Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
BONNY L. HARBAUGH
Bonny L. Harbaugh, 57, of Saltsburg, Pa., died Friday, Jan. 28, 2000, in Las Vegas, Nev. Born April 3, 1942, in Greensburg, a daughter of Betty Pettigrew Brinkley of Greensburg and the late Earl Brinkley. Prior to her retirement, she was employed by the U.S. Postal Service in its payroll department in Van Nuys, Calif. She was a former member of the Guardian Angel Roman Catholic Church of Pacomma, Calif. In addition to her mother , she is survived by her husband, Joseph Harbaugh; and a son, Barry Harbaugh of New Derry. Family will receive friends Saturday, March 4, at Westmoreland County Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel from 2 to 2:30 p.m., the time of service with Father Paul R. Stivason officiating.
LESTER S. KLECKNER
Lester S. Kleckner, 90, of Manor, died Wednesday, March 1, 2000, in West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh. He was born June 1, 1909, in Irwin, a son of the late Oscar S. and Blanche (Allshouse) Kleckner. Prior to his retirement, he was a teacher with the Hempfield Area School District, having taught for 41 years. An avid golfer and bowler, he belonged to the Irwin Pensioners League and the Irwin Country Club League. He was also a member and past president of the Irwin Lions Club. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Annabelle (Edwards) Kleckner; a son, Terry (wife, Henrietta) Kleckner of Hempfield Township; a daughter, Pamela (husband, David) Eckels of Manor; seven grandchildren, Denise Sylvester of South Carolina, Leslie Dean of Cranberry Township, Stephanie Carney of Natrona Heights, Jill Renee DuBreucq of Mt. Pleasant, Robyn Eckels of Manor, Melissa Kleckner of Hempfield Township and Joseph Eckels of Manor; and four great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers , Ralph and Louis Kleckner; and three sisters , Edith Lees, Hazel VanDyke and Arabell Kleckner. Friends were received Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and will be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the E.J. RODGERS FUNERAL HOME, 140 Race St., Manor, where the funeral service will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Donna Havrisko officiating. Interment in Brush Creek Cemetery.
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 two sisters , Minnie Kenderes and Mary "Lil" Trokhan. 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 were received Thursday at the EDWIN N. WOLFE FUNERAL HOME INC., Export, and will be received 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, at 11 a.m. 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; two brothers , Joseph Palchak of Level Green and William Palchak of Trafford; and three grandchildren, Richelle, Joshua and Christopher Hajnosz. Friends were received Thursday and will be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the JOHN M. DOBRINICK FUNERAL HOME, 429 Duquesne Ave., Trafford. 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.
PAUL W. SCHMIDT
Paul W. Schmidt, 71, of North Huntingdon, died Tuesday, Feb. 29, 2000, in Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, after a lengthy illness. He was born May 1, 1928, in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Wendelin and Leola (Rectenwald) Schmidt. He was a retired tool and die maker at Fisher Body. Beloved husband of Lois E. (Hand) Schmidt. Also survived by a daughter, Patti Jo and husband, Robert Rak, of North Huntingdon; a son, Paul M. Schmidt and wife, Colleen, of North Huntingdon; two sisters , Margaret Borneman of Fayetteville, N.C., and Katherine Barrett of Bethel Park; five grandchildren; and five stepgrandchildren. Friends were received Wednesday and Thursday at the VINCENT V. RODGERS FUNERAL HOME, 805 Pennsylvania Ave., Irwin. Service will be held Friday, March 3, at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Carlisle Lloyd officiating. Interment Twin Valley Memorial Park.
RUSSELL L. STEFFEY
Russell L. "Russ" Steffey, 75, of Export, died Tuesday, Feb. 29, 2000, in Allegheny University-Forbes Regional. He was born April 26, 1924, in Delmont, a son of the late William C. and Millie M. (Pierce) Steffey. He was a retired machinist, having worked for the former General Tire/Gen Corp., presently known as Omnova Solutions Inc. of Jeannette. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. Russell was a member of the Delmont Presbyterian Church and the American Legion Post 18 of Slickville. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Boyd Steffey; and a sister, Viola Neudorfer. Russell is survived by his wife of 52 years, Minnie V. (Myers) Steffey; two sons , Russell K. Steffey of Mt. Pleasant, and Clifford B. Steffey and wife, Lori, of Elgin, S.C.; a daughter, Roxanne M. Goodwin and husband, Elmer Jr., of Jeannette; two brothers , Ernest Steffey of Delmont, and William Steffey and wife, Gladys, of North Huntingdon; four sisters , Ruth Martz of Export, Sylvia DeFrancis of Greensburg, Vivien Sanders and husband, Harold, of California, and Mabel McCurdy of Saxonburg. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Jessica Suba, Wendy Steffey, Jason and Brandon Goodwin, and Christine and Breanna Steffey; and a number of nieces and nephews. The family received family and friends at the VAIA FUNERAL HOME INC. AT TWIN VALLEY, 463 Athena Drive, Delmont, (724) 468-1177, on Wednesday and Thursday. Russell's funeral service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. James R. Wagner of the Faith United Methodist Church officiating. Entombment will follow in Twin Valley Memorial Park. Kevin P. Altman, supervisor, in charge of arrangements.
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 were received Thursday and will be received 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.
MARJORY E. BARNHART
Marjory E. Barnhart, 90, of New Stanton, died Friday, March 3, 2000, in the Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. She was born June 11, 1909, in Fairhope, a daughter of the late James and Laura Wilson Spahr. She was a lifelong member of the Carmichaels Methodist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Karl B. Barnhart, in 1973; two brothers , Charles and Cyril Spahr; and two sisters , Irene Luce and Myrtle Holderbaum. She is survived by two sons , Barry K. and his wife, Bernice Barnhart, of New Stanton and Ronnie B. and his wife, Barbara Barnhart, of Pittsburgh; five grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Friends will be received at the BACHA FUNERAL HOME INC., 516 Stanton at Green streets, Greensburg, Sunday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home Monday at 11 a.m. with her grandson-in-law, Shawn D. Lyons, officiating. Interment Church Hill Presbyterian Cemetery, Fayette County.
JOHN P. BORZA
John P. Borza, 83, of Greensburg, died Thursday, March 2, 2000, in the Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. He was born July 8, 1916, in Mt. Pleasant, a son of the late Stephen and Susan Melega Borza. Prior to retirement, he had been employed by White Motors, Cleveland, Ohio. He attended the Church of St. Paul, Greensburg, and was a member of the D.A.V. of Greensburg and the AARP. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers , Michael, Martin, William, and Stephen Jr.; and three sisters , Agnes Hamrock, Katherine Hails and Mary C. Macko. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He is survived by several nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the BACHA FUNERAL HOME INC., 516 Stanton at Green streets, Greensburg, Sunday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. A blessing service will be held in the funeral home Monday at 9 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. in the Church of St. Paul, Greensburg, with the Rev. Leonard W. Stoviak as celebrant. Interment will follow in Visitation Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant.
BARBARA KEPPLE BRINKER
Barbara Kepple Brinker, 84, of Greensburg, died Thursday, March 2, 2000, in Redstone Highlands, Greensburg. She was born April 30, 1915, in Greensburg, a daughter of the late Jesse P. and Elizabeth T. Brinker. She was the president of Manordale Gas & Oil Co. until her retirement in 1995, and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Greensburg. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, James M. Kepple; her second husband, Edward C. Brinker; and her brother, Donald Brinker. Surviving are her four sons , James M. Kepple Jr. and wife, Betty, of Grafton, W.Va., Robert B. Kepple and wife, Barbara, of Murrysville, John P. Kepple and wife, Janis, of Solon, Ohio, and David E. Kepple and wife, Janet, of Middletown, Ohio; stepdaughter, Dede Brinker of Elkton, Md.; brothers , Robert Brinker of Delray Beach, Fla., and Edward Brinker of Arona; and sister, Jean Bradford of Franklin, Wis. Also survived by 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. There will be no public viewing. Private services will be held at the KEPPLE-GRAFT FUNERAL HOME, 524 N. Main St., Greensburg, with Dr. James Nash officiating. Interment will follow in Twin Valley Memorial Park. The family requests memorial contributions to the YWCA, 424 N. Main St., Greensburg.
