Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
LESTER S. KLECHNER
Lester S. Klechner, 90, of Manor, died in the West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh, Wednesday, March 1, 2000. Husband of Annabelle Edwards Klechner. He was a retired school teacher from the Hempfield Area School District. Further arrangements to be announced by the E.J. RODGERS FUNERAL HOME, 140 Race St., Manor.
MAX KREMPASKY
Max Krempasky, 75, of Smithton RD, died Tuesday, Feb. 29, 2000, at his residence. He was born May 15, 1924, in Jacobs Creek, a son of the late Klement and Maria Roth Krempasky. He was a retired bus driver for the Yough School District for 33 years and Laidlaw Transit for four months. He was also a farmer. He was a member of St. Timothy's Roman Catholic Church of Smithton and its Holy Name Society. He is survived by his wife, Betty Yasko Krempasky, with whom he celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 2, 1999; two sons , Jerome of Greenwood, Wis., and Jeffrey of Fredericksburg, Va.; six grandchildren; and the following brothers and sisters : Klement of Metropolis, Ill., Agnes Dersy of Warren, Ohio, Stephen of Donora, Albert of West Newton, Ann Mariani of Coraopolis, Samuel of Clinton, Ohio, and Carl of Metropolis, Ill. Friends will be received Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the L.L. BARTHELS FUNERAL HOME INC., Second Street, Smithton. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 9:30 a.m. in St. Timothy's Roman Catholic Church with Father Paul Stivason as celebrant. Interment will be in the St. Timothy's Roman Catholic Cemetery. Parish rosary will be Friday at 7 p.m. The family requests those attending the Funeral Mass go directly to the church.
MITZI MERRICK
Mitzi Merrick, 93, of Export, died Wednesday, March 1, 2000. She was born July 29, 1906, in Export, a daughter of the late Blaza and Mildred Stanovich Merrick. Miss Merrick was a retired employee of Westinghouse Electric, East Pittsburgh, and was a member of St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church, Monroeville. She was preceded in death by two brothers , Nick and Blazen Merrick; and a sister, Minnie Kenderes. Surviving are two sisters , Dorothy Merrick of Export and Violet Lefever and husband, John, of Beaver; a brother, George and wife, Toots Merich, of Export; also numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the EDWIN N. WOLFE FUNERAL HOME INC., Export, Thursday and Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., where services will be held Saturday at noon with the Very Rev. Father D.C. Malich officiating. Pomen service will be held Friday at 8 p.m. Interment Grandview Cemetery, Export.
PAUL CHARLES MESSER
Paul Charles Messer, 52, of Rector, died Tuesday, Feb. 29, 2000, in Latrobe Area Hospital. He was born Dec. 24, 1947, in Pittsburgh, a son of Peter Messer of Rector and the late Nickie Miller Messer. He was educated at the Valley School of Ligonier, Avon Old Farms Prep School and attended Boston University and the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. He began his professional career as a stockbroker and worked in several brokerage houses in the Pittsburgh area. More recently, he worked with a senior citizen publication, The American Senior. In addition to his Father , he is survived by a brother, Colin of Santa Fe, N.M.; and two sons , Chad of Baltimore, Md., and George of Pittsburgh. In recent years he had been active with the Latrobe Area Task Force on Aging and with both the Westmoreland County Food Bank and the Ligonier Valley Food Pantry. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 4, in St. Michael's of the Valley Church in Rector with the Rev. James B. Simons officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Friends will be received in the church parish hall following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Westmoreland County Food Bank. McCABE FUNERAL HOME of Derry is in charge of arrangements.
MARGARET A. MILLER
Margaret A. Miller, 85, of Level Green, died Wednesday, March 1, 2000, in Forbes Regional Hospital, Monroeville. She was born Oct. 29, 1914, in Rankin, a daughter of the late Andrew and Elizabeth Olenik Palchak. She was a member of the St. Regis Church and the Level Green Senior Citizens. She was a retired secretary with the Penn Township Sewerage Authority. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn A. Miller, in 1998; a son, Alfred; two sisters , Betty Bernath and Josephine Subasic; and a brother, Edward Palchak. She is survived by two daughters , Bernadette Miller of Philadelphia and Jean Hajnosz and her husband, Richard, of Penn Township; and three grandchildren, Richelle, Joshua and Christopher Hajnosz. Friends will be received at the JOHN M. DOBRINICK FUNERAL HOME, 429 Duquesne Ave., Trafford, Thursday 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. in the St. Regis Church. Interment will follow in the New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles.
THE REV. DR. WALTER F. PRESET
The Rev. Dr. Walter F. Preset, 93, of Greensburg, died Monday, Feb. 28, 2000. He was born Dec. 10, 1906, in Mansfield, Pa., a son of the late Alfred and Minnie Preset. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Caroline; his wife of 63 years, Opal Hensler Preset; and a grandson, Bruce Walter Stephenson. He received his bachelor's degree from Ohio Wesleyan University, his theological degree from Western Seminary, his master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and an honorary doctor of divinity degree from West Virginia Wesleyan. His 40 years of ministry were served within the Pittsburgh Conference of the United Methodist Church, where he was known as a caring pastor. He served churches in Irwin, Madison, Ben Avon, Wilmerding, and Squirrel Hill; was district superintendent of the former Blairsville District; and was administrator of the Methodist Hospital and Home (Asbury Heights) in Mt. Lebanon. He was recognized as being the first person to simultaneously be elected president of both the National Association of Methodist Hospitals and Homes, and the Health and Welfare Certification Council of the United Methodist Church. He was one of the founders of PANPHA (Pa. Association of Non-Profit Homes for the Aging). He was a member of the Board of Trustees, West Virginia Wesleyan; a 32nd Degree Mason; past president of both Rotary and Kiwanis; organizer of one of the first Jewish/Christian Kiwanis Clubs. In 1966, he was featured as one of Pittsburgh's religious leaders in a series of articles done by the Pittsburgh Press. He was on numerous boards throughout his career, including: the boards of the Methodist Church Union, Goodwill Industries, Jumonville Methodist Training Center, and the board of National Conferences of Christians and Jews. Surviving are his daughters , Mrs. Robert (Beverly) Stephenson of Grove City, Ohio, Mrs. Wylie (Marilyn) Overly of Latrobe, and Mrs. Robert (Carole) Skoumal of Jamestown, Mo.; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Services will be held Saturday, March 4, at 10 a.m. in the KEPPLE-GRAFT FUNERAL HOME, 524 N. Main St., Greensburg, with the Rev. Robert C. Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in the Unity Cemetery in Unity Township. The family wishes memorial contributions to either the Redstone Highlands, 6 Garden Center Drive, Greensburg, or one's favorite charity.
ETHEL V. WERNER
Ethel V. Werner, 81, of Elizabeth Township, died Tuesday, Feb. 29, 2000, at Vencor Hospital, Oakdale. She was born Feb. 26, 1919, in Duquesne, a daughter of the late Earl and Rose Brownell Kallenbaugh. She was a member of Community Christian Missionary Alliance, Elizabeth Township. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, William F. Werner Jr.; three children, Don Campbell of West Newton, Grace Stinespring of Hopedale, Ohio, and Diane Stoner of Camp Hill, Pa.; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Gerry Sabol of Port Vue. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by three sisters , Thelma Pullin, Verda Tolbert, and Earlene Snyder. Friends will be received at the J. WILLIAM McCAULEY JR. FUNERAL HOME INC., West Newton, Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Service will be held Friday at 1:30 p.m. in the funeral home with her nephew, Minister Bill Pullin, officiating. Interment West Newton Cemetery.
PETER F. WUCHINA JR.
Peter F. ``Pete" Wuchina Jr., 58, of New Derry, died Wednesday, March 1, 2000, at his home. He was born Dec. 28, 1941, in Latrobe, a son of the late Peter F. Sr. and Helen (Hobart) Wuchina. He was Catholic by faith. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He owned and operated his own business, the Keystone Chimney Sweep Co., and was a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild and the Pa. Chimney Sweep Guild. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Frances Wuchina. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Joyce I. (Rice) Wuchina, whom he married Sept. 9, 1967; a son, Peter F. Wuchina III of Blairsville RD3; a daughter, Mrs. Nathan (Pamela J.) McKlveen of New Alexandria; a brother, Andrew Wuchina of Latrobe; four sisters , Mrs. Andy (Rose) Riviera of Texas , Stella Wuchina of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Mrs. Chris (Carol) Matson of Stafford, Va., and Mrs. Pete (Joyce) Hershberger of Lighthouse Point, Fla.; a special sister-in-law, Mrs. Ralph (Edra Mae) Zitterbart; three aunts, Kay Wuchina, Josephine Byers and Angeline Hobart, all of Ligonier; a granddaughter, Moiya McKlveen; and several nieces and nephews. Friends will be received Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 300 W. Third Ave., Derry, where funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 10 a.m. with the Rev. James Henigin and Father Joseph Madalenna co-officiating. Interment will follow in Coles Cemetery in Derry.
MICHAEL YOCCA
Michael Yocca, 34, of Plum Borough, died tragically on Monday, Feb. 28, 2000, in Winter Park, Colo. Born in Monroeville Dec. 2, 1965, Mr. Yocca was a former resident of Washington Township, Westmoreland County, and was a consultant in the computer field. He is survived by his beloved wife, Tracy Ann (Truxal); three sons , Eric Miller Yocca, Alan Edward Yocca and Luke Anthony Yocca; his mother , Sandra (Lilja) Yocca; sisters , Monica Lynn Bland and Jennifer Yocca; and brothers , Samuel, Jeremy and Benjamin. He was preceded in death by his Father , Edward Wm. Yocca; and a brother, Damian A. Yocca. Friends will be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at the MAURICE L. KNEE LTD. FUNERAL HOME, 7663 Saltsburg Road (across from S&T Bank) in Plum Borough. Services will be held Saturday at 6:30 p.m. in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 801 Pierson Run Road in Plum Borough. Memorial donations may be made to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.
JULIA COFFER
Julia Coffer, 91, of West Newton, died Monday, Feb. 28, 2000, at Harmon House, Mt. Pleasant. She was born Feb. 16, 1909, in West Newton, a daughter of the late Simon and Mary Gamery Lux. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, West Newton, and a member of the Faith Lutheran Women's Society. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Tony Coffer; a son, Norman Coffer; three sisters , Mary Wilson, Emma Simmons, and Anna Smith; and two brothers , James and Michael Lux. She is survived by three children, Julia Kopko and Dorothy Robinson, both of West Newton, and Robert ``Woog" Coffer of Lowber; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. Friends were received at the J. WILLIAM McCAULEY JR. FUNERAL HOME INC., West Newton, Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and will be received Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral service will be held Friday, March 3, at Faith Lutheran Church, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Gary F. Schult officiating. Interment West Newton Cemetery.
VIRGINIA K. TAYLOR DUFFEY
Virginia K. Taylor Duffey, 72, of Blairsville (Burrell Township), passed away Tuesday, Feb. 29, 2000, at St. Andrew's Village, Indiana, Pa. A daughter of Lloyd R. and Nora L. Howard Taylor, she was born Aug. 6, 1927, in Graceton, Pa. Mrs. Duffey lived the last 22 years in Blairsville. She was a member of Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church. She is survived by a son, Kenneth Duffey and his wife, Anna, of Blairsville; two daughters , Kathleen Freeman and her husband, Thomas, of Greensburg RD2, and Kimberly Blanton of New Alexandria; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Betty Sandolfini of Black Lick. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James P. Duffey, on Jan. 3, 1999; and a daughter, Nancy Collins, in 1987. The family received friends at the RICHARD L. SHOEMAKER FUNERAL HOME, 49 N. Walnut St., Blairsville, Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Services will be held in the funeral home Thursday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Dwayne Burfield officiating. Interment will follow in Luther Chapel Cemetery, Center Township.
ANNA T. HORVATINCIC
Anna T. Horvatincic, 89, of White Oak, died Tuesday, Feb. 29, 2000. Born Feb. 2, 1911, the daughter of the late Anthony and Anna Vabich. She is the wife of the late Stephen Horvatincic. She was also preceded in death by her son, John Horvatincic. She is survived by five children, Steve Horvatincic, Dr. James Horvatincic, Louise Clevenger, Florence Penick and Kathy Petrovich; nine grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the DANIEL F. BEKAVAC FUNERAL HOME, 4504 Walnut St., Versailles Borough, (412) 678-3454, Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, McKeesport. Interment Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth Township.
SALVATORE P. PERNA
Salvatore P. Perna, 70, of Latrobe, died Tuesday, Feb. 29, 2000, in the Presbyterian University Hospital, Pittsburgh. He was born Dec. 1, 1929, in Gray Station (Derry Township), a son of the late John C. Perna and the late Virginia L. (Bell) Perna, who passed away on March 23, 1999. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by Westinghouse in Blairsville. He was a veteran of the Korean conflict, having served with the U.S. Marine Corps, and was a member of the Bolivar American Legion. He was also a member of the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, the Latrobe sons of Italy, the St. Joe's Club, and the Kingston Veterans and Sportsmen's Club. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth (Kuhn) Perna, on Nov. 1, 1998. He is survived by two nieces, Michelle Visconti and Diane Musick; his godchild, Yvonne Slifka; and his sister-in-law, Kay Musick and her husband, Gerald, all of Latrobe. Funeral home visitation will be private. Friends and relatives are welcome to attend a Funeral Mass to be celebrated Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in the Holy Family Church, Latrobe. Private interment will follow in Unity Cemetery, Unity Township. The HARTMAN-GRAZIANO FUNERAL HOME INC., 1500 Ligonier St., Latrobe, is in charge of arrangements.
