Dec 10, 2013

Loving wife, mother and grandmother

Rae Ann Belcastro, 59, of Washington, died at 6:34 a.m. unexpectedly Monday, December 9, 2013, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.

She was born April 14, 1954, in Washington, a daughter of Robert L. Linton of Washington and the late Margaret A. Stoner Linton.

Mrs. Belcastro was a member of Trinity Bible Fellowship Church of Washington and was very close to her pastor, Michael Roach. She was an extremely committed Christian and to her church, where she was very involved. She was a “prayer warrior” and a real asset to the church. She volunteered at the Christian Outreach and went to the hospital for prayer for those who were very sick.

She donated time and funds to those who were less fortunate. She delivered meals to friends when she knew they were suffering.

Mrs. Belcastro was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was a homemaker and caretaker for many friends and family. She enjoyed baking and cooking and working with crafts and ceramics with her late mother. She carried on this tradition with her own children and grandchildren.

She was a former member of Moose Lodge. She worked as a team mom with the booster clubs for her children’s sports and functions helping to raise money.

On November 21, 1970, she married Paul W. Belcastro Sr., of Washington, who survives.

Surviving are children Paul W. (Becky) Belcastro Jr. of Washington, Marisa (David) Lutes of Washington, Scott Anthony (Brenda) Belcastro of San Tan Valley, Ariz., and Angela Rae (fiancé Stefan C. Sweeney) Belcastro of Washington; five brothers, Charles W. “Billy” (Carla) Linton of Washington, Timothy Linton of Washington, Donald L. Linton of Washington, Ronald S. Linton of Brownsville and David P. Linton of Washington; three sisters, Linda (Jack) Burt of Washington, Sandy (Frederick) Greiss of Washington and Tracy Linton Gladys of Brownsville; eight grandchildren, Christopher Hall, Luc Belcastro, Jacob Belcastro, David Lutes, Braden Belcasto, twins Amara Lee Garrett and Mareesa Rae Garrett and Ava Belcastro; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Deceased is a brother, Robert L. Linton Jr.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Warco-Falvo Funeral Home Inc., Wilson at East Katherine Avenues Washington, S. Timothy Warco, supervisor/director, Susan Falvo Warco, director, S. Timothy Warco II, director. Additional visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., the time of service, Saturday, December 14, in Trinity Bible Fellowship Church, 1350 Park Avenue, Washington, with Pastor Michael Roach officiating. Interment will be private. Those wishing to make memorial contributions may do so to the Belcastro family in care of the funeral home, Trinity Bible Fellowship Church, 1350 Park Avenue, Washington, PA 15301, or Washington Christian Outreach, 119 Highland Avenue, Washington, PA 15301. Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com.

Beloved wife, loving mother

Renee McGrogan Cummings, 62, of South Park, died Monday, December 9, 2013, in her home.

She was the beloved wife for 42 years of Michael C. Cummings; loving mother of Jamie Trickle (Eric), Stephanie Flannery (Patrick) and Timothy Cummings (Allison); sister of Maureen McGrogan (Jack), Sharon Mortell (Jim) and Tim McGrogan (Jay); and grandmother of Matthew, Joshua, Patrick, Cara and Kane.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in David J. Henney Funeral Home, 6364 Library Road, Route 88, Library, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 14.

Interment will be held in Finleyville Cemetery.

The family respectfully requests no flowers due to several pollen allergies.

Observer Publishing Co. retiree

Wilmer A. Dornon, 83, of Washington, died Monday, December 9, 2013, in Donnell House, Washington.

He was born June 27, 1930, in Canonsburg, a son of Wilmer E. and Catherine Hutson Dornon.

Mr. Dornon was a 1948 graduate of Canonsburg High School.

He retired from Observer Publishing Co., where he worked as a printer.

On January 26, 1951, he married Lucille “Babe” Cornell, who survives.

Also surviving are three children, Suzanne Hambright (Jon) of McDonald, Jeffrey Dornon (Cindy) of Sammamish, Wash., and William Dornon (Peggy) of Pickerington, Ohio; four grandchildren, Grant, Dexter and Logan Dornon and Brianna Hambright; and a sister, Sarah Bradley of Florida.

Friends will be received from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, December 12, in McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342. Interment will follow in Oak Spring Cemetery, Canonsburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.

Former West Penn Hospital employee

Valerie Mazza Greiner, 55, died December 7, 2013, after a several-year battle with peritoneal cancer.

She was a daughter of Louise and Baptiste Mazza of Washington.

Surviving are her husband of 29 years, Tony Greiner; brothers Louie Mazza and Tony Mazza, both of Washington; and seven nieces, five nephews and their families.

Until 2011, Mrs. Mazza was director of finance at Detroit Country Day School for 10 years. She was manager of accounting at St. Joseph Mercy for eight years prior. She also worked at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh and Anadarko Production Co. in Houston, Texas.

She was a certified public accountant, a graduate of California University of Pennsylvania and an active member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Plymouth, Mich.

A Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 18, in Our Lady Of Good Counsel Church, Plymouth.

Enjoyed spending time with family

Charles E. Lemley Sr., 64, of Waynesburg, passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 10, 2013, after a lengthy illness, with his family by his side.

He was born July 24, 1949, in Waynesburg, a son of the late Esther Crouch Lemley and Robert Lemley Sr.

In March 1969, he married Ellen Tuttle, who survives.

Mr. Lemley was the beloved father of Charles Lemley Jr. (Tammy) of Waynesburg, Joe Usher of Waynesburg, Jenny Lemley of Waynesburg, Shelley Rickard (George) of Waynesburg and Tammy Wilson (Kevin) of McClellandtown; loving grandfather of 11; and great-grandfather of 18.

Deceased, in addition to his parents, are a son, Daniel Usher, and two brothers, Grant Lemley and Robert Lemley Jr.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was a hunter and outdoorsman.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no public viewing. Family and friends are welcome to attend a memorial service at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 14, in Throckmorton United Methodist Church, 225 Preachers Road, Waynesburg. Arrangements are being handled by Behm Funeral Homes Inc., Waynesburg. Condolences may be offered at www.behmfh.com.

Navy veteran enjoyed traveling

Gregory J. Mazza, 86, of Washington, died Tuesday, December 10, 2013, in Washington Hospital.

He was born November 5, 1927, in Pittsburgh, a son of Gregorio Mazza and Angelina Guzzi Mazza.

Mr. Mazza was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II and the Korean War.

For more than 30 years, he worked as a draftsman at Pittsburgh Plate Glass.

He was a member of American Legion Frank R. Kirk Post 145 in Crafton and Disabled Veterans.

Mr. Mazza enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, animals, his pets, politics and current events.

He was Catholic.

On June 16, 1956, in St. Paul’s in Oakland, he married Piera Ugoccioni, who died February 9, 2009.

Surviving are a son, Ronald (Elaine) Mazza of Pittsburgh; two daughters, Marie (Jay) Higgins of Washington and Jean Mazza (Christopher Gudukas) of Bethel Park; a brother, Louis (Mary Lou) Mazza of Pittsburgh; a stepgranddaughter, Ashley Higgins of Washington; and a stepgreat-granddaughter, Livia Bedillion of Washington.

Deceased is a brother, Anthony Mazza.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 13, Calvary Cemetery mausoleum, 718 Hazelwood Avenue, Pittsburgh, with Rev. Craig Bellis officiating. Entombment will follow in the mausoleum.

Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 1100 Liberty Avenue, Suite E-201, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or American Legion Frank R. Kirk Post 145, Crennel Street and North Linwood Avenue, Crafton, PA 15205. Additional information and guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.

WWII Army veteran received Purple Heart

John McClosky, 92, of Canonsburg and Washington, passed away Tuesday, December 10, 2013, in Consulate Health Care of North Strabane.

He was born August 30, 1921, in East Springfield, Ohio, a son of the late Frank and Mary Hovat McClosky.

Mr. McClosky was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and saw action in Normandy, French Morocco, Tunisia and Africa, receiving the Purple Heart among other medals.

He was a farmer in Washington for more than 60 years and had also been employed as a steelworker in the coke plant at Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel Corp. for many years.

Mr. McClosky enjoyed farming and reminiscing about his Army days, being a proud veteran.

He attended Hillside Christian Community Church in Carnegie.

On June 24, 1950, he married Agnes Predajna, who died December 22, 2006.

Surviving are three daughters, Dolores “Dee” Richter of Washington, Sheryl Morgan of Cecil and Judy (Edmund) Urbanus of Canonsburg; three sisters, Helen Grady, Mildred Willis and Dorothy Alkire; five brothers, Tony and Joe McClosky, Ben (Shirley) McClosky, David (Harriett) McClosky and Jim McClosky; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to his wife and parents, are a daughter, Betty Jo Dami; a grandson, Alan Dami; a sister, Mary Hepner; and a brother, Frank McClosky.

Friends are welcome from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Salandra Funeral Service Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 13, with the Rev. Michael Roach and the Rev. David R. Morgan, the deceased’s former son-in-law, officiating. Interment will follow in Woodruff Memorial Park, North Strabane Township. Full military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 902 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 honor guard. To view or extend condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.

Mt. Morris homemaker

Wanda Joyce Nicholson, 80, of Mt. Morris, passed away Monday, December 9, 2013, in Mon General Hospital, with her family by her side.

She was born January 17, 1933, in Thomas, W.Va., a daughter of the late Dallas Ross Helmick and Lydia May Evans Helmick.

Mrs. Nicholson was a homemaker and devoted her life to the needs of her family. She found great joy in her two dogs, Chelsie and Keeper, and enjoyed watching TV, working puzzle books and collecting knickknacks, especially roosters and chickens.

Surviving are a daughter, Michele Nicholson of Mt. Morris; five sons, Rick Nicholson of Morgantown, W.Va., Larry Nicholson and wife Vickie of Morgantown, Jeff Nicholson and wife Sandra of Westover, W.Va., and Bradley Nicholson and wife Jenny and Greg Nicholson and fiancée Diannia McCune, both of Star City, W.Va.; a brother, Gary Helmick of Seattle, Wash.; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Deceased, in addition to her parents, are her husband, Denzil Roy Nicholson, who passed away May 2013; four sisters Vernalda, Twilla, Manetta and Jean; and two brothers, Hayward and Happy.

The staff at Mon General Hospital and Dr. Farzaneh Hassani provided her with kindness and care. The Disciples of Jesus Visitation Group visited her every week, which she looked forward to.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 10 to 11 a.m., the time of service, Friday, December 13, in McCulla Funeral Home, 770 Fairmont Road, Westover, with the Rev. Ron Geisler officiating. Following the services, the funeral home will provide cremation services.

Condolences may be extended to the family at www.mcculla.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in her memory to Albert Gallatin Home Health, 2181 McClellandtown Road, Masontown, PA 15461, or American Heart Association, 7829 National Pike, Uniontown, PA 15401.

Born in Canonsburg

George J. Nikas, 91, of Weeki Wachi, Fla., passed away Monday, December 9, 2013.

He was born in Canonsburg, a son of John G. and Katina Vlamis Nikas.

Mr. Nikas worked as an electrical engineer for ITT Defense Communications.

His retirement years were spent volunteering for his local church and hospital.

Surviving are his loving wife of 65 years, Aphrodite Nikas; son John G. Nikas and wife Deb; daughter Denise Ressel and husband Dennis; brother Dr. Peter J. Nikas and wife Rosemary; and grandchildren Lt. Nicholas G. Ressel and Gregory M. Ressel.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to Nikas Family Endowment, All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, 601 West McMurray Road, Canonsburg 15317. Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Memorial Funeral Home, Hudson, Fla., www.gracefuneralhomehudson.com.

Thaddeus J. Paterra, 33, of Canonsburg, passed away unexpectedly Monday, December 9, 2013, in San Diego, Calif.

Arrangements are incomplete and entrusted to Salandra Funeral Service Inc., Canonsburg, 724-745-8120. A complete obituary will be published in a later edition.

1917 – 2013

Virginia Simpson, 95, of Jefferson, formerly of Canton, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, December 10, 2013.

She was born December 23, 1917, in Masontown, a daughter of the late William and Katherine Speelman.

Mrs. Simpson moved to Canton, Ohio, in 1952, where she was a member of John Knox Presbyterian Church.

Deceased are her husband, Russell; sisters Frances Speelman and Adabelle Redman; and brothers Joseph and William Speelman.

Surviving are many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m., the time of service, Friday, December 13, in Reed Funeral Home, Canton. Interment will take place in Sunset Hills Burial Park. Those wishing to send condolences or leave a special message may do so at www.reedfuneralhome.com.

Beloved husband, loving father

Joseph “Josey” Strozza, 89, of Lawrence, Hill Station, died Monday, December 9, 2013.

He was the beloved husband of Janice Fasekas Strozza for 52 years; loving father of Sherry Strozza, Julia Romano and Lisa (David) Thal; and proud grandfather of Dominic, Chloe, Sydney, Josie and Zachary.

Also surviving are nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in Warchol Funeral Home Inc., 3060 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, 412-221-3333, where services will be held at noon Saturday, December 14. Interment will follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Peters Township.

View and send condolences at www.warcholfuneralhome.com.

Mary Carolyn Wharton, 82, of Washington, died Tuesday, December 10, 2013.

Arrangements are incomplete and have been entrusted to Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors Inc., Washington. A complete obituary will be published in a later edition.

Member of Centerville Methodist Church

Virginia Bakewell Chabricky Whiting, 90, of Fredericktown, formerly of Centerville, died Saturday, December 7, 2013, in Lasosky’s Personal Care Home.

She was born April 10, 1923, in Brownsville, a daughter of the late Albert and Rachel Ann Meese Bakewell.

For many years, she worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Ansel in California.

Mrs. Whiting was a member of Centerville United Methodist Church and Centerville American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

She enjoyed bingo, baking and cooking. She was always cleaning and taking care of her home.

Surviving are four daughters, Melva Kennedy (Robert) of Belle Vernon, Sue Jenkins (Tom) of Centerville, Sandra Johannas (Nick) of Atlanta, Ga., and Mary Colbert (Grant) of Millsboro; two sons, Richard Whiting of Belle Vernon and Phillip Whiting of Carmichaels; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was the last of her immediate family.

Deceased are her first husband, Albert William Chabricky; her second husband, Melvin “Buck” Whiting; a son, William Chabricky; five brothers, Jack, Irvin, Chris, Boyd and James Bakewell; and eight sisters, Faith Bakewell, Hope Bakewell, Charity Bakewell, Betty Frost, Ruth Boyle, Helen Theakston, Beatrice Byrd and Cecil Fulmer.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, 2830 Main Street, Beallsville, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 12, with Pastor Melissa Geisler officiating. Interment will be in Taylor Cemetery, Brownsville. Guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.

Longtime health care employee loved gambling

Brenda Elaine Sandlin Willkomm, of Baldwin Borough, died Sunday, December 8, 2013.

She was the beloved wife of Robert E.; daughter of the late Layton “Jack” and Barbara Sandlin; sister of Joyce Kathryn (George) Scott of Waynesburg; and aunt of David Layton Scott and Meagan Elaine Scott, both of New York, N.Y.

Mrs. Willkomm was a graduate of Median School of Allied Health Careers and worked for more than 30 years in the health care field. She loved gambling, playing cards, her trips to Indiana and her loving and faithful dog, Lizzie.

Visitation and services are private at the request of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association. Arrangements are under the direction of Frank F. DeBor Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 1065 Brookline Boulevard, Pittsburgh, 412-561-0380.

View at www.deborfuneralhome.com.