All Obituaries

Joseph R. Patton, 70, of Derry died Friday, August 3, 2018, at Excela Health Latrobe Hospital. He was born January 1, 1948 in Fayetteville North Carolina a son of the late Reed and Elizabeth (Rubino) Patton. Joe was retired from BOC Gas. He owned and operated Mariah Limousine Service. He was a member of the Hog Club and the Derry Ukes. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, gardening and spending time fishing with his granddaughter. Joe is survived by his wife Beverly (Smith) Patton of Derry, a...

Brian K. Palmer, 55, of Derry died Tuesday July 31, 2018 in UPMC-Presbyterian Hospital. He was born October 8, 1962 in Latrobe a son of the late Roy W. and Mary L. Wilt Palmer. Brian was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed playing scratch off lottery tickets, spending time with his grandchildren and taking walks when he was able. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother Roy W. Palmer Jr. Brian is survivived by his loving wife Betty Darlene Zulisky...

Robert A. Vanyo, 57, of DuBois, passed away Monday, July 30, 2018 at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh. Robert was born January 6, 1961 to Norbert and Donna (Scarantine) Vanyo who reside in Anita. Robert worked for Penn Dot in heavy equipment and labor for many years. He loved hunting and camping and being in the outdoors. He was also a Star Wars fan and loved watching the movies. In addition to his parents, Norbert and Donna, he is survived by his wife Jeanette L. (Shutters) Vanyo of DuBois,...

Henrietta O. Zajdel, 83, of Derry went to be with her Lord and saviour Friday July 27, 2018 at Excela Latrobe Hospital and is now reunited with her husband. She was born January 20, 1935 in Latrobe a daughter of the late Thomas E. and Agnes Goodwin Crusan. She and her late husband Albert ran Zajdel's Orchard for over 56 years with the best apple cider and sweet corn you could find. Henrietta cared deeply for her family and was an awesome cook and baker of the best apple and peach pies...

Sheldon "Shelley" M. Anderson Kennedy, 30 of Latrobe died Monday July 23, 2018 at her home. She was born June 27, 1988 in Latrobe a daughter of Dale S. Anderson (Liz Deysher) of Latrobe and Rhonda Metcalfe of Jamestown, New York. Shelley enjoyed fishing and camping. In addition to her parents she is survived by her husband Steven Kennedy, her children; Allieonna Horner, Bradley Anderson and David Kennedy. A brother Dale Horner (Kaylee) of Bradenville, several aunts, uncles and...

Cheryl J. Kondrich   Cheryl J. (Karasack) Kondrich, 69, of Cave Creek, Arizona, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday, July 20, as a result of a tragic accident.   Cheryl was born November 23, 1948, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, to Frank and Jean Karasack. She was the oldest of four children and graduated from Derry Area High School in 1966. She worked at Kennametal after graduation and married the love of her life, Paul Kondrich on July 3, 1971 in...

Richard D. “Bubb” Smith, 92, of Rossiter, passed away Thursday, July 19, 2018 at Punxsutawney Area Hospital, surrounded by his family. Mr. Smith was born on November 14, 1925 in Smithville, a son of the late Dallas E. And Margaret A. (Elbel) Smith. He attended Canoe Ridge Church of God. He was a WWII Veteran earning a Purple Heart in the Battle of the Bulge. He retired in 1987 from Benjamin Coal Co. as Foreman & Heavy Equipment Operator. In addition to his parents, he was...

Milton P. Shaffer, age 100, of Punxsutawney, went to be with the lord on Saturday, July 14, 2018, peacefully at the home where he was born, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Shaffer was born April 30, 1918. He was the son of the late Jesse and Mary Ann (Pifer) Shaffer. He was a farmer at heart who owned and operated the generational family farm. He also owned a sawmill where he cut props for the mines and cut the first poles for the electricity to be supplied to the community. He was...

Carol A. Wuenstel, 62, of Latrobe died Friday July 13, 2018 at her home. She was born July 23, 1955 in Pittsburgh a daughter of the late James W. and Catherine McDonald Noah. Carol was a longtime manager at Valley Dairy. She is survived by her sons Steven Sites of Latrobe and Michael Sites Washington, PA. A sister Kathy Tayman (William) of Coraopolis and a grandaughter Marley Sites. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 5-7pm in the McCabe Funeral Home, 300 W. Third Avenue,...

Rachel R. Graffius, age 88 of DuBois, formerly of Punxsutawney, passed away Friday, July 6, 2018, at Penn Highlands DuBois. Rachel was born November 24, 1929 in Walston to the late Archie and Concetta (Bianco) Farbo . In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph H. Graffius on November 10, 2007. They were married 47 years. She was also preceded by one brother; Donald Farbo. Rachel was a member of Ss. Cosmas & Damian Roman Catholic Church in...

Susan A. SpillarLewis, 68, of Latrobe, died Thursday July 5, 2018 in Excela Latrobe Hospital. She was born October 23, 1949 in McKeesport a daughter of the late Saunder and Alvera Ferry Zepp. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by 2 sisters Dorothy and Anna Zepp, and two brothers Robert and Michael Zepp. Sue was a caring person who found much joy in helping others. She loved reaching out, whether to offer advice or just listen to someone in their time of need. Throughout...

Daniel J. "Goober" Krueger Jr., 36, of Latrobe died suddenly Sunday June 17, 2018 at Excela Latrobe Hospital. He was born March 27, 1982 in Ft. Hood, Texas a son of Daniel J. Krueger Sr. of Latrobe and the late Helen L. Willforth Krueger. Dan worked for Camman Lighting. He was the president of the Kingston Veterans & Sportsmans Club. He was a car enthusiast who was very involved in the "Car Scene". In addition to his father he is survived by his loving family; wife...

Ralph Kenneth Baker Sr., 91, of Derry died Sunday June 17, 2018 at Excela Latrobe Hospital. He was born March 14, 1927 in Tunnelton, a son of the late Roy and Florence Dwyer Baker. Kenny was a USArmy veteran. For many years he was a driver for Ross Refuse and Smith Bus Co. He is survived by his loving wife Janice "Cookie" Baker, a son Ralph K. Baker Jr. (Bonnie) of New Alexandria, a daughter Julia Jones (Clyde) of Bradenville, a step daughter Darla Hauser (Brad) of Decatur, AL...

Ralph E. Tustin, age 82, of Punxsutawney, passed away on Saturday, June 16, 2018, with his beloved wife Leona by his side. He and Leona (Ruth) Tustin were married for almost 37 years. Ralph was born October 31, 1935 in Center Twp., Green County, a son of the late Joseph and Sara (Dobson) Tustin. He was a camp councilor for many years at Beacon Lodge for the Blind. In addition to his wife Leona, he is survived by his brothers and sisters in law; Mildred and Richard Adcock of Dubois, Ken and...

Laurence E. “Larry” Rose, age 89, of Punxsutawney, passed away on Friday, June 15, 2018 at Punxsutawney Area Hospital. Larry was born on May 6, 1929 in Bradford, PA., a son of the late Clifton A. Rose and Dorothea (Huston) Rose. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a daughter; Wanda R. Shultz, one son; Randy L. Shultz, two brothers; Clifton and Paul Rose. Larry attended the Mt. Zion Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Local # 5 Pittsburgh Electrical I.B.E.W....

Mary Suzanne "Sue" (Schrift) (Headrick) Lawton, 74, of Greensburg, passed away on Friday, June 15, 2018 at Westmoreland Regional Hospital from complications of metastatic breast cancer.   She was born in Johnstown, PA on December 31, 1943, the daughter of Leonard and Mary Louise (Tully) Schrift.   Sue was a graduate of the Western PA School for the Deaf in Pittsburgh and was retired from Westmoreland Manor.  She was a loving wife, mother and sister, and will be...

Marcella Helen (Manner) Stephenson, age 91, formerly of Indiana County, PA, passed away on June 11, 2018 at a nursing home in Colonial Beach, VA. She was born in August of 1926. Marcella was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Viola Mae (Waltenbaugh) Manner, her husband,Clarence Stephenson, and her brothers, Frank, Jesse, Harry, and Eugene Manner. She is survived by her children: Grace, Richard, Nancy (Noel) Prothero, and Alice (Art) Martin; grandchildren: Nadine Urich, Nicole...

Matthew Joseph Pacacha, 32 of Meadowlands, PA passed away suddenly Sunday June 10, 2018 as the result from a house fire. He was born November 25, 1985 in Monroeville a son of Joseph S. and Dolores "Dee" Stash Pacacha of Hunker. Matt was Catholic by faith. In his younger days he enjoyed playing baseball in W. Hempfield having played on the Junior Legion and Legion teams. He was a driver for UPS, a guitar player in the heavy metal band Conflict Cycle and enjoyed fly fishing. In...

Jean Kathryn (Ober) Rapach, 72 of Clymer passed away at home surrounded by family on Saturday, June 9, 2018. She was born April 21, 1946 in Indiana, PA to Clarence and Marian (McKiernan) Ober. She was a graduate of Penns Manor High School, Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, and the University of Pittsburgh. She worked as a nurse for nearly 50 years in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and with the Visiting Nurses Association of Indiana County. Jean was a loving and...

C. Wayne (Julio) Graham, 75, of Latrobe, PA., passed away on Friday, June 8, 2018 at home. He is survived by his loving family and his buddy Bella. Services and interment is Private. The McCabe Funeral Home, 300 W. Third Ave. Derry is in charge of arrangements. On line condolences may be made at www.mccabefuneralhomespa.com.

Gloria B. Sylvester of Derry, passed away peacefully at Ligonier Gardens on June 6, 2018. She was a daughter of the late Ralph and Vienna DiVitto Sylvester. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by three brothers; Wilson, Ferd and Ralph Sylvester. Six sisters; Edith and Rena Sylvester, Constance Bucci, Mary Stella DiRado, Marguerite Chiocchio and Anita Delauretis. She is survived by her sister Norma Gross as well as nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Friends will...

Beverly Ruth Thomas, 91, of Derry died Tuesday May 29, 2018 at Loyalhanna Senior Suites. She was born April 13, 1927 in Carbondale a daughter of the late Ralph and Ruth Thomas Lane. She was an active member of the Living Hope Church in Whitney and was a retired registered nurse from Torrance State Hospital. She loved being around her family. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Charles H. Thomas and a sister Margaret "Peggy" Nagle. Beverly is...

Lanny L. Kunselman, age 71 of Punxsutawney, passed away Monday, May 28, 2018 at Punxsutawney Area Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Lanny was born November 11, 1946 in Punxsutawney. He was a son of the late Richard D. and Edna (Reeseman) Kunselman. Lanny Was a Vietnam Veteran proudly serving and sacrificing for his country. after his tour of duty, Lanny returned with a National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Marksman Pistol Sharpshooter Carbine, Air Medal w/ 6th Oak Leaf...

Ronald R. Miller, 84, died May 25, 2018 at his care-givers home in Bradenville. He was born January 19, 1934 in Emeigh a son of the late Charles Ralph and Avis Marguerite Stumpf Miller. He was a sheet metal with SMW Local#12 in Pittsburgh for 63 years and had worked with the Area Agency on Aging in Somerset delivering meals. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two sisters; Carol M. and Loretta J. Ron is survived by his wife of 61 years Carole "Jeanne" Stufft...

Matushka Judy (Alderson) Horosky was called by our Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, May 17, 2018, peacefully at home, with her husband John and family at her side. She was born July 7, 1940 in Houston, PA. to the late Robert And Helen (Filius) Alderson. Matushka Judy was a member of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Cannonsburg, PA. as well as churches in Moundsville, W. Va., Monesson, PA. and Philipsburg, PA. She attended the Chartiers-Houston Schools. While living in Punxsutawney,...

Mary R. Bellomo, age 66 of Punxsutawney, passed away Thursday, May 17, 2018 at UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh, with her family by her side. Mary was born September 16, 1951 in Punxsutawney, a daughter of the late Robert and Rachael (Liebert) Lantz. Mary was completely devoted to her family. She enjoyed nothing more than to be with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and was looking forward to the birth of her next great grandchild. She liked to work on her computer and do cross stitching...

Merle F. Ray, 78 , of Derry Twp., died peacefully Tuesday May 15, 2018 at his home. He was born March 22, 1940 in New Derry the son of the late Merle C. and Mary Gruska Ray. Merle was a devoted family man who loved the outdoors , spending time with his many loyal friends and selling Real Estate for many years with Scalise Real Estate. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by an infant sister Kimberly Ray. He is survived by his loving wife of over 55 years Beverly...

Catherine E. Hill 90 of Derry, passed away Monday, May 14, 2018 at Mountain View Speciality Care. She was born on December 15, 1927 in Nanty Glo. She was a daughter of the late Robert Steeves and Katie Bell Bracken. She was retired from Torrance State Hospital as a LPN. In addition to her parents she is preceded by her husband Thomas Hill, a son William Hill and brothers Richard, Robert, David and Fred Steeves and sisters Ethel Steeves and Viola Trinder. She is survived by her son Thomas...

Larry S. Manges, age 60 of Punxsutawney, passed away Monday, May 14, 2018 at Punxsutawney Area Hospital. Larry was born July 11, 1957 in Punxsutawney. He was a son of the late George and Viola (Rischel) Manges. Larry was a truck driver for many years before retiring. After retirement he was able to enjoy riding his motorcycle, going camping and having cookouts with his family and friends. His greatest joy was the love of his fiance', children and grandchildren. He was very family...

Harry S. Kemp, age 87 of Rochester Mills, passed away Saturday, May 12, 2018 at his home, surrounded by his family. Harry was born August 28, 1930 in Redbank Twp., Armstrong Co., a son of the late Charles and Edna (Smith) Kemp. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his beloved wife Betty L. (Barnett) Kemp on February 26, 2015 along with one brother and two sisters. Harrys passion was hunting and spending time with the grandchildren. He is survived by his son; Edward C. Kemp...

Alice T. Sprankle, age 85, of Punxsutawney, passed away Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Punxsutawney Area Hospital. Alice was born July 22, 1932 in Punxsutawney. She was a daughter of the late Harry and Christine (Steffy) Beatty. September 2, 1955, she married her beloved husband; Leroy Sprankle who preceded her in death. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by their daughter; Vickie Sprankle and their son; Greg Sprankle and his wife Judy and one brother; Jackson...

Jean H. Denny, 91, of Derry passed away Saturday, May 12, 2018. Born October 5, 1926 in Derry, a daughter of the late Elmer E. and Nellie Coho Hendrickson. Prior to retirement in 1989, she was a charge nurse in the Obstetrics Dept. at Latrobe Area Hospital. Jean was a 1944 graduate of Derry Borough High School, a 1947 graduate of Shadyside Hospital School of Nursing and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Education from the University of Pittsburgh in 1953. She also taught in...

Deborah Ann Huffman Truswell, 61, of Yukon passed away May 11, 2018. She was born August 10, 1956 in Latrobe a daughter of the late Kenneth E and Althea Stoffer Huffman. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 45 years Jack Allen Truswell, a daughter Kelly Truswell, 1 sister, Laura Willforth, 3 brothers, John, Joseph, and Kenneth Huffman. She is survived by her daughters, Wendy Truswell, Jennifer (Ryan) Shannon and Jessica Truswell and Fiance Nate...

Edith V. Bridge, 92, of Latrobe passed away peacefully on wednesday May 9,2018 at her home surrounded by her family. She ws born July 12, 1925 in Unity Township. A daughter of Edward and Myrtle (Harr) Myers. She was preceded in death by her son Francis P. Keough. She is survived by her husband of 62 years Eugene V. Bridge, her son Kevin Bridge and her three daughters; Gloria Stevens, Carol Galya and Holly Byich, along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Edith was a member of...

Conrad J. Fortsch, age 87, of Punxsutawney, passed away Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at Punxsutawney Area Hospital. Conrad was born January 10, 1931 in Punxsutawney. He was a son of the late Clarence J. And Sara (Benson) Fortsch. He was a member of Ss. Cosmas & Damian Church where he was the caretaker and also did maintenance work. Conrad was preceded in death by his wife Bonnie (Custer) Fortsch, two brothers; John Fortsch, Thomas Fortsch and one sister; Sally Ann Fortsch. He is survived by...

Geraldine G. Powers Libengood, 96, of Latrobe (formerly of Hillside), went to be with her lord Sunday April 29, 2018 in Excela Latrobe Hospital. She was born April 15, 1922 in Bradenville a daughter of the late David and Mary Bush Powers. Geraldine attended the Bethany United Methodist Church in Latrobe and was a member of Christ Bible Fellowship in Indiana. She loved Jesus, canning, cooking and baking. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Verl Libengood...

Barbara A. (Astorino) Brink, age 85 of Rossiter, passed away Friday, April 27, 2018 at Jefferson Manor in Brookville. Barbara was born December 4, 1932 in Walston. She was a daughter of the late Charles and Angelina (Adams) Astorino. Barbara was a graduate of Saints Cosmas & Damian High School and was employed at Pramco and Bell Telephone. She was married to the late Robert J. Brink on April 19, 1997 at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church in Walston where she volunteered for many...

Richard W. Payne Sr. 69, of Latrobe died Friday April 27, 2018 in the Bethlen Home, Ligonier. He was born December 6, 1948 in Latrobe a son of the late Howard L. Payne Sr. and Ruth E. Patterson Payne. He was a USArmy veteran having served in Germany during the Vietnam Era. He had worked for Atrium Window Factory in Murrysville and NAPA Auto of Latrobe. He was a member of the Derry Ukes and the F&J Bow Club. He enjoyed fishing. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his...

Charles A. Gamble, 66, of Derry died Thursday April 26, 2018 in Excela Westmoreland Hospital. He was born September 6, 1951 in Latrobe a son of the late Metro Mitchell and Helen V. Dudley Gamble. Charlie was catholic by faith and was a USArmy Veteran. He owned and operated Gambles House of Carpet in Derry for many years. A true family man he loved spending time with his family. He was a member of the Derry Rod & Gun Club, the Slovak Club, Twin Maples and the White House Club. In...

Nancy V. (Galbreath) Marsh, age 76 of Punxsutawney, passed away Wednesday, April 25, 2018, peacefully at home with her beloved husband George by her side. Nancy was born February 5, 1942 in Johnstown. She was a daughter of the late William D. And Goldie M. (Mickle) Galbreath. Nancy was a 1960 graduate of Richland High School in Johnstown and after graduation she worked for Dean M. Wilson, D.D.S and Robert F. Huebner & Associates for many years before she retired. After retirement she...

James E. "Jim" Perry, 70, of Latrobe died unexpectedly Monday April 23, 2018 in UPMC-Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh. He was born November 11, 1947 in Latrobe a son of the late Ester McCurdy Estes. Jim was a proud USArmy veteran having served in Vietnam and was a life member of the American Legion Byers-Tosh Post 267, Ligonier. He was raised in Ligonier by his grandparents the late Charles and Ruth McCurdy. Jim retired in 2011 from Torrance State Hospital and had been working...

Robert M. Dupak, 71, of Punxsutawney, passed away Monday, April 23, 2018 peacefully at home, with his wife Sandra at his side. Robert as born February 13, 1947 in Punxsutawney to the late George and Carmella (Chinque) Dupak. He was a US Navy veteran. Robert was a member of Ss. Cosmas & Damian Roman Catholic Church and also a 1965 graduate of SSCD School. Robert worked for over 32 years for the Department of Labor & Industry as an Appeals Referee before retirement. He was a loving...

Robert C. Patterson, 86, of Latrobe died Friday April 20, 2018. He was born January 2, 1932 in Perryville, Clarion County a son of the late Merle and Martha Yingling Patterson. Bob was a US Army Veteran having served in Germany and had retired from Westinghouse having worked in East Pittsburgh and Trafford. After he retired from Westinghouse he worked for Electric Research Management in Penn Hills. He was a member of the Derry Presbyterian Church where he was a deacon, was an Amateur Radio...

Richard Blair Blose, age 82, of Punxsutawney, passed away, Monday, April 16, 2018, at Mulberry Square Elder Care & Rehabilitation Center. Richard was born December 22, 1935 in Timblin, a son of the late John Blair Blose and Lillie (McGregor) Blose. He was a proud US Marine Corps veteran serving his tour of duty during the Korean War from 1955 to 1957.Richard earned his associates Degree from DuBois Business College and worked with his parents to establish the Blose-McGregor Medicare...

Jay W. Chamberlain, 90, of Latrobe died Sunday April 15, 2018 at his home. He was born May 2, 1927 in Derry a son of the late Raymond Charles and Evelina Hofmann Chamberlain. Jay graduated early from Derry Boro High School where he was very active in sports and joined the Navy during World War II. He had worked for Kennametal retiring after 40 years of service and had been a bartender at the Rolling Rock Club for many years. Jay was a high school sports fan attending football and basketball...

Mary Ellen Elsessor, age 58, of Punxsutawney, passed away peacefully on the morning of April 11, 2018. Mary was born January 15, 1960, in Fairfield, CA. to the late Loyd and Betty Bartlett. Mary was a graduate of Iroquis High School and at the time of her passing worked for the Store Planning sector of Walmart Corporation. Mary truly lived her life to the fullest, through simple pleasures; gardening, spending time with her grandchildren and dogs, sewing, cooking and riding motorcycles with...

Ethel M. "Skip" Schantz, age 85, of Punxsutawney, passed away Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Mulberry Square Elder Care & Rehabilitation Center. Ethel was born on March 26, 1933 in Jerome, a daughter of the late Paul S. and Cozie V. (Troutman) Geist. Ethel was preceded in death by her husband Russell E. Schantz on November 2, 1998. She is survived by three sons; Harry Schantz, Charles Schantz and Gary Schantz all of Punxsutawney. two grandsons; Justin Schantz and wife Mariah and...

Mary Jane "Mickey" Bennett, age 81, of Mahaffey, passed away, Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Penn Highlands Dubois. Mickey was born December 23, 1936 in Mahaffey, to the late Frank and Anna (Costo) Breth, along with three brothers and three sisters. She is survived by her beloved husband James E. Bennett of Mahaffey. Mickey was the youngest and last surviving member of her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. "Gam"...

Franklyn Andrew Herdman was born February 15, 1926, the fourth of seven children of Clarence P. and Mary Wahlrobe Herdman. He lived in Millwood and Derry for most of his life, except for two tours in the U.S. Navy. After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, he quit school to volunteer for the military, following his three older brothers. He entered the Navy for World War II, with the majority of his first enlistment as a gunner's mate aboard LSM-141 to land and support the Marines in the...

Theresa J. (Probst) Froio, 77, of Latrobe, PA., passed away on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at Latrobe Hospital. She was born May 19, 1940 in Latrobe a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Zemba) Probst. Theresa is survived by one son, Bernie Froio (Melany) of Shippensburg; one brother, Henry Probst (Susan) of Baggaley; one sister, Joyce Desport (Victor) of Derry; and two grandchildren, Nick and Ben. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Benard S. Froio and two sisters, Elizabeth...