Jan 19, 2014

Homemaker attended First U.M. Church

Maggie Belle Hartzell Conklin, 93, of Wind Ridge, formerly of Waynesburg, died at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, January 18, 2014, in Cameron Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Cameron, W.Va.

She was born Monday, June 28, 1920, in Hopewell Ridge, Center Township, Greene County, a daughter of the late Garfield Hartzell and Nellie Blye Throckmorton Hartzell Ely.

Mrs. Conklin was a member of the former Hopewell United Methodist Church and attended First United Methodist Church in Waynesburg.

She was a homemaker and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

For several years, she had worked as a cook in Waynesburg University.

Her first husband, Lewin Rush, died January 2, 1961. Her second husband, Earl Conklin, died in September 1972.

Surviving are a daughter, BeLinda (Alfred) Burns of Wind Ridge; a stepson, John David Rush; four grandchildren, Greta (Ryan) Mooney, Nyle (Scarlett) Burns, Andrew (Alissa) Burns and Crystal (Shane) Frye; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are a stepson, David Conklin; her twin brother, John Alfred Hartzell; and a brother, William H. Hartzell.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home Inc., Daryl L. Throckmorton, owner/director, 197 North Maiden Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370, where services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 22, with the Rev. Gary Grau officiating. Burial will be in Hopewell Cemetery, Hopewell Ridge, Center Township, Greene County. Information is available at www.milliken-throckmortonfh.com.

A&R Truck Repair mechanic loved motorcycle racing

Daniel John “Dragon” Derrico, 33, of Cecil, died Friday, January 17, 2014.

He was born July 31, 1980, in Upper St. Clair, a son of Denny and Linda Markovich Derrico.

Mr. Derrico was a member of St. Mary Parish, Sons of the American Legion Cecil Post 15, Cuddy Sportsman Club, Muse Italian Club and American Motorcycle Association.

He loved motorcycle racing, playing cards and being “Dragon.”

Mr. Derrico worked for his very special and close cousin, Augie Passieu Jr., as a mechanic for A&R Truck Repair, Cecil.

Surviving are his parents, Linda and Denny Derrico of Cecil; a brother, David Derrico of Cecil; five aunts, Bonnie Passieu of Cecil, Monte (Bernard) Bogush of Houston, Connie Flowers of Canonsburg, Diane (Wayne) DelVecchio of Canonsburg and Joyce (Buddy) Arnal of Hilton Head, S.C.; and many cousins.

Deceased are maternal grandparents, John and Marion Kosky Markovich, and paternal grandparents, Consalvo and Ann Cushey Derrico.

The family will receive guests from 9 to 10 a.m., the time of a memorial Mass, Wednesday, January 22, in St. Mary’s Church, Cecil, with Father Stan Gregorek officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to Coleman-Taylor Funeral Services, Cecil, www.coleman-taylorfuneralservices.com.

Piper Jaffray & Co. executive was sportsman

Thomas Boone Kinney, 66, formerly of Ligonier, died Friday, January 17, 2014, in his home in Washington.

He was born July 24, 1947, in Latrobe, a son of the late Dr. Harold Kinney and Dr. Mary Seamon Kinney.

Mr. Kinney graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor of arts in political science in 1969 and from Miami University with a master’s degree in political science in 1972 and was a member of Pi Gamma Mu social science honor fraternity.

At the time of his death, he was employed as senior vice president of Piper Jaffray & Co. Investment Bankers of Pittsburgh. Prior to entering the banking business, he taught state and local government finance at Ursinus College.

He was an active member of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association, Pittsburgh Stock and Bond Association, Security Traders Association and several not-for-profit and civic organizations.

Mr. Kinney served eight years on the Governors Advisory Council on hunting, fishing and conservation. He was also a member of Ligonier Lodge 331, F&AM, Valley of Pittsburgh Consistory, Oakmont Country Club, Laughlintown Protective Association, Washington Sportsmen’s Club and Old Colony Sportsmens and was a life member of the National Rifle Association, Trout Unlimited, United Bowhunters of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Long Bow Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ruffed Grouse Society and National Wild Turkey Association to name but a few.

In addition to his parents, deceased is a brother, James Kinney.

Surviving are his loving wife, Diane Dukate Kinney; two sons, Timothy B. Kinney of Greensburg and Dr. Ted B. (Amy) Kinney of Mars; a stepdaughter, Tina (Lance) Atkinson of Nashville, Tenn.; six grandchildren, Alex, Cassidy, Rosalie and Benjamin Kinney and Bishop and Ellora Atkinson; two sisters, Jane (Kenneth) Meyers of Washington, D.C., and Mary Alpaugh of Florida; and a brother, John Kinney of Latrobe.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in J. Paul McCracken Funeral Chapel Inc., 144 East Main Street, Ligonier, where his life will be celebrated 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 21, with the Rev. J. Paul McCracken officiating. Interment will follow in Ligonier Valley Cemetery.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice.

To sign a guest book or to send condolences to the family, please visit: www.jpaulmccrackenfuneralchapel.com.

Canonsburg resident enjoyed family picnics

Helen Mavrich, 89, of Canonsburg, passed away unexpectedly, Sunday, January 19, 2014, in her home.

She was born August 30, 1924, in Meadow Lands, a daughter of the late Stephen and Mary Taufer Mikus.

Mrs. Mavrich lived most of her life in Meadow Lands and Canonsburg, where she was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church.

She had been employed in the delicatessen department of Giant Eagle.

Mrs. Mavrich was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion Post 902 in Houston, Golden Agers of Meadow Lands, Chartiers Senior Citizens and SNPJ St. Jerome Lodge 153 of Strabane.

She enjoyed playing bingo, bowling and especially family picnics and gatherings.

On June 29, 1946, she married Leonard H. Mavrich, who passed away January 8, 2012.

Surviving are two daughters, Mary Jo (Ronald) Porter of Dunbar and Maureen (William) Capwell of Strabane; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Mavrich was last of her immediate family.

Deceased are a son, Keith L. Mavrich; a daughter, Janice Salisbury; a granddaughter, Lorie Porter, who passed away April 5, 2012; a sister, Mary Ozarowsky; and two brothers, Stephen and Joseph Mikus.

Friends are welcome from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday 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 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 22. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. in St Patrick Church with interment to follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, Canonsburg. To view or extend condolences, please visit www.salandrafuneral.com.

Driver for Minerd & Sons, Inc.

Edward A. Metrovich, 55, of Finleyville, died Sunday, January 19, 2014, in Monongahela Valley Hospital, Carroll Township.

He was born March 15, 1958, in New Eagle, a son of Edward Metrovich of Finleyville and the late Patricia Gilmore Metrovich.

Mr. Metrovich was employed as a driver with Minerd & Sons Inc. in Lawrence.

Surviving, in addition to his father, are a brother, John Metrovich of Finleyville; two sisters, Janet Brake of Monongahela and Jodene DePaoli of McDonald; and many nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to his mother, is a brother, Ronald Metrovich.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., the time of services, Tuesday, January 21, in Kegel Funeral Home Inc., Tim P. Kegel, supervisor, 3560 Washington Avenue, Finleyville. Private interment will be held in Finleyville Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to the family, c/o Kegel Funeral Home, 3560 Washington Avenue, Finleyville, PA 15332.

Canonsburg homemaker, formerly of Prosperity

Evelyn Parsons Mitchell, 63, of Canonsburg, formerly of Prosperity, died at 5:30 a.m. Sunday, January 19, 2014, in Greenery Specialty Care Center in Canonsburg.

She was born Thursday, August 24, 1950, in Warrenton, Va., a daughter of the late James Parsons and Evelyn Garmen Parsons.

Ms. Mitchell was a homemaker.

Surviving are two daughters, Amy Marie Mitchell Holmes of Houston and Ashley Marie Bishop of Waynesburg; three sons, Wayne Brian Mitchell of Prosperity, Walter Robert Mitchell of Houston and Ralph Douglas Bishop of Waynesburg; seven grandchildren; three sisters, Eleanor Karicher of Gainsville, Va., Charlotte Moncrief of Arkansas and Darlene Streilein of Florida; a brother, James Parsons of Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are a daughter, Tammi Lenora Mitchell; a grandson, Joshua Edward Good; and a sister, Margaret Fewell.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m., the time of service, Wednesday, January 22, in Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home Inc., Daryl L. Throckmorton, owner/director, 197 North Maiden Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370, with the Rev. David Earnest officiating. Burial will be in Bethlehem Baptist Cemetery, Ruff Creek. Information is available at www.milliken-throckmortonfh.com.

Beloved coach, Army veteran, Pittsburgh sports fan

Donald Lee Modrick, born May 8, 1944, in Crucible, to Ada Buskirk and Mike Modrick, passed away Friday, January 3, 2014. With his wife of nearly 47 years, Adele, and his daughters, Yvonne and Jennifer, by his side, Donald succumbed to cancer after a short but brave battle.

Deceased are his parents; sister Edna “Dolly” Cheshire; brother John Modrick; and a brother who died in infancy, Marvin Modrick.

A veteran of the U.S. Army who served in the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1966, he was stationed at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Mr. Modrick was a graduate of St. Mary’s University with a degree in mathematics and enjoyed a 36-year career at City Public Service until retiring in 2006.

A life member and actively involved in St. Luke Men’s Club for more than 25 years, he also served on the Board of Adjustments in Leon Valley and was a former director and past president of CPS IBEW Federal Credit Union.

Mr. Modrick was a celebrated high school athlete who lettered in football, basketball, baseball and track. He was a sports enthusiast who remained a lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates and the Spurs from his adopted hometown of San Antonio, Texas.

He was a beloved coach and past president for St. Luke Catholic Youth Organization, mentor and supporter to the many youth he encountered, employees he nurtured and organizations to which he contributed his energy and dedication.

In addition to his wife and daughters, surviving are his younger brother, Edward Modrick and wife Kathy, and his sister-in-law, Carol Modrick, both of Carmichaels; nieces; and nephews.

All arrangements and services were private. Friends, colleagues and associates wishing to honor Mr. Modrick may make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

Condolences to the family may be posted at www.porterloring.com. Arrangements are with Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough Avenue, San Antonio, 210-227-8221.

Spent entire life in Greene County

Martha Cox Turner, 93, of Waynesburg, died at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, January 19, 2014, in Rolling Meadows Nursing Home in Waynesburg.

She was born Thursday, January 29, 1920, in Waynesburg, a daughter of the late Walter Cox and Bessie A. Shriver Cox.

Mrs. Turner spent her entire life in Greene County.

She was a member of First Baptist Church of Waynesburg.

Mrs. Turner had worked as a nurses aide for 18 years in Curry Memorial Home in Waynesburg.

Her husband, Arden L. Turner, died March 6, 1987.

Surviving are two stepdaughters, Leslie (Duane) Meeder of Mt. Morris and Christie (Rusty) Rice of Prosperity; a stepson, Lonnie Turner of Morgantown, W.Va.; 10 stepgrandchildren; 11 stepgreat-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Louise (William) Hopkins of Waynesburg and Virginia Rae Blosser of Jefferson; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are two sisters, Audrey Moore and Ruby Helen Cox, and three brothers, Andrew Cox, Jack Cox and Herbert Cox.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday and from 10 to 11 a.m., the time of the service, Tuesday, January 21, in Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home Inc., Daryl L. Throckmorton, owner/director, 197 North Maiden Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370, with Pastor Robert Mooney officiating. Burial will be in Oakmont Cemetery, Waynesburg. Information is available at www.milliken-throckmortonfh.com.

64-year member of First Christian Church

Beverly Jean Baer Van Briggle, 86, of Washington, died Saturday, January 18, 2014, in Donnell House, Washington

She was born March 28, 1927, in Washington, a daughter of the late John B. Baer Sr. and Lucille Wiles Baer.

Mrs. Van Briggle graduated from Trinity High School in 1945 and Maison Fredric Beauty School in 1946. In her early years, she worked at Betty Jane Beauty Shop, RCA and Hazel-Atlas 2. She was also a census taker in 1960, 1970 and 1980.

She was a member of First Christian Church, East Washington, for 64 years.

Mrs. Van Briggle also was a member of American Legion Auxiliary for more than 60 years, serving as president twice. In 1970, she joined Washington Hospital Auxiliary, serving faithfully as a volunteer for more than 35 years, and served as president in 1986.

She was an avid sports fan, enjoyed bingo and visiting the Washington Area Senior Citizens Center.

On September 10, 1950, she married Arthur Glenn Van Briggle, who died November 22, 1996.

Surviving are three sons, Arthur G. (Candy) Van Briggle, Bernard H. (JoAnn) Van Briggle and Curtis A. (Nancy) Van Briggle, all of Washington; six grandchildren, Jennifer (Jeff) Takash, Joel (Gail) Van Briggle, Janet (Charlie) Philp, Tina (Scott) Salisbury, Amy (Brandon) Christian and Autumn (David) Sims; and six great-grandchildren, Raina and Lily Koscho, Anthony and Emily Van Briggle and Kayla and Cole Takash.

Deceased are an infant son, Timothy; three brothers, Bernard W. Baer, John L. Baer and Earl K. Baer; two sisters, Emma Ray and Kathryn Jones; and a half sister, Helen Corbin.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 23, with the Rev. Stephen Smythers and the Rev. Joel Van Briggle co-officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Additional information and a guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.