Mar 11, 2014

Mechanically inclined sports enthusiast

Carl M. Baldigowski, 74, of Midway, died Monday, March 10, 2014, in his home.

He was born May 31, 1939, in McDonald, son of the late John J. and Genevieve Zombeck Baldigowski.

Mr. Baldigowski worked as a civilian employee at the 117th Air Refueling Wing of the Air National Guard in Moon Township for 36 years before retiring in 1994.

He was a sports enthusiast, and in addition to being a member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard Golf League, enjoyed watching the Penguins, Steelers and Pitt basketball games. As a young man, he was a member of the 1956 Midway High School WPIAL Championship football team. He was mechanically inclined and liked tinkering with vehicles, refinishing furniture, doing yard work and even built his own house. He loved time spent with his wife and grandchildren and enjoyed walking his dogs.

On January 28, 1961, he married Gloria J. Janeshek, who survives.

Also surviving are three daughters, Kelly (Robert) Sterner of Imperial, Kristin (Karl) Shaffer of Upper St. Clair and Stacey (Richard) Gasior of Midway; two sons, Mark (Tina) Baldigowski of Upper St. Clair and Bryan Baldigowski of Midway; seven sisters, Josephine (late Robert) Grutzik of Dover, Del., Helen (Richard) Daniels, Veronica (Carl) Daniels, Susan Cobb and Rose (late Bill) Haines, all of McDonald, Bonnie (Richard) Green of Virginia Beach, Va., and Diana (Ronald) Chauvet of Oakdale; four brothers, John (Linda) Baldigowski, Eugene Baldigowski and Michael Baldigowski, all of McDonald, and Daniel Baldigowski of Canonsburg; nine grandchildren, Sydney, Zachary and Quinn Sterner, McKenzie, Cameryn and Aiden Shaffer, Tatum Baldigowski, Nathaniel and Ian Gasior; and a special caregiver, Robin Hoberek.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Nation Funeral Home Inc., 220 East Lincoln Avenue, McDonald. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 14 in St. Alphonsus Church, McDonald, with the Rev. Ben Vaghetto officiating. Burial will follow in Center Cemetery, Midway. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Angel Ridge Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 94, Meadow Lands, PA 15347, or Wounded Warriors, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Condolences, photos and additional information are available at www.nationfuneralhome.com.

Rickey L. Bryner, 58, of Aleppo (Springhill Township), died unexpectedly Monday, March 10, 2014, in his home.

All services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Rush Funeral Home Inc., Rogersville.

Former board member of Youth for Christ

M. Carol Caldwell, 79, of Canonsburg, died Monday, March 10, 2014, in Donnell House, Washington.

She was born October 23, 1934, in Canonsburg, a daughter of the late Clair V. and Bettye Boyle Cowden.

Mrs. Caldwell was a 1952 graduate of Hickory High School.

She worked for Washington County as a social worker for adult services and in the tax assessment office, retiring in 2000 after 21 years of service.

Mrs. Caldwell was a member of Hickory Evangelical Presbyterian Church and a former member of East Buffalo Presbyterian Church. She was a former board member of Youth for Christ, Campus Life.

She enjoyed reading and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

On June 14, 1952, she married Gerald G. Caldwell, who died March 13, 2006.

Surviving are three daughters, Dawn (Michael) McElhaney of West Virginia, Ruth (Sean) Caldwell-Petrisko of Homestead and Diane Flynn of Carnegie; five grandchildren, David W. (Kelly) Knicely, Joshua A. and Bethany Dawn Knicely, Benjamin (Caitlin) McElhaney and Rachel McElhaney; seven great-grandchildren, Sydney, Lilia, Emma, Gloria, Jackson, Angeleah and Leonnah Knicely; three brothers, Van (Bonnie) Cowden of Burgettstown, Jere (Sharon) Cowden of Sewickley, and William Guy (Wilma) Cowden of Burgettstown; a sister, Anita J. Cowden of Montgomery, Ala.; and many nieces and nephews.

Deceased are a son, Bradley Caldwell; a daughter, Deenya Knicely Hallo; and two sons-in-law, Shawn Flynn and Richard Hallo.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342. Additional visitation will be held from 3 to 3:45 p.m. Saturday, March 15, 2014, in Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church, where services will begin at 4 p.m. with the Rev. Stuart Broberg and Louis Templeton officiating. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions be made to Hickory Evangelical Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 97, Hickory, PA 15340, or Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church, 112 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, PA 15317.

Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.

Cook at Club 40 enjoyed dart ball

Bylle Gay Culbertson, 70, of Claysville, died Monday, March 10, 2014, in her home.

She was born April 18, 1943, in Greene County, a daughter of William and Gwendolyn Kinney Bissett.

Mrs. Culbertson formerly was employed as a cook at Club 40. She enjoyed playing dart ball at Taylorstown American Legion, where she was a member of its auxiliary for more than 50 years as well as past president. Mrs. Culbertson loved animals, especially her dogs, Jade and Buddie, and her cats, Little Kitty and Joplin.

On June 11, 1975, she married James B. Culbertson, who died April 17, 1978.

Surviving are a daughter, Lisa Culbertson of Claysville; a sister, Suzanna (Doc Whipkey) Armstrong of Beham; and a granddaughter, Cecelia Leah Cage.

The family will hold a memorial celebration at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 15, in Taylorstown American Legion. William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd. is handling arrangements

Additional information and a guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.

Halcie Dwight Durbin, 92, of West Alexander, died at 12:10 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2014, in his home.

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.

Owner, operator of Finney Trucking & Excavating

John T. “Jack” Finney, formerly of Houston, died Sunday, March 9, 2014, in Woodstock, Ga.

Mr. Finney was born in 1946 in Canonsburg to the late Frank and Anna Kriss Finney.

He graduated from Chartiers-Houston High School in 1964.

Surviving are his wife, Tina; a daughter, Ashley; a son, Steven; and a sister, Donna (Bill) Szott of Bethel Park.

He owned and operated Finney Trucking & Excavating.

Arrangements are being handled by Macedonia Memorial Park Cemetery, Canton, Ga.

Services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, March 14.

Minister of music for many local churches

Ronald R. Hann, 67, of Waynesburg, died Sunday, March 9, 2014, in Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, W. Va.

He was born May 15, 1946, in Mount Holly, N.J., a son of the late Charles and Helen DeCou Hann. He grew up in Pemberton, N.J.

Mr. Hann was a graduate of Asbury College in Wilmore, Ky.; he earned a master’s degree of sacred music from Union Theological Seminary in New York City and also studied at Drew University in Philadelphia.

He served as minister of music for several churches beginning in Rutherford, N.J., including the following congregations: Trinity Presbyterian Church in Uniontown; First Presbyterian Church in Beaver; First United Methodist Church in LaGrange, Ga.; Beulah Presbyterian Church in Churchill; Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church in Southern Pines, N.C.; Church of the Covenant in Washington; Parkwood Presbyterian Church in Allison Park; and Sharon Community Church.

Mr. Hann was devoted to his family and loved to travel. He enjoyed photography and architecture. He was an active member of Presbyterian Association of Musicians and had a special interest in English handbell music.

He is survived by his wife, the Rev. Darlene Gray Hann, whom he married June 17, 1978; a daughter, Kaylen Hann of New York, N.Y.; a son, Andrew Hann of Baltimore, Md.; a brother, Russell (Kathy) Hann of New Jersey; a niece, Kristen Dutill; a nephew, Michael Hann; and a sister-in-law, Jacqueline K. Gray of Waynesburg.

A remembrance gathering will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 15, 2014, at 230 Crago Avenue, Waynesburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eldercare, 1505 Morris Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370, or call 724- 852-2012. Condolences may be offered at www.behmfh.com.

Florida grandmother had Amity roots

Judith Elizabeth Conger Interval, 75, a daughter of David and Edith Conger, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Saturday, March 8, 2014, in Crossville, Tenn.

Mrs. Interval was born in Washington October 7, 1938. She attended Amity Grade School and graduated from Washington High School. She also attended Robert Morris College, Moon Township. She married Richard Interval of Washington, in Winchester, Va., June 7, 1958.

While living in Washington, Mrs. Interval was employed by Hazel Atlas Glass Co. and Pittsburgh National Bank. In 1962, she and her family moved to St. Petersburg, Fla. While living in Florida, Mrs. Interval was employed by ECI, Florida Power Corp. She retired from Honeywell Corp.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Richard Interval; a daughter, Yvonne (Rodney) Frith of Franklin, Tenn.; two brothers, David Conger II of North Port, Ala., and Robert Conger of Oakley, Calif.; six grandchildren, Erica Enmeier of Sarasota, Fla., Brett Newman of Atlanta, Ga., Eric Newman of Panama City Beach, Fla., Richard Interval III of Orlando, Fla., Jenna Frith of Franklin and Dylan Interval of Orlando; and two great-grand- daughters, Kylie Ubanks of Sarasota, Fla., and Joscelyn Enmeier of Sarasota.

Deceased are her two beloved sons, Richard Interval II and Bryan Interval.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2014, in Lower Ten Mile Presbyterian Church, 580 Amity Ridge Road, Amity, PA 15311-1330. James Agnew will officiate. Burial will follow at Lower Ten Mile Presbyterian Cemetery.

Naval veteran imparted many life quotes

Charles R. Jones, 89, of Washington, died Monday, March 10, 2014, in Donnell House, Washington.

He was born July 10, 1924, in Washington, a son of John Jones and Lottie Dreamer Jones.

Mr. Jones served in the U.S. Navy at various Naval hospitals and various Naval ships. He received an American Campaign Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon and World War II Victory Ribbon. He ran the hospital dispensary at 911th Air Base and was a timer at The Meadows racetrack.

He was a member of St. Hilary Catholic Church and imparted many life quotes to all who knew him.

In June 1951, he married Rose Ann Lekwart, who died August 20, 2012.

Surviving are two daughters, Linda (Richard Jr.) Evans-Donella of Washington, and Carol (John) Tonsetic of Washington; and two grandchildren, David (Krystin) Tonsetic and Katherine Evans.

Deceased are a brother, John, and a sister, Mae “Sis.”

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday, March 17, in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township. American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 will accord military honors. Arrangements are being handled by William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington.

Additional information and guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.

Started FireDEX of Washington, served on Chartiers Township Planning Commission

Rea D. Jones, 59, of Washington, died Monday, March 10, 2014, in Monongahela Valley Hospital as a result of injuries sustained in a fall through the roof of a building he was inspecting.

He was born June 29, 1954, in Washington, son of the late Oscar “Buck” and Opal Louise Spence Jones.

Mr. Jones was a 1972 graduate of Chartiers-Houston High School.

He was also a graduate of Vale National Residential Estimating, Water Restoration Training and became a Certified Restorer Graduate of the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration National Institute of Disaster Restoration.

In 1981, he started FireDEX of Washington as a franchise, later buying the franchise and becoming a licensee.

FireDEX was the first full service restoration company in Western Pennsylvania. In 1987, he was one of three partners and president of HJM Enterprises doing business as FireDEX of Pittsburgh.

Following the sale of FireDEX of Washington to Inrecon LLC of Michigan, he remained as general manager at its Houston office. Most recently, he was owner of RDJ Consulting LLC and co-owner of Jones and Sons Rentals LLC.

Mr. Jones was serving on Chartiers Township Planning Commission, at the time of his death. He was a former member of Chartiers Township Zoning Hearing Board, was a past volunteer for Washington City Mission and served as a national volunteer staff manager for Promise Keepers in Denver, Colo., from 1994 to 2001.

He enjoyed shooting sports, hunting, golf and spending time with family and friends riding side-by-side ATVs.

On May 3, 1975, he married Janice Bernett, who survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Michael A. (Candis) Jones and Brian R. (Heather) Jones, both of Washington; and three grandchildren, Anderson R. and Brinton J. Jones and Hallee Yoder.

Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342. Additional visitation will be held from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Friday, March 14, 2014, in Central Assembly of God Church, Houston, where services will begin at 11 a.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Washington City Mission, 84 West Wheeling Street, Washington, PA 15301; Chartiers-Houston Field and Stream Club, in care of Mrs. Spegal, 2050 West Pike Street, Houston, PA 15342; or Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania, 308 East Maiden Street, Washington, PA 15301.

Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.

Veteran, lawyer and local thespian

Paul F. Laughlin, 77, of Mt. Lebanon, passed away suddenly Monday, March 10, 2014.

He was born in Pittsburgh October 23, 1936, to the late Theresa and Frank Laughlin.

He was the adored husband of Priscilla Laughlin; loving father of Paul (Michelle) Laughlin of Coopersburg, Anita (Bill) Difenderfer of Mt. Lebanon, Diana (Jim) Currie of Woodbridge, Va., and Robert J. (Beth) Quinn of Peters Township; and cherished grandfather of Emily, Quinn, Laura, Ben, Leslie, Robby, James, Philip, Sam and Patrick.

Deceased is a daughter, Elizabeth Quinn.

Mr. Laughlin was a graduate of Dormont High School, Class of 1954. He played football at Villanova University, Class of 1958, and was a graduate of University of Pittsburgh law school. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. He was active in local theater since 1972, with more than 85 roles at Little Lake Theater alone. Recently, Mr. Laughlin was recognized by Allegheny County Bar Association for practicing 50 years of law. He was an avid reader, historian and sports enthusiast, especially when it had to do with Villanova.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 14, in Unitarian Universalist Church of the South Hills, 1240 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15228. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Cremation and Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317 (724-260-5546).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Villanova University, 800 East Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085.

Please view and sign the family’s online guest book.

Decorator at Homer Laughlin China Co.

Louise E. Dinch May, 87, of Chester, passed away peacefully in her home with her loving family at her side Tuesday, March 11, 2014, following a lengthy illness.

A longtime resident of Chester, she was born in Meadow Lands March 22, 1926, to the late Paul B. and Esther F. Fauvie Dinch.

A member of Chester First Christian Church, she retired from Homer Laughlin China Co. in Newell, where she was employed for 40 years, last working as a decorator. Mrs. May was a member of Homer Laughlin Retirement Club and always assisted her husband Pete with his annual Army reunion.

Deceased are five brothers, Ernest, Alfred, Paul, Lawerance and David Dinch; and three sisters, Esther Grimm, Leona Denys and Elizabeth Simms.

On July 5, 1956, she married the love of her life, Harry L. “Pete” May, who survives.

In addition, surviving are a daughter, Pamela Jane of Chester; a sister, Dorothy Heiney of Tulsa, Okla.; a brother, James Dinch of Wellsville; two grandchildren; and several close nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to visit with family from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Arner Funeral Chapel in Chester. The Rev. Dennis Arnold and the Rev. Stacey Popejoy will celebrate Mrs. May’s life at 10 a.m. Friday, March 14, in the funeral home. Interment will follow at Shadow Lawn Memory Gardens in Newell.

Valley Hospice provided wonderful care and support.

View this memorial and send condolences at www.arnerfuneralchapel.com.

Veteran of Desert Storm sold cars in Carmichaels

Carl W. “Mudd” Perry Jr., 47, of Crucible, passed away Monday, March 10, 2014, in Southwest Regional Medical Center, Waynesburg.

He was born February 19, 1967, in Morgantown, W.Va., a son of Margaret Pellegrini Perry of Bobtown and the late Carl W. Perry Sr.

Mr. Perry was raised in Bobtown and graduated from Mapletown High School, Class of 1985; was a U.S. Navy veteran of Desert Storm, having served aboard the USS Guam; and was a car salesman for Solomon Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep of Carmichaels.

He was a member of Cumberland American Legion Post 400 of Carmichaels.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Gladys Grim Perry; six children, Brittney (Terry) Wise of Greensboro and Kathryn, Derek, Andrew, Megan and Sarah Perry, all at home; a granddaughter, Lillian Gallatin; two sisters, Gloria (Jeff) Jones of Greensboro, Stacy (William) Grim of Bobtown; a brother, Robert (Alice) Perry of Bobtown; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in Louis E. Rudolph Funeral Home, Thomas B. Rudolph, funeral director/supervisor, 15 Main Street, Point Marion, and 10 until 11 a.m., the hour of service, Friday, March 14.

Veteran and outdoorsman

James Earl Torboli Jr., 73, of Joffre, died Monday, March 10, 2014, in Donnell House, Washington.

He was born October 5, 1940, a son of the late James Earl Sr. and Mildred Markovich Torboli Sr.

Prior to retirement, Mr. Torboli was employed by Weirton Steel Corp.

He was a U.S. Air Force veteran serving his country from 1958 to 1964.

Mr. Torboli was a member of St. Ann Roman Catholic Church in Bulger and the National Rifle Association. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

On September 18, 1965, he married Pearl Collins, who survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Kevin (Angela) Torboli of Joffre, Keith (Laurie) Torboli of Burgettstown; a daughter, Cynthia (John) Mason of Burgettstown; his grandchildren, Haleigh Torboli, Alexis Mason, Skyler Torboli, Alissa Torboli, Rachel Mason and Jackson Mason; his brothers, Calvin Torboli of Hickory, David Torboli of Washington and Kenneth Torboli of Florida; and his sisters, Shirley Kushner of Cranberry, Diane Meriage of McDonald and Maxine Torboli-Mason of Venetia.

Deceased is his birth mother, Sarah Dunkle Torboli.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Taucher Funeral Home, 23 Erie Mine Road, Burgettstown, where a blessing service will be held at 9:45 a.m. Friday, March 14, with the Rev. George Moneck officiating. Interment will follow in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township, with full military honors accorded by Burgettstown-Slovan Veterans of Foreign Wars.

For further information or to leave condolences, please visit www.taucherfuneralhome.com.

Active in Disciples of Christ Women’s Ministry

Jane Ruth Wagner, 79, of Cumberland, Md., passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2014, in Western Maryland Regional Medical Center.

Born September 16, 1934, in Washington, Mrs. Wagner was daughter of the late Lester Wayne Jackson and Helen J. Johnson Jackson.

Also deceased are her husband, C. Gordon Wagner; and her twin sister, Jean Mae Barton. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Mrs. Wagner graduated from Union High School, Burgettstown, and also graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She taught at Union High School and Baldwin High School, and worked for both West Virginia University and the University of Maryland Extension Office , from where she retired.

Mrs. Wagner was a very active member of First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, where she played music for services. She was very active in Disciples of Christ Women’s Ministry for the West Virginia region and also a local member.

Surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, March 14, in Adams Family Funeral Home P.A., 404 Decatur Street, Cumberland (www.AdamsFamilyFuneralHome.com), with a funeral service being conducted at 1 p.m. with Pastor Rae Browning officiating.

Interment will be in Locust Hill Cemetery, Chester, W.Va.

Omitted from the obituary of Antoinette Whitlock was her adopted mother, Lillian Wolf.