack" Welsh and his wife, Coleen (McDonough), of Ohio and Judi Butler and her husband, George Allen, of North Huntingdon. Grandmother of Alexander Welsh, Jennifer, Beth, Allen and Joe Butler. Beloved friend of Robert Garrity of East Pittsburgh. Friends may call Wednesday and Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the PATRICK T. LANIGAN FUNERAL HOME, 700 Linden Ave., East Pittsburgh, (412) 824-8800. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 a.m. in Good Shepherd Church, Braddock.
VERNA C. LAMPROPLOS
Verna C. Lamproplos, 82, of Greensburg, died Sunday, July 9, 2000, in the Westmoreland Regional Hospital. She was born Aug. 5, 1917, in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Merwin and Agnes Cassidy. Verna was a member of the Christ Episcopal Church in Greensburg and was a former medical secretary. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth; and brothers , Gilbert and Raymond. She is survived by her husband, George W. Lamproplos; daughters , Karen Phillips of Sugar Grove, Ohio and Niki Lamproplos of Greensburg; a sister, Laurae Crossland of Industry; grandchildren, Jody Nikirk of Mt. Holly, N.J., and Joseph D. Nikirk III of Fort Bragg, N.C.; her dog, Socrates; and numerous nieces and nephews. Family and friends received at the KEPPLE-GRAFT FUNERAL HOME, 524 N. Main St., Greensburg, Tuesday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the Christ Episcopal Church, N. Main Street, Greensburg, with the Rev. Ruth W. Manson officiating (everyone please go directly to church on Wednesday). The family wishes memorial donations to the Westmoreland Hospital Foundation, 532 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, PA 15601. Terence L. Graft, funeral director in charge of arrangements.
LAURA BELLE LASH
Laura Belle Lash, 92, of Tucson, Ariz., died Monday, July 10, 2000. She was born April 14, 1908, in Madison (Sewickley Township) a daughter of the late William F. and Loma Katherine Leasure. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Ralph Lash; and a grandson, Daniel Paul Lash. She is survived by children, Arval L. (Marilynn) Lash, Loma Sue (John) Journey and Mrs. Jay (Barbara Ann) Lunsford; grandchildren, Linda Leigh McMullen, Allan Brent and William Raymond Journey, Tina Dawn Klingenberg and Brian Curt Lunsford; 14 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Zelma Palmer. Mrs. Lash taught school in Sewickley Township. She retired from TUSD where she was employed as an educational administrative assistant for over 20 years. She was a past member of the First Baptist Church of Tucson and a current member of El Camino Baptist Church, where she served in many leadership roles. Visitation Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. in the EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant Road, Tucson, Ariz. A memorial service will be held Friday at 2:30 p.m. in the El Camino Baptist Church, 7777 E. Speedway, Tucson. Private interment in South Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the WMF Missions Program, c/o El Camino Baptist Church, 7777 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85710.
ELLA MAE MAFFESSANTI
Ella Mae "Ellie" Maffessanti, 80, of Greensburg, died Monday, July 10, 2000, in Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. She was born Feb. 12, 1920, in Greensburg, a daughter of the late Calvin F. and Malinda Long Reese. For many years Ellie was employed by the Hempfield Area School District, and was a member of the First United Church of Christ in Greensburg, the church Sunday school class, and, with her husband, was a church custodian. She was a graduate of Hurst High School Class of 1939, and an avid bowler with the Friday Seniors League and the AARP Senior League. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest, in 1997; a sister, Ann Ryan; and brothers , Calvin F., William H. and Robert C. Reese. She is survived by her loving family: a son, James E. Maffessanti Sr. and his wife, Sheila, of Arizona; a sister, Judy Krizan of Norvelt; a brother, James R. Reese and his wife, Joann, of Southwest; grandchildren, James E. Jr., Vincent R. and Nicholas A. Maffessanti; a great-granddaughter, Kacie Michelle; and several nieces and nephews. Family and friends received at the KEPPLE-GRAFT FUNERAL HOME, 524 N. Main St., Greensburg, Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Services will be held in the funeral home Thursday at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. Edwin J. Fromm officiating. Interment will follow in the Westmoreland County Memorial Park. The family wishes donations to the First United Church of Christ, South Maple Avenue, Greensburg. Terence L. Graft, funeral director in charge of arrangements.
WENDY L. SNYDER PAINTER
Wendy L. Snyder Painter, 41, of North Huntingdon, died Monday, July 10, 2000, at Forbes Regional Health Center, Monroeville. She was born Sept. 27, 1958, in McKeesport, a daughter of Arthur C. and Vera Adams Snyder of Irwin. Besides her parents, she is survived by her husband, Daniel H. Painter; three children, Jennifer D., Daniel L. and Jacob M. Painter, all at home; a sister, Nancy L. and her husband, Alan Mullaert, of Hempfield Township; a brother, Arthur C. Snyder Jr. and his wife, Geana, of Greensburg; also numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by her beloved dogs, Callie, Gabby and Gypsy. Friends will be received at the WILLIAM SNYDER FUNERAL HOME, 521 Main St., Irwin, Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday in the funeral home at a time to be announced. Interment will follow at Irwin Union Cemetery.
RICHARD FREDERICK PEARSON
Richard Frederick Pearson, 79, of Lynchburg, Va., formerly of Greensburg, died Monday, July 10, 2000, in Lynchburg. He was born Jan. 21, 1921, in Ridgway, Pa., a son of the late Hilding and Susan Frederick Pearson. After working for West Penn Power Co. for 37 years, he retired as director of engineering and construction. He was a member and former elder at the First Presbyterian Church of Greensburg. Dick was a member of Clearfield Lodge No. 314 F&AM and a former member of the Rotary Club of Greensburg and a former board member of the Central Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce. He was also a member of the Spruce Creek Rod and Gun Club, where he was an avid fly fisherman. He graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and science and from Penn State University with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. Mr. Pearson served in World War II as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps, and as a captain in the Air Force in the Korean conflict. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Ruth Wallwork Pearson. He is survived by his wife, Betty Shaw Wineman Pearson; a son, Robert H. Pearson of Peru, Ind.; two daughters , Gale Truman and her husband, James, of Morgantown, W.Va., and Beth McAtee and her husband, Kevin, of Greensburg; two stepdaughters, Janie Dowdy and her husband, Roger, of Richmond, Va., and Ann Hamm and her husband, Greg, of Charlottesville, Va.; two grandchildren, Andrew Truman and Elizabeth McAtee; and a sister, Mrs. Jeanne Gray and her husband, Robert, of Clearfield. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 22, at 11 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Church, 300 S. Main St., Greensburg, with the Rev. Marnie Abraham-Russell officiating. Private interment will be in the St. Clair Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials may be placed with either the First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1038, Greensburg, or with the American Heart Association, 615 S. Main St., Greensburg. BARNHART FUNERAL HOME, Greensburg, is in charge of arrangements.
MARY AGNES TURACK
Mary Agnes Turack, 78, of Export RD2 ( Washington Township), died Monday, July 10, 2000, in Monsour Medical Center, Jeannette. She was born Jan. 29, 1922, in Braddock, a daughter of the late John and Mary Kralik Mehalik. She attended the Salem Lutheran Church in Delmont. Prior to her retirement, she had been employed at the Westinghouse Electric Corporation in East Pittsburgh, and at the Twin Valley Convalescent Home in Delmont. She was a loving wife, mother , and grandmother, and her most enduring occupation was that of homemaker for her family. Her inspiration in life was her love of music and dance. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Albert Mehalik; and a sister, Justina Hauck. She is survived by her husband, Daniel L. Turack Sr.; two sons and two daughters , Daniel L. Turack Jr. and his wife, Carole, of Export RD2, Diana Louise Creighton of Export RD2 and her fiance, Dennis King, Cindy Lou Klemencic and her husband, Edward, of Plum Borough, and John David Turack of Export RD2; a sister and three brothers , Susan I. Cervenak and her husband, Michael, of East Pittsburgh, John Mehalik of Swissvale, Andrew Mehalik and his wife, Winifred, of North Versailles, and Paul Mehalik and his wife, Suzann, of Verona; 10 grandchildren, Daniel L. Turack III, Brian A. Turack, and Tracy L. Turack, Diana Marie Lyons and her husband, Gilbert, Calvin C. Creighton Jr., and Donna L. Creighton, Michael E. Klemencic, Christine M. Klemencic, Jacob A. Klemencic, and Anthony R. Klemencic; and a great-granddaughter, Ashley Gaskill. Mrs. Turack's family will receive friends at the JOHN L. BASH FUNERAL HOME, 152 Abbe Place, Delmont, (724) 468-8381, Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. ®MDUL¯Funeral home hours: Wednesday 7:00-9:00 p.m. and Thursday 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.®MDNM¯ Services will be held in the Salem Lutheran Church, Delmont, Friday at 11 a.m. with her pastor, the Rev. Frederick C. Heitzenroder, officiating. A chapel committal service and entombment will follow in the Twin Valley Memorial Park mausoleum, Delmont.
JOSEPH RALFE WEINSTEN
Joseph Ralfe "Bear" Weinstein, 72, of Penn Hills, on Sunday, July 9, 2000, in Forbes Regional Hospital, Monroeville. Beloved husband of Mary (Brandler) Weinstein. Father of Laurie J. Weinstein of Rockville, Md., James L. Weinstein of Murrysville and the late Bruce W. Weinstein. Brother of Ronald Weinstein of Clinton and Wayne Weinstein of White Oak. Also survived by four grandchildren. Mr. Weinstein was born Feb. 17, 1928, in McKeesport, to the late Jacob L. and Alma (Walton) Weinstein. A retired agent for Allstate Insurance Company, he was a Duquesne High School alumnus, a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, and a World War II U.S. Army paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. He was a member of the Duquesne GBU, American Legion, Ducks Unlimited, Pennsylvania Rifle & Pistol Association, Konne-Yaut Indian Trap Shooting Association, and the American Contract Bridge League. He was a life member of the NRA Golden Eagles, Amateur Trap Shooting Association and the West Penn Sportsmen Club, and was a charter member of the Ruffed Grouse Society. Friends received Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the WILLIAM F. GROSS FUNERAL HOME LTD., 11735 Frankstown Road (at Rodi Road), Penn Hills, where a service will be held Friday at 11 a.m.
BARBARA ANN WHITEHEAD
Barbara Ann White head, 58, of Anaheim, Calif., formerly of Greensburg, died Friday, July 7, 2000, at her home. She was born Sept. 1, 1941, in Greensburg, a daughter of the late James M. and Catherine M. Furin Murtland. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Bobby Murtland. Survivors include her husband, William White head, of Anaheim, Calif.; a daughter, Jessica White head of Lansdale; a brother, James Murtland of Greensburg; two sisters , Kitty Panichella and husband, Jim, of Greensburg and Jane Murtland of Anaheim, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends will be received at the CLEMENT L. PANTALONE FUNERAL HOME, 409 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, (724) 837-0020, www.pantalone.com, Wednesday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral service will be held in the funeral home Thursday at 11 a.m. with Pastor Edwin J. Fromm of the First Reformed United Church of Christ officiating. Interment will follow in the Westmoreland County Memorial Park, Hempfield Township. Natale N. Pantalone, funeral director.
J. RUSSELL WHITESIDE
J. Russell White side, 89, of Bakerstown, died Tuesday, July 11, 2000. Born April 21, 1911, in southern Butler County, he was a son of the late Robert and Lida (Hughes) White side. Beloved husband of the late Roberta "Bobbie" (McDonald) White side. Father of W. Russell White side of North Huntingdon and Mary Jane ( White side) Leistner of Franklin Park. Also five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mildred Mary Butz; and two brothers , Robert and Walter White side. Friends will be received Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the SCHELLHAAS FUNERAL HOME LTD., 5864 Heckert Road, Bakerstown. Service Friday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Tom Bracken of the Bellevue Central United Methodist Church officiating. Interment in Allegheny County Memorial Park, Allison Park. Mr. White side was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown and the owner of White side Dairy, Bakerstown, for more than 50 years. The family suggests donations to the American Lung Association, 201 Smith Drive, Cranberry Township, PA 16066.
LORRAINE BARTUS
Lorraine Bartus, 68, of Penn Township, died Monday, July 10, 2000, in Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. She was born April 2, 1932, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Joseph and Rose Sausto Fabio. She was a member of St. Barbara Church, Harrison City. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Michael A. Bartus, in 1996; a brother, Peter Fabio; and a sister, Carmella Fabio. She is survived by a son, Joseph M. and wife, Kristin Bartus, of Greensburg; a daughter, Lisa A. and husband, Guy Bloom, of Cordova, Tenn.; a brother, Anthony Fabio of Pittsburgh; two sisters , Mary Ann Dadey and Rose Marie Slope, both of Pittsburgh; and four grandchildren, Justin and Jacob Bartus, and Ethan and Hannah Bloom. Friends received Wednesday at the JAMES E. LINDSAY FUNERAL HOME INC., Main Street, Harrison City. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday at 10 a.m. in St. Barbara Church with the Rev. Robert Lubic as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Barbara Cemetery, Penn Township. A vigil service was held Wednesday evening in the funeral home.
BETTY L. (QUERY) BYRD
Betty L. (Query) Byrd, 68, of Hempfield Township, died Monday, July 10, 2000, in Greensburg. Born Jan. 21, 1932, in Greensburg, she was a daughter of the late Howard A. and Mabel (Wakefield) Query. She had been employed as a hostess by the Eat'n Park restaurant in Greensburg. She was a member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church in Greensburg. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert William Byrd, in 1983; and three sisters , Pearl Ramsey, Nellie Hendrick and Patty Query. She is survived by a daughter, Diane (husband, Barry) Borza of Hempfield Township; a brother, Howard T. Query of Greensburg; four grandchildren, Elaine Altman and Nicole Hilty, both of Cleveland, Ohio, Stephanie Borza and Jennifer Borza, both of Hempfield Township; and a great-grandson, Jarod Hilty. Friends received Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the E.J. RODGERS FUNERAL HOME, 140 Race St., Manor, where services will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Ralph Solida officiating. Interment in Westmoreland County Memorial Park, Hempfield Township.
