Jul 10, 2013

Active Vestaburg Bowling League, church member

Ruth McGee Brandtonies, 92, of Vestaburg, passed peacefully Tuesday morning, July 9, 2013, in The Residence at Hilltop, Monongahela.

She was born May 14, 1921, in Vesta 6, a daughter of the late Arthur and Mildred Lewis McGee.

Mrs. Brandtonies was a 1940 graduate of Centerville High School.

She was a member of Methodist Episcopal Church in Denbo throughout her childhood and was very proud of her certificate for perfect attendance during all of her years of Sunday school. In her adult life, she was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Vestaburg.

Mrs. Brandtonies enjoyed being a homemaker and spending time with and teaching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed many years being a member of Vestaburg Women’s Bowling League, having hosted and planned holiday parties and special events. She was very creative and turned a room into a wonderland for her teammates to enjoy. She was a talented artist. She painted special scenes such as the Fredericktown Ferry and the bridge crossing the Monongahela River to the coal preparation plant in LaBelle, which was the largest plant in the world in 1950. She also painted portraits of her grandchildren. She enjoyed sewing and made many Halloween costumes for her children and for the local dance school. She enjoyed using her creative talents in designing house interiors.

Surviving are a daughter, Lois Stockdale (Dan) of Champion, Ohio; a son, William Brandtonies (Carol) of Marianna; grandchildren Edward Ellks (Chris), Timothy Ellks, Joseph Ellks and Wayne Ellks (Rhonda), all of Ohio, Jennifer DeNunzio (Philip) of Peters Township, Michael Brandtonies (Kimberly) of Mechanicsburg and Jill Brandtonies of Canonsburg; great-grandchildren Kenan and Couin Ellks, Kayla, Emily, Kyle and Julia Ellks, Mark and Paige Ellks, Emily, Dominic and Philip DeNunzio, Tyler and Bailey Brandtonies and Jackson Smith.

She will be remembered for her sense of humor, kindness, compassion and friendliness. She was respected and loved by all who knew her. She will remain in her family’s hearts and prayers forever.

On August 13, 1942, she married her hometown sweetheart, Henry “Hank” Brandtonies, who passed away December 26, 2011. They celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary together August 13, 2011.

Deceased, in addition to her parents and husband, are five sisters, Mary Rankin, Elizabeth Bayer, Anna Hileman, Mildred Presock and Carol Faye Johnson.

Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday in John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, 2830 Main Street, Beallsville, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 12, with the Rev. James Markley officiating. Interment will be in Greene County Memorial Park, Waynesburg, PA 15370. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ViaQuest Hospice, 610 Park Avenue, Monongahela, PA 15063. Guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.

Owner, vice president of Controlled Climate Systems

Robert D. Conley, 52, of Peters Township, formerly of Bethel Park, died Tuesday, July 9, 2013.

He was the beloved son of Dolores and the late John Conley; father of Chad; brother of Jay Conley, Jim (Nicole) Conley and Carrie (Jim) Benedetti; and uncle of Brady, Jillian, Alli, Jamie and Carley.

Also surviving is his girlfriend, Stacey Hudson, who stood by him until the end.

Mr. Conley was the owner and vice president of Controlled Climate Systems Inc.

He was a member of Rolling Hills Country Club and an avid golfer.

Mr. Conley will be deeply missed.

Friends are wellcome from from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in Beinhauer-Connell, 5120 West Library Avenue, Bethel Park, 412-835-7940. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 13, in St. Valentine Church, Bethel Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Please add or view tributes at www.beinhauer.com.

Waynesburg building contractor

Robert D. Cowell Sr., 77, of Waynesburg, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, July 9, 2013, in Respicenter West, Waynesburg, after a long battle with frontotemporal degeneration (Pick’s disease).

He was born September 28, 1935, in Waynesburg, a son of the late Donald B. and Kathryn F. Russell Cowell.

Mr. Cowell was a 1953 graduate of Waynesburg High School.

On April 28, 1956, he married C. Sue Wilson, who survives.

Mr. Cowell’s career spanned 50 years. He was a self-employed building contractor and founder of Robert Cowell & Sons. He built several homes in the Waynesburg area, maintained several rental properties and purchased and developed Colonial Plan. He had also worked as a carpenter for Wayne Lumber Co., in bridge construction and at the Hatfield Ferry Power Station. He had previously worked for Kridle’s Cleaners, Bischoff Creamery and as a dairy farmer.

He was a former member of First Church of the Nazarene in Waynesburg, where he served as a board member, Sunday school teacher, missionary president, building committee member, song leader, choir member and speaker. He was currently a member of First Presbyterian Church of Waynesburg, where he was an elder, member of the mission commission and the building committee and sang in the choir.

Mr. Cowell was an active supporter of Greene County 4-H Cattle Club and FFA.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 57, years C. Sue Cowell, are five children, Deborah Lynn Scott, Pamela Sue Homrock and Robert Dale Cowell Jr., all of Waynesburg, Christa Ann Matheou and husband John of Tampa, Fla., and Brandon Lee Cowell and wife Lindsay of Carnegie; nine grandchildren, Jason Garber (Gretchen), Katelyn Matheou, John Michael Matheou, Douglas R. Homrock, Ashley Haas (Colin), Andrew, Dustin, Dylan and Devon Cowell; two great-grandchildren, Bella and Maddox Haas; sister Joanna Throckmorton of Waynesburg; five brothers, Charles Cowell of Bay Village, Ohio, Donald Cowell of Waynesburg, Gary Cowell of Kernersville, N.C., Ronald Cowell of Port Orange, Fla., and Keith Cowell of Waynesburg; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are two brothers, James A. and Russell Cowell.

Friends will be received from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in Behm Funeral Homes Inc., 182 West High St., Waynesburg. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 12, in First Presbyterian Church of Waynesburg, 169 West College Street, Waynesburg, with the Rev. William Sukolsky officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration at www.theaftd.org. Condolences may be offered at www.behmfh.com.

June 14, 1930 – July 9, 2013

George Edward Crouse Jr., 83, of Washington, died Tuesday, July 9, 2013, in Southmont Presbyterian SeniorCare, Washington, following a lengthy illness.

He was born June 14, 1930, in Waynesburg, a son of George E. Crouse Sr. and Irene Lemley Crouse.

Mr. Crouse was employed by Jessop Steel for 38 years.

He was a member of Jefferson Ave United Methodist Church.

He enjoyed NASCAR and traveling.

On May 13, 1950, he married Vaughn Arlene Polen, who survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Barry (Janet) Crouse of Jefferson and Scott (Kandace) Crouse of Washington; a sister, Mary Lou (Chuck) Bissett of Winston-Salem, N.C.; four grandchildren, Michelle (Ray) Welsbacher, Christian C. (Heather) Loughman, John (Janelle) Dawson and Melody (Steve) Coleman; and seven great-grandchildren, Harlie Welsbacher, Christian E. Loughman, Kaden Loughman, Logan Dawson, Daniel Dawson, Shane Woodall and Katelyn Wise.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 13, in Washington Cemetery mausoleum.

Arrangements are being handled by William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Memorial contributions may be made to National Parkinson’s Foundation, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or Washington Area Humane Society, P.O. Box 66, Eighty Four, PA 15330.

Served in Navy during WWII

Stanley Joseph Duskey, 92, of Washington, died Wednesday, July 10, 2013, in Washington Hospital.

He was born August 30, 1920, in Washington, a son of John J. Duskey and Mildred Staniszewski.

Mr. Duskey was a 1939 graduate of Trinity High School.

During World War II, he served more than three years in the U.S. Navy as a gunner aboard the battleship U.S.S. California in the South Pacific, earning seven medals and ribbons, which resulted in circling the globe and returning to the Philadelphia Naval yard.

He was employed by Borden Ice Cream for more than 26 years, after which he became a partner in Wemack Insurance Co., retiring after 10 years in the insurance business.

Mr. Duskey was a life member of Holy Trinity National Catholic Church, having served as church chairman and was a Sunday school teacher. He was a member of Sunset Lodge F&AM 623, Scottish Rite Valley of Pittsburgh, Syria Temple and was past president of Washington-Greene Caravan 2.

On March 19, 1945, he married Stella Lyseck, who survives.

Also surviving are a son, Dennis (Chris) Duskey of Monroeville; a brother, John Duskey of Washington; and a grandchild, Michelle Duskey.

Deceased is a sister, Josephine Turczynski.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being handled by William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd. Additional information and guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.

Heart and soul of the Sunlight Club

Arthur S. “Spunky” Ferrell Jr., 73, of Bridgeville, formerly of Washington, passed away Sunday, July 7, 2013, in his home, following a courageous two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer.

He was born March 1, 1940, in Washington, a son of the late Arthur S. Ferrell Sr. and the late Alleen Thomas Ferrell.

Mr. Ferrell was a 1957 graduate of Washington High School.

He became the first African-American employee of the A&P on Chestnut Street in Washington. He later became employed as a foreman for G.E. Lighting in Bridgeville, from where he retired.

Mr. Ferrell served in the U.S. Army in Korea, before being honorably discharged from service.

He was a longtime member of the St. Paul AME Church of Washington.

Mr. Ferrell was an avid Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers football fan. He loved to travel to Penn State bowl games and was a season ticket holder for the Steelers, often making trips to their away games. He was a true family man who loved spending time with all of his family. He enjoyed golf and reading and spent a great deal of time reading his Bible. He was a true man of God, whose faith was rooted in his relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a true friend to all and he touched and had an impact on the lives of everyone he met.

He was the heart and Soul of the Sunlight Club and the recovery community of Washington. He was a fixture at alcoholics and narcotics anonymous meetings in Washington and the surrounding areas. He loved recovery like no one else and was loved by the recovery community. His life work for many years consisted of helping fellow recovering alcoholics and addicts stay clean and sober, one day at a time. He always had his hand out to say hello to the newcomer and was willing to take the time to listen to people and their problems. He loved recovery and the Sunlight Club and he was so proud of his sobriety, which meant everything to him. One of his famous sayings was, “I’m enjoying another day in paradise.” He loved to always tell people to keep coming back. His faith in Jesus Christ was always strong and became stronger even in his final days on Earth. He left this Earth in the way many recovering alcoholics and addicts dream of – he died a clean and sober man.

On February 25, 1977, he married DeRay “Andi” Finley, who survives.

Also surviving are a son, Arthur Justin (Brigette) Ferrell of Spring, Texas; a daughter, Kyla Scott Ferrell of Centreville, Va.; a brother, Donald Thomas (Josephine) Ferrell of State College; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Walter and Winifred Burgess; four grandchildren, Siavash, Iman, Jazzmin and Noor Ferrell of Spring; an uncle, Archie Thomas; a niece, Doris Lynn Allen; five nephews, Donald Arthur, Darrin William and Derek Baker Ferrell and Walter and Troy Burgess; cousins Leonard G. Mack, Betty Anne Robinson, Raymond Ronald Thomas, Alan Thomas, David Leonard Wilson, Debra Iott and Dickie Thomas; a goddaughter, China Jemison; and several cousins and friends.

Deceased are nephews William “Poo” and Robert “Yogi” Allen.

Friends will be received from noon to 2 p.m., the time of a home going celebration life service, Saturday, July 13, 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, with the Rev. Arthur E. Doctor Jr. officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sunlight Club in care of Warco-Falvo Funeral Home Inc., 336 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301. Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com.

Services for John Huha, who died June 21, 2013, will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 13, in Kingdom Hall, Carmichaels.

A memorial Mass for Lois R. Kowcheck, who died June 28, 2013, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 13, in St. Michael Roman Catholic Church, 95 Highland Avenue, Avella. Burial will be in Independence Cemetery, Avella.

Loving husband, father and grandfather

John J. Mazza Sr., loving husband, father and grandfather, 90, of Canonsburg, died Wednesday, July 10, 2013, in Canonsburg General Hospital.

He was born January 10, 1923, in Houston, McGovern, a son of Joseph and Angeline Guzzo Mazza.

As a private first class in the U.S. Army during World War II, he proudly served in the 1st Calvary 164th Infantry as a rifleman/mortar crewman in the Pacific Theater.

On June 9, 1946, he married Madeline L. Campana, with whom he recently celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.

Mr. Mazza enjoyed gardening and landscaping. In his younger years, he and his wife traveled extensively.

He was employed in the shipping department by Pennsylvania Transformer/McGraw Edison Corporation for 41 years.

Mr. Mazza was a faithful member of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Canonsburg. He also was a member of American Legion Post 902 in Houston and Veterans of Foreign Wars 191 in Canonsburg.

He loved spending time with family.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a son, John J. (Karen) Mazza Jr. of Canonsburg; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Deceased are three sisters, Antoinette Iaquinta, Constance Patrina and Rose Colaizzo.

Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday in Mario L. DeAngelo Funeral Home, 194 East College Street, Canonsburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 13, in St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Canonsburg. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, Canosnburg. Full military rites will be accorded by the U.S. Army, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 of Canonsburg and American Legion Post 902 of Houston. Condolences may be posted at www.deangelofuneralhome.com.

Member of Holy Rosary Church

Erma J. Quaresima, 91, of Cecil Township, died Wednesday, July 10, 2013, in her home.

She was born November 18, 1921, in Bishop, a daughter of the late Emanuel and Maria Bernardi.

Mrs. Quaresima was a loving mother and homemaker and enjoyed church luncheons and socializing.

She was a member of Holy Rosary Church in Muse.

On January 25, 1945, she married Angelo Quaresima Sr., who died August 24, 2003.

Surviving are four sons, Robert (Crow), David, Angelo Jr. and wife Diana and Larry Quaresima; a daughter, Beverly Edgar; nine grandchildren, Nicki McFarland, Stephanie Cioffi, Erica LaSalvia, Carla Woods, Roxanne Quaresima, James Angelo Quaresima, RJ Quaresima, Kelly Kirby and Julie Quaresima; 13 great-grandchildren, Avery and Brady McFarland, Corinna and Rocco Cioffi, Bobbi and Kylie O’Kohski, Aubrienna and Brinley Quaresima, Clint and Neil Kirby, Leah and Taylor LaSalvia and Ruby; two brothers, Paul and Victor Bernardi; and three sisters, Berta Quaresima, Anrica DeGenova and Anne Walker.

Deceased are three sons, Ronald, John and a son in infancy; a grandson, Stephen Humanic a son-in-law, Scott Edgar; and a daughter-in-law, Patricia Quaresima.

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 prayers of transfer will be said at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 13, followed by a Christian Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Holy Rosary Church, Muse, with Father George DeVille officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Cecil.

1987 THS grad was plumber, outgoing individual

Daniel Lewis Sanders, 44, of Kissimmee, Fla., formerly of Washington, died Friday, July 5, 2013.

He was born September 16, 1968, in Washington, a son of John F. Sanders and Darlene Foster Unrue, both of Washington.

Mr. Sanders was employed by Ferrin Plumbing in Orlando, Fla., as a plumber.

He was a very outgoing person, who enjoyed singing, water sports and had been a Boy Scout.

Mr. Sanders was a 1987 graduate of Trinity High School.

Also surviving, in addition to his parents, is a stepsister, Tammy.

Deceased is a half sister, Tracey Sanders.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and noon to 1 p.m., the time of service, Saturday, July 13, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery.

Additional information and guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.

1974-2013

Jennifer Lynn Main Thorne, 39, of Fairview, W.Va., died unexpectedly Monday, July 8, 2013, in her home.

She was born February 18, 1974, in Waynesburg, a daughter of Arthur Lee and Sandra Raye Eddy Main of Fariview.

Mrs. Thorne had resided in the Fairview area all her life.

She was a 1992 graduate of Clay-Battelle High School and received certification in cosmotology from the Greene County Vo-Tech in 1993.

Mrs. Thorne was an avid collector of pigs and loved and adored all animals.

She was a member of the Blacksville, W.Va., Volunteer Fire Department.

Mrs. Thorne was a certified consultant with Scentsy Fragrance since 2010 and, this past year, established Hog Wild Graphics, designing banners, t-shirts and signage. She was employed as the secretary for Lee Main Excavating of Blacksville for the past 20 years.

On September 1, 2001, she married James Elias Thorne II, who survives.

Also surviving, in addition to her parents and husband, are a daughter, Whitney Lyn Moore, girlfriend of Travis Holmes, at home; a sister, Sami Jo Main, fiance of Ryan Tennant, of Fairview; paternal grandmother Clarice A. “Todd” Kughn Main of Rogersville; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Deceased are her maternal grandparents, William and Mary Kennedy Eddy, and paternal grandfather, Joseph Monegar Main.

Friends will be received from 2 to 9 p.m. Friday in Rush Funeral Home Inc., Rogersville, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 13, with Pastor Ed Woods officiating. Interment will follow in Rosemont Cemetery, Center Township. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Pet Helpers, 726 East Park Ave., PMB311, Fairmont, W.Va. 26554. Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences and flowers at www.rushfuneralhomeinc.com.