Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
JOSEPH S. PIANKO
Joseph S. Pianko, 69, of Greensburg, died Wednesday, April 19, 2000, in Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. He was born Feb. 24, 1931, in Humphreys, a son of Antoinette Staschak Pianko of Greensburg and the late Ignatius Pianko, who died in 1983. Prior to retirement in 1993, he had been the custodian at the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Greensburg, with 39 years of service. He was a member of the Church of St. Paul, Greensburg. Joe was an avid fisherman, hunter and bingo player, and his grandchildren's #1 sports fan. In addition to his Father , he was preceded in death by a daughter, Rosemary Pianko, on Aug. 31, 1974. In addition to his mother , he is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Margaret J. Stoila Pianko; and his children, Joseph E. and his wife, Mary Pianko, Michael E. and his wife, Tama Pianko, and Margaret and her husband, Richard Johnson, all of Greensburg, Donna and her husband, Joseph Walton, of Mt. Pleasant, Claudia Pianko of Morgantown, W.Va., Gregory and his wife, Beverly Pianko, of Indianapolis, Ind., and Antoinette and her husband, Michael Chovanec of Mt. Pleasant; 13 grandchildren, Marc, Michelle, Melissa, Stephanie, Loren and Andrew Pianko, Scott and Matthew Johnson, Joe and Jennifer Walton, and Noah, Jacob and Justin Chovanec; a brother, Thomas Pianko of Loyalhanna; and four sisters , Catherine Pianko, Mary Ann Pianko and Virginia Trout, all of Greensburg, and Ann Gumbita of Latrobe. Friends will be received at the BACHA FUNERAL HOME INC., 516 Stanton at Green streets, Greensburg, Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. (No visitation Easter Sunday.) 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 the Greensburg Catholic Cemetery, Hempfield Township.
MARION J. SHOWERS
Marion J. Showers, 83, of Latrobe, died Thursday, April 13, 2000. She was born Feb. 16, 1917, in Latrobe, a daughter of the late Alex and Jennie (Wright) Russell. Marion was a member of the Christ United Church of Christ in Latrobe. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clark C. Showers, in 1998; and her son, Russell C. Showers. She is survived by two daughters , Maxine Lechman and her husband, Robert, of Latrobe and Lori J. Turnbull and her husband, Kent, of Redford, Mich.; five grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; her brother, Charles Russell and his wife, Marsha, of Atlanta, Ga.; and her sister, Shirley Holden of Latrobe. Friends received at the HARTMAN-GRAZIANO FUNERAL HOME INC., 1500 Ligonier St., Latrobe, Saturday, April 22, from 10 until 11 a.m., at which time a memorial service will be held in the funeral home chapel with her pastor, the Rev. Wayne D. Sautter, officiating. Interment will follow in Unity Cemetery, Unity Township.
EMILY J. FLORENTINE SMOLICH
Emily J. Florentine Smolich, 78, of Las Vegas, Nev., formerly of Greensburg, died Friday, April 14, 2000, in Mountain View Hospital, Las Vegas, Nev. She was born Sept. 25, 1921, in New Brighton, a daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Morelli Florentine. She was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Greensburg. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph S. Smolich, on Dec. 24, 1995. She is survived by a son, James J. and his wife, Diane Smolich, of Coral Springs, Fla.; a daughter, Sharon L. and her husband, Allen Tolen, of Las Vegas, Nev.; three brothers , David and his wife, Betty Florentine, of New Brighton, Jack and his wife, Della Florentine, of Beaver Falls and Anthony and his wife, Orietta Florentine, of New Brighton; a sister, Rachel and her husband, James Macry, of New Brighton; and a special cousin, Rachel and her husband, Vincent Cercone, of New Brighton. Also several nieces and nephews survive. Friends will be received at the BACHA FUNERAL HOME INC., 516 Stanton at Green streets, Greensburg, Saturday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. only. (No visitation Easter Sunday.) A blessing service will be held in the funeral home Monday at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Greensburg. Entombment will follow in the Greensburg Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum, Hempfield Township.
GLENN J. BAUGHMAN
Glenn J. Baughman, 87, of Adamsburg, formerly of North Huntingdon, died Friday, April 21, 2000, at home. He was born Dec. 22, 1912, in North Huntingdon, a son of the late Frank C. and Agusta Lintner Baughman. Prior to retirement in 1972, he owned Glenn J. Baughman Excavating, North Huntingdon. He was a charter member of the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, North Huntingdon, where he had served as a former member of the church council and choir. He was a charter member of the Norwin Lions Club and a charter member of the Fairmount-Hahntown Volunteer Fire Department. He was a former member of the board of directors of the North Huntingdon Township schools. He was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and a member of the West Hempfield Senior Citizens. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers , Scott and Charles Baughman; a sister, Catherine Mathias; and a granddaughter. He is survived by his wife of more than 63 years, Mary Ann Laber Baughman, and the following children: Glenda Ann Wareham of Jeannette, Kathleen Madden and her husband, Sheldon, of Greensburg, DeWayne Baughman and his wife, Karyn, Allen Baughman and his wife, Mary Ellen, and Cynthy Kisel and her husband, John, all of North Huntingdon; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; three stepgreat-grandchildren; two sisters , Gladys Shuber of Paintertown and Louise Auckerman of Chambersburg; also nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the WILLIAM SNYDER FUNERAL HOME, 521 Main St., Irwin, Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Monday at 11 a.m. in the Lutheran Church of Our Savior with the Rev. Mark A. Fischer officiating (those attending, please go directly to the church). Entombment will follow in Westmoreland County Memorial Park, Hempfield Township. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute to the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Garden of Memories Fund, 1570 Clay Pike Road, North Huntingdon, PA 15642.
JOHN R. BILLY
John R. "JB" Billy, 48, of Long Branch, died Friday, April 21, 2000, at his residence. Born Oct. 17, 1951, in North Charleroi, he was a son of John and Madeline Jankura Billy of Monessen. Mr. Billy was a resident of Long Branch for the past 21 years, having previously resided in Monessen. He was a member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Roscoe. Mr. Billy owned and operated Belle Vernon Oil Co., and was employed at Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, Allenport plant, as a motor inspector. He was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army Reserve and the National Guard of Pennsylvania . He was a member of the Roscoe American Legion Post 801, and was a former councilman of Long Branch Borough. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Becky Phillips Billy, to whom he was married 22 years; a son, Brian John Billy at home; two brothers and sisters -in-law, Richard A. and Lisa Billy of Monessen and David B. and Julie Billy of Alexandria, Va.; a niece and nephew, Marie E. Billy and Alexander R. Billy, both of Monessen; and his Father - and mother -in-law, John and Nancy Simala of Long Branch. He was preceded in death by a brother, Jeffrey Billy, in 1955. Visitation will be Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the LEONARD J. PARZYNSKI FUNERAL HOME, Family Owned and Operated, 626 Broad Ave., Belle Vernon. A prayer service will be held Monday at 9:15 a.m. in the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph R.C. Church, Roscoe, with the Rev. George Monack as celebrant. Interment will take place in Holy Name Cemetery, Monessen.
WILLIAM J. CUNNINGHAM
William J. Cunningham, 81, of Bolivar, formerly of Columbus, Ohio, died Friday, April 21, 2000, in the Memorial Medical Center, Johnstown. He was born June 3, 1918, in Bolivar, a son of the late Graham and Verne St. Clair Cunningham. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert G. Cunningham; and a stepbrother, James C. Buckman. He is survived by a sister, Alice R. Cunningham of Pittsburgh; nieces, Roberta, Nancy and Gloria Cunningham; and a nephew, William Cunningham. Prior to retirement, he worked for the State Highway Department as a civil engineer for 30 years. He was a member of the Ohio State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors in Columbus, Ohio, and researched, compiled and published the genealogy of the Hugh St. Clair family. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Bolivar, and had an extended military career in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and the Korean conflict. He enjoyed landscaping and gardening and loved the outdoors and his family. Friends will be received at the J. PAUL McCRACKEN FUNERAL HOME, 536 Market St., Bolivar, Sunday from 3 to 9 p.m. Services will be held in the funeral home Monday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. R. Kenneth Keiper officiating. Interment in West Fairfield Cemetery, New Florence. Memorial gifts may be made in his name to the New Florence Community Library, Ligonier Street, New Florence, PA 15944.
C. HERSCHEL KAUFMAN
C. Herschel Kaufman, 74, of Jefferson Hills, on Friday, April 21, 2000. Beloved husband of Laird (Scheidemantel) Kaufman. Also survived by an aunt and numerous cousins. He was a Noble Grand Odd Fellow of Zelienople, a Worshipful Master of the Blue Lodge F&AM, Ellwood City, commander of the American Legion of Ellwood City, a retired industrial electrical estimator, and a World War II U.S. Army veteran of the 66th Division. He enjoyed golf and bowling. Visitation will be Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service at 1:30 p.m. at the JEFFERSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME INC., 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pleasant Hills. Interment Jefferson Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the building fund of the Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church, 255 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15228.
BRUCE KWACZALA
Bruce Kwaczala, 40, of Arlington, Texas , formerly of Greensburg (Midway), died suddenly Thursday, April 20, 2000. He was born Jan. 16, 1960, in Greensburg, a son of Joseph and Verna Kwaczala, now of Arlington, Texas . He attended the Hempfield schools. He is survived by his wife, Gloria; a son, Joshua; and a daughter, Danny, both at home; a sister, Pam Kwaczala and her daughter, Vanessa Kwaczala of Jeannette; and a brother, Jeff and his wife, Cassy, and their children, Michael, Jonathan, and Annamarie, of Greensburg. Preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Joseph and Susan Kwaczala; and maternal grandparents, Charles and Carrie Baker. Friends will be received at the MOORE FUNERAL HOME, 4216 S. Bowen Road, Arlington, Texas , 76016, (817) 468-8111. Arrangements incomplete.
MARCELLA L. MOLCHAN
Marcella L. Molchan, 87, of Belle Vernon, died Friday, April 21, 2000, in Frick Hospital, Mt. Pleasant. Born in Van Meter, Dec. 19, 1912, she was a daughter of the late Victor and Josephine (Gruphofer) Dongilli Corna. Mrs. Molchan was a member of the St. Timothy's Roman Catholic Church in Smithton, where she was active in the Christian Mothers. She is survived by her triplet daughters , Mrs. Shirley Swatchick of Verona, Mrs. Rita Vanovitz of Holiday Park and Mrs. Barbara Cardenas of Lower Burrell; four brothers , Reno Dongilli, Carl Dongilli and Arthur Dongilli, all of Belle Vernon, and Randell Dongilli of Newell; a sister, Mrs. LaVerna Painter of Belle Vernon; 10 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Molchan; a son, Norman Molchan; three brothers , Lawrence, Leon and Norman Dongilli; and two sisters , Freda Cibula and Dolores Jarrell. Friends will be received Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Monday until 10:15 a.m. in the JAMES C. STUMP FUNERAL HOME INC., 580 Circle Drive, Sweeney Plan/Rostraver Township. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday in the St. Timothy's Roman Catholic Church, Smithton, with the Rev. Paul R. Stivason presiding. Interment will follow in the St. Timothy's Cemetery, Smithton.
PATSY F. MONGELLUZZO
Patsy F. Mongelluzzo, 90, of Connellsville, died Friday, April 21, 2000, at his home. He was born Aug. 8, 1909, in Philadelphia, a son of the late Amato and Philomena Meluzia Mongelluzzo. He was retired in August of 1973 from the B&O Railroad, where he was employed for more than 40 years. He was a member of the F.O. Eagles of Connellsville and the sons of Columbus of Connellsville. Patsy was an avid dancer and attended dances all over the area, especially at the Youngwood Senior Center and the AMVETS in Uniontown. In 1998, he and his partner, Vivian Nathan, were chosen as best dancers in a competition at the Uniontown Mall and were selected to dance at the LaFayette Manor in Uniontown. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Emma M. Helms Mongelluzzo; and a sister, Felecia Spagnoletti. He is survived by four brothers , Michael Mongelluzzo of Philadelphia, Joseph Mongelluzzo of Connellsville, Anthony Mongelluzzo and his wife, Roberta, of Connellsville and John Mongelluzzo and his wife, June, of Wyandotte, Mich.; a sister, Theresa Mongell of Connellsville; numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, and great-great-nieces and -nephews; and a special friend, Vivian Nathan of Uniontown. Friends will be received in the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., 111 E. Green St., Connellsville, Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Michael Bucci officiating. Interment will follow in Green Ridge Memorial Park, Pennsville.
THOMAS W. NEGA JR.
Thomas W. Nega Jr., 53, of Indian Hill Road, Rostraver Township, died Friday, April 21, 2000, in his home. He was born Jan. 30, 1947, in North Charleroi, a son of Thomas W. and Mary Hutoff Nega, who survive and reside in Rostraver Township. A lifelong resident of Rostraver Township, he was a member of the Church of St. Anne. Since 1978, he was the executive director of Contract Management of Southwestern Pennsylvania Inc., and formerly was director of the Drug and Alcohol Program for the Mon Valley United Health Center. He had been an Eagle Scout and was a member of the Steel Town Corvette Club. He did his graduate and undergraduate work in psychology at the West Virginia University, where he had also been commander of the Pershing Rifles. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army ROTC and received the highest military award for students and officers. He completed the Pittsburgh Marathon in 1985. He was also a member of the Ice Skating Institute of America. He was honored at the White House for Nancy Reagan's anti-drug campaign and was part of the U.S. delegation to Russia where he made a presentation on drug and alcohol addiction. He was a member of the following professional organizations: National Rehabilitation Association, National Rehabilitation Counseling Association, Southwestern Regional Training Center and the Coalition for Addictive Diseases-Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation. He was a director of the Westmoreland County Drug and Alcohol Commission; past chairperson, secretary and current member of the Pennsylvania Association of Drug and Alcohol Administrators Inc.; a board member of Southwest Behavioral Health Management Inc.; was listed in the Who's Who of the National Conference on Rehabilitation in 1969; an Outstanding Young Man of America in 1977 and was a founder of Tempering the Valley of Steel. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Rosita Fantini Nega; two daughters , Allison R. Nega, a senior at Ithaca College in New York, and Katherine E. Nega at home; a sister and brother-in-law, Joycelyn and Edward P. Gazi of Rostraver Township; and a niece, Ashley Gazi. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Frank and Anna Leavor Hutoff; and his paternal grandparents, Zigmund and Mary Frich Nega. Friends will be received in the FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME INC., 700 Broad Ave., Belle Vernon, Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the Church of St. Anne, Rostraver Township, with the Rev. Ronald L. Simboli presiding. Entombment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery.
MARGARET OLIVE OPLINGER
Margaret Olive Oplinger, 96, of Jeannette, died Friday, April 21, 2000, in Westmoreland Regional Hospital, Greensburg. She was born May 3, 1903, in Boquet, a daughter of the late Clarence and Louella Cline Ashbaugh. She was a member of the Grace United Church of Christ, Jeannette. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John C. Oplinger; two sons , Carl and Kenneth Oplinger; and a daughter, Virginia Welshons. She is survived by two sons , Robert E. and his wife, Sarah Jane, of Cape Coral, Fla., and Eugene and his wife, Margaret, of Jeannette; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandsons; a brother, Kenneth Ashbaugh of Glendora, Calif.; a sister, Alice Mountain of San Diego, Calif.; and a number of nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the MASON-GELDER FUNERAL HOME INC., 201 N. First St., Jeannette, Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home Monday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Dr. Robert W. Jobe officiating. Interment will follow in Jeannette Memorial Park, Penn Township.
DEBRA ANN (WEHMER) SHAK
Debra Ann (Wehmer) Shak, 43, of Westland, Mich., formerly of Monroeville, died Wednesday, April 12, 2000. mother of Jennifer Lindalh. Daughter of Robert and Patricia Wehmer. Sister of Beverly, Robert, Thomas, and Michael Wehmer. Services were held in Michigan.
