Jan 1, 2014

Avid fan of Steelers also enjoyed bingo, baking

Phyllis Antil Baer, 82 of Clarksville, died Monday, December 30, 2013, in her home, surrounded by her loving daughters.

She was born November 16, 1931, in Waynesburg, a daughter of the late Leo L. and Ina Miller Antil.

Mrs. Baer was a 1949 graduate of Jefferson-Morgan High School and lived most all of her life in Clarksville.

She was a homemaker who enjoyed bingo, holiday baking, spending time with her family at the cabin and was an avid sports fan, especially of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

On September 20, 1951, she married Samuel Robert Baer, who died February 11, 2003.

Surviving are four daughters, Linda Benyi of Clarksville, Jean Collins of Clarksville, Joan Baer of Clarksville and Sharon Wallach of Rices Landing; seven grandchildren, Paul Whetsell, Sammy Benyi Jr., Mikey Benyi, Patrick Collins, Danny Benyi, Samantha Sisler and David Sisler Jr.; and four great-grandchildren, Jacelyn Benyi, Gabriel Whetsell, William Whetsell and Corey J. Collins.

Deceased are a daughter, Brenda C. Fudala, and a grandson, Corey G. Collins.

Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Behm Funeral Homes, Inc., 1477 Jefferson Road, Jefferson, PA 15344, Gregory P. Rohanna, supervisor, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 4. Interment will follow in Greene County Memorial Park, Morgan Township. Condolences may be left at www.behm-funeralhomes.com.

Neighborhood kids were always welcome

Eva M. Boyer, 98, of Washington, died Monday, December 30, 2013, in Southmont of Presbyterian SeniorCare, Washington.

She was born November 26, 1915, in Washington, a daughter of the late Frank G. Porter and Bertha Donson Porter.

On November 27, 1946, in Williamsport, she married John E. Boyer, who died February 7, 1991.

Mrs. Boyer grew up on a dairy farm in Washington where she always woke up early to listen to the birds in the orchard. She graduated from Trinity High School in 1934, and from there worked at The George Washington hotel, where she met her husband John. At their home on East Beau Street, she enjoyed gardening, especially her flowers. All of the neighborhood kids were always welcome at the house for snacks and hanging out. Her top priority was taking care of her children. She taught all of them many life lessons and made sure they knew how to behave, work and be good students. Later in life, her attention turned to caring for her husband and leading a simple life enjoying big band music, watching her stories, cheering on the Pirates and Steelers and following local happenings. She lived at The George Washington hotel from 1974 until 2007 when she fell and broke a hip. After that, she was a resident of Southmont of Presbyterian SeniorCare.

Mrs. Boyer was a former member of Church of the Covenant, Washington.

Surviving are a son, John E. (Linda) Boyer Jr. of Odgen, Utah; a daughter, Jane (Don) Gire of Portland, Ore.; two granddaughters, Sarah and Anne Gire; a great-grandson, Anakin Gire; and three nieces, Charlotte Navoy, Janet Mazon and Jane “Becky” Mantz.

She was a wonderful mother and will be missed very much.

Deceased are a son, William “Ben” Boyer; two brothers, Daniel and Harold Porter; and a sister, Peggy Bedillion.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Presbyterian SeniorCare Foundation by visiting www.srcare.org and clicking “Donate Now”. The Southmont team provided her with outstanding care kindness, support and professionalism since 2007.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, January 3, in Piatt & Barnhill Funeral Home, 420 Locust Ave., Washington. All other services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors Inc., Charles R. Piatt, owner/supervisor, and Lawrence K. Donovan, funeral director

Owner of Imperatore Enterprises

John R. Imperatore, 89, of Canonsburg, passed away at 4:03 a.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2013, in Townview Health and Rehabilitation Center, Canonsburg, following an extended illness.

He was born June 25, 1924, in Canonsburg, a son of the late Giovanni and Maria Sebastian Imperatore.

During World War II, he served with the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant. Upon returning to Canonsburg, he and his brothers purchased Hudson Automobile agency and operated the Modern Delivery service, which for the fee of 10 cents, delivered groceries to area homes. In 1963, the Imperatore brothers purchased the local Ford dealership which then became Imperatore Enterprises, where he received many Excellence in Accounting awards from Ford Motor Co.

Mr. Imperatore was a lifelong member of St. Patrick Church, where he served as an usher with the Catholic Men’s Club for over 50 years. He was a member of Sons of Italy, Knights of Columbus Counsel 3291, American Legion Post 253 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 791.

He was passionate about his two grandchildren. He enjoyed watching Steelers and Pirates games, trips to Atlantic City and area casinos, bowling and working in his yard. He was an optimist who always had a smile for everyone and loved sharing and hearing stories about “the good old days.” He left the world a better place and will be missed.

On November 28, 1959, he married Mary Lawrence, who survives, after 54 years of marriage.

Also surviving are a son, John R. Imperatore of Scott Township; a daughter, Susanne (Wesley) Harrison, and grandchildren Ava and Ryan Harrison, all of Richmond, Va.; his brother, Harry (Irene) Imperatore of Canonsburg; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Deceased are five brothers, Leon (Lee Barrette), James, Guerino “Goody,” Erman and Albert Imperatore; and two sisters, Jean Tomsic and Olga Nesti.

Friends are welcome from 2 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 9 a.m. Saturday, January 4, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in St. Patrick Church, with entombment to follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Peters Township. Full military rites will be accorded by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 and American Legion Post 902 honor guard. The Christian Mothers and Guild of St. Patrick will recite the rosary at 3 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Church, American Diabetes Association and Townview Health and Rehabilitation Center. To view or extend condolences please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.

Enjoyed horse racing at The Meadows

Bettye Jewell Morgan, 81, of Washington, formerly of Bridgeville, died December 31, 2013.

She was born June 6, 1932, in Owensboro, Ky., a daughter of the late Owen and Bessie Curry Morgan.

On February 16, 1951, she married Robert Morgan, who died in 2004.

Mrs. Morgan enjoyed horse racing at The Meadows Racetrack & Casino and loved being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are a daughter, Darla Jo (Ben) Bolon; two sons, Perry (Nancy) Morgan and Terry (Suzi) Morgan; and a sister, Shirley Lamb.

Also surviving are nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Deceased are a son, Dana Morgan; a sister, Zemma Polley; and a brother, Jack Morgan.

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 a service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 4, with the Rev. Joe DiDonato officiating. Interment will follow in Melrose Cemetery, South Fayette Township. View and add condolences at www.warcholfuneralhome.com.

Deeply devoted to family

Dorothy A. “Dot” Peirce, 94, of Country Meadows, formerly of Bethel Park, died Sunday, December 29, 2013.

She was born November 1, 1919, in Philadelphia, a daughter of the late Frank and Anna Pacholska Stanky.

Mrs. Peirce was a 1937 graduate of Kensington High School in Philadelphia.

She was a longtime member of Fruitwood Bowling League and St. Louise Ladies Golf League.

Mrs. Peirce was deeply devoted to family.

She was married for 71 years to Joseph H. Peirce, who survives.

She was the loving mother of Joan Bell, Deborah Pietras, Robert Peirce and Lois Marquardt; cherished grandmother of Fran Bell, Chip Bell, Christine Wilkins, Shawn Bell, John Bell, Robert Marquardt and Brett Marquardt; and great-grandmother of Christopher Krebs, Angelea Krebs, Garrett Bell, Ashley Bell, Brady Bell and Devin Bell.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Beinhauer Funeral Home, 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, 724-941-3211. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 4, in St. Louise de Marillac Church, Upper St. Clair. Interment will be at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Peters Township.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to American Heart Association, http://donate.heart.org, or Family Hospice & Palliative Care, 50 Moffett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15243. Please add tributes at www.beinhauer.com.

Finleyville resident formerly of South Park

Della E. Bordt Picozzi, 99, of Finleyville, formerly of South Park, died Tuesday, December 24, 2013.

She was the wife of the late Michael J. Picozzi; beloved mother of Carol Davis, Nancy Hazi, Michael Jr., Richard, Vince and Michelle Richardson; grandmother of 12; and great-grandmother of six.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in David J. Henney Funeral Home, 6364 Library Road (Route 88), Library, where a blessing service will held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 4, with Father Phillip Pribonic officiating. Interment will be in Jefferson Memorial Park, Pleasant Hills.

Mabel V. Porter, 86, of Claysville, died at 8:45 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2013, in Hixenbaugh’s Personal Care Home, Claysville.

Arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Rush Funeral Home Inc., Rogersville. A complete obituary and funeral notice will be published in a later edition.

W&J graduate loved Western Pennsylvania

Lynn Keener Reardon passed away Friday, December 27, 2013.

She was born in Washington, a daughter of Margaret Staggers and John Keener, formerly of Upper St. Clair.

A graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Washington & Jefferson College and master’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania.

Surviving are four children, Rob (Patrice Belback), Doug (Mary Arobaga), John (Leslie Newman) and Pam (Steve Rao); a brother, John Keener (Myra); and a sister, Helen Yates.

She was a beloved grandmother to her nine grandchildren, Robbie, Lisa, Sophie, Adele, Noah, Joshua, Ava, Katie and Anna.

Loving Western Pennsylvania, she was particularly proud of her genealogy, having traced her Staggers family history to the original West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania land grant. She spent her last years in the Waynesburg and South Hills area.

A celebration of her life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, January 11, in Washington Cemetery Chapel, 498 Park Avenue, Washington, PA 15301.

U.M. Church of Houston member enjoyed embroidery

Elsie J. Hall Smith, 85, of Houston, died Tuesday, December 31, 2013, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.

She was born December 15, 1928, in Canonsburg, a daughter of the late Gilbert “Jack” and Jeannette Hampson Hall.

Mrs. Smith was a 1946 graduate of Trinity High School.

She was a member of United Methodist Church of Houston.

Mrs. Smith enjoyed embroidery, puzzles, playing bingo and loved going to the casino.

On October 15, 1949, she married Howard R. Smith Sr., who died November 27, 1998.

Surviving are four children, Judy A. Loar (Ken) of Washington, Cindy L. Black (Bill Sabo) of Phoenix, Ariz., Howard R. Smith Jr. (Kate) of Chandler, Ariz., and Patrick Smith (Mary) of Sylmar, Calif.; eight grandchildren, Jason, Robert, Erik, William and Lindsey Black, Megan and Brian Smith and Daniel Mariani; five great-grandchildren, Jordan, Jayden, Amber and Erika Black and Cash Rudderow; a sister, Patty Faure of McDonald; and several favorite nieces and nephews.

Deceased are three sisters, Doris Folkens, Geraldine Coole and Emma Jean Smith, and two brothers, Jack and Richard Hall.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 4, with the Rev. Gary Gibson officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Spring Cemetery, Canonsburg. Condolences can be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.