Jan 2, 2014

Longtime Greensboro resident, community activist

Lydia Aston died peacefully Thursday, December 26, 2013, in Baltimore, Md.

She was born in Preston County, W.Va., March 19, 1925.

Mrs. Aston was a graduate of West Virginia University School of Nursing and the first woman to graduate from St. John’s College, Annapolis, Md. She received her master’s degree from University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health.

Her professional career with the federal Department of Health, Education and Welfare allowed her to create several Appalachian health clinics, including clinics in Greensboro/Glassworks; Blacksville, W.Va.; and Centerville. When Ted Kennedy came to West Virginia in the 1970s to view impoverished conditions in rural Appalachia, Mrs. Aston was his personal guide.

During the 1990s, she was instrumental in saving the Historic District of Greensboro from condemnation and demolition when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers unleashed their plans for the new Rices Landing Lock and Dam. Her nearly 10-year resistance to the Army Corps can now be seen in the flourishing and beautiful Historic District in Greensboro.

Over a span of many years, Mrs. Aston and her family were responsible for the restoration and preservation of several important historic buildings in Greensboro: the original Reppert House, Boughner’s log cabin store and the Williams and Reppert House, these all being buildings built originally by Greensboro’s legendary pottery manufacturers.

Mrs. Aston enjoyed gardening and flowers, life on the Monongahela River, music, especially Bach and Italian arias, books ranging from regional histories to Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and movies, especially Westerns and Italian films by Fellini, Pasolini, Leone and De Sica.

Surviving are two daughters, Maggy Aston of Greensboro and Molly Aston of Crownsville, Md.; two sons-in-law, Robert Richards of Greensboro and Howard Prior of Crownsville; three grandchildren, Mary Aston-Richards of Greensboro and William Prior and Sam Aston, both of Crownsville; six sisters; and five brothers.

She was the wife of the late William Aston, formerly of Greensboro.

Veteran was 50-year member of Ave Maria Parish

Albin “Murf” Bellotti, 86, of Bentleyville, died Wednesday, January 1, 2014, in his home.

He was born January 7, 1927, in Superior, a son of the late Roman and Cynthia DeBacco Bellotti.

Mr. Bellotti was a 1945 graduate of Bentleyville High School. He was a U.S. Army and Coast Guard veteran, serving during World War II and the Korean conflict.

For 30 years, Mr. Bellotti was a machinist for Corning Glass, Charleroi, until his retirement in 1989.

He was a 50-year member of Ave Maria Parish, where he was an usher. He was also a member of Bentleyville American Legion Post 165, Independent Club of Bentleyville and Charleroi Sportsman’s Association.

He enjoyed visiting casinos, fixing clocks of all types and gardening. He was an avid Steelers fan.

Surviving are two brothers, Arthur Bell (Mary) and Ronald Bell (Eileen), both of Dayton, Ohio; friend Betty Wright of Ellsworth; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to his parents, is his wife, Helen Petronka Bellotti, who died August 12, 1989.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Greenlee Funeral Home, 619 Main Street, Bentleyville, where a prayer service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, January 4, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in Ave Maria Parish, Bentleyville, with the Rev. Edward Yuhas as celebrant. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Monongahela. Military rites will be accorded by Bentleyville American Legion 165.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to American Heart Association, 444 Liberty Avenue, Suite 1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1207, or Ave Maria Parish, 126 Church Street, Bentleyville, PA 15314. A guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.

Washington pastor attended Living Waters Church of God

Christopher Lee Cummings, 50, of Washington, died Tuesday, December 31, 2013, in Washington Hospital.

He was born August 2, 1963, in Washington, a son of Dude Cummings and Mildred Haught Cummings.

Mr. Cummings received a bachelor’s degree from Logos Bible College. He was a pastor and attended Living Waters Church of God.

On September 9, 2006, he married Suzanne Ehrentraut, who survives.

Also surviving are a son, Michael Cummings of Washington; a daughter, Jessica Renee (Christopher) Patnesky of Washington; a stepson, Benjamin Berdine of Washington; a sister, Holly Jo (Don) Wood of Pittsburgh; and three grandchildren, Austin Rowe, Eli Patnesky and Brennan Berdine.

At the request of the family, all services are private. Arrangements are being handled by William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Additional information and a guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.

Former Nemacolin resident

Alba A. Dittore died Tuesday, December 31, 2013, in Mary Washington Hospital, Fredericksburg, Va.

She formerly resided in Nemacolin and worked as a seamstress for Greenway Manufacturing Co. in Waynesburg.

Surviving are her son, Nick Dittore Jr. and wife Judy; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Deceased is her husband, Nick Dittore Sr.

Mullins and Thompson Funeral Service, Fredericksburg, is handling the arrangements.

Loved flowers, sewing, quilting and family time

Doloris “Dee” Ford, 90, of Canonsburg, passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2014, in her home.

She was born June 13, 1923, in Eighty Four and was married for 74 years to W. Kenneth Ford, 94, who survives.

Also surviving are her children, Ruthanne Holliday of Pittsburgh and Donald Ford of Laurel, Md.; grandchildren Laurel and Michael Flaherty, Holly and Rob Packy and Kenny Guiser; and great-grandchildren Jordan and Brooke Packy and Ashley and Sarah Flaherty.

She also leaves behind her faithful and loyal dog, Molly.

Mrs. Ford loved growing flowers, sewing, quilting and spending time with her family. She was a caring and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be sadly missed by her loving family and dear friends.

Family and friends will be received for visitation from 10 a.m. to noon, the time of services, Saturday, January 4, in Beinhauer-Bogan Funeral Home, 164 West Pike Street, Canonsburg. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Munntown.

Please add or view tributes at www.beinhauer.com.

St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Church member

Maria “Mary” Horwatt, 89, of Canonsburg, passed away Sunday, December 29, 2013, in her home with her family by her side, following an extended illness.

She was born June 12, 1924, in Canonsburg, a daughter of the late Peter and Eva Schmegda Horwatt.

Ms. Horwatt lived her entire life in Canonsburg, where she was a member of St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Church and choir.

She was employed by the former Canonsburg Pottery Co. and, prior to her retirement, at Mac Plastics in Canonsburg.

Surviving are three sisters, Anna Tornabene and Helen Mae Horwatt, both of Canonsburg, and Elizabeth (Stanley) Pensak of Cincinnati, Ohio; a brother, Harry Horwatt of Canonsburg; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to her parents, are two sisters, Julia Cunie and Tillie Horwatt, and four brothers, Frank F., Peter, Stephen and William Horwatt.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no public visitation. A private family visitation, funeral liturgy in St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Church with the Rev. Joseph Jugan, pastor, as celebrant, and interment were private.

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

Washington native worked with President Roosevelt

Loretta Lee, 93, of Belleville, Mich., passed Friday, December 27, 2013, in St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Born April 28, 1920, in Washington, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Estelle Constance Pijanowski Szolek.

During World War II, Mrs. Lee worked as a secretary in the U.S. Pentagon in Washington, D.C. She told many interesting stories about working with President Roosevelt and his first lady. She also worked for J.C. Penney.

Mrs. Lee was an active member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, Belleville, and was church secretary for many years.

Surviving are two daughters, Darlene (Lonnie) Devall of Ypsilanti, Mich., and Joyce (Walter) Rochowiak of Belleville; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Thelma (Stanley) Niedziecki and Gloria Imperapore, both of Canonsburg, and Edith Huffman of Fayetteville, Ga.; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Deceased are her husband, Wendell Lee; a sister, Elsie Ladzinski; and a brother, Robert Szolek.

Arrangements are by David C. Brown Funeral Home, Belleville. A funeral Mass was held December 30 in St. Anthony Catholic Church. Interment was in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Peters Township.

Memorials to the organization of the donor’s choice are appreciated. Visit davidcbrownfh.com.

Vietnam War veteran worked as machinist

John Lewis Lukanski Jr., 72, of Southview, died Wednesday, January 1, 2014, in VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Oakland.

He was born August 24, 1941, in Washington, a son of the late John L. Sr. and Stella Tkaczuk Lukanski.

Mr. Lukanski served as an U.S. Army specialist during the Vietnam War. He was a member of Slovene National Benefit Society, Southview, and Disabled American Veterans.

He worked as a machinist for Cooper Industries, Canonsburg.

He enjoyed cooking and eating, farming and his family.

Surviving are his wife, Marcia Galloway Lukanski of Southview; son John Thomas (Amy) Lukanski of Bridgeville; daughter Lisa (JJ) Dorazio of Eighty Four; son Michael Lukanski of North Strabane Township; stepdaughter Marci (Bob) Sherko of Crafton; two stepsons, Joseph (Karen) Noel and Jason (Kim) Noel, both of McDonald; four grandchildren, Ben, Anna, Tim and Ashley; and two sisters, Patricia (Wayne) Roth of Southview and Carolyn (Don) Vosnick of Shrewsbury.

Deceased is a sister, Mary Ann Banko.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Coleman-Taylor Funeral Services, 3378 Millers Run Road (Route 50), Cecil, where prayers of transfer will be said at 11:30 a.m. Monday, January 6, followed by a Christian funeral Mass at noon in St. Mary’s Church, Cecil, with Father Stan Gregorek officiating. Interment will follow in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township, with full military honors accorded by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 and American Legion Post 92 Honor Guard.

Contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, 100 West Station Square Drive, Landmarks Building, Suite 1900, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, or Alzheimer’s Association, 1100 Liberty Avenue, Suite E-201, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

Thomas G. Malik, 86, of Washington, died Thursday, January 2, 2014, in Kindred Hospital, Oakdale, following a brief illness.

Hummell & Jones Funeral Home Inc., Washington, will announce arrangements in a later edition.

Deeply devoted to family

Dorothy A. “Dot” Peirce, 94, of Country Meadows, South Fayette Township, 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.

Bonnie L. Pesuti, 92, of Carmichaels, died Thursday, January 2, 2014, in Donnell House, Washington.

There will be no public viewing, and a memorial service is being planned by Yoskovich Funeral Home, 300 South Vine Street, Carmichaels.

Attended West Alexander Fair for 81 years

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

She was born October 18, 1927, in Valley Grove, W.Va., a daughter of the late Frank R. and Beatrice Elizabeth Westfall Minor, and resided in West Alexander prior to moving to Claysville in 1962.

She was a 1945 graduate of West Alexander High School and a member of Claysville United Methodist Church.

Ms. Porter was a former president and 73-year member of West Alexander American Legion Auxiliary and was a charter member of Claysville Volunteer Fire Department.

She enjoyed watching softball and baseball games and was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates. She also enjoyed going to the mountains and attending the West Alexander Fair for 81 consecutive years.

On February 28, 1948, she married Harold B. Porter, who died November 28, 2003.

Surviving are three daughters, Mabel Jean Porter of Claysville and Sandy Rogers and Barb Mounts, both of Washington; two grandchildren, Scott, husband of Beth Mounts of Claysville, and Patrick Mounts of Washington; two great-grandchildren, Stefanie and Andrew Mounts; and a sister, Ruth Ann Riggans of Avella.

Deceased, in addition to her parents and husband, are a sister, Jean Layton, and a brother, Franklin Minor.

Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the time of funeral services, Saturday, January 4, in Claysville United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Rico Vespa and the Rev. Keith Hornung co-officiating. Interment will be held in West Alexander Cemetery. West Alexander American Legion Auxiliary will perform a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. in the church.

Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences at www.rushfuneralhomeinc.com.

Faye Hill Wilson, 85, of Brownsville, formerly of Center Township, Greene County, died at 2:33 a.m. Thursday, January 2, 2014, in Flo’s Personal Care Home, Elco, after being seriously ill for the past couple of months.

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

Dedicated her life to family and friends

Marian Louise Fischer Yatsko, 78, of Friendship Village, formerly of Peters Township, died Thursday, January 2, 2014.

She was born January 21, 1935, in Washington, a daughter of G.F.W. and Alice E. Scheick Fischer.

On December 12, 1957, she married George “Bucky” Yatsko, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Dawn Lea (Walter) Stapinski of Irwin; a son, Timothy J.F. Yatsko (Caren Livingston) of Austin, Texas; four grandchildren, Katie (Steven) Cavill, Emily Booth, Andrew Booth (fiancée Gerina Sentell) and Sean Livingston-McAfee; a brother, G.F.W. “Bill” (late Edith Duffy) Fischer of Peters Township; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Yatsko was a member of Order of the Eastern Star and Center Presbyterian Church, where she was an elder and trustee. She was also involved in numerous activities at Friendship Village.

She was a woman who dedicated her life to her family and friends. The legacy she leaves behind is her unconditional love for her family. She will be greatly missed by many.

Funeral arrangements are by Beinhauers, 724-941-3211. Interment is private. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, January 5, in Center Presbyterian Church, McMurray.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Center Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 255 Center Church Road, McMurray, PA 15317. Please view or add tributes at www.beinhauer.com.