Obituaries Jan. 21
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Schoolteacher was member of St. Ann Catholic Church
Rosemary Michael Barchiesi, 55, of Carmichaels, died Tuesday, January 14, 2014, in East Aurora, N.Y.
She was born June 24, 1958, in Tonawanda, N.Y., a daughter of the late Harold Paul Schwier and Rosemarie Fritschi Schwier.
Mrs. Barchiesi was a 1976 graduate of Sweet Home High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in environmental science in 1980 from the State University of New York at Fredonia. She had taught for the Bureau of Indian Education on the Navajo Nation in Arizona and also in the public school system throughout Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Barchiesi was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Waynesburg and Immaculate Conception in East Aurora.
She enjoyed reading, playing the violin, opera, art, outdoor activities and her beloved dogs, Nitty and Little Bear.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Carl A. Barchiesi, whom she married October 24, 2003; three stepdaughters, Vanessa E. Scott of Pittsburgh, Andrea J. Barchiesi of Erie and Megan Smith of Ocean View, Del.; a stepson, Rennie Barchiesi of Rices Landing; a stepgrandson, William Smith; three sisters, Paula Haber (Dr. Robert), Suzanne Cook (Blair) of Bradenton, Fla., and Kathleen Schwier of East Aurora; two brothers, Tom Schwier (Karen) of Tonawanda and James Schwier (Pam) of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and nieces and nephews Kyle and Benjamin Haber, Cameron, Lauren, Alexandria and Maximilian Schwier.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Behm Funeral Homes Inc., 1477 Jefferson Road, Jefferson, Gregory P. Rohanna, supervisor. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 25, in St. Ann Catholic Church, 232 East High Street, Waynesburg, with Rev. Richard J. Thompson as celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, love your family and cherish every moment. Condolences may be offered at www.behm-funeralhomes.com.
Truck driver, pipe fitter served in U.S. Air Force
Benjamin Adrian Buchmelter, 40, of Slovan, died Saturday, January 18, 2014, in his home, after an eight-month battle with illness.
He was born April 3, 1973, in Steubenville, Ohio, a son of John and Thelma Buchmelter of Mingo Junction, Ohio.
Mr. Buchmelter served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1992 to 1998 as a pipe fitter. During this time, he served in Saudi Arabia and had the opportunity to travel to places such as Paris and Amsterdam.
Once home, he enjoyed his jobs as a truck driver, working for Lowes, Maronda Homes, Allegheny Mill Work and Duerr Packaging.
An avid Star Trek fan, he had a passion for history, anything with a motor and the outdoors. He and his wife, Jessica Jackson Buchmelter, spent their time together camping, hiking and occasionally attending shows in the Theater District.
As a member of the Experimental Aviation Association, he took an interest in aviation after spending childhood summers flying with his father.
Surviving are his wife, Jessica; his parents, John F Buchmelter III and Thelma Paavola Buchmelter; his sister, Mary Kucynski and husband Ron of Cincinnati, Ohio; and his brother, John Buchmelter and wife Tania of Danbury, Conn.
Services are to be held privately at a later date by family.
Arrangements were made by Schuetz Funeral Home, 235 Clifton Avenue, Mingo Junction. To offer a condolence, please visit www.schuetzfuneralhome.com.
Memorial donations in honor of Ruth Eileen Carlisle, who died January 17, 2014, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Longtime Teamster was active in American Legion
John R. Cecchine, 82, of Marianna, died peacefully Monday, January 20, 2014, in his home, with his family by his side.
He was born March 27, 1931, in Ligonier, a son of the late Fred and Clara Petrarca Cecchine.
Mr. Cecchine was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War. He was honorably discharged December 5, 1953, with the rank of staff sergeant. For his service, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal and the U.N. Service Medal.
In 1996, he retired from Wetterau Corp., Belle Vernon, where he had been employed for 32 years. During his employment, he served as vice president, president and business agent for Teamsters Local 872, grievance committeeman, shop steward and also served on the negotiating committee for 18 years.
He was well-known as a bartender for Friendship Lounge, Richeyville, where he worked for more than 28 years and as a greeter at Sam’s Club in Washington for many years.
Always an active member of American Legion, Mr. Cecchine served as past commander of Hanson-Cole Post 391, Fredericktown; past commander of Hancock-McCune-Horne Post 705, Centerville; senior deputy commander for the 25th District; chairman of Keystone Boys State for the 25th District; vice chairman for Keystone Boys State Pennsylvania; and chaplain for Western Pennsylvania American Legion.
Mr. Cecchine always made his family and children a priority. He coached both his daughter’s and sons’ softball teams. Yard work and his pet pug, Toby, his faithful companion of 13 years, brought him much enjoyment.
Mr. Cecchine was a member of St. Oliver Plunkett Parish and Owls Club of Fredericktown.
On January 23, 1954, he married Laureen Cole, who survives. Their 60th-wedding anniversary would have been celebrated January 23.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a daughter, Paulette Bieneck (Paul) of Monessen; four sons, John A. Cecchine (Kim) of Canonsburg, Lawrence D. Cecchine (Pamela Freshwater) of Wellsburg, W.Va., David L. Cecchine (Rebecca) of Washington and Timothy P. Cecchine (Jamie) of Washington; four grandsons, Gary Bieneck, Tyler Cecchine, Vincent Cecchine and Michael Letham; two granddaughters, Amber Cecchine and Savannah Letham; two great-granddaughters, Gianna and Khamarii Bieneck; four brothers, Fred Cecchine (Jean) of Marianna, James Cecchine (Margie) of Belton, Texas, Robert Cecchine (Pat) of Olmstead Falls, Ohio, and Frank Cecchine of Eighty Four; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, are a son, Michael Cecchine, who died September 6, 1991, and a brother, Anthony Cecchine.
Friends will be received from 1 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, in John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, 2830 Main Street, Beallsville.
At the request of the family, funeral services and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Washington City Mission Inc., 84 West Wheeling Street, Washington, PA 15301, or Donnell House, in care of Hospice Care of Washington Hospital, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301. A guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.
1948 graduate of Cecil High School
Lillian M. Chappell, 84, of McDonald, died Sunday, January 19, 2014.
She was born October 5, 1929, in Ellsworth, a daughter of John and Mary Polak Pokopac.
Mrs. Chappell was a graduate of Cecil High School, Class of 1948.
On January 15, 1956, she married Ralph Chappell, who survives.
Also surviving are three sons, David Chappell of Pittsburgh, Jeffrey M. Chappell of McDonald and Keith A. Chappell of North Carolina; a daughter, Carla (Mathew) Barranti of Cecil; a sister, Shirley Babeji of Canonsburg; and two grandchildren, Leah and Matlyn Barranti.
Deceased is a brother, John Pokopac.
Family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Nation Funeral Home Inc., 218 East Lincoln Avenue, McDonald, PA 15057, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 23. Interment will be private.
Member of St. Patrick Church, Canonsburg
Goldie I. Vincenti DiCio, 85, of Canonsburg, died Sunday, January 19, 2014, in Golden Living Center of South Hills.
She was born May 10, 1928, in Primrose, a daughter of August and Ida Vincenti.
She was a graduate of Hickory High School.
She was a member of St. Patrick Church of Canonsburg, where in 1947, she married Joseph N. DiCio Sr., who died May 30, 1979.
Mrs. DiCio was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother who put her family ahead of everything else. She was the last of her immediate family.
Surviving are three sons, Thomas DiCio and wife Nancy of Washington, Joseph N. DiCio Jr., at home, and Marion Michael DiCio and wife Barbara of Lewisville, N.C.; three daughters, Rebecca Lynn Lee and husband David of Evergreen, Colo., Ida Laurie DiCio, at home, and Gemma Marie Smith and husband Joseph of Upper Marlboro, Md.; seven grandchildren, Thomas J., Vincent, Brett, Douglas and Michele DiCio and Lacey and Jessie Mae Lee; a great-granddaughter, Reagan Rosalee; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Sollon Funeral Home Ltd., 30 East College Street, Canonsburg, J. David Sollon, supervisor, Phillip L. Sollon, director, where departing prayers will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday, January 24, followed at 10 a.m. by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Patrick Church. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, Canonsburg.
Please visit www.sollon.com for additional information and to view and leave condolences.
Elizabeth Ann “Libby” Maffio, 95, of Canonsburg, passed away Monday, January 20, 2014, in McMurray Hills Manor.
Arrangements are entrusted to Salandra Funeral Service Inc., Canonsburg, 724-745-8120. A complete obituary will appear in later edition.
In the obituary of Evelyn Parson Mitchell, published Monday, a sister, Charlotte Moncrief of Arizona, was misidentified.
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.
Harold E. Moore Jr., 84, of Washington, died unexpectedly Monday, January 20, 2014, in the Washington Hospital emergency room.
A complete obituary will appear in a later edition. Arrangements are being handled by Warco-Falvo Funeral Home Inc., Wilson at East Katherine avenues, Washington.
Penn State graduate employed by Walgreens
Andrew J. “Andy” Nations, 40, of Washington, formerly of Vicksburg, Miss., died unexpectedly Thursday, January 16, 2014, in his home.
He was born March 12, 1973, in Vicksburg, a son of Francis C. Nations of New Orleans, La., and the late Darleane Wyatt Nations.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University. He was employed by Walgreens in Washington.
Surviving, in addition to his father, are his stepmother, Sharon Reseigh Nations of New Orleans, and a son, Hunter L. Nations of Port Matilda.
At the request of the family, there will be no public visitation. Burial will be private. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Mississippi.
Arrangements are under the direction of 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. Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com.
Great cook and pie baker
Dorothy D. Sickle, 90, of North Franklin Township, died Sunday, January 19, 2014, in Southmont of Presbyterian SeniorCare, Washington, following a slow decline in her health.
She was born January 22, 1923, in Washington, a daughter of William “Lefty” and Gertrude Baer Reihner.
She graduated from Trinity High School in 1940 and was a homemaker. She was a great cook and pie baker. Her peanut butter fudge was the best.
Mrs. Sickle was a longtime member of First Christian Church, East Washington, where she had been active with the 2-and-2 Sunday school class. She was a volunteer in several fundraising projects to pay down the mortgage following the construction of the new church.
On November 1, 1940, she was married to Merle C. Sickle, who died June 21, 2001. She and her husband enjoyed dozens of trips to the Pennsylvania Dutch Country around Lancaster.
Surviving are a sister, Eleanor M. Reihner, who shared her home with Dorothy in Bellevue; a brother, Jack Reihner of Washington; sister-in-law Eveline Reihner of Washington; and several nieces and nephews, including Ted (Linda) Burke and Linda (Sam) Marra.
Deceased, in addition to her husband, are three brothers, Charles, Merle and infant Robert Reihner, and a sister, Shirley Burke.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Hummell & Jones Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington, Thomas W. Hummell, supervisor, Douglas M. Jones, funeral director, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 23, with the Rev. Larry Wiltrout officiating. Private burial will follow in Washington Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial donations be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Messages of condolence may be left at www.hummellandjones.com.
Howard F. Weller, 89, of North Strabane Township, died Monday, January 20, 2014, in St. Clair Hospital, Mt. Lebanon.
Arrangements are incomplete and are entrusted to Sollon Funeral Home Ltd., Canonsburg. A complete obituary will be published in a later edition.