Oct 25, 2012

Clarence Cecchini, 92, of Burgettstown, formerly of Avella, died at 5 p.m. Wednesday, October 24, 2012, in Washington County Health Center, Chartiers Township. He was born December 1, 1919, in Federal, son of the late Joseph and Oretta Flori Cecchini. Mr. Cecchini was a graduate of Avella High School. He was a member of Pentecost Lutheran Church of Avella. Because of his father’s untimely death in the Duquesne Mine, he went to work in the mines near Avella as a young teen. Mr. Cecchini proudly served in the U.S. Army Air Forces as a sergeant in the 824th Engineering Aviation Battalion during World War II. He was a member of Bert C. Siders American Legion Post 643 of Avella. After being honorably discharged, Mr. Cecchini worked for Alex Paris as a bulldozer operator and was also employed by Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel Corp. at the coke plant in Follansbee, W.Va., for 30 years, retiring in 1982. He was a member of the United Steelworkers union. After retiring, he enjoyed woodworking and “loafed” at the Washington Mall and the family’s cabin at Lake Pymatuning. Mr. Cecchini was proud of his first-generation Italian heritage. He loved American cars, especially Ford and Mercury products. Mr. Cecchini had lived in Burgettstown since 1952. On February 19, 1949, he married Mildred Mlinarcik, who died November 16, 2010. Also surviving Mr. Cecchini are three sons, Clarence J. (Loretta) Cecchini of Burgettstown, Leslie F. (Ida) Cecchini of Cross Creek and Allen Cecchini of Burgettstown; five grandchildren, Melissa Jo (Joel) Duran, Dante (Brooke) Cecchini, Celeste (Arunas) Gaver, Maria (Alex) Fillo and Ondrej S. (Jessica) Cecchini; seven great-grandchildren, Acadia, Zydrunas, Natanas Tulio and Araceli Gaver, Alexzandrea Rumbaugh, Mihya Duran and Brandon Cecchini; a brother, Lee (Edith) Cecchini of Avella; and a sister, Dolores Malinky of Wellsburg, W.Va. Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, are three brothers, Elio, William (Nick) and Joseph (Tulio) Cecchini, and two sisters, Alice Sporka and Mary Margaret Cecchini. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Jerome A. Stefkovich Funeral Home Inc., 18 Campbell Street, Avella, PA 15312, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 27, with the Rev. Scott Kuntz officiating. Burial will be in Independence Cemetery, Avella. Full military rites will be accorded graveside by American Legion Bert C. Siders Post 643 of Avella. Memorial contributions may be made to Pentecost Lutheran Church of Avella in care of Marc Cecchini, 2244 Avella Road, Avella, PA 15312.

Bruce C. Collins, 59, of Carmichaels, formerly of Mt. Lebanon, died Tuesday, October 23, 2012, in Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, W.Va., of injuries sustained in an auto accident near Carmichaels earlier in the day. Mr. Collins was born September 20, 1953, in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Phillip and Vivian Collins. He had previously worked as a welder for Coleman-Standard Co., Butler. Mr. Collins is survived by his companion of 33 years, Karen Hast; two sons, Craig P. Collins and Ryan Hast; four nephews, Jamie, Jesse, Joshua and Jacob Boykin; a niece, Maggie Boykin; a brother-in-law, Father James Hast; and two lifelong friends, George and Chrissy Boykin. His twin brother, Craig Collins, is deceased. No services are planned at this time. The family thanks everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Arrangements are under the direction of Lesako Funeral Home Inc., 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels, PA 15320, 724-966-5100, Paul M. Lesako, owner, funeral director and supervisor. View the obituary at www.lesakofuneralhomeinc.com.

Dolly Dawson, 61, of Southview, died Thursday, October 25, 2012, in the Canonsburg General Hospital emergency room. She was born February 15, 1951, in Washington, a daughter of Kenneth and Tootie Baughman McElhaney. Mrs. Dawson was a member of SNPJ 265 of Southview, Westland Sportsman Club and Fort Cherry High School Class of 1969. She worked as a manager for SNPJ Club in Southview and formerly for McGraw-Edison, Canonsburg; Kmart, Bridgeville; and Shop ‘n Save, McDonald. She was a 20-year Avon representative and a Presidents Club member for most of those years. Mrs. Dawson enjoyed going to the casino, reading books, watching “NCIS” on television and spending time with family and friends. Surviving are her husband, Jack Dawson, a daughter, Mindie (Joseph) Klinsky, grandchildren Lanie and Lacie Klinsky, a brother, Kenneth (Nancy) McElhaney Jr., and a sister, Cathy Jo (Irk) McConnell, all of Southview; several nieces and nephews; and many godchildren. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Coleman-Taylor Funeral Services, 3378 Millers Run Road (Route 50), Cecil, where a blessing service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 27, with Father Stan Gregorek officiating. Interment will follow in Venice Cemetery, Cecil Township. View at coleman-taylorfuneralservices.com.

Emmett W. Estep, 94, of Washington, died Thursday, October 25, 2012, in Washington County Health Center, Chartiers Township. He was born October 21, 1918, in Clay, W.Va., a son of the late Arabelle Estep Cobb. Mr. Estep was a retired crane man for National Annealing Box. He was a member of American Legion Post 902 in Houston and Pulaski Club in Washington. Mr. Estep loved to play cards. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II. On June 18, 1951, in Cumberland, Md., he married Nellie “Dolly” Welch, who died March 19, 2010. Surviving are a stepdaughter, Ruth Ann (Richard) Corso of Washington; four grandchildren, Richard (Trudy) Corso, Randy (Ronda) Corso and Renee Gregg, all of Washington, and Rae Lynn Mastrangelo of Venetia; nine great-grandchildren, Joshua, Cody and Brianna Gregg, Robin and Ricky Corso, Melia, Mario and Nicco Mastrangelo and Silvio Corso; a great-great-grandson, Carter; and many special nieces, nephews and cousins. Deceased are two brothers, Carlos and Ressie Estep. Friends will be received from noon to 3 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington. Services will be held at a time to be announced. Interment will follow in Washington Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Donnell House in care of Hospice Care of Washington Hospital, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301, or Washington County Health Center, 38 Old Hickory Ridge Road, Washington, PA 15301. Condolences may be expressed at www.piattandbarnhillfh.com. Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors Inc., Charles R. Piatt, owner/supervisor, and Lawrence K. Donovan, funeral director.

Mary Kay “Bean” Fabini, 55, of Monongahela, died Sunday, October 21, 2012, in her home. She was born March 8, 1957, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of Mary C. Thompson Fabini of Monongahela and the late John M. Fabini. Miss Fabini was a 1975 graduate of Monongahela High School, then graduated in 1979 from Carlow College in Pittsburgh with a degree in mathematics. She worked for many years in group homes helping the disabled, first in Monessen and later in Southwinds Group Home, near Pittsburgh. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Monongahela. Miss Fabini enjoyed reading mystery novels and crocheting and most recently enjoyed helping her mom baking and selling baked goods at local flea markets. Surviving, in addition to her mother, are three godchildren, Justin Correll, Christina Pust and Jesse J. Baker, numerous cousins and many good friends. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, October 29, in Grace Lutheran Church, 911 Howard Street, Monongahela, with the Rev. Robert Schaefer officiating. Interment will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Marshall Marra Funeral Home, 216 Chess Street, Monongahela, 724-258-6767, is in charge of arrangements. View at www.marshallmarrafuneralhome.com.

Mary Anne Gettemy, 81, of Brownsville, died in her home Thursday, October 25, 2012, after a courageous battle with melanoma. She was born April 30, 1931, a daughter of the late George and Margaret Kelly of California. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, George E. Kelly, and a sister, Betty J. Boeckx. Mrs. Gettemy graduated from California Area High School in 1949 and graduated from Penn Commercial Business School. She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Robert W. Gettemy, and daughters Susan M. Gettemy of Brownsville, Cathy L. Burns (Loland) of Washington and Linda A. Gettemy of Pittsburgh. Also are surviving are her beloved grandchildren, Eric W. Gettemy of Pittsburgh and Emily L. Burns of Washington, and several nieces and nephews. From her family: “Gram, your pain is gone, and you will be greatly missed and forever loved by your family and friends.” Professional services and arrangements are in the care of Novak Funeral Home, 515 Front Street, Brownsville. Services will be private. Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to St. Clair Hospital Foundation, Cancer Care Fund, in care of Dr. Raye J. Budway, 1000 Bower Hill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15243. To sign the guest book, please visit www.novakfuneralhome.net.

Ethel J. Kahlbaugh, 89, of Cherry Valley, passed away Thursday afternoon, October 25, 2012, in Washington County Health Center, Chartiers Township, where she had been a resident for the past ?5 1/2 years. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced in a later edition by Lee & Martin Funeral Home, Burgettstown.

Ethel L. Messner, 92, of Finleyville, died Thursday, October 25, 2012, in her home. She was born February 29, 1920, in Gastonville, a daughter of Joseph and Rachel Fitch Bowers. Mrs. Messner was a homemaker and had been a member of the former Pleasant View United Methodist Church in Finleyville. She also was active for many years in Order of the Eastern Star. Surviving are a sister, Ruth Rellis and husband David “Bill” of Gastonville, and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are her first husband, Richard Sneltzer; her second husband, Robert W. Messner; two brothers, Joseph and William Bowers; and four sisters, Anna Drenik, Helen Quintrell, Hazel Castor and Ella Selfridge. Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Kegel Funeral Home Inc., Tim P. Kegel, supervisor, 3560 Washington Avenue, Finleyville. Private interment will be held in West Newton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 320 Bilmar Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, or American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20852.

Erma H. Phillips, 97, of Waynesburg, died at 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 24, 2012, in Rolling Meadows Nursing Home, Waynesburg, after being in failing health for the past several years. She was born September 6, 1915, in Waynesburg, a daughter of the late George and Rose Swaniger Daily. Mrs. Phillips resided in Waynesburg all of her life. She was a member of the former Phillips United Methodist Church. Mrs. Phillips was last employed as a housekeeper by the former Albert’s Restaurant and Motel in Waynesburg. She enjoyed animals including dogs, cats and her parrot. On December 2, 1935, she married Russell C. Phillips, who died December 29, 1974. Mrs. Phillips was the last of her immediate family. Surviving are several nieces and nephews. Deceased, in addition to her parents and husband, are a stepmother, Anna E. Moore Daily, and three brothers, James Pitcock, Ira White Daily and Robert Swaniger. At the request of the family, there will be no public visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service to be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, October 27, with Pastor Craig Cross officiating, in Rosemont Cemetery, Rogersville. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Rush Funeral Home Inc., Rogersville. Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences at www.rushfuneralhomeinc.com.

Erma H. Phillips, 97, of Waynesburg, died at 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 24, 2012, in Rolling Meadows Nursing Home, Waynesburg, after being in failing health for the past several years. She was born September 6, 1915, in Waynesburg, a daughter of the late George and Rose Swaniger Daily. Mrs. Phillips resided in Waynesburg all of her life. She was a member of the former Phillips United Methodist Church. Mrs. Phillips was last employed as a housekeeper by the former Albert’s Restaurant and Motel in Waynesburg. She enjoyed animals including dogs, cats and her parrot. On December 2, 1935, she married Russell C. Phillips, who died December 29, 1974. Mrs. Phillips was the last of her immediate family. Surviving are several nieces and nephews. Deceased, in addition to her parents and husband, are a stepmother, Anna E. Moore Daily, and three brothers, James Pitcock, Ira White Daily and Robert Swaniger. At the request of the family, there will be no public visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service to be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, October 27, with Pastor Craig Cross officiating, in Rosemont Cemetery, Rogersville. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Rush Funeral Home Inc., Rogersville. Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences at www.rushfuneralhomeinc.com.

Elizabeth G. “Beth” Williams, 51, of Bethel, Conn., and Claysville, died Monday, October 22, 2012, in her home. She was the wife of David L. Williams Jr. Mrs. Williams was born January 13, 1961, in Burlington, Vt., a daughter of the late Robert and Elizabeth Musante Griffin. She had been a resident of Bethel for 25 years. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Mrs. Williams worked as a pipeliner for several years and was a member of Pipeliner Union Local 798. She also worked as a bartender at the Ground Round, Chili’s and American Legion. Surviving, in addition to her husband, are sister Jean Walter; brothers Thomas, Robert and David Griffin; children Nichole Primavera, Breanne (Jay) Knightly, Christopher Allen and Davey (Michaela) Williams; “grandbabies” Kristina, Kylie, Alasandra, Gavin, Madalyn, Samantha, Zack and Michael; and parents-in-law Dave and Jane Williams. Deceased is a son, Shawn Williams, who passed away earlier this year. The family will receive friends and family from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday in Hull Funeral Home, 60 Division Street, Danbury, Conn. Cremation will take place at the convenience of the family. Information and condolences are available at Hullfuneralservice.com.