Dec 5, 2013

Robert Paul Barlow, 64, of Waynesburg, died at 7:46 a.m. Thursday, December 5, 2013, in his home.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and are being handled by Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home Inc., Waynesburg. A complete obituary will appear in a later edition.

1933-2013

Elizabeth “Betty” Bruce, 80, of Washington, died Wednesday, December 4, 2013, in Washington Hospital.

She was born April 22, 1933, in Houston, a daughter of the late Harry H. and Antoinette Cornell Keeler.

Mrs. Bruce was a 1952 graduate of Chartiers High School, worked for S A Myer’s, Washington, and was later a dispatcher for Washington Rides and First Transit.

On August 8, 1958, in Winchester, Va., she married Donald L. Bruce Sr., who died August 11, 1990.

Surviving are three sons, Donald L. (Sandy) Bruce Jr. of Avella, Gregg H. (Kim) Bruce and Brad Bruce, all of Washington; a daughter, Kim (Michael) Thompson of Washington; six grandchildren, Christy Lee Bruce, Leann and Colleen Thompson, and Brandon, Bria and Braylee Bruce; three great-grandchildren, Chaz, Makenna and Ally; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased is a sister, Sandy Fonner.

Friends will be received from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 7. Interment will follow in Washington Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.

Condolences may be expressed at and photos uploaded to www.familyremembers.com, Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors Inc., Charles R. Piatt, owner/supervisor, and Lawrence K. Donovan, funeral director.

James D. “Fat Boy” “Fat Man” Chambers, 58, of Claysville, died unexpectedly Wednesday, December 4, 2013, in the Washington Hospital emergency department.

Arrangements are incomplete and entrusted to Warco-Falvo Funeral Home Inc. A full obituary will be published in a later edition.

Long-time U.S. Post Office employee

Betty L. Clelland, 87, of Jefferson, died Wednesday, December 4, 2013.

She was born January 16, 1926, in Fairchance, a daughter of the late James D. and Gertrude P. Phillips Frankenbery.

Mrs. Clelland was a 1943 graduate of Jefferson High School.

She was a long-time postmistress of Jefferson Post Office.

Mrs. Clelland was a longtime member of Jefferson Baptist Church, where she was also a former Sunday school teacher and superintendent.

She was a member of American Legion Post 954 Auxiliary, Jefferson.

On January 29, 1949, she married Arthur J. “Bill” Clelland, who died January 4, 2007.

Surviving are a son, Kevin Clelland of Jefferson; a granddaughter, Natalie David of Rices Landing; two great-grandchildren, Elijah and Mackaidan “Kadie” David; a sister, Patricia S. Weller of Uniontown; a brother, James F. Frankenbery of Brea, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to her husband, is a daughter-in-law, Joyce Hixon Clelland.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday in Behm Funeral Homes Inc., 1477 Jefferson Road, Jefferson, Gregory P. Rohanna, supervisor, where funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 8, with the Rev John R. Dorean officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Jefferson Baptist Church, Jefferson.

Condolences may be expressed at www.behm-funeralhomes.com.

Bethany Presbyterian Church member

Robin E. Cox, 55, of Cherry Valley Estates, Hickory, formerly of Cecil, died Wednesday, December 4, 2013, in Donnell House, Washington.

She was born September 22, 1958, in Canonsburg, a daughter of the late Cyril Michalka and the late Betty Jane Hawkins Henry.

Mrs. Cox was a member of Bethany Presbyterian Church, Bridgeville, and helped at the Hickory Apple Festival. She enjoyed helping anyone who asked, traveling, shopping, dining out, and decorating for holidays.

She worked at Phillips Mine and Mill Supply, Bridgeville, until it closed. She then worked as a shipping and receiving clerk for Dell Fastener, Bridgeville.

Surviving are her husband of 34 years, Roger Cox of Hickory, Cherry Valley; two brothers, Cyril James Michalka of Cecil, and Jeffrey Lynn (Arlene) Michalka of Sugar Creek, Ohio; many nieces and nephews; three brothers-in-law, Dennis Lee Cox of Moon Township, Daniel Wesley Cox of Burgettstown and Kevin James Cox of Avella; and many dear friends and neighbors from Cherry Valley Lakeview Estates, Hickory.

Deceased are her parents, and stepfather George Henry.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Coleman-Taylor Funeral Services, 3378 Millers Run Road (Rt. 50), Cecil, where service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 7, with Pastor John Hamilton officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray.

Hillman Cancer Center, Gentiva Hospice and Donnell House were caregivers to Mrs. Cox. The family would appreciate memorial contributions be made to Bethany Presbyterian Church, 706 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017, or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718, or Donnell House, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301.

Visit us at coleman-taylorfuneralservices.com.

Veteran enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening

Floyd J. “Babe” Dorazio, 88, of Ellsworth, died Thursday morning, December 5, 2013, in Donnell House, Washington.

He was born October 25, 1925, in Bentleyville, a son of Dominic and Margaret Masterpolito Dorazio.

He was a graduate of Ellsworth High School.

A veteran, Mr. Dorazio served as a private first class in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He retired from Ellsworth Borough, where he was the operator and superintendent of the water treatment plant.

Mr. Dorazio was a member of Ave Maria Parish, American Legion Post 165 and Eagles Club 1809, all of Bentleyville.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening.

His wife, Louise “Weezie” Galanda Dorazio, died October 5, 1994.

Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Floyd “Tyk” and Nancy Dorazio of Bentleyville; his cherished grandchildren whom he enjoyed spending time with, James and Emily Dorazio; and all of his favorite nieces and nephews.

Deceased are brothers, Frank, Charles and John Dorazio.

Friends are welcome from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Thompson-Marodi Funeral Home Inc., 809 Main Street, Bentleyville, 724-239-2255, where a prayer service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, December 7, followed at 10 a.m. by a Mass of Christian Burial in Ave Maria Church, Bentleyville, with the Rev. Edward L. Yuhas as celebrant. Interment will follow in Beallsville Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 165.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Donnell House, c/o Washington Health System Hospice Care, 155 Wilson Ave., Washington, PA 15301.

Visit www.thompson-marodi.com to leave a condolence message, order flowers and share photos.

Guy Guzell, 64, of Strabane, died Wednesday, December 4, 2013, in his home.

Arrangements are incomplete and entrusted to Sollon Funeral Home Ltd., Canonsburg. A complete obituary will be published when arrangements are finalized.

World War II veteran

Phillip E. Inman, 88, of Avella, died at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 4, 2013, in the Washington Hospital emergency department.

He was born April 6, 1925, in Beech Bottom, W.Va., a son of the late James Inman and Margaret Caldwell.

Mr. Inman attended St. John’s Parish School in Wellsburg, W.Va., and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served during World War II.

He was employed by Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel for more than 40 years, retiring in 1990.

Mr. Inman was a 50-year member and past commander of American Legion Bert C. Siders Post 643 of Avella.

He always enjoyed working at the Independence Township election polls and bowling.

Mr. Inman loved his American Legion and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He had lived in Avella since 1946.

On November 9, 1946, he married Evelyn Irene Campbell, who died October 10, 1995.

Surviving are a son, Edward (Lori) Inman of Washington; five grandchildren, Wendy (Alex) Siget, Cheri Hoit, Tori (Don) Hamilton, Ryan Inman and Jonathan (Jessica) Inman; nine great-grandchildren, Alexis, Darian, Kyle, Nikole, Cody, Ciara, DJ, Cheyenne and Chloe; and a half-brother, James (Laura) Inman of Wellsburg.

Deceased, in addition to his wife and parents, is a daughter, Joyce Inman.

Friends and family will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Jerome A. Stefkovich Funeral Home Inc., 18 Campbell Street, Avella, PA 15312, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 9. Burial will be in West Point Cemetery, Avella. Full Military Rites will be accorded graveside by American Legion Bert C. Siders Post 643 of Avella.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Legion Bert C. Siders Post 643 of Avella.

Condolences can be expressed online at www.stefkovichfuneralhome.com.

Veteran was devoted family man

Eugene A. Mogentale, 85, of McMurray, died Thursday, December 5, 2013, in St. Clair Hospital, Mt. Lebanon.

He was born June 7, 1928, a son of Baptist and Louise Bier Mogentale.

Mr. Mogentale was a 1946 graduate of Chartiers High School and a 1955 graduate of University of Pittsburgh with a degree in metallurgical engineering.

He was a veteran, having served with the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953.

Mr. Mogentale spent his life working in the steel industry. He first worked for Universal Cyclops in Bridgeville, then Ohio Ferro Alloys in Canton, Ohio, for 14 years, and retired as a technical sales representative for AIMCOR, Pittsburgh, where he had worked for 12 years.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church and the Bears Club, both of Meadow Lands, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 of Canonsburg.

Mr. Mogentale was a devoted family man. He also was an avid golfer and enjoyed Pittsburgh sports teams.

Surviving are three children, David Mogentale (Carol Foster) of New York, N.Y., Eric Mogentale (Cindy) of Chicago, Ill. and Lettiann Southerland (Jack) of Overland Park, Kan.; four grandchildren, Kaitlin, Natalie and Michael Mogentale and Nicholas Betts; a sister, Letitia Mogentale of Meadow Lands; a brother, Joseph Mogentale of Detroit, Mich.; former wife and mother of his children, Dolores Swiger of Washington; a cousin, Jeanne Bier of Meadow Lands; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are two brothers, William and Albert Mogentale; a sister, Mary Mogentale, who died in infancy; and a dear aunt, Mary Bier.

Friends will be received from noon to 2 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:30 p.m. Monday, December 9, in Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, Meadow Lands. Interment will follow. Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.

Jefferson Church of the Nazarene member

Mabel Louise McMinn, 82, a lifelong resident of Carmichaels, died at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 4, 2013, in Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, W.Va.

Miss McMinn had been a resident of the Rolling Meadows Nursing Home in Waynesburg for the past two-and-a-half years.

She was born October 14, 1931, in Cumberland Township, Greene County, a daughter of the late Albert Sr. and Catherine Harriet McCann McMinn.

Miss McMinn was a member of Jefferson Church of the Nazarene, the church missionary society and the Greene Academy of Art. She attended church regularly until her health would no longer allow.

Miss McMinn worked for Kerr’s Store and later Taylor’s Drug Store in Carmichaels for 28 years.

She collected Fenton glassware, loved flowers and enjoyed reading. She kept in contact with her lifelong friends.

Miss McMinn will be remembered as a kind, thoughtful and caring person, always thinking of others.

Surviving are three brothers, Glenn Edward McMinn and his wife, Drema, of Edinboro, Va., Donald Eugene McMinn and his wife, Nancy, of Alexandria, Va. and Albert McMinn Jr. and his wife, Marsha, of Carmichaels; three sisters, Elizabeth Loretta Riggs and her husband, Everett, of Wind Ridge, Shirley Jean Sanner and her husband, Jack, of Pottstown and Esther Lea McMinn of Carmichaels; a sister-in-law, Louise McMinn; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Deceased are a sister, Bessie Ann McMinn, and a brother, Walter Gareth McMinn.

Family and friends are welcome from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday in Yoskovich Funeral Home, 724-966-5500, Martin J. Yoskovich, funeral director, 300 South Vine Street (Route 88), Carmichaels, where the funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 7. The Rev. Carl L. Kibler will officiate. Interment will follow at Glades Cemetery, Carmichaels.

For additional information and to sign the guest book, please visit www.YoskovichFH.com.

1927-2013

Sophie Pappas Pavan, 86, a resident of Wyngate Senior Living Community, formerly of Burgettstown, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2013, in the Weirton Medical Center, W.Va.

She was born October 13, 1927, in Burgettstown, a daughter of the late Frank Sr. and Besse Pavalakis Pappas.

A 1945 graduate of Union High School in Burgettstown, she was an active member of Burgettstown Area Senior Citizens Association.

Mrs. Pavan enjoyed playing cards in numerous card clubs with her friends and bingo.

On April 1, 1956, she and her husband founded and owned Burgettstown Auto Parts, which is still family-owned and operated. She also worked as a bookkeeper for Pappas Lumber in Burgettstown.

Surviving are three sons, Philip Pavan and wife Cynthia of Harmon Creek, Bryan Pavan and wife Joni of Burgettstown and Gregg Pavan and wife Kristi of Burgettstown; a daughter, Marsha Scolaro and husband Frank of Parker, Colo.; nine grandchildren, Tara and Jared Pavan, Tyler and Bryan Pavan Jr., Brittany Porter, Alexandra Picardi and Taylor, Molly and Tomi Pavan; a great-grandson, Kai Porter; three brothers, Dr. George Pappas of Colorado, Frank Pappas of Texas and Harry Pappas of Burgettstown; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to her parents, are her husband, Henry J. Pavan, who passed away March 29, 1986; three brothers, Bill Pappas, Tony Pappas and Charlie Pappas Sr.; and a sister, Helen Marcus.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Lee and Martin Funeral Home, 73 Highland Avenue, Burgettstown, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 7. Interment will follow in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, Burgettstown.

If so desired, memorial donations may be made in her memory to Burgettstown Senior Citizens Center, 200 Senior Way, Burgettstown, PA 15021.

World War II veteran played violin

Edward C. “Fiddler” Petrosky, 93, of McMurray, died Thursday, December 5, 2013.

He was born September 19, 1920, in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Joseph and Anna Petrosky.

He was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Canonsburg.

Mr. Petrosky served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Prior to his retirement, he worked at McGraw Edison. He enjoyed playing the violin and walking outdoors.

On December 2, 1950, he married Frances R. Svitek, who died November 28, 1994.

Deceased, in addition to his wife, are two sons, Kenneth E. Petrosky and Edward David Petrosky, who died in infancy; a brother, Joseph R. Petrosky, who died during World War II; and two sisters, Blanche Kirkpatrick and Ann Florek.

Friends will be received from 10 to 11 a.m., the time of service, Monday, December 9, in Sollon Funeral Home Ltd., 30 East College Street, Canonsburg, J. David Sollon, supervisor, Phillip L. Sollon, director. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, Canonsburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care of Washington Hospital.

Please visit www.sollon.com for additional information and to view and leave condolences.

World War II veteran

Louis E. Potocer, 91, of Strabane, passed away unexpectedly at 11:20 a.m. Thursday, December 5, 2013, in his home.

He was born January 19, 1922, in Strabane, a son of the late Louis and Anna Osterman Potocer.

Mr. Potocer lived his life in Strabane and was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Canonsburg.

He served with the U.S. Army during World War II, and prior to his retirement, had been employed as an ironworker with Iron Workers Local Union No. 3.

Mr. Potocer was a member of American Legion Post 902 of Houston, Canonsburg Sportsmen’s Association and National Rifle Association.

Surviving are a brother, Walter J. Potochar of Houston; a niece, Theresa (Edward) Lewis; a nephew, Michael (Lori) Potochar; and four great-nieces and great-nephews.

Deceased is a sister, Agnes M. Sapp.

Friends are welcome from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday in Salandra Funeral Service Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120, where departing prayers will be recited at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. in St. Patrick Church, Canonsburg, followed by interment in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Peters Township. Full military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 902 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 honor guard.

To view or extend condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.

Purple Heart recipient

William C. Stanko, 92, of Washington, died Wednesday, December 4, 2013, in Country Meadows of South Hills.

He was born June 26, 1921, in Canonsburg, a son of Wasyl and Julia Stanko.

Mr. Stanko served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a Purple Heart recipient from service during the Battle of the Bulge.

Prior to his retirement, he worked as a steel worker for U.S. Steel, retiring in 1976.

His first wife, Tillie Hrycko, died August 1, 1977. He then married Nellie Judish, who died August 2, 2011.

Mr. Stanko was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Canonsburg. He was a founding charter member of the Knights of Columbus and was a member of the

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 and the Elks BPO Lodge 578, Carlisle.

Surviving are his three sons, William C. Stanko of Canonsburg, Richard F. Stanko of Centreville, Va., and Dennis W. Stanko of Garland, Texas; sister Julia Rock of Washington; three grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

Deceased, in addition to his wives and parents, are four brothers, Nicholas “Chike,” Steve, John and Mike Stanko; and four sisters, Mary McCensky, Helen Horwatt, Ann Addis and Sophie Mandus.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no public visitation. Friends and family are asked to meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 7, in Queen of Heaven Mausoleum, McMurray, for services, followed by entombment. Full military rites will be accorded by the combined honor guards of VFW Post 191 and American Legion Post 902.

Arrangements are entrusted to Sollon Funeral Home Ltd., 30 East College Street, Canonsburg, J. David Sollon, supervisor, Phillip L. Sollon, director. Please visit www.sollon.com for additional information and to view and leave condolences.

Had a zest for life

Anna Ellis Vranovich, 85, of Washington, went to be with her Lord Wednesday, December 4, 2013, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

She was born April 1, 1928, in Clarksburg, a daughter of Alexander and Josephine Ellis.

Mrs. Vranovich was employed by the Kmart Corporation for more than 20 years.

She was an avid ballroom dancer, loved music and the arts. Her many hobbies included crocheting, cooking and puzzling.

Mrs. Vranovich, or Nannie, as the family referred to her, had a zest for life, a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with family and friends. She had a warm, generous heart and took great pleasure in helping others.

Surviving are her two daughters, Karen (Patrick) McGannon of York and Suzanne (Patrick) McDonough of Washington; a son, Frank (Rebecca) Vranovich III of Weirton, W.Va.; six grandchildren, Michael (Laura) and Daniel (Beth) McGannon, Stanley (Jenn) Wiencek III and Franky IV, Ryann and Jonathan Vranovich (fiancée Amanda Nicastro); three great-grandchildren; and a sister, Josephine Soich.

Deceased are her husband, Frank R. Vranovich Jr., and her long-time companion, Lester A. Miller; her stepfather, Ignatius Soich; two sisters, Jean Greskovich and Estelle Manfreda; and a brother, John Ellis.

The administrators, nurses, nurse’s aides and workers of Presbyterian SeniorCare, Washington, and the staff of Family Hospice and Palliative Care, Mt. Lebanon, were caregivers to Mrs. Vranovich. The family would appreciate memorial contributions in Mrs. Vranovich’s name be made to the Alzheimer Association, 1100 Liberty Avenue, Suite E-201, Pittsburgh, PA. 15222, or to www.alz.org/pa.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Cremation and Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317, 724-260-5546. Please view and sign the family’s guest book at www.cremationfuneralcare.com.

Whitehall Borough resident

Alvina M. Petrovich Yost, 97, of Whitehall Borough, died Tuesday, December 3, 2013.

She was the beloved wife of the late Albert W. Yost; mother of Charlene L. Sinclair and the late Albert F. Yost and Grant W. Yost; grandmother of three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and sister of Alfred Petrovich and the late Anna Neville, Edward Petrovich and Kathleen Glod.

Mrs. Yost was a volunteer at Jefferson Hospital for 25 years. She loved baking, needlepoint and was a devoted and active member of St. Elizabeth Church.

Friends will be received from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, December 7, in Griffith Funeral Home Inc., 5636 Brownsville Road, Broughton-Curry-South Park Township, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 1 p.m. in St. Elizabeth Church, 1 Grove Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15236.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Mrs. Yost’s name to Paramount Hospice and Palliative Care, 3025 Washington Road, Suite 301, McMurray, PA 15317. Visit www.GriffithFH.com.