Jul 17, 2013

Devoted member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses

Kathleen A. Dickey, 65, of Carmichaels, died at the home of her daughter Saturday, July 13, 2013.

Mrs. Dickey was born June 11, 1948, in Cleveland, Ohio, a daughter of the late John and Edith Chonko Meder.

She was a devoted member of Carmichaels Congregation Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses. She enjoyed reading and teaching the Bible, and caring for her grandchildren.

Mrs. Dickey is survived by three children, Dennis John Dickey (Colleen Sweeney) of Dry Tavern, Deborah Denise Triola (Robert) of Carmichaels and Daniel Edward Dickey (Ericia) of Cape Coral, Fla.; a sister, Audrey Grunau (Gordon), Cleveland, Ohio; 12 grandchildren, three of whom she was raising, Douglas, Charlette and Allison Dickey; and several nieces and nephews.Deceased are her husband, Chad Dickey, and a son, Douglas Dickey.There will be no visitation or service at the funeral home.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 27, in Carmichaels Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses. Lesako Funeral Home Inc., Paul M. Lesako, funeral director/supervisor/owner, 204 Dowlin Avenue, Carmichaels, PA 15320, 724-966-5100, is in charge of the arrangements. Visit the obituary at www.lesakofuneralhomeinc.com.

Active Mt. Olive Baptist Church member, sportsman

Leroy J. “PeeWee” Lovell, 79, of Houston, peacefully departed this life Tuesday, July 16, 2013, in Canonsburg Hospital.

He was born July 1, 1934, in Welch, W.Va., a son of Neal and Elsie Lovell Jamieson.

Mr. Lovell served in the U.S Navy and had been a Houston Borough police officer.

He had worked for 27 years for Cooper Power Systems in Canonsburg, retiring in 1996. Following retirement, he worked as a greeter at Sam’s Club in Washington.

Mr. Lovell was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Canonsburg, where he was ordained as deacon in 1997 and served in the men’s choir.

He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping in his “Jesus Loves You” recreational vehicle. He also had a passion for rollerskating. One of his greatest joys was his role as a father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

On June 1, 1957, he married Margaret Hagan, his companion of 56 years.

Also surviving are four children, Rhonda Liggins (Keith) of Atlanta, Ga., Peggy Wood (Jay) of Benwood, W.Va., Jay Lovell of Canonsburg and Penny Trent (Mike) of Houston; nine grandchildren, Sarah, Mike Jr., Tranae, Christan, Jade, Shannon, Xavier, Brandon and Sierra; five great-grandchildren, Keeley, Arianna, Julius, Sienna and Nadia; and an uncle, Howard “Bus” Lovell of Houston.

A cousin, Lawrence Williams, is deceased.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342. Additional visitation will be held from 10 to 10:45 a.m., Saturday, July 20, in Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Canonsburg, where services will begin at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Anita Lovell officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray. Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.

Active Presbyterian church member, elder, lay pastor

Leonard F. Masquelier Sr., 89, of McDonald, died Sunday, July 14, 2013, in Country Meadows of South Hills. He is at rest with the Lord after his long, courageous battle of declining health.

He was born March 2, 1924, in McDonald, a son of the late Jules E. and Helen Leonard Masquelier.

Mr. Masquelier was a 1941 graduate of McDonald High School and worked at Columbia Teledyne in Carnegie, until he retired in 1979.

He was a charter member of Independent Bible Presbyterian Church in McDonald and an elder in the Presbyterian Church for more than 40 years. He was the lay pastor of Primrose Valley Chapel for 15 years, from 1967 to 1981. For seven years, he was host, choir member and frequent soloist on “Melody of Life” that aired on KDKA Radio every Sunday night. He was chaplain and song leader of Midway Senior Citizens and also led many song services and hymn sings throughout Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Mr. Masquelier also was involved in the Masonic Blue Lodge and Scottish Rite.

On June 16, 1945, he married Wilhelmina “Willy” Bowland, who died June 18, 1993.

Surviving are two sons, James C. (Maribeth) Masquelier of Cooperstown and Gary L. (Laurie) Masquelier of Port Matilda; a daughter-in-law, Vera Masquelier of Ft. Lee, N.J.; a brother, H. Jack Masquelier of West Columbia, S.C.; five grandchildren, Joshua (Sarah) Masquelier, Lisa Masquelier, Jessie Masquelier, Hollie Masquelier and Anna Bondarenko; and five great-grandchildren, Elijah, Abigail, Isaac, Christian and Jeremiah.

Deceased are a son, Leonard F. “Skip” Masquelier Jr.; a brother, Maurice Masquelier; and a sister, Aline Purdy.

Country Meadows and Odyssey Hospice helped the family with compassionate care and support for the past two and one-half years, allowing him to pass with dignity.

Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the time of service, Saturday, July 20, in Nation Funeral Home Inc., 220 East Lincoln Avenue, McDonald, the Rev. Angela Kress will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Life Restoration Partners International, 210 S.W. 18th Court, Pompano Beach, FL 33060; or to McDonald Volunteer Fire Department, 150 North McDonald Street, McDonald, PA 15057. Condolences, photos and additional information are available at www.nationfuneralhome.com.

Graveside services for Arina “Irene” Mrenak, who died Monday, July 15, 2013, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20, in Fairview Cemetery, 15 Maple Avenue, Burgettstown, with Pastor Joe DiDonato officiating.

WWII vet operated area sales, service stations

John O’Dell Jr., 92, of Bentleyville, died Tuesday, July 16, 2013, in Mt. Macrina Manor, Uniontown.

He was born March 2, 1921, in Courtney, a son of the late John and Henrietta Young O’Dell.

Mr. O’Dell was a 1939 graduate of Monongahela High School.

He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran, having served during World War II as an aircraft mechanic and later he became a pilot.

Mr. O’Dell co-owned and operated J&M Sales and Service and Bentleyville Arco Service Station from 1954 to 1983.

He was a longtime member of Bentleyville Presbyterian Church.

On March 2, 1955, he married Margaret Troncatti, who died January 28, 2003. They particularly enjoyed long walks together and 48 years of marriage.

Surviving are two sons, Charles Pizzutelli (Sun) of Belaire, Md., and Laric John O’Dell (Patsy) of Pataskala, Ohio; two daughters, Debbie O’Dell Seneca (Tony) of Eighty Four and Teresa Oyenik (Steve) of Fairchance; eight grandchildren, Denise Smith Blackburn, Robin Smith Salmon, Kevin Geresti, Mark Kavakich Jr., Lance Kavakich, John Kavakich, Mario Seneca and Carlo Pizzutelli; several great-grandchildren; a sister, June Crabtree of Meadville; two sons-in-law, Don Smith and Mark Kavakich Sr., both of Bentleyville; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to his parents and wife, are two daughters, Margaret P. Smith and Janet Kavakich.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Greenlee Funeral Home, 619 Main Street, Bentleyville, where services will be held at a time to be announced, Saturday, July 20. Interment will be in Monongahela Cemetery. A guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.

Baker Mine Service retiree was WWII veteran

John Parish, 91, of Finleyville, died Monday, July 15, 2013, in Mt. Vernon of South Park.

He was born June 30, 1922, in Finleyville, a son of Joseph and Mary Spirak Parish.

Mr. Parish was an Army Air Force veteran of World of War II, serving in England and Europe. He was a machinist at Baker Mine Service in Waynesburg, retiring after 50 years of employment. Mr. Parish received his certification to teach vocational education in the state of Pennsylvania.

His memberships include St. Francis of Assissi Church, American Legion Post 613, both of Finleyville and Veterans of Foreign Wars of McMurray.

He is survived by a son, Kenneth Parish and wife Janet of Naperville, Ill.; two granddaughters, Alice Anne and Ashley Marie Parish; and a brother, Paul Parish, and a sister, Mary Koskoski, both of Finleyville. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Veres Parish, who died May 24, 1996; four brothers, Stephen Sr., Joseph Jr., Albert and William Parish; and two sisters, Anna Snee and Margaret Witzel.

Friends will be received from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday in Frye Funeral Home Inc., 427 West Main Street, Monongahela. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 20, in St. Francis of Assissi Church, Finleyville, with the Rev. Robert Boyle, pastor, as celebrant.

Committal services and interment will follow in Monongahela Cemetery, with military honors accorded by Mon Valley Firing Squad and Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 1100 Liberty Avenue, Suite E-201, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Condolences may be made to the family at www.fryefuneralhome.com.

Army retiree served in Korea, three tours in Vietnam

Donald Taufer, 81, of Fayetteville, N.C., died Monday, July 15, 2013, in Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Fayetteville, following a lengthy illness.

He was born August 30, 1931, in Canonsburg, a son of Louis and Julia Ann Turco Taufer.

Mr. Taufer was a graduate of Chartiers High School.

He retired in 1986 from the U.S. Army as a master sergeant. He had more than 25 years of service that included the Korean War and three tours of duty in Vietnam. He was a member of the Army Rangers and Golden Knight Army Parachute Team.

Mr. Taufer enjoyed working in the yard. He loved animals, socializing and spending time with his family.

Surviving are a daughter, Donna T. Parker and her mother, Audrey Taufer, both of Fayetteville; three brothers, Thomas Taufer of California and Kenneth Taufer (Alice) and Gerald Taufer, both of Florida; a sister, Carole Sandy of West Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are his twin brother, Ronald Taufer, who passed away June 26, 2013; a sister, Deanne Waite; and a brother-in-law, Ron Sandy.

Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the time of service, Saturday, July 20, in McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342. Interment will follow in Oak Spring Cemetery, Chartiers Township. Full military rites will be accorded by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 of Canonsburg and American Legion Post 902 of Houston combined honor guard. Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.

Local basketball referee, coach was Gulf War vet

Homer Lee “Pete” Washington Jr., 56, died unexpectedly July 6, 2012, in Washington Hospital, as a result of a heart attack.

He was born November 2, 1956, in Washington, a son of Homer Lee Washington Sr. and Jacqueline M. Walker Washington, who are deceased.

Mr. Washington was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served overseas on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower during the Gulf War.

He was a graduate of Washington High School and was a member of the football, track and basketball teams. He attended the University of Dayton. He refereed basketball throughout Washington, Greene and Allegheny counties. He coached basketball teams throughout the years, and his 5th grade basketball team at Washington Park won the championship in his first season, last year. He worked for the Washington County Board of Elections as the majority inspector for the 6th Ward, second district, for the past five years.

Mr. Washington was an active member of his community and a member of John Wesley United Methodist Church. He was a trivia buff and a voracious reader who loved his newspapers.

Surviving are a son, Malik Washington of Washington, D.C.; two sisters, Dwana Washington of Bradenton, Fla., and Jetaun Washington of Atlanta, Ga.; three nieces, Onika, Trinity and Kristian of Atlanta; and a nephew Aston of Atlanta.

He leaves behind his “other family,” Pat, Byrd and Robert “Bray” Anderson, as well as loving cousins and loyal and faithful friends.

Deceased is a brother, Landon Washington.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 20, in John Wesley United Methodist Church, 35 Central Avenue, Washington. Additional information and guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.

Worked as secretary for several area businesses

Peggy J. Howard Woodring, 77, of Waynesburg, died Tuesday, July 16, 2013, in Donnell House, Washington.

She was born December 14, 1935, in Washington, a daughter of the late Clifford Lee and Sara A. Espy Harton.

Mrs. Woodring was a 1953 graduate of Washington High School.

She had worked as a secretary for several businesses throughout her working career.

Mrs. Woodring was formerly married to the late John Howard and Jim Woodring of Waynesburg.

Surviving are a son, Tony Howard and wife Linda of Morgantown, W.Va., and a daughter, Michelle Howard of Waynesburg; three grandchildren, James S. Hammond Jr., Brandi Beyer and Annie Howard; two great-grandchildren, Zoey Hammond and Mason Beyer; a sister, Norma Binder and husband Paul; and two brothers, Ronald Harton and wife Delores and Paul Harton and wife Sandy, all of Washington.

She also leaves her beloved dog, Bubba.

Deceased are a son, James S. Hammond, and a brother, Clifford Harton Jr.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Behm Funeral Homes Inc., 1477 Jefferson Road, Jefferson, Gregory P. Rohanna, supervisor, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 19, with the Rev. Joe Weaver officiating. Interment will follow in Smith Cemetery, Waynesburg. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Donnell House, Hospice Care of the Washington Hospital, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301-9986; or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942. Condolences may be expressed at www.behm-funeralhomes.com.