Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
FIRM LaGRANDE DINKINS
Firm LaGrande Dinkins, 78, of Greensburg, formerly of North Dakota, died Tuesday, April 4, 2000, in Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. He was born Jan. 25, 1922, in Granite, Okla., a son of the late Paul Custis Dinkins and Famey Morse Dinkins. He was a retired mechanical engineer with the Elliott Co. with 35 years of service and was a graduate of Carnegie Tech and served during World War II in the U.S. Air Corps with the rank of captain. He was a member of Our Lady of Grace Church, the Greensburg Sportsmen's Association and the Erie Yacht Club. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters , Irma, Opal, Ruby, Pauline, and Chesley; and brothers , Frank and Sydney. Surviving are his loving wife, Helen Joan Dinkins; and children, Barrie Lynn Simpson and husband, Michael, of Lafayette, Ind., Paul Joseph Dinkins and wife, Patricia, of Fort Collins, Colo., Joseph Earl Dinkins and wife, Teresa, of Abingdon, Va., and Mary Ann Ryan and husband, Randall, of Flagstaff, Ariz.; brother, O.C. Dinkins of Republic, Mo.; and four grandchildren, Mary Elana Simpson, Robert Firm Simpson II, Sean Paul Dinkins and Marissa Ryan. Friends will be received at the KEPPLE-GRAFT FUNERAL HOME INC., 524 N. Main St., Greensburg, (724) 837-1201, from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. A blessing service will be held Saturday in the funeral home at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Church. Interment will follow in the St. Clair Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the VFW Post #33 of Greensburg.
ALICIA E. FRANCESE
Alicia E. "Lee" Francese, 65, formerly of Jeannette, died suddenly Saturday, April 1, 2000, in Philadelphia. She was born Aug. 16, 1934, in Jeannette, a daughter of the late John and Mary Biondi Francese. She was employed as a floral designer in Philadelphia. She was a member of the Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church of Philadelphia and a member of the Ascension Church Rosary Altar Society of Jeannette. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Catherine White . Surviving are two sisters , Madeliene "Toots" Manning of North Huntingdon and Carol Francese of Jeannette; and nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to a Memorial Mass Saturday, April 8, at 10 a.m. in the Ascension Church, Jeannette. Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Jeannette. Local arrangements by the JOSEPH F. OTT FUNERAL HOME INC., Irwin.
CHARLES F. HENNINGER
Charles F. Henninger, 90, of Greensburg, died Wednesday, April 5, 2000, in the Hempfield Manor, Hempfield Township. He was born Nov. 18, 1909, in Belleville, a son of the late Thomas and Esther Roper Henninger. Prior to retirement, he had been a supervisor for Weston Instruments of Newark, N.J. He was a graduate of Greensburg High School and a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Vilma McCurdy Henninger, in 1989; and by two sisters , Marion Henninger and Elizabeth "Lib" Miron. He is survived by a sister, Mildred "Mid" Bepler of Greensburg; and three nephews, William H. and his wife, Joycelene Bepler, C. Thomas and his wife, Cathy Miron, and Joseph D. Miron. Friends received at the BACHA FUNERAL HOME INC., 516 Stanton at Green streets, Greensburg, Thursday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home Friday at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Carenda D. Baker officiating. Interment will follow in the Westmoreland County Memorial Park, Hempfield Township. Family suggests memorial contributions to the Westmoreland Hospice, 532 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, PA 15601.
MARY O. MARIANI
Mary O. Mariani, 82, of Jeannette, died Wednesday, April 5, 2000, at her home. She was born Oct. 23, 1917, in Madison, a daughter of the late Anthony and Dominica Quilico Arbore. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church, Jeannette. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Orlando Mariani, in 1982; and a sister, Renata Bolkovac. Surviving are a son, Roger L. Mariani at home; and several nieces and nephews. Friends received Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the JOHN V. GRAZIANO FUNERAL HOME INC., 228 N. Second St., Jeannette. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Hempfield Township.
IDA LEE MICKENS
Ida Lee Mickens, of Pittsburgh, quietly on Tuesday, April 4, 2000. Beloved mother of Shirley Bradley of Wilkinsburg, Leatha Anderson, Reatha Levitt and Mary Mickens, all of Pittsburgh, Gloria Besley of Sarasota, Fla., Barbara Mason of Wilkinsburg, Alvin Mickens of Augusta, Ga., and Kenneth Mickens of Pittsburgh. Also survived by four sons -in-law; two daughters -in-law; 16 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and a host of great-great-grandchildren. Friends may call Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the WHITE MEMORIAL CHAPEL OF POINT BREEZE, 7204 Thomas Blvd. at North Homewood Avenue. Funeral ceremony Saturday 1 p.m. at Bible Center Church of God in Christ. Interment Allegheny Cemetery.
HELEN V. RUSSO
Helen V. Russo, 83, of Perryopolis, died Wednesday, April 5, 2000, at 3:20 p.m., in Laurel Ridge Center, Uniontown. She was born March 9, 1917, in Perryopolis, a daughter of the late Stephen and Mary Hlapala Farkas. Helen was a member of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Altar Society, former president of the Rosary Society, St. John's Memorial Choir, Perryopolis Heritage Society, sons of Italy, and Perryopolis Senior Citizens, all of Perryopolis. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Francis X. Russo; four daughters , Mrs. Richard (Mary) Petrocci of Waldorf, Md., Ms. Frances Musar of Upper St. Clair, Mrs. Joseph (Janet) Gozdick of Derry and Mrs. Ray (Janice) Zebley of Dawson; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Anna Cavanagh of Red Bank, N.J.; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers and six sisters . Friends received in the BLAIR-LOWTHER FUNERAL HOME INC., 106 E. Independence St., Perryopolis, Thursday 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., where a prayer service will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Perryopolis, with the Rev. Father John T. Euker as celebrant. Interment St. John's Cemetery, Perryopolis. A wake service will be held Friday at 8 p.m.
JOHN F. SAKOS
John F. "Buck" Sakos, 82, of Jeannette, died Wednesday, April 5, 2000, in Westmoreland Manor, Hempfield Township. He was born June 24, 1917, in Calumet, a son of the late Andrew and Anna Barabas Sakos. Prior to retirement, he was employed as a truck driver for Teamsters Local 30. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Church, Jeannette, and its Holy Name Society. John was a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was a member of the F.O.E. #844, Arlington Sportsmen's Club and the Jeannette American Legion Post #344. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Florence Joan Pontorolo Sakos; a brother, Joseph Sakos; and a sister, Catherine Haubrich. He is survived by his brother, Andrew Szakos and his wife, Emma, of Jeannette; and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the MASON-GELDER FUNERAL HOME INC., 201 N. First St., Jeannette, Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Church, Jeannette. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Hempfield Township. The Holy Name Society will meet in the funeral home Friday at 8:30 p.m. to pray the rosary.
EMERSON ELLSWORTH SANDERS
Emerson Ellsworth Sanders, 88, of Jeannette, died Tuesday, April 4, 2000, in the Monsour Medical Center, Jeannette. He was born Jan. 10, 1912, in Jeannette, a son of the late Charles and Teasdale Black Sanders. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during World War II. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Jeannette, and the Jeannette American Legion Post #344. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers , Robert, Donald and Charles Sanders; and two sisters , Ethel Sanders and Betty Long. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ruth Magrel Sanders; a son, Gary Sanders of Jeannette; a daughter, Ruth Bush and her husband, Verle, of Penn; two grandchildren; a brother, James Sanders of Greensburg; a sister, Jessie Darr of Florida; and a number of nieces and nephews. Friends received at the MASON-GELDER FUNERAL HOME INC., 201 N. First St., Jeannette, Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral service will be held Friday at noon in the funeral home with the Rev. David D. Hunte officiating. Entombment with military rites will follow in the Twin Valley Memorial Park Mausoleum.
ROSALIE G. (CULLETON) SCHUESSLER
Rosalie G. (Culleton) Schuessler, 81, of Uniontown, died Wednesday, April 5, 2000, in the Uniontown Hospital. She was born Nov. 27, 1918, in Phillips, Pa., a daughter of the late William J. Sr. and Zula Mary (McDowell) Culleton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harry R. Schuessler, on Sept. 28, 1992; an infant son; and the following brothers and sisters : Paul Bernard Culleton, Rose Mary Culleton, William J. Culleton Jr., Frances Callahan, Margaret Race and Charles Culleton. Rosalie was a beloved mother and grandmother, a member of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, and was previously employed by Top Value Stamps Redemption Center of Uniontown. She is survived by four children, Harry R. Schuessler Jr. of Uniontown, Thomas P. Schuessler of Fairfax, Va., Richard Schuessler of Youngwood and Deborah Capranica and husband, Sam, of Evans Manor, Pa.; six grandchildren, Staci, Michelle, Mark, Kaitlin, Erin and Ashley; and a sister, Mary Z. Kyle of Tower Hill #2, Pa. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, and her Jack Russell terrier, Sparky. Friends will be received in the HAKY FUNERAL HOMES INC., 139 W. Fayette St., Uniontown, Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday until 9 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 9:30 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church with the Rev. Father William J. Kiel as celebrant. Interment will follow in Sylvan Heights Cemetery. Parish wake service Friday at 3:45 p.m.
IRENE BURKE SCOTT
Irene Burke Scott, 84, of Vero Beach, Fla., formerly of Greensburg RD7, died Sunday, April 2, 2000, at Palm Garden Nursing Home, Florida. She was born April 20, 1915, in Latrobe, a daughter of the late Henry A. and Helen M. Hamerski Burke. She was a former member of the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Greensburg, a member of St. Helen Church, Vero Beach, Fla., the N.A.V.P., AARP, and Senior Citizens of Vero Beach, Fla. She had been employed for many years as an interior decorator for Troutman's department store in Greensburg. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, James T. Scott; two brothers , Julius and Lewis Burke; and five sisters , Lorraine Knock Hadden, Virginia Hoffman, Frances Sullivan, Helen Ryan, and Gertrude Yandora. She is survived by a number of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Friends received from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the JOHN J. LOPATICH FUNERAL HOME INC., 601 Weldon St., Latrobe. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 2 p.m. in Blessed Sacrament Cathedral. Interment St. Mary's Cemetery, Unity Township.
MIKE A. SMAYDA
Mike A. Smayda, 70, of Herminie, died Wednesday, April 5, 2000, at the Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. He was born Sept. 22, 1929, in Hutchinson, a son of the late John and Anna (Gretz) Smayda. Mike was a U.S. Army veteran, having served during World War II. Prior to his retirement, Mike was employed by Westinghouse, Waltz Mill, as a security officer with over 30 years of service. He also drove the "Bake Truck" on deliveries for many years with the former Oven King Bakery in Herminie. His memberships included the Herminie United Methodist Church, Madison Golden Agers, and was a life member of the Herminie VFW Post #8427. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters , Elizabeth Mismas and Anna Lisbon. Mike is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jacqueline (Kiehl) Smayda; two sons , Michael of Pittsburgh and James Smayda of Herminie; a daughter, Ms. Alice Barnett of McKeesport; two grandchildren, Raymond Barnett III and Erin Barnett; two brothers , Joseph of California and John Smayda of Las Vegas, Nev.; a sister, Mary Lux of West Newton; and number of nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the JOSEPH W. NICKELS FUNERAL HOME INC., Herminie, Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Chuck F. Hildbold Jr. officiating. Interment with full military honors accorded by the Greensburg VFW Post #33 Honor Guard will follow in the Penn-Lincoln Memorial Park, North Huntingdon. The Madison Golden Agers will meet for services Friday at 3:30 p.m. in the funeral home. The Herminie VFW Post #8427 will meet for services Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home.
SOLOMON A. SUTOR
Solomon A. Sutor, 82, of Hunker, died Wednesday, April 5, 2000, at Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. He was born in Scottdale, Jan. 30, 1918, a son of the late Ralph H. and Grace V. Enberg Sutor. He was raised in Alverton. He retired as an engineer from Conrail. He was a member of the Retired Trainmen and Engine Men Social Club. He was an active member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church of Hunker and former council member of the church. Also he was a charter life member of the Hunker Fire Department, and a member of the Hunker Lions Club and Hunker Civic's Association. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor R. Pfoutz Sutor; a daughter, Nancy Sutor Accipiter of Upper Marlboro, Md.; three sons , Barry D. Sutor and wife, Cathy, and R. Scott Sutor and wife, Marjorie, both of Hunker, and Douglas Sutor of Woodbridge, Va.; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a brother, Joseph Sutor and wife, Dorothy, of Jeannette; and a sister, Mrs. Walter (Grace Marjorie) Cornelius of Tecumseh, Mich. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Curtis A. Accipiter. Friends received at the C. RICHARD McCAULEY FUNERAL HOME INC., Youngwood, Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in St. Matthew's Lutheran Church of Hunker with the Rev. Hans O. Andrae officiating. Friends and family are to meet at the funeral home prior to services. Interment will follow in Scottdale Cemetery.
JAMES R. ASTON
James R. "Bob" Aston, 76, of Ruffsdale, died Friday, April 7, 2000, in the Frick Hospital, Mt. Pleasant. He was born Feb. 21, 1924, in Greensburg, a son of the late John G. Aston and the late Bertha Burke Aston Walton. He was a former school bus driver, having been employed by Mark Lines of Latrobe, and was a former member of the "Keystones" band. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army. He was a former member of the Greensburg VFW and a former social member of the East Huntingdon Township Firemen's Club. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two sisters , Mae Aston and Betty Klingensmith. He is survived by his wife, Genevieve Peck Aston; a daughter, Beverly Furin and her husband, Joseph, of Tarrs; a stepdaughter, Donna Kern and her husband, Terry, of Somerset; a granddaughter, Bobbi Jo Furin at home; two stepgrandchildren, Tara and Brent Kern; a sister, Emma Katherine Sickenberger of Greensburg; a special niece, Kathy Roberts and her husband, Sam, and their children, Timothy and Sherry, of Ruffsdale; and several other nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., 406 E. Washington St., Mt. Pleasant, Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Monday at 1 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Westmoreland County Memorial Park. military rites will be conducted at the graveside by the Mt. Pleasant American Legion Post 446.
