All Obituaries

Annabell Wazelle, 89 of Punxsutawney, passed away, Sunday, April 21, 2019 at Penn Highlands Dubois. Annabell was born May 31, 1929 in Big Run to the late Edward and Roseann (Wachob) Kerr. She was a member of the First Church of God and also the Ladies Auxiliary in Big Run. September 28, 1945, she was married to Robert Wazelle, Sr. Who preceded her in death. She is survived by two sons; Robert Wazelle, Jr. and wife Judy of Cherry Tree and Jeffrey Wazelle of Punxsutawney. Four daughters;...

Betty L. Rice, 79, of Latrobe (Derry Twp.) went home to be with the Lord Thursday April 18, 2019 in UPMC-Shadyside. She was born March 9, 1940 in Derry a daughter of the late Earl and Anna Tierney Harris. Betty was a member of Bible Baptist Church. She had retired from the Latrobe Area School District. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking and traveling. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a son Harry Eugene "Bobby" Rice, siblings Ronald Harris, Laura Datsko,...

Eugene “Gene” R. Pape, Sr., 56 of Rossiter, passed away Thursday, April 18, 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer, at the Armstrong County Memorial Hospital. Gene was born July 28, 1962 in Punxsutawney to the late Rocco Pape and Martha (Kendra) Pape who survives, of Rossiter. Gene was a member of the Resurrection Church in Rossiter. He was a former member of the Rossiter Fire Company. Gene was a very strong man and set in his ways. He spent the majority of his time in the...

Matthew R. Moore, 35, of Latrobe, died Tuesday April 16, 2019 at his home. He was born September 19, 1983 in Latrobe a son of Brenda Fillmore Perry of Latrobe and the late Barry F. Moore. Matt was a graduate of Seton Hill College where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in creative writing. He was a lover of writing and animals. In addition to his father he was preceded in death by his step father James E. Perry, his maternal grandparents Earl R. and Shirley E. Gordon Fillmore and...

Leora Renee Harman Mulnix, 54 of Latrobe, died Monday April 15, 2019 in Twin Lakes Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, Greensburg. She was born September 6, 1964 in Latrobe, a daughter of the late Allen J. and Charmaine Kregar Harman. She is survived by three sons; Steven Shafer (Christina) of North Carolina, Zackary Shafer (Megan) of Bolivar and Noah Shafer who still lived at home with his and her dog "Baby Girl" in Latrobe. Four beautiful grandchildren whom she loved and...

Dolly E. Dorsey, 84 of Punxsutawney, passed away Saturday, April 13, 2019 at Mulberry Square Elder Care & Rehabilitation Center. Dolly was born December 19, 1934 in Rochester Mills to the late Rev. William Tobias and his wife Oma (Smeal) Tobias. She loved children and ran Dolly’s Day Care for many years. She attended the Valley Chapel Church. Dolly was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Blaine R. Dorsey. She and Blaine had many foster children over the years. She was a...

Julia A. Nichols, 85, of New Derry, died Saturday April 13, 2019 in Excela Latrobe Hospital. She was born September 11, 1933 in Latrobe a daughter of the late Daniel and Anna Gruska Novello. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband David "Doc" Nichols and two sisters; Jean Connor and Dorothy Bell. She is survived by her daughter Evelyn Frisko (Paul "Denny"), sister Mary Ann Bernabei (Anthony), brother-in-laws James Connor and Russ Bell....

Sandra L. Piper, 59, of Latrobe died Saturday April 13, 2019 in UPMC-East. She was born January 3, 1960 in Latrobe a daughter of the late William Newhouse and Helen Baker Newhouse of Derry. Sandra loved the outdoors, cooking, baking, gardening and doing crafts. She is survived by her loving husband Randy H. Piper, her two daughters Chris Piper of Derry and Tonya Piper of Latrobe. Two grandchildren; Brayden and Abigail, two brothers; William A. Newhouse (Jane) of Latrobe and Jim Newhouse of...

Katz, Rosalyn Barbara (Cohn) 87, peacefully on Apr.11,2019. She was born Nov.26, 1931 in NY. Survived by loving daughter Leslie, grandaughter Halina, nephews Brad and Keith. Roz earned a PhD in Social work from University of Pittsburgh. Besides working at the Health and Welfare Planning Association. she co-founded Community Research Associates in 1987. CRA led the social service research scene in western PA for more than a decade. Memorial Service at a later time. Online condolences to...

William E. "Bill" Myers, 64, of Bradenville died Wednesday April 10, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 21, 1954 in Greensburg, the son of the late William E. and Florence Armbrust Myers. Bill was a member of the Derry First United Methodist Church. He was a US Navy veteran having served from 1972-1975. Spending time with his grandchildren, music and singing always made for a good day. He had retired from Sony and Watt's Fuel Cells in Mt....

June L. Beistel, 90, of Derry died Monday April 8, 2019 at the Oak Hill Nursing and Rehab Center, Greensburg. She was born June 13, 1928 in Melcroft a daughter of the late Charles and Lutisha Purbaugh Snyder. June was a member of the Derry First United Methodist Church. She was an avid Bingo player and loved being around her family. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her sister Cynthia McClean and her two brothers; Charles Domer Snyder and Ira Snyder. She is survived...

Joshua D. Smail, 37, of Derry, passed away April 5, 2019 at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.  He was born October 31, 1981 in Greensburg, a son of Alan and Lori (Musgrove) Smail.  Josh was a 2000 graduate of D.A.H.S and a 2002 graduate of the WCCC Criminal Justice Academy. He was currently serving on the Derry Borough Police Department.  He previously served the communities of Jackson Twp. Butler County and Nanty Glo Cambria County. He was a member of the Derry VFD...

Nicholas L. DeChurch, 83 of Big Run, passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at home surrounded by his loving family. Nicholas was born February 24, 1936 in Sykesville to the late Anthony and Mary (Phillips) DeChurch. After 22 1/2 years of service, he retired from the US Army having served during the Korean Conflict. During his career, he was a barber for 20 years in Penn State and Brockway and he went on to achieve an Associates Degree in Business from Penn State. His past times were golfing,...

Adelheid M. “Heidi” Shelley, 73 of Burnside, passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at her home. Heidi was born December 17, 1944 in Biedheim, Germany to the late Ernest and Adele Kunstler. Heidi loved beautiful flowers and spent her spare time tending to her garden which she took great pride in. She is survived by her husband of 54 years Clarence F. Shelley of Burnside. Together they had three children; Thomas F. Shelley and wife Amanda of DuBois, David J. Shelley and wife Angela...

Samuel C. Shaffer, 87 of Ringgold, passed away Thursday, March 28, 2019 at Punxsutawney Area Hospital. Samuel was born September 28, 1931 in Dry Ridge to the late Samuel B. and Elise (Brocious) Shaffer. He was a US Army Veteran having served during the Korean War. Samuel was a graduate of Bob Jones University earning his Degree in Ministry. He had a strong faith in God and was very involved in the Countryside Baptist Church where he was a member. His hobbies were carpentry, hunting,...

Dolores Ruth Kestner, 83, of Laughlintown, formerly of Derry died Tuesday March 26, 2019. She was born January 17, 1936 in Latrobe a daughter of the late Michael and Ruth Hamilton Schmucker. She was a member of the Derry First United Methodist Church. A very loving mother who enjoyed gardening and baking. She was known as "Grandma Cookie." In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother Larry Schmucker. She is survived by her loving husband Barry T. Kestner....

Raymond E. Miller, 86 of Punxsutawney, passed away Monday, March 25, 2019 peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Raymond was born December 29, 1932, in Chattanooga, Tennessee to the late Elmer and Mary Miller. He was a US Navy veteran serving during the Korean War. He worked many years at Punxsutawney Sportswear for many years and most recently worked for Walker Auto parts. Raymond loved to tell jokes and have a good laugh. He also loved golfing, fishing and camping. He was a member of...

C. F. “Chick” Melchick, 97 of Punxsutawney, passed away Monday, March 25, 2019 at the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home. Chick was the eldest of four children, born October 5, 1921 in Punxsutawney to the late Paul and Marie (Mahan) Melchick. He was a US Army Veteran having proudly served during WWII. He was a building contractor and retired from B&O and Chessie System Railroad in 1984. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Chick was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years,...

Richard Thomas Gigliotti, 79 of Mahaffey, passed away peacefully Friday, March 22, 2019 surrounded by his family at home. He was born May 23, 1939 in Walston to the late Angelo “Ben” Gigliotti and Angeline (Villella) Gigliotti. On June 18, 1960 he married Louise (Bouch) Gigliotti who survives. Richard served in the Army Reserves for 11 years. He worked as a Frito Lay salesman and also for Jefferson Wholesale Grocery where he retired. He was a member of the Eagles, Walston Club...

Cloyd H. Troutman, 93, formerly of Derry died Sunday March 17, 2019 at the Loyalhanna Senior Suites. He was born August 7, 1925 in Altoona a son of the late Cloyd A. and Esther Elizabeth Isenberg Troutman. He was a member of the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Derry and was a WWII US Army Veteran having served in the Phillipines and Okinawa. He had retired from Robertshaw where he had worked as a Mechanical-Industrial Engineer. "He lived such a full life and accomplished so much...

Walter P. Fairman, 88 of Punxsutawney, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2019 at Mulberry Square Elder Care & Rehabilitation Center. He was born December 3, 1930 in Punxsutawney to the late Michael and Mary (Soltis) Fairman. Walt was a US Army veteran having served during the Korean War. He was a member of Ss. Peter & Paul Byzantine Church. He was Assistant Manager at A&P supermarket for many years before retiring. He was an excellent golfer and loved to go hunting with his nephews....

Josephine E. Helman, 84 of Punxsutawney, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2019 surrounded by her family at home. Josephine was born May 10, 1934 in Punxsutawney to the late John and Rose (Jose) Long. She was a member of SS. Cosmas & Damian Roman Catholic Church. Josephine was very active and enjoyed being with her family. She was a licensed judge for amature boxing events for many years. She loved going to the casinos with her friends and adored her cat Frankie. She was preceded in death...

Sandra K. Chockla, 78, of Derry died Wednesday March 6, 2019 in Excela Latrobe Hospital. She was born March 17, 1940 in Latrobe a daughter of the late Gerard "Jerry" and Elizabeth P. "Libbie" Beck Fisher. She was a member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church of Derry. Sandra had worked as a civilian employee at Vandenberg Airforce Base (top security) in Lompoc, California. After returning to Pennsylvania she worked as a loan officer for Fidelity Bank that changed to...

Lois J. Lellock, 83 of Punxsutawney, passed away Sunday March 3, 2019 at Mulberry Square Elder Care & Rehabilitation Center. Lois was born July 1, 1935 in Luthersburg to the late Russell and Ethlyn (Knupp) Timblin. Lois was preceded in death by her beloved husband; John Ronald Lellock in 2001. She was a member of Pleasant Grove Presbyterian Church. She was well known in the area for working at House of Gifts for many years before her retirement. Lois loved playing bingo, crafting, oil...

Eva Gertrude McDowell, 97, of Latrobe, formerly of Ligonier, went home to be with her Lord Friday March 1, 2019 at Twin Lakes Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Unity Township. She was born Sunday, March 27, 1921 in Evans City the daughter of the late Jacob J.and Minnie M. Baumgardner Erwin. She was a stay at home "Mom" until her children entered middle school when she began working by cleaning homes. She was a member of Pleasant Grove Presbyterian Church in Ligonier. She...

William M. Stewart Sr., 55, of Latrobe died February 24, 2019 at Excela Westmoreland Hospital. He was born March 27, 1963 in Latrobe a son of William E. Stewart of Derry and the late Eleanor M. Toth Stewart. In addition to his mother he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Joseph Henderson Sr. Bill is survived by his wife Donna Delambo Stewart, his son William M. Stewart Jr. (Brooklynn Dunn) all of Latrobe, his two daughters; Donna Henderson of Latrobe and Cindy Nicholson of Weston,...

Peter P. Pascuzzo, 82 of Punxsutawney, passed away Saturday, February 23, 2019 at Jefferson Manor in Brookville. Peter was born July 5, 1936 in Punxsutawney to the late Joseph and Lena Pascuzzo. He was enlisted in the Army Reserves for many years. Peter was a lifelong member of St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church where he was an altar boy and a member of the Walston Parish Council. After its closing he attended the Church of the Resurrection in Rossiter. Pete owned his own insurance agency and...

Donald E. Coleman, 85 of Punxsutawney, passed away Thursday, February 21, 2019 at Hillsdale Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Donald was born January 24, 1934 in Dora to the late Ernie and Mable (Hawk) Coleman. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 50 years. Dorothy E. (Vallies) Coleman. Donald lived to go fishing in his boat the "Dottie C". He spent many days fishing with his wife and kids. He also loved to hunt and spent time in the outdoors. He was always a...

Gordon Snyder,86 of Mahaffey, passed away Saturday, February 16, 2019 at his home. Gordon was born August 1, 1932 in Mahaffey to the late Charles and Mary (Marshall) Snyder. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Inez (Stiffler) Snyder on December 30, 2018. Gordon was a US Army veteran serving during the Korean War. He was a retired UMWA Coal Miner, but his life's work was as a Pastor. He pastored at Curry Run and Banner Ridge Churches for many years. He enjoyed farming,...

Jerry R. Pierce, Sr., 70 of Punxsutawney, passed away Thursday, February 14, 2019, at Punxsutawney Area Hospital. Jerry was born September 15, 1948 in Brookville to the late Robert and Ruth (Buck) Pierce. He worked many years for Asplundh before he began the Pierce Tree Service which he ran for several years. He loved spending time with his family and grandchildren and enjoyed adding to his collectibles. He is survived by his wife of 49 years; Annamae Pierce, five children; Jerry Pierce,...

Samuel T. "Butch" Peterson, 79, of Clearfield, passed away Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Judy Sprankle Retirement Home in Punxsutawney. Butch was born January 11, 1940 in Mahaffey to the late Samuel Peterson Sr. and Anna (Bracken) Peterson. Butch was a very hard worker. He took pride in his tasks such as stacking wood. He loved having fun and sled riding. His memory was incredibly sharp and when ever someone needed a reminder, Butch knew when and where. He was a friend to everyone...

Rodney A. "Rod" Long, 48, of Punxsutawney, passed away Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Punxsutawney Area Hospital. Rod was born April 22, 1970 in DuBois. He was a son of Byron T. Long of Punxsutawney who survives and the late Karol (Hockenberry) Long. Rod was a cashier for many years at Shop N Save. He was a friend to everyone and always had a smile and a kind word for people he knew as well as those he didn't. He was always the life of the party. He was an avid collector of many...

Annabelle Neal, 88 of Sportsburg, passed away Friday, February 8, 2019 at Punxsutawney Area Hospital. Annabelle was born February 17, 1930 in Syracuse, NY. She was a daughter of the late George A. And Alpha (Hazelett) Smith. She was a member of the Sportsburg United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school for 51 years. She liked reading and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and traveling. She was also a member of the Eastern Star. She was married to the late Thomas E....

Elizabeth M."Liz" Thomas, 84, of Ligonier died Friday Feb. 8, 2019 in Excela Westmoreland Hospital. She was born February 5, 1935 in Wilpen a daughter of the late Charles and Anna Miglas Kittey. Liz was a member of the Waterford United Methodist Church. For many years she was a school bus driver for the Ligonier Valley School District. She had a great sense of humor, enjoyed people, swimming, gardening and watching the Hummingbirds. In addition to her parents she was preceded in...

Clair "Bud" McConnaughey, Jr. 73 of Punxsutawney, passed away Monday, February 4, 2019 at his home. He was born September 2, 1945 in Punxsutawney to the late Clair B. McConnaughey, Sr. and Dorothy (Kellander) McConnaughey-Infantino. He was a veteran of the US Army serving during the Vietnam War. Bud adored his family. He made the most of the time he spent with his beloved grandchildren. January 26, 1968, he married the love of his life, Janice (Wineberg) McConnaughey of...

Howard (Howie) James Spaid, Jr., of Mahaffey, passed away Friday, February 1, 2019 at home, surrounded by his family. Howard was born May 21, 1961 at Miners Hospital in Spangler, PA. He was the son of the late Howard James Spaid, Sr. and Eleanor Rose McMasters. He was previously employed by Carlton Pools in Norristown, PA. as a foreman. Howard was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending time outdoors with his friends and family. He attended the LaJose United Methodist Church and loved the...

Edith R. Jones passed away January30, 2019 at her home. She was born July 23, 1931 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Mary Robinson Welsh Voucht and George T. Welsh. She graduated from Derry Borough High School in 1949 with highest honors. After high school she attended Seton Hill College. Edith was a life member of the Derry First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and served as children's Sunday School teacher for many years. She was also a member of the Derry...

Mary R. Hurd, 87, of Punxsutawney, and a native of Rossiter, passed away Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Mulberry Square Elder Care & Rehabilitation Center. Mary was born April 5, 1931 in Rossiter to the late Elmer and Mary Ann (Pitzerell) Carcella. In 1974 she was preceded in death by her husband Jack St. Clair Hurd. They were married January 20, 1951. Mary worked at Cameron Factory in Reynoldsville for most of her life. She loved to travel and spend time with her great granddaughter whom...

Nancy Jane Urdzik   April 2, 1930 – January 22, 2019   Nancy Jane Urdzik (neé Igo), 88, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania left this world on January 22, 2019.  Nancy was a beautiful soul, even while battling dementia.  She was loved by every person that had the privilege of spending time with her.  Nancy was funny, kind, and oh so charming; the best kind of person.  Last week, she gave us all a wonderful gift of a day where she was more...

  Martha Ann (Cessna) Newman, 76, of Punxsutawney, PA, formerly of Aurora, CO, passed away January 20, 2019 at Christ the King Manor in DuBois, PA. Martha was born May14, 1942 in Punxsutawney, PA, daughter of the late Wayne C. and Susan P. (Labik) Cessna Sr. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband John A. Newman in 2015 and her sister Ruth M. Cessna in 2001. Martha graduated from Punxsutawney Area High School in 1960, after which she served a distinguished military career with...

Harry A. Clark, 78, of Ligonier, died Friday January 18, 2019 in Excela Latrobe Hospital. He was born May 19, 1940 in Ligonier Twp. a son of the late Harry and Elda Hofecker Clark. Harry was a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Ligonier. He worked as a carpenter his entire life and enjoyed the times he spent with his loving wife and family. He is survived by his loving wife Donna Lee Nicely Clark, his daughter Woneida Lee Naggy (Nathan) of Latrobe, his son Harry Clark (Dawnnell) of...

Ralph Otho Emert, 55, of Latrobe, passed away January 17, 2019, in Excela Health Latrobe Hospital. Born September 28, 1963 in Ligonier, a son of the late Clair B and Emma Gean (Barron) Emert. He was preceded in death by a brother Michael B Emert. He is survived by his beloved wife of 29 1/2yrs, Lisa M. (Crucis) of Latrobe; three sisters, Beverly S. (Leonard) Peffer of Stahlstown, Debra L. (John) Onega of Latrobe, and Cindy K. (Wesley) Darr of Stahlstown; two he considered as...

Gerald "Jerry, Red, Reddog" Gearhart, age 86, died on Monday, January 14, 2019 at his home. He was born on November 29, 1932 in Lumber City to Victor Grier and Helen (Maurey) Gearhart. After graduating from Curwensville Area High School, he enlisted in the US Army in 1951 and served in the 522 nd Infantry Division during the Korean War. After serving his country, he married Doris "Polly" Witherite who preceeded him in death. He worked for Georgia Marble in Atlanta, GA....

LOUISE M. STEFFANI August 1, 1917 – January 13, 2019 Louise M. Steffani, 101, of Derry, died on January 13, 2019, at Excela Latrobe. She was born on August 1, 1917, the 10th of 15 children born to the late Antonio and Maria (Sconciafurno) Mastrorocco.  She was preceded in death by her siblings Salvatore, Aldeen, Agostino, Ada Apone, Rose Cherup, Edmondo, Elena Bell-Pachel, Maria DeLuca, Lydia Sarp, Dorothy Syster, and Antonio.  Louise was also preceded in death by her...

Kearney Kinter Neal, 89, died peacefully at Brookdale of Murrysville, with his family at his side on January 13, 2019. He was born July 19, 1929 to S. Merle and Adabel Neal. He served as a Buck Sergeant in the US Air Force and returned home to marry Lillian Rae Whiteman in 1956, who preceded him in death in 2005 after 49 years of marriage. He is survived by his children Michael and partner Patty, Mark and wife Mary and Marianne and wife Meagan. Grandchildren; Jennifer Goss and husband...

Clair F. Daisher, 79 of Mahaffey, passed away Sunday, January 13, 2019 at home. Clair was born November 30, 1939 in Mahaffey to the late Blaine and Marie (Bouch) Daisher. He was preceded in death by his wife Joan C. (Bracken) Daisher on August 3, 2015. He was a lifelong member of Banner Ridge Church. He owned and operated Daishers Garage and worked hard as a mechanic all of his life. He enjoyed antique cars and John Deere tractors. He is survived by 4 sons; Richard Daisher and wife Susan of...

Robert H. "Bob" Long, 83, of Derry died Friday January 11, 2019 in the Baylor Scott &White Medical Center, Grapevine, Texas. He was born May 28, 1935 in Johnstown the son of the late Norbert P. and Gertrude Martin Long. Bob graduated Johnstown Catholic High School (now Bishop McCort) in 1953 and in 1960 graduated from the University of Pittsburgh earning a BS in Civil Engineering. Bob was a U.S. Army veteran having served during the Korean Conflict. Bob was a Registered...

  Nancy Jo Hill Rhodes, 89 , of Latrobe died peacefully Thursday January 10, 2019 in Nature Park Commons Greensburg with her loving family by her side. She was born November 20, 1929 in Latrobe a daughter of the late Joseph and Blanche Morcom Hill. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Alfred S. Rhodes, and her two sisters; Mary Akin and Martha Dibert. Nancy was a member of the Bradenville United Methodist Church where she had been a Sunday School...

Elizabeth Guerrier, 77, of Latrobe died Thursday January 10, 2019 at Excela Latrobe Hospital. She was born July 7, 1941 in Latrobe a daughter of the late Frank and Margaret Kniska Malik. Elizabeth was a member of St. Rose Church Latrobe and loved to cook. She is survived by her husband of 57 years Joseph L. Guerrier, her three sons; Joseph Guerrier (Cathy) of Marguerite, Ed Guerrier (Wendy) of Gray Station and Kevin Guerrier of Boswell. Two grandsons Anthony Guerrier (Emily) and Vincent...

Ella May Marshall, 75, of Punxsutawney, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 6, 2019 at her home with her family by her side. Ella was a caring angel. She was a loving and caring mother to David Allen Marshall who preceded her in death, and her daughter; Pamela Ann Arriola of Punxsutawney. She was preceded in death by her parents; John and Elizabeth Hoover. In addition to her daughter Pamela, Ella is survived by a sister; Mary Ann Miller and husband Charles of...