CHARLES A. BECK
Age 84, of McKees Rocks, on Sat., November 6, 2004; husband of the late Florence (Safranek); father of Bill (Fran), Bob (Kim) and Chuck (Sharon); grandfather of Jackie, Darren, Kirsten, Tom, Chaddel and Josh. Mr. Beck was a Veteran of WW II serving in the 3rd Army in France and Germany. After his retirement in 1985, Chuck devoted most of his time in service to his community. For 19 years he was a volunteer for Sto-Ken-Rox Meals On Wheels. He was a member of the St. Francis de Sales/St. John of God Choir for 15 years, and he was a member of the McKees Rocks Zoning Board for 12 years. Friends may call 1-4 & 7-9 pm on Tuesday at the MCDERMOTT FUNERAL HOME, INC., 1225 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks (Family owned & operated since 1886). Mass of Christian Burial 10 am Wednesday, St. John of God Parish, St. Mary's Church.
KATHERINE BECK
Mrs. Katherine Beck, aged 87, died Monday in her home, 7 Pitt road, McKees Rocks. She was born in Germany but had lived in Pittsburgh 70 years. She was a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. She leaves, besides her husband, four sons, Theodore and Conrad Beck of McKees Rocks and Hugh M. and Michael Beck of Canonsburg; two daughters, Mrs. Elizabeth HUFFNAGEL and Mrs. George STOLTE, 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Pittsburgh Gazette Times, Wednesday January 7, 1925.
MARIE S. WAGNER BELL
Marie S. (Wagner) Bell, 94, a Coraopolis resident for 66 years, died Jan. 23, 1999 in Valley Care Nursing Home in Aleppo Township. She was born March 15, 1904 in McKees Rocks, a daughter of the late Blaise J. and Mary Anne (KETTERER) Wagner. She was preceded in death by her husband of 76 years, Raymond W. Bell Sr.; son Raymond W. Bell Jr.; brothers Louis and Gilbert Wagner and sister Helen WELCH. Mrs. Bell was a member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Coraopolis, the St. Joseph Christian Mothers Association, and a former member of the Navy Mothers Association. Surviving are her children, Charles Bell of Coraopolis, Rose Marie WEBER of Moon, Virginia DAVIES of Coraopolis, William Bell of Coraopolis, Betty BROUGH of McKees Rocks, Mary Lou CORADI of Coraopolis, James Bell of Hopewell, Barbara MOSEBERGER of Crescent, Jean KOZEROVICH of Moon, and Daniel Bell of Cranberry; 43 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Friends were received at Copeland's Coraopolis Funeral Home. Interment is in St. Joseph cemetery
MARY LOU (DUDEK) (ZIOLKOWSKI) BETTS
Age 62, on Friday, December 29, 2006, of McKees Rocks; beloved wife of Martin Betts; daughter of the late Andrew "Buzz" and Mary Louise NELSON; sister of Janie (Ed) ROGINSKI, Patricia (Larry) YAROSCAK, Buzz (Doreen) Nelson and Nancy MYERS; also survived by children, grandchildren and one great grand child, nieces and nephews. Visitation TUESDAY ONLY 1-8 PM at the STEPHEN M. BRADY FUNERAL HOME, 920 Cedar Ave., (across from AGH). Funeral Service Tuesday 6PM.
FRANCIS A. BJALOBOK, SR.
Age 81, of Stowe Twp., died suddenly on Wednesday, October 31, 2007. He recently celebrated his 60th anniversary with his wife Betty. Father of Frank (Barbara) Bjalobok, Jr. of Cranberry Twp., Betsy (Gary) VAN SICKLE of Wexford, Nancy (Mark) CIFRULAK of Jefferson Hills and Dr. Michael (Susie) Bjalobok of Wexford; grandfather of Frank III (Christa), Lisa and Stacie Cifrulak, Mike Van Sickle and Kelly and Michael Bjalobok; great grandfather of Caitlin Bjalobok and Leah Bjalobok. Frank served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He earned a bachelor's degree in music education/supervision and a master's in educational administration at Duquesne University. He was band director at Masontown High and was music supervisor with Canon McMillan Schools for 32 years. He was the founder of the West Park Fireman's Band and founder and director of the Ohio Valley Community Band. Visitation Friday 2-4 & 6-8 pm at the MCDERMOTT FUNERAL HOME, INC., 334 Forest Grove Road, Kennedy Twp. where funeral prayers will be held Saturday at 9:30 am followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in St. Malachy Church.
HENRY F. BLODIS
80, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away, surrounded by his family on June 27, 2004 at his home in Colorado Springs after a brave fight with cancer. He was born in McKees Rocks, PA, on January 13, 1924 to Joseph BLAUZDIS and Eva MIKENAS and was one of seven children. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Anne and Genevieve and a brother, Michael. He was married
in 1949, to his loving wife, Elizabeth M. HUGHES, who survives him. He is also survived by his brother Nicholas Blodis, sisters Marian Blodis OSF and Lucille BYRD, five children; Karen Chavez, Cathy Blodis, Michael Blodis, Janet THURLING and Eva BURCH, seven grandchildren; David Blodis, Amanda CHAVEZ, Trevor and Spencer Thurling, Logan, Courtney and Garrett Burch, sons-in-law; Tony Chavez, Tim Thurling and Rob Burch, daughter-in-law; Deborah Blodis and many nieces and nephews. Henry served his country with 31 years of military service and was a WWII veteran from his days in the U.S. Army and also served in the U.S. Air Force as a weather forecaster in various locations the USA, Okinawa and Japan before retiring in 1974 from ENT Air Force Base in Colorado Springs. Henry's passion for life was evident through the love he showed not only to his family, but everyone he knew. He encouraged those around him to value the simple things in life. He will be greatly missed. In remembrance of this wonderful, loving man, a Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, July 2, 2004 at Divine Redeemer Catholic Church, 1520 E. Yampa, with a reception and graveside service to follow.
Sister MARIAN BLODIS, OSF, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence of God for 59 years, died at Mercy Hospital on November 22, 2006 at the age of 76. Born May 4, 1930 in McKees Rocks, PA, she was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Henry, and her sister Genevieve. She is survived by her sister Lucille, brother Nicholas, and by nieces and nephews. She was a elementary and secondary school teacher for 20 years, at the schools where the community served including St. Gabriel, St. Casimer and St. Francis Academy in the Pittsburgh area. She served her community as General Councilor for 12 years as General Superior for 8 years. After serving as Parish Social Minister at the newly formed Prince of Peace parish on the South Side, Sister Marian was once again called by her community to serve on the Leadership team, first as General Councilor for 4 years and then as Assistant USA Provincial Superior for 5 years. After her Leadership terms, Sister Marian continued to serve on several congregational committees. Friends will be received at the Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence of God's Motherhouse, on Sunday, November 26, from 12-8 pm where a wake service will be held at 6:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, November 27 at 11 am in the Motherhouse chapel. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence of God, 3603 McRoberts Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15234. Arrangements JOHN D. O'CONNOR AND SON FUNERAL HOME.
MARY BOHIN
Mary Bohin, 85, of Kohler Avenue, Lyndora, died Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005, at Sunnyview Nursing Home. Born May 4, 1919, in McKees Rocks, Allegheny County, she was the daughter of Andrew and Mary KASCHIK SEKELA. She was a homemaker and mother. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church in Lyndora. Surviving are two sons, Andrew C. and his wife, Karen, Bohin of Butler, and John Paul Bohin of Saxonburg; a sister, Mrs. Anna HUSSAR of Lyndora; a grandson, David L. Bohin and his fiancée, Sandy YOUNG and daughter Madeline of Butler; a granddaughter, Deanna KRANBACHER and her husband, Bill, of Butler; three great-grandchildren, Hannah, Ben, and Luke Kranbacher, all of Butler; and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Bohin, who died July 30, 1981. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and from 7 to 9 p.m. today
at the GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME, 201 E. Cunningham St. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church in Lyndora with the Rev. Dennis Bogda officiating. Burial will follow at the Rose Hill cemetery. Parastas services will be held at 3 p.m. today at the funeral home.
JOHN THOMAS BRADY
On Tuesday, May 2, 2000, John T. Brady (Jack), age 78, son of the late Gladys O'CONNOR; loving husband of the late (Kathryn) Joan MENIGAT Brady; beloved father of Michael & his wife Sue of Moon Twp., Kathryn LECHMANIK & her husband Mike of Crafton, Patricia BEASOCK & her husband Howdy of Ingram, Joseph of McKees Rocks, Thomas & his wife Kate of McKees Rocks, Margaret VERMEULEN & her husband Alan of Imperial, Jeannette BUI & her husband Dave of McKees Rocks, John (Jack) of McKees Rocks & Bridget SIMONETTE & her husband Frank of Imperial; brother of Evelyn HASKELL of Michigan; brother-in-law of Betty & Jack MILLER of Bellevue; nephew of Ginny EMMONS of New York; also survived by 17 loving grandchildren & four loving great-grandchildren. Mr. Brady was a retired Pressman with 40+ years experience at The Pittsburgh Press, Sun-Telegraph & The Pittsburgh Post Gazette newspapers. He was a member of Graphic Communications Union. In his youth Jack was an amateur boxer, winner of the Golden Gloves. While stationed in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, he was a Boxing Instructor. He was a Company C 52nd Battalion WWII Veteran, having survived the attack of Pearl Harbor & the battles of The Philippines, New Guinea & Okinawa. Decorated with The American Defense Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal & the WWII Bronze Service Star, just to name a few. Former member of VFW Post #418, McKees Rocks, member of The American Legion Post #924 Coraopolis & The Pearl Harbor Survivors Assn. Mr. Brady's favorite past time besides his friends & family was being the biggest Notre Dame football fan that ever lived. Family to receive friends 2-4 & 7-9 pm Thursday & Friday at MCDERMOTT FUNERAL HOME, INC., 1225 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks (Family owned & operated since 1886) . Funeral Mass on Saturday 9:15 am at St. John of God Parish, St. Mary Church with Godson, Fr. Robert Miller as celebrant.
ANTHONY N. BRAIDIC
BRAIDIC, Anthony N. "Tony," 91, of Lakeland, Fla., died Wednesday, March 12, 2008, at Wedgewood Healthcare Center. Mr. Braidic was born November 7, 1916, in McKees Rocks, Pa., to Vieckoslav and Francisca Braidic. Mr. Braidic and his wife moved to Lakeland from Miami, Fla., in 1994. Tony was employed at U.S. Steel in Pittsburgh, Pa., and retired from Eastern Airlines as an electrician. He was a member of the Peace Corps, Knights of Columbus, Catholic War Veterans and St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Mr. Braidic served in the Army Air Corps during World War II in the 95th Bomb Group, serving as second lieutenant. He flew numerous missions in Europe in 1945 as a bombardier, dropping food to the needy. Anthony loved to travel; he visited 52 countries during his life. He is survived by his wife, Rita Braidic of Lakeland, Fla.; a sister, Eleanor MROZOWSKI of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and numerous nieces and nephews. The visitation will be 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. The funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow the Mass at the Florida National cemetery.
JOHN F. BRANNAN
John F. Brannan of McKees Rocks, a bowling alley owner who was active in promoting the sport, died Sunday of heart failure. Mr. Brannan, 88, owned Brannan's Bowl in McKees Rocks and served as secretary for 28 years to the 55-member Bowling Proprietors Association of Greater Pittsburgh. In 1983, he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Pennsylvania State Bowling Hall of Fame. Mr. Brannan is survived by two sons, John F. Jr. and James E. of McKees Rocks; a daughter, Barbara Ann Franz of Stowe; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. tomorrow at the McDermott Funeral Home Inc., 1225 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 810 Chartiers Ave., McKees
Rocks. Burial will be in Resurrection cemetery, Moon. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mary Allen Brannan Fund, in care of the McKees Rocks Catholic School, Margaret
Street, McKees Rocks 15136.
REV. FRANK JOSEPH BRUNNER
WHEELING — Rev. Frank Joseph Brunner, 87, of Pittsburgh, Pa., formerly of W.Va., died Friday May 4, 2007, in Marian Manor, Pittsburgh, Pa. He was born in Stowe Township, Pa., on January 4, 1920, a son of the late Ludwig and Cecilia Venus Brunner. He was a retired Catholic Priest from the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. He attended St. Mary's School in McKees Rocks, Pa.; he completed his preparatory studies at St. Charles College, Catonsville, Md., and his philosophical and theological studies at St. Mary's, Baltimore. He also served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1946 in World War II. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 28, 1955, at St. Joseph Cathedral by Bishop McDonnell. Following his ordination, he was assigned to St. Joseph Cathedral as an Associate Pastor from 1955-1958. He was then assigned as pastor of St. Philomena and Missions from 1958 to 1966. In 1966, he was assigned as pastor of Sacred Heart, Williamson until 1972. In 1973, he was assigned to Holy Rosary and Holy Trinity in Clarksburg until 1984. In 1984, he also served St. Joseph Parish in Proctor. In 1986, he was assigned as the pastor of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Wheeling until his retirement in 1995. Father Brunner was a member of the Knights of Columbus Carroll Council No. 504, Wheeling; he was a former Choir Director, and he loved music and singing, along with photography. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Nicholas Brunner; and four sisters, Mary DUNNIGAN, Hilda Brunner, Julia DIETZ and Bertha MUTH. Surviving are a brother, Al Brunner, and two sisters, Anna Brunner and Eleanor MARTIN, all of Castle Shannon, Pa. Fr. Brunner will lie in state at St. Joseph Cathedral, Wheeling, on Monday from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Cathedral. Interment will be held in St. Mary's cemetery, McKees Rocks. Arrangements by Altmeyer Funeral Home, 1400 Eoff Street, Wheeling.
LAURA KIRSCH BRYAN
Mrs. Miles Bryan, 85, widow of the old-time Republican leader who once held McKees Rocks politics in the palm of his hand, died yesterday. Mrs. Bryan died at her apartment in the Commonwealth Hotel, 706 Chartiers avenue, a hotel which had been the mecca for the old Republican organization of the borough. Her husband died in 1940. He had owned the Commonwealth Hotel, which she inherited. Mrs. Bryan sold the hotel a few years ago. Mrs. Bryan was the former Laura Kirsch. She leaves a daughter, Mrs. Julia Bryan KEEBLER, and two grandchildren. Friends will be received at the home of Dr. and Mrs. C. B. Keebler, 208 Greydon avenue, McKees Rocks, where funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Oct 3, 1949
