Obituaries Jan. 24
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Retired U.S. Army Reserve helicopter pilot
Maj. Robert E. Buckingham Sr., 78, of Myerstown, went home to be with his Lord Saturday, January 4, 2014, in Arden Courts of Susquehanna, Harrisburg.
He was the husband of Janice E. Lemmon Buckingham, a daughter of the late Luke and Ferne Connor Lemmon of Waynesburg, to whom he was married for 52 years June 29, 2013.
Born in Staten Island, N.Y., March 5, 1935, he was a son of the late George F. and Florence Bursey Buckingham.
A graduate of Curtis High School, Staten Island, he earned a bachelor’s degree at Northeast Bible Institute, Green Lane.
He served as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, later retiring as a helicopter pilot with the U.S. Army Reserve at Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville. He was also employed by New Cumberland Army Depot for 10 years and also worked at Manheim Auto Auction.
A member of Myerstown Baptist Church, he sang in the choir. He studied voice and performed in various musical and theatrical productions with Lebanon Community Theater, Gretna Theater, Harrisburg Opera and York Matinee Club.
He also loved animals, was a Master Gardener for 5 years and bowled for several years with Palmyra Senior League.
In addition to his wife, surviving are daughters Cheryl A. Buckingham of Myerstown and Elisabeth L. Putt, wife of Erin Putt of Newmanstown; a son, Robert E. Buckingham II, husband of Donna (Boyer) Buckingham of Fredericksburg; grandchildren Austin R., Connor L. and Olivia M. Buckingham and Eva J. and Elias D. Putt; a twin brother, Donald R. Buckingham, husband of Llarilyn Buckingham of Branchport, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased are a brother, Harold G. Buckingham, husband of Paula Buckingham, and a sister, Dorothy G. Stucker, wife of the late Frank Stucker.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 31, in Grose Funeral Home, 358 West Washington Avenue, Myerstown, preceded by a visitation beginning at 9 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service at Myerstown Baptist Church, 59 North Ramona Road, Myerstown. Interment with full military honors will be held at 3 p.m. in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 3544 North Progress Avenue, Suite 205, Harrisburg, PA 17110, or Humane Society of Lebanon County, 150 North Ramona Road, Myerstown, PA 17067.
www.grosefuneralhome.com
Canonsburg homemaker enjoyed bowling
Edna M. “Gert” McConnell Engel, 92, of Canonsburg, died Wednesday, January 22, 2014, in her home.
She was born July 12, 1921, in Canonsburg, a daughter of the late George W. and Katherine Edwards McConnell.
She was a member of Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed bowling, reading, bird-watching, jigsaw puzzles, watching television and growing flowers. Her family said she had a great love for bacon, sausage, butter, salt, coffee and (did we mention?) butter.
Mrs. Engel was a homemaker and worked as a waitress at The George Washington hotel around the World War II era and a nurse’s aide at Canonsburg Hospital during the 1960s.
On November 20, 1943, she married Herman J. Engel in Eighty Four. He died in 2005 after 61 years of togetherness.
Surviving are four daughters, Sandra (Lee) Powell of Claysville, Beverly J. Evans of Canonsburg, Freda (Joe) Jagoda of Washington and Elaine Baker of McDonald; a son, Bradley (Wendy) Engel of Canonsburg,; 10 grandchildren, Mark Powell, Melissa Shingle, Tommy Evans, Matt Evans, Darren Chipps, Stephanie Henderson, Hallie Harris, Tyler Engel, Nicholas Baker and Lacey Selvoski; and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was the last of her immediate family. Deceased are her parents; five sisters, Lillian Fitch, Ruth Beckenger, Katherine Watson, Virginia McClure and Helen Simmons; two brothers, Lloyd and Robert McConnell; and a son-in-law, Tom Evans.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Coleman-Taylor Funeral Services, 3378 Millers Run Road (Route 50), Cecil, where a service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, January 27, with the Rev. Tom Ribar officiating. Interment in Venice Cemetery will be private.
Visit coleman-taylorfuneralservices.com.
Houston resident brought joy to many
In his 86 years, Clyde “Fitz” Fitzpatrick mastered the art of human kindness, bringing joy to those he touched, which was everyone he ever met. He passed away January 22, 2014.
Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Patricia Sphar Fitzpatrick; his four children and two grandchildren, none of whom, in 10 lifetimes, could live up to how he described them to strangers on the street.
His son, Dennis, carries on his love of music; his daughter, Wendy, his love of family sit-down dinners; his daughter, Betsy, his love of Pittsburgh sports teams; and his daughter, Christy, his love of children and all causes that benefit them.
His best friends were his sons-in-law, Will Slaughter (Betsy) and Kevin Burns (Christy). His grandchildren, Anam Cara and Cassidy Saoirse, carry their “PapPap” in their hearts and will forever hold dear the tiny flea market trinkets he made their weekly treasures.
Mr. Fitzpatrick, of Houston, was an example of how to live in the moment. He coached baseball and rebuilt two cars from the bottom up for his son. He handcrafted the cradle his grandaughters slept in and somehow could make everyone he met an Irish descendent.
He served during World War II as an aerial photographer in the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He attended Fayette City High School and Pittsburgh Diesel & Automotive School. His employment included General Motors Dravosburg, Chrysler Corp. in Twinsburg, Ohio, Anchor Hocking Corp. in Connellsville and UPMC-Pittsburgh, where he served as a medical courier in his retirement years.
Deceased are his parents, Violet and James; his sister, Lorraine; and his brothers, Thomas, Reese and William.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, January 26, in Schrock-Hogan Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 226 Fallowfield Avenue, Charleroi. A private burial will be held at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township.
A memorial celebration will be held in the coming weeks. Please email celebratefitz@gmail.com for details on time and place.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Fitz Field Trip Fund, in care of PNC Bank, 4031 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. The Fitz Field Trip Fund will benefit the Environmental Charter School of Pittsburgh, the school his grandchildren attend and love.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.schrock-hogan.com.
Longtime Washington County Fair Board member
Nadene Gardner, 75, of Lone Pine, died Thursday, January 23, 2014, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.
She was born April 24, 1938, in Washington, a daughter of the late Robert C. and Laura Jean Ross Jones.
She attended Mt. Lookout grade school and was a 1956 graduate of Ellsworth High School as well as a 1958 graduate of Washington Hospital School of Nursing.
She worked for Washington Hospital for several years in the operating room.
She was a homemaker, raising her family while also helping to operate the family farm in Lone Pine.
She was a member of Davidson United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Gardner was a member of Washington County Fair Board since 1988, serving as secretary for many years. She was also active in Glyde AG 4-H Club, serving as leader for more than 30 years. She was an active member of the 4-H Advisory Board, Developmental Fund Board and Extension Board. She was a chairwoman of Washington County AG Days. She was a member of Washington County Agriculture Land Preservation Board, Washington County Sheep and Wool Growers Association and Washington County Cattlemen’s Association.
She was named 2013 Washington County Farm Bureau Woman Outstanding in Agriculture. In 2012, she and her family received the Washington County Conservation Farmer of the Year Award. She was very proud of her grandson for showing the 2014 Pennsylvania Farm Show grand champion steer.
She enjoyed fundraising for Lone Pine Baseball for many years. She also loved sewing, crochet, needlework, baking cookies, gardening, growing tomatoes and raising donkeys.
On September 27, 1963, she married Don Gardner, with whom she celebrated more than 50 years of marriage.
Surviving, in addition to her husband, are two sons, William S. Gardner of Grindstone and Jeffrey L. and wife Lisa L. Gardner of Washington; three grandsons, Scott W. Gardner, Nicholas D. Gardner and Parker L. Gardner; a brother, Robert W. Jones of Eighty Four; a sister, Lisa Kay Salata of Amity; and several nieces and nephews.
Deceased, in addition to her parents, is a brother, David L. Jones.
Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in Nichol Funeral Home, 1873 East Maiden Street, Washington, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, January 27. Interment will follow in Washington Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Washington County Agricultural Fair, 2151 North Main Street, Washington, PA 15301. A guest book may be signed at www.nicholfuneralhome.com.
Member of St. Patrick Church, SNPJ Lodge 138
Joseph George Gricar, 66, of Canonsburg, formerly of Bethel Park, passed away at 8:55 a.m. Wednesday January 22, 2014, in Canonsburg Hospital, following a 10-year illness.
He was born March 18, 1947, in Monongahela, a son of Norma Melani Gricar of Library and the late Joseph Gricar.
Mr. Gricar was a graduate of Charleroi High School, Class of 1965.
He lived in Bethel Park for 25 years and the past 12 years in Canonsburg, where he was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church. He was employed at Daniel’s Appliance, Sears at South Hills Village and, prior to his illness, he was last employed in sales at Keystone Mountaineer Sales of Washington.
Mr. Gricar was a member of SNPJ Lodge 138 in Strabane and was a member of Bethel Park Softball Association.
He enjoyed golf, bowling, softball and classic cars.
On July 17, 1967, he married Margaret (Peg) Striner, who survives. Also surviving, in addition to his wife and mother, are his daughter, Margaret Ann “Megan” (Alex) Baker of Marion; a grandson, Wyatt Glen Baker; a brother, James (Sherri) Gricar of Washington; two sisters, Norma Jean (Stanley) Kaminsky of Library and Deborah Ann (Bruce) DelSignore of Elizabeth; and nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are welcome from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., the time of a Catholic blessing service, Saturday, January 25, in Salandra Funeral Service Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120. Private interment will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray.
Memorials can be made in Mr. Gricar’s name to SNPJ Scholarship Fund, American Diabetes Association or TownView Health and Rehabilitation Center.
To view or extend condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.
Teacher, businessman, devoted church member
Richard Earl “Dick” Guthrie passed away Tuesday morning, January 21, 2014, in Van Wert, Ohio.
He was born January 11, 1937, in Washington.
A standout wrestler and football player at Trinity High School, he attended Taylor University in Upland, Ind., on a football scholarship.
After college, he joined the staff at Peters Township High School, where he taught for 18 years. After leaving teaching, he started ServiceMaster Cleaning Services by Guthrie, which grew into a thriving business.
Since 1964, Mr. Guthrie was a devoted member of Upper St. Clair Alliance Church, where at various times he sang in the choir, led the Monday night prayer meeting, taught Sunday school and served as properties manager. He was head elder and, at the time of his death, elder emeritus. He was active in Rotary Club and, for a time, was president of Peters Township Chamber of Commerce. He volunteered for many years at Washington City Mission, where he also served a term as chairman of the board.
Surviving are his wife, Mary Johns-Guthrie of Van Wert, Ohio, who brought so much joy to his last months. He was loved and will be missed by his two children, Mrs. Shari (Walter) McRae of Richmond, Va., and Dr. Steven (Julie) Guthrie of Nashville, Tenn. His loss is also felt deeply by his sisters, Joyce Guthrie and Crystal Guthrie; his seven grandchildren, Ben (Courtney) McRae, Erin (Jose) Nogueira, Jacob (Samantha) McRae and Joel, Noah, Sophie and Lucy Guthrie; and a great-grandchild, Chloe Jayne McRae. His beloved wife of 52 years, Sally Guthrie, passed away in 2011. Also deceased is a grandson, Samuel Lewis Guthrie. He was cherished by his many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Above all, Mr. Guthrie was profoundly devoted to his Lord, Jesus Christ, in whose presence he now finds rest and healing.
Funeral arrangements are by Beinhauers. Friends are welcome at 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, 724-941-3211, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Additional visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Monday, January 27, in Upper St. Clair Alliance Church, 2510 Old Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15241. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Washington City Mission, 84 West Wheeling Street, Washington, PA 15301. Please view or add tributes at www.beinhauer.com.
Retired Calgon executive active in VFW
John Russell “Jack” Hallman Jr., 82, formerly of Upper St. Clair, passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2014, after a brief illness.
He was born May 9, 1931, in Midway.
Mr. Hallman was the beloved husband for 47 years of the late E. Louise Yeaney Hallman.
Surviving are daughters Gwen (Gary) Nolan of Columbia, Mo., Nancy (John) Scola of Upper St. Clair and Susan (Paul) Wuenstel of Green Tree; and six grandchildren, Betsy, Abbey, Sarah, Jack, Ted and Josh.
He proudly served his country in the Korean War.
He started out as a draftsman at Calgon Carbon Corp. while he attended night school at the University of Pittsburgh for a degree in economics and worked his way into the position of director of marketing at Calgon.
After retiring, Mr. Hallman enthusiastically assisted small business owners through the Service Corps of Retired Executives.
He was a devoted member of Fawcett United Methodist Church and an active, loyal member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 764.
Funeral arrangements are by Beinhauers. Friends and family are welcome at 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, 724-941-3211, from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, January 27. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 11 a.m., immediately followed by a luncheon reception at VFW Post 764 on Valleybrook Road, McMurray. Everyone is welcome.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Family Hospice and Palliative Care, 50 Moffett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15243. Please add or view tributes at www.beinhauer.com.
Formerly worked for B. Bogdewic Chevrolet
Daniel J. Huseman, 57, of California, died Wednesday, January 22, 2014, in his home.
He was born August 15, 1956, in Wyandotte, Mich., a son of the late Harold K. “Ace” Huseman and Dolores Ann Sizemore Huseman.
He was a 1975 graduate of Bentworth High School and formerly worked for B. Bogdewic Chevrolet and Rich Nonack, before becoming disabled.
Surviving are his children, Tammy Sturchak of Ellsworth, Jennifer Oshetsky (Daniel) of Bentleyville and Daniel J. Huseman Jr. (April) of McDonald, Ohio; grandchildren Stephen Bane, Emily Sturchak, Danielle Oshetsky and Daniel Sturchak; siblings Mary Lou Anders (Robert) of Owego, N.Y., Jo-Ellen Heptinstall (James) of Delmar, N.Y., Cliff Huseman (Lynn) of Washington, Russell Huseman of Fredericktown and Kathleen Miller (Jeffrey) of Brownsville; several nieces and nephews; and his former wife, Michelle Kotchman Henning.
Deceased is a brother, Harold T. “Buddy” Huseman.
Friends are welcome from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday in Thompson-Marodi Funeral Home Inc., 809 Main Street, Bentleyville, 724-239-2255, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, January 27, with Pastor Scott Gallagher officiating. Interment will follow in Beallsville Cemetery.
Visit www.thompson-marodi.com to leave a condolence message and order flowers. Please note there will be no visitation Sunday.
Loving daughter and sister
Celine Benecia Loether, 16, of Eighty Four, passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2014, at home with her family and dear friend, Abby, by her side, after a long and courageous battle following complications from a bone marrow transplant in May 2013 because of sickle cell disease.
She was born April 3, 1997, in Bois Blanc, Haiti, and was sustained in life by cherished friend, Pastor V. Pierre, until her loving family brought her home in July 1997.
She was the beloved daughter of David J. and Andrea M. Loether; cherished sister of Jeremy and wife Erin Loether, Emily and husband Sean Hutchins and Grant and wife Nicole Loether; dear granddaughter of Vida Potter; loving niece of Aunt Wendy, Aunt Vida, Uncle Scott and Aunt Susan; and six nieces and nephews, Ben and Gracie Loether, Payton and Crosby Hutchins, Wyatt Strickland and Declan Loether.
She was welcomed into Heaven by her dear sister, Lindsay N. Loether; grandfather Andrew N. Potter; and dear family member, Sue L. Hutchins.
Celine experienced a lot of living in her 16 years. She experienced her seventh birthday with Make-A-Wish in Orlando, Fla., at Disney World. She had a joy for traveling with family near and far from the beaches in Hawaii, swimming with dolphins in Jamaica, summers at the beach, cruising in the Caribbean, the far reaches of Key West, Fla., and the wilds of Alaska.
She was an excellent swimmer with a love of glitz, glamor and shoes. Her two dogs, Cooper and Nilla, never left her side including visits to the hospital and were with her until the very end.
Many special friends meant the world to her. Jackie Zeni provided loving educational and personal support throughout her entire life. Cathy Campese and Rachel Lauer were selflessly devoted nurse practitioners who provided more than medical support. Nicole Steele provided comforting music and friendship. The nursing staff of 9B and the PICU at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and her tireless and passionate physicians of BMT, Dr. Krish, Dr. Goyal, Dr. Mark and Dr. Randy, and all of the attending physicians from the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit provided outstanding care. Celine’s family was grateful to Amanda for reasons only she can understand. The Central Blood Bank and thousands of donors that kept Celine alive.
Celine’s vibrance, enduring spirit and bravery will be part of our lives forever.
Services are private and have been entrusted to Cremation & Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317, 724-260-5546.
Memorial contributions may be made in Celine’s memory to Children’s Sickle Cell Foundation of Pittsburgh, 226 Paul Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15211.
Please view and sign the family’s guest book at www.cremationfuneralcare.com.
RCA retiree, member of St. Patrick Church
Elizabeth Ann “Libby” Maffio, 95, of Canonsburg, passed away at 9:55 a.m. Monday, January 20, 2014, in McMurray Hills Manor, Peters Township.
She was born May 23, 1918, in Canonsburg, a daughter of the late Vasil and Veronica Cushman Dziacek.
Mrs. Maffio lived her entire life in Canonsburg, where she was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church and its Christian Mothers and Guild. She was also a member of Canonsburg Senior Citizens.
Prior to her retirement, she was employed as an assembler at the former RCA plants in both Canonsburg and Meadow Lands for 30 years.
Mrs. Maffio had been an escort for Friendly Folks Tours for 18 years and with Washington Charters for three years. She enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, playing cards and going to the casino.
Family Hospice and the staff of McMurray Hills Manor provided loving care to Mrs. Maffio.
On June 12, 1937, she married Angelo Maffio, who passed away August 24, 1982.
Surviving are two daughters, Jean (Val) Scarsellato of Canonsburg and Carol (David) Shaffer of Spring, Texas; five grandchildren, Valerie Scarsellato (Gary Burnside), Beth (Jim) Vulcano, Michael (Melissa) Scarsellato, Cheri Desselle and Deana (Alex) Arancio; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Maffio was the last of her immediate family. Deceased, in addition to her husband and parents, is a brother, Charles Dziacek.
Friends and family are welcome from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday 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 9:30 a.m. Monday, January 27, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick Church. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery. The Christian Mothers and Guild of St. Patrick will recite the rosary at 3 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home.
To view or extend condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.
Home builder served in Korean War
George E. McElhany, 84, of Eighty Four, died Wednesday, January 22, 2014.
He was the beloved husband of 59 years to Peggy; father of Bill (Ony) McElhany, Beth Fusco and Lou (Chris) Chamberlin; granddaddy of Brittany (Josh) Young, Nicole (Derek) Manderick, Katelynd McElhany, Ethan Coyle, Hailee McElhany, Christopher Fusco, Ryan Fusco and Corinne and Cory Chamberlin; great-grandaddy of Marlee and Dalton Young and Avery Manderick; and brother of William (Delita) McElhany.
Mr. McElhany served during the Korean War in the U.S. Navy.
He graduated from Trinity University in 1963.
Along with his wife, he started his own home-building business, George E. McElhany Inc. In the early 1980s, the business name changed to McElhany Builders with his son, Bill, joining the business.
He was the most loyal, kind, caring and loving husband, dad and granddaddy.
Funeral arrangements are by Beinhauers. Friends welcome from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, January 25, at 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, 724-941-3211. Funeral service and interment are private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association. Please add or view tributes at www.beinhauer.com.
New Freeport man worked in railroad construction
Richard Vincent Miller, 55, of New Freeport (Deep Valley), died unexpectedly at 4:55 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2014, in his home.
He was born February 16, 1958, in Waynesburg, a son of the late Gretta Joann Miller Sappington and Vincent Inghram Sappington of Center Township, Greene County, and resided in the Poconos area for several years prior to returning to Greene County and Deep Valley in 2007.
Mr. Miller was a former house painter. He was also employed for more than 20 years in railroad construction for Atlas Railroad and was last employed by Slattery/Skanka Construction.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, taking care of his dogs and spending time with his family and grandson.
On April 20, 1986, he married Sandra Marie Cutrofello, who survives.
Surviving, in addition to his wife and father, are a daughter, Janee; wife of Justin Flowers of Deep Valley; a grandson, Jayden Flowers; two brothers, Gary Sappington of Waynesburg and Gregory I. Miller of Mannington, W.Va.; four sisters, Rhonda, wife of David Piper of New Freeport, Michelle, wife of John Rutan of Waynesburg, Robin, wife of Jim Evans of Cameron, W.Va., and Amanda, wife of Robert Yeager of Center Township.
Deceased,in addition to his mother, are his paternal grandparents, Inghram and Lettie Sappington; and maternal grandparents Pearl and William Miller.
Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the time of funeral and committal services, Saturday, January 25, in Rush Funeral Home Inc., Rogersville, with evangelist Steve Stevens officiating. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences at www.rushfuneralhomeinc.com.
William E. “Sugar” Patmon, 75, of Canonsburg, died Wednesday, January 22, 2014, in Canonsburg Hospital, following a brief illness.
Arrangements are incomplete and are entrusted to McIlvane-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, 724-745-2350. A complete obituary will appear in a later edition.
Professor emeritus, California University of Pennsylvania
Dr. Lawrence D. “Larry” Romboski, 75, professor emeritus, California University of Pennsylvania, passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 19, 1938, in Washington, a son of Lawrence and Pauline Popeck Romboski.
He graduated from Washington High School in 1955 and from Washington & Jefferson College with a degree in mathematics in 1959.
While at W&J, he lettered in basketball for four years. He started in all 73 games during that period and held the career scoring record for nine years. In 1956, he set the W&J single-game scoring record with 43 points against Bethany, which still stands. In 1992, he was inducted into Washington-Greene County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. He was initiated into the W&J Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.
Upon graduation, he received a regular U.S. Army commission and served as a lieutenant from 1959 to 1962. He successfully completed both paratrooper and ranger training. For two years, he was stationed in San Francisco, where in addition to his other duties, he co-captained the National Army Air Defense basketball championship team.
Dr. Romboski was an instructor at W&J from 1962 to 1964. It was at this time that he fell in love with college teaching. He pursued graduate studies on a full-time basis for the next five years in order to become a college professor. He received a master’s degree in mathematics education in 1965, a master’s in statistics in 1967 and a doctorate in statistics in 1969. All of his graduate work was done at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. At Rutgers, Dr. Romboski received a National Science Foundation academic year scholarship his first year and a one-year grant from NSF. During his last year at Rutgers, he held a full-time faculty position.
In 1969, he became an associate professor at California University of Pennsylvania. His promotion to full professor in the mathematics and computer science department came in 1972. This is the position he held until his retirement in 2002. From 1973 to 1976, Dr. Romboski was the editor of the Journal of Quality Technology, the statistical journal of the American Society for Quality. He was a member of the American Society for Quality, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the American Statistical Association, Mathematical Association of America and Sigma XI, a scientific honor society. He made presentations at regional meetings of MAA, NCTM and ASQ. He also worked on a part-time basis as a statistical consultant and trainer in quality-control methods, experimental design and statistical computer analysis. U.S. Steel, Snap-On-Tools, TAT and DELCO Electronics were among his clients.
In 1975 and again in 1976, he was honored with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Exceptional Academic Service Award. Larry received the CUP Alumni C.B. Wilson Distinguished Faculty Award in 1989. In 1997, he received the university’s Excellence in Teaching Award. At the annual CUP Gala in 2007, he was honored with an Emeriti Faculty Award. He also received the Dixon Award for meritorious service from the Foundation for CUP in 2007.
For many years, Dr. Romboski and wife Joanne were members of the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish leadership team. They enjoyed traveling, attending the Civic Light Opera and going to various musical concerts. They shared a love of gardening and were both certified Master Gardeners. As a team, they delivered Meals On Wheels for several years. In addition, they were avid fans of Cal U. basketball and their beloved Steelers. They were Steelers season-ticket holders. They delighted in their three children, five grandchildren and dear friends who brought great joy into their lives. He especially enjoyed his Tuesday get-togethers at the math department retiree luncheons.
On April 18, 1959, Dr. Romboski married Joanne Kapsi, who survives. They have three children, Joyce (Chris) McKnight of Venetia, Lynn (Chris) Messman of Georgetown, Mass., and Larry Jr. (Rose) of Cranberry Township, and five grandchildren, Michael Messman, Mollourthy Messman, Macy McKnight, Lindsay McKnight and Alexis McKnight. In addition to his parents, deceased is his sister, Jean Hepburn. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, River Walk Corporate Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Dr. Lawrence D. and Joanne K. Romboski Scholarship Fund at California University Pennsylvania; or The Brownson House, 1415 Jefferson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Mariscotti Funeral Home, Wood & Fourth, California, PA 15419, where prayers will be said at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, January 25. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. in St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, California.
U.S. Steel retiree was WWII veteran
Harry C. Simmons Jr., 86, of Merrillville, Ind., passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2014.
Surviving are his wife, Dorothy, of 63 years; two sons, Mark (Sarah) Simmons of Valparaiso, Ind., and Steve (Tracy) Simmons of Cedar Lake, Ind.; three grandchildren; three sisters, Jean Barnhart and Peggy Martin, both of Waynesburg, and Carol Ann (Gitch) Waters of East Millsboro; sister-in-law Mona (Donnie) Simmons of Waynesburg; and many nieces and nephews.
Deceased are his parents, Harry C Simmons Sr. and Inez Franks Simmons; three brothers, Charles “Edwin”, Raymond and Robert “Donnie” Simmons; and two brothers-in-law, Paul Barnhart and Ralph Martin.
Mr. Simmons was a World War II veteran. He retired from U.S. Steel, Gary (Ind.) Works.
He was an avid bowler at Ray’s Lane at Lake Station, Ind., for many years. Deer hunting was his passion.
He was a lifelong member of Central Baptist Church, Hobart, Ind., and member of American Legion Post 485, Schererville. Ind.
Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday in Geisen Funeral Home, 7905 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 25. Interment will be in Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillsville.
Sign a guest book at GeisenFuneralHome.com, 219-769-3322.
Washington homemaker enjoyed bingo, cards
Norma Jean Wise, 85, of Washington, died Thursday, January 23, 2014, in Donnell House.
She was born July 21, 1928, in Tippecanoe, Ohio, a daughter of the late Russell Pierce and Irena Bedillion Pierce.
Mrs. Wise was a homemaker and enjoyed playing cards and bingo. When she was younger, she loved to dance.
On October 1, 1949, she married Jess W. Wise, who died November 12, 1990.
Surviving are four sons, Robert Wise of Kentucky, Donald Wise of Washington, Ronald (Jennifer) Wise of Claysville and Timothy (Wendy) Wise of Washington; a brother, Max Pierce of Mays Landing, N.J.; a sister, Marion Brehler of Canton, Ohio; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.
Deceased are a daughter, Linda Dague, and two brothers, Leslie and Ken Pierce.
Friends will be received from 1 to 5 p.m., the time of service, Saturday, January 25, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. The Rev. Donald Waltermyer Jr. will officiate.
Additional information and a guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.