Obituaries 02/02/2007

February 01, 2007 08:15 pm

BELLACK - Julia
BELLACK - Julia, 84, formerly of Cambria City, died Jan. 31, 2007, at home. Born July 22, 1922, in Johnstown, daughter of Frank and Anna (Pollock) Saltys. Preceded in death by parents and husband, Joseph, in 1966. Survived by children, Marian Bellack, Johnstown; and Joseph Bellack, Greensburg; sisters, Camilla Saltys and Sophie Hodos; and brother, John Saltys, all of Johnstown. Lifetime member and choir member of SS. Casimir -- Emerich Church. Friends received from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at Frank Duca Funeral Home, Westmont Chapel, 1622 Menoher Blvd. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at SS. Casimir -- Emerich Church, the Rev. Anthony Francis Spilka, OFM Conv. All family and friends will meet at the church at 9:45 a.m. Saturday. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to SS. Casimir -- Emerich Church Building Fund or WKYE 12 Wishes of Christmas, 109 Plaza Drive, Suite 2, Johnstown, Pa. 15905, in her memory.

CASSIDY - Gertrude M.
CASSIDY - Gertrude M., 96, Johnstown, died Feb. 1, 2007, at Memorial Medical Center, Johnstown. Born Nov. 13, 1910, in Johnstown, daughter of George and Anna (Yeager) Alberter. Preceded in death by parents; daughters, Roseanne Cassidy and Jeanne (Cassidy) Napolitan; son, Thomas Michael; granddaughter, Mary Jean Lynch; grandson, Matthew T. Findley; great-grandson, Adam M. Lynch; brothers, Alphonse, Leo and Norbert; and sisters, Sr. M. Agnella and Sr. M. Norbert. Survived by loving children, Mary, wife of Eugene Lynch, Johnstown; Judy, wife of Joseph Rozich, Johnstown; Trudy, wife of James Hanley, Downers Grove, Ill.; Frances, wife of William Findley, Johnstown; John Paul, married to former Linda Slusser, Johnstown; Robert, married to former Doris Wolfhope, Johnstown; Jo Ellen, wife of Ivan Tipley, Fort Pierce, Fla.; and James D., married to former Marsha Polster, Sewickley. Also survived by sister, Sr. M. Ernestine C.D.P., Pittsburgh; son-in-law, Richard A. Napolitan; and special companions, Kathy Boyts and Victoria Hoover. Mrs. Cassidy, a.k.a. Mother Gert to all who knew and loved her, was the grandmother of 38 grandchildren and great-grandmother of 46. Member of Immaculate Conception Altar and Rosary Society, where she was actively involved sharing her handmade items for sale at church functions up until the age of 90. Proud member of TOPS Pa. 388, Johnstown, where she was a mother figure and inspiration to all. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 5, at the Immaculate Conception Church. Funeral service will be celebrated by the Rev. Francis Balestino. Friends received from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4, at the Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home Inc., Broad Street, where vigil for the deceased will be held Sunday. Committal, church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Sisters of Divine Providence, 9000 Babcock Blvd., Allison Park, Pa. 15510, or the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 308 Broad St., Johnstown Pa. 15906, in memory of Gertrude Alberter Cassidy.

DETWILER - Katherine J.
DETWILER - Katherine J., 66, Northern Cambria, died Jan. 31, 2007. Friends will be received from noon until time of service at 1 p.m. Monday at Moriconi Funeral Home Inc., Northern Cambria.

HERSHBERGER - Ned G.
HERSHBERGER - Ned G., 81, Hooversville, died Jan. 31, 2007, at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. Born Aug. 7, 1925, in Hooversville, son of Charles and Mae (Ringler) Hershberger. Preceded in death by parents; brother, Carl; and sister, Alice. Survived by sisters, Helen Rohm, Smithfield, and Betty Wain, Central City; numerous nieces and nephews; and close friend, Louise. Graduate of Hooversville High School. World War II Army veteran. Retired from Bethlehem Steel, Johnstown. Former member of Hooversville Borough Council. Member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Hooversville, and Hooversville VFW. Life member of Hooversville Sportsmen's Club. Family will receive friends from noon to 3 p.m. Friday at Deaner Funeral Home, Hooversville. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family, the Rev. Krista T. Vingelis officiating. Interment, St. Thomas Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church, Hooversville, Pa. 15936.

HEVERLY - Jack
HEVERLY - Jack, 83, of Richland Township, passed away on Jan. 31, 2007, at his residence. Friends received from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to service at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, with the Rev. Ray Streets Sr. officiating. Interment will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with military rites conducted by Menoher Post 155 VFW Ritual Team. The family suggests memorial contributions may be directed to Windber Hospice, 600 Somerset Ave., Windber, Pa. 15963 or to Emmanuel Baptist Church, 425 Luther Road, Johnstown, Pa. 15904, in memory of Jack.

KAPCSOS - Twila
KAPCSOS - Twila, 80, of Johnstown, died Feb. 1, 2007, at Windber Hospice. Born Jan. 7, 1927, daughter of Alex and Mary (Munford) Forsythe. Preceded in death by parents; husband of more than 50 years, Paul, who died Nov. 13, 2005; brothers, George, Ralph, Andrew and Joseph; and sisters, Betty Yee and Mary Wos. Survived by children, Alex "Sonny" Forsythe; Richard Kapcsos; Mary Louise Yagodich; Christine, and husband, Thomas Nugent; Kathleen, and husband, Richard Hofecker; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Also survived by brothers, John and Leonard; sisters, Pearl, Dora, Alvada and Elsie; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Moskal Funeral Home, West End, where the Rev. Charles Amershek will hold funeral service at 1 p.m. Saturday. Committal, Benshoff Hill Cemetery.

KARR - Fr. Raymond E.
KARR - Fr. Raymond E., 75, Patton, formerly of Johnstown, died Feb. 1, 2007, at Altoona Hospital. Born Aug. 23, 1931, in Johnstown, son of Raymond A. Karr and Margaret (Krall) Hamski-Karr. Preceded in death by parents and brother, Donald J. Karr. A brother of Lucille (Smith), wife of Steve Terebus, Johnstown, and Carol A., wife of Ben Tresselt, Hopewell. Also survived by sister-in-law, Leonora (Nevelli) Karr, Murrysville, and 13 nieces and nephews. Fr. Karr graduated from St. Francis College and St. Francis Seminary, both in Loretto. Ordained a Catholic priest May 23, 1959, at St. Francis Chapel by Bishop Howard Carroll. Served as parochial vicar at the following parishes: St. Francis Xavier, Cresson; St. John, Bellefonte; Visitation of the BVM, Johnstown; St. Theresa, Altoona; and Our Lady of Victory, State College. Served as pastor at St. Joseph, Williamsburg; St. Michael, St. Michael; St. John, Bellefonte; St. Monica, Chest Springs; St. Edward's, Barnesboro; St. John's, Acosta; and SS. Philip and James, Meyersdale. Former teacher at Bishop Carroll High School and chaplain at Penn State University, Altoona Campus. A member of Council 4678, Knights of Columbus, State College, and Altar Rosary Society of the former St. Edward's Church. At one time, Fr. Karr was an avid golfer. Friends received from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home Inc., Broad Street. At 3 p.m. the body of Fr. Raymond E. Karr will be transferred to Visitation of the BVM Catholic Church, Johnstown, and friends will be received until 6 p.m. Sunday. Concelebrated funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Visitation of the BVM Catholic Church, the Most Rev. Bishop Joseph Adamec and the clergy of the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese. Committal, Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Stewardship Appeal in memory of Fr. Raymond E. Karr.

KOTUS - John S.
KOTUS - John S., 74, Central City, died Jan. 31, 2007, at Windber Medical Center. Born March 10, 1932, son of late John and Anna (Harchik) Kotus. Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Mulcahy Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church, the Rev. Father Joseph Maurizio. Committal, St. John the Baptist Cemetery.

LAWRENCE - Leroy
LAWRENCE - Leroy, 65, of 5912 O'Linda St., Charlotte, N.C., died Jan. 27, 2007, at CMC University. He was born in Matthews, N.C. He was employed in street maintenance for the City of Charlotte. Survived by son, Derek Lawrence, of Columbus, Ohio; daughters: Chander R. McDonald and Sylvia A. Smith, both of Charlotte; and Joan (Philip) Brown and Sharon D. Lawrence, both of Columbus; brother, Melvin Lawrence of Charlotte; sisters, Lola Lawrence of Matthews, N.C., and Lula Brown of Charlotte; and 13 grandchildren. Funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007, at Truth Tabernacle Church, Charlotte, with Bishop Frank Murphy. Burial, Beatties Ford Memorial Garden, Huntersville, N.C. Visitation will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday at A.E. Grier -- Sons Chapel, Charlotte.

LYNCH - Jessie G.M.
LYNCH - Jessie G.M., Johnstown, died Jan. 30, 2007, at Hillview Living Estates, Altoona. She was born in Johnstown, daughter of the late Nathan and Rachel (Duel) Crum. Also preceded in death by her husband, John. At Jessie's request, there will be no visitation or services. Arrangements by Picking-Treece-Bennett Mortuary Inc., West Hills.

O'DONNELL - Betty Jane
O'DONNELL - Betty Jane, 83, formerly of Vinco, passed away Jan. 31, 2007, at Arbutus Park Manor. Born Oct. 9, 1923, in Tyrone, daughter of Charles H. and Almeda (Blair) Shively. Preceded in death by parents; husband, James E. O'Donnell; daughter-in-law, Yvonne O'Donnell; and brother, John Shively. Survived by stepmother, Elizabeth Shively, Chamberburg; loving children, Betty Ann, wife of George Sparks, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Patricia L., wife of Roger Allbaugh, Jackson Township; Lt. Col. James E. II retired U.S. Air Force, married to the former Deborah Ogelsby, Ellorree, S.C.; and Jeffrey D., married to the former Nancy Dilling, Kissimmee, Fla.; and a son-in-law, Richard A. Williams, Biloxi, Miss; grandchildren, Tracy Williams, Las Vegas; Erin, wife of Dixie Hollis, Biloxi; Scott Williams, Texas; Tricia Williams, Colorado Springs; Lonnie Allbaugh, married to former Jody Baylor, Stroudsburg; Loren Allbaugh, married to the former Kara Davis, Richland; Kevin, Andrew, Matthew and Phillip, all of Kissimmee, Fla.; great-grandchildren, Fiona Williams, Ian and Ross Hollis, Benjamin, Averie and Caleb Allbaugh; sisters, Mary Ann Venner, Chambersburg; Sally Gilbert, Phoenix, Ariz.; Kathy Hanlin, Newville; and Nancy Shively, Chambersburg; brothers, James, Carlisle; Fredrick, Fairfax, Va.; Robert and David both of Shippensburg; and Thomas, Mount Holly Springs; aunt, Dorothy Hanley, Altoona; and numerous nieces, nephews and many friends, including Karen Stickler, Charlotte Brandon, Janet Hagerich and Dr. Jeanmarie Koh. Betty Jane was a graduate of Tyrone High School. She was a faithful member of Summit Chapel United Methodist Church, where she served as choir director, nursery coordinator and church council member. Betty Jane also was a charter member of Belmont United Methodist Church. She was a former PTA president of Vinco Elementary School and member of Jackson Township Senior Center. Betty loved life, and although severely disabled for the last years of her life, was a source of comfort and encouragement to all who knew her. Friends received from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at The Baker-Harris Funeral Chapel, Conemaugh, and one hour prior to service at 11 a.m. Monday at Summit Chapel United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Penny Adams and the Rev. Ray Streets Sr. officiating. Interment, Benshoff Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Asera-care Hospice, Regency Square, Old Route 220, Suite 203, Altoona, Pa. 16602 or to Summit Chapel United Methodist Church, Nursery Fund, 2142 William Penn Ave., Johnstown Pa. 15909, in memory of Betty Jane. 1 Corinthians, 2:9: As it is written, "No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.

PANASCI - Betty
PANASCI - Betty "Louise," 83, Johnstown, died Jan. 30, 2007, at Memorial Medical Center. Born July 8, 1923, in South Fork, daughter of Clair and Margaret Lewis. Preceded in death by parents; husband, Guy Thomas Panasci, who died Feb. 2, 2003; and brother, Glenn Lewis. Survived by brother-in-law, Sante, married to Mary (Sheehan) Panasci, and sister-in-law, Mary Jacoby, both of Johnstown; nieces and nephews, Glenda Brant, Clair (Bud) Lewis, Richard Lewis, Kim Lewis, Anthony Jacoby, Deane Davis, Joseph Polca, Sandra Maydak, Carol Panasci, Angela Rosage, Kathleen Williams and Sante Panasci II; great-nephew, Steven Lewis; also other great-nieces and nephews; special friends, Joe Boito and Dolores Tyburski. Louise and her husband, Guy, operated a shoe repair shop in California for over 35 years. Member of St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, where funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Saturday, the Rev. Leo F. Arnone. Friends received from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Frank Duca Funeral Home, Downtown Chapel, corner of Jackson and Locust streets. Committal, St. Anthony Cemetery.

SMITH - Harry F.
SMITH - Harry F., 88, of Johnstown, died Jan. 31, 2007. Born May 26, 1918, in Johnstown, son of Jacob Charles and Clara (Berringer) Smith. Preceded in death by parents; wife of 60 years, Irene (Bearjar); brothers, William, Charles "Todd," James, George and Robert; and sisters, Ethel Frazier, Stella Mauer and Florence "Sis" Sabo. Harry is the last surviving member of his immediate family. Survived by sons, Gary, married to Deborah (Dye), Edwardsville, Ill.; and John, married to Marie (Jones), Oklahoma City; grandchildren, Kimberly and Kayla of Illinois; John Jr., married to Tanya (Feduik), Connecticut; and Jason, married to Kara (Johnson), Maryland; great-grandchildren, Ian and Tatiana; and many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Member of Christ the Saviour Cathedral. Retired employee of Bethlehem Steel Corp. car shop with 30 years' service. Army veteran of World War II. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Moskal Funeral Home, West End, where the Very Rev. Protopresbyter Frank P. Miloro will hold Panachida at 7 p.m. Friday. There will be a brief service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, followed by funeral service at 11 a.m. at Christ the Saviour Cathedral. Committal, cathedral cemetery. Menoher Post 155 VFW Ritual Team will conduct graveside services.

SPRINGER - Barbara I.
SPRINGER - Barbara I. "Betty" (Schultes), 94, Laurel View Village, died Jan. 30, 2007, at Laurel View. Family receiving friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at George E. Mason Funeral Home Inc., Davidsville, and from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. David's Lutheran Church, the Rev. N. Gregory VanDyke and Pastor Wes Yoder officiating. Interment, Forest Lawn Cemetery. Those who wish, please make donations to St. David's Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 427, Davidsville, Pa. 15928, or to Laurel View Village, 2000 Cambridge Drive, Davidsville, Pa. 15928.

STRAYER - Edwin
STRAYER - Edwin "Ed" Charles. Memorial service at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Franklin Street United Methodist Church, corner of Franklin and Locust Streets, Johnstown. Family will receive friends from noon until 1 p.m.

Today's Funerals
CASSICK - Anna, 10 a.m., Geisel-Devlin Memorial Chapel, Dale.
CIHAN - Dorothy M., 10 a.m., St. Benedict Catholic Church, Carrolltown. Stevens Funeral Home Inc., 1004 N. Fifth Ave., Patton.
GALASSO - Frank Charles, 10 a.m., St. Gregory church, Daisytown. Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home Inc., Broad Street, Johnstown.
MROZEK - Eugene S., 10 a.m., Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, Mountain Avenue, Portage. Mark A. Serenko Funeral Home, Portage.
TRAPANOTTO - Lucy A., 10 a.m., St. Clare of Assisi Church. Frank Duca Funeral Home, Westmont Chapel, 1622, Menoher Blvd.
VRABEL - Velma M., 1 p.m. St. John Gualbert Cathedral. Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home Inc., Broad Street.
WARSHEL - Mary A., 10 a.m., St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Windber. William Kisiel Funeral Home, Graham Avenue and 11th Street, Windber.

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