Published: December 05, 2005 09:05 am      

Obituaries 12/04/2005

BIMEAL – Robert J. Sr.

BIMEAL – Robert J. Sr., 88, East Taylor Township, passed away Dec. 1, 2005. Friends will be received from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday at Henderson-Makuchan Funeral Home, 434 First St., Conemaugh. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.



CHIPKO – Valeria

CHIPKO – Valeria, 84, Johnstown, died Nov. 29, 2005. Born Jan. 29, 1921, the daughter of the late John and Mary (Petrusky) Sirokman. Preceded in death by parents and husband, Paul, who died in 1977. Burial was next to her husband at Grandview Cemetery. Moskal Funeral Home, West End, was in charge of arrangements.



COCO – Ann T. (Spadone)

COCO – Ann T. (Spadone), 84, McCandless, a native of Windber, died Thursday, Dec. 1, 2005. Beloved wife of the late Joseph A. Coco. Beloved mother of Joseph S. Coco, Carol A. Sharek and Marian J. Plasterr. Beloved grandmother of Kevin, Brett, Todd, Jennifer and Christopher. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Bock Funeral Home Ltd., 1500 Mount Royal Blvd., Glenshaw. www.bockltd.com. Mass of Christian burial will be held at noon Monday at St. Bonaventure Church, Glenshaw. Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb.



DUMM – Walter C.

DUMM – Walter C., 85, Nicktown, died Dec. 2, 2005. Born Oct. 20, 1920, in Spangler, the son of James P. and Philomena (Lieb) Dumm. Preceded in death by parents; infant brothers, John and George; brothers, James J. (Irene Delattra), Raymond and Robert (Ruth) Foster; sisters, Sr. Mary Christine (Olean) Dumm RSM, Caroline (Francis) McCombie, Hilda (Alvin) Fees and Rita (William) McCombie; and son-in-law, Earl Parrish. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Survived by loving wife of 59 years, Eileen M. (Kirsch) Dumm; and children, Jeanne Parrish Horvath, wife of Joseph, Montana; Daniel Drumm, married to former Barb Kutsor, Nicktown; Robert, married to former Kathy Leslie, Nicktown; Mary, wife of Dan Susick, Northern Cambria; Christopher, married to former Christine O’Hara, Ebensburg; Michael Dumm, Northern Cambria; Julianna, wife of Bob Horvath, Nicktown; and Theodore Dumm, Philadelphia; 25 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Also survived by daughter-in-law, Marie Krotendorfer Dumm. He graduated from Spangler High School and attended St. Francis College. A retired carpenter from Barnes & Tucker Coal Co. World War II veteran, having served in the South Pacific as a B-29 bombardier who flew 31 missions. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air medals and Campaign medals of the Pacific Theater of Operations. He took pride in raising and lowering the American flag at St. Nicholas Catholic Church for many years. Member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Holy Name Society and Legion of Mary. A 4th degree member of Knights of Columbus Council 2277, Northern Cambria. Member of St. Vincent de Paul Society. He relaxed with his hobbies, including reading and gardening. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Moriconi Funeral Home Inc., Northern Cambria, where vigil for the deceased will be held. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Father Job Foote OSB, celebrant. Committal, St. Nicholas Cemetery. Military honors by local veterans organizations.



GROVE – Minnie H.

GROVE – Minnie H., 88, formerly of Vinco, died Dec. 3, 2005, at Church of the Brethren Home, Scalp Level. Born Oct. 12, 1917, in Johnstown, daughter of Philip G. and Mary Ethel (Stutzman) Boyer. Preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert G.; an infant daughter; and sisters, Ethel Vern Withers and Millie Rose Boyer. Survived by children, Robert W., married to the former Linda Layton, Leesburg, Fla.; Mona Carol, wife of Ray Murray Jr., Baltimore, Md.; Guy D., married to the former Eugenia Pullen, Smithsburg, Md.; and Curtis A., married to the former Donna McDowell, Richland; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; brothers, Philip D. Boyer, Vinco, and Jacob J. Boyer, Harrisburg; sister, Grace Veil, Hagerstown, Md.; and an aunt, Rosalie Benshoff, Johnstown. Member of the Richland Church of Christ and Women’s Republican Club. She worked at Holland Furnace Co. and was an Avon representative in the Vinco area for 25 years. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at The Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, and from 10 a.m. Tuesday until the time of service at 11 a.m. at Richland Church of Christ, 2783 Bedford St., Richland, son-in-law Minister Ray Murray Jr. and local minister Joseph Keefer officiating. Interment, Pike Grace Brethren Cemetery, Mundys Corner.



HOWARD – Stella Alberta “Bert”

HOWARD – Stella Alberta “Bert,” 95, Lutheran Home, formerly of Connor Towers and Rosewood Personal Care Center, died Dec. 2, 2005, at Memorial Medical Center. Born June 23, 1910, in Johnstown. Preceded in death by mother, Sue Howard; sister, Julia Lias; brothers, Irvin and Frank; and nephew, Joseph Howard. Survived by brother, Louis Donald Howard, Johnstown, and nieces, Joan Grafe and Dawn Mamula, both of Johnstown, and Mary Louise Blue, Phoenix. Member of Moxham Colonial Church of the Brethren. Bert spent most of her life in Detroit. Friends received from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at John Henderson Co. Funeral Home, 215 Central Ave., where service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday. Interment, Berkley Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society.



KAZMIERCZYK – John J. Sr. “Casey”KAZMIERCZYK – John J. Sr. “Casey,” 87, Johnstown, passed away Dec. 2, 2005, at Laurelwood Convalescent Center. Born June 24, 1918, in Johnstown. Preceded in death by parents; wife, Mary (Orletsky); son, John J. Jr.; infant son, James; brothers, Walter and Stanley; sister, Adeline Korber; and stepsisters, Mary Beas and Frances Chamiok. Survived by son, Gary J., married to the former Barbara Law, Johnstown. Brother of Mildred Piechora, Michigan; stepsister, Cecilia Riley, Conemaugh. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Member of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church. He was employed by Bethlehem Steel for 42 years as a wire drawer. He was a World War II Army veteran and obtained a staff sergeant ranking in the 367th Harbor Craft Co. and a recipient of the Good Conduct medal, World War II Victory medal, and Asiatic Pacific Campaign medal, with one Bronze star. He was very active at the War Memorial and a CCM skater who oversaw public ice skating events. He taught many people how to ice skate, both young and old. He was involved in youth hockey from the early 60s through 80s. John ice skated until his 70s. Friends will be received from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Henderson-Makuchan Funeral Home, 434 First St., Conemaugh, where Parastas will be sung at 5:45 p.m. and where funeral service will be held at 8:30 a.m. Monday, the Very Rev. Archpriest George Johnson. Interment, church cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by Conemaugh Marine Corps Detachment League.



KINNAN – Eleanor Lee

KINNAN – Eleanor Lee, 70, of Revloc, died Dec. 3, 2005, at Laurel Crest Manor. Born March 8, 1935, in Johnstown, daughter of the late Coy and Elizabeth (Krise) Hott. Preceded in death by husband, Joseph Edgar Kinnan; infant children, Joseph Douglass and Susan Lynn; and brother, Clark Earl Hott. Survived by children, Jeffrey (Karen) Kinnan, Armagh; Karen Peterson, Camp Verde, Ariz.; William (Carol) and Greg Kinnan, both of Casper, Wyo.; and Richard (Linda) Kinnan, Colver; also grandchildren, Jared and Matthew Barron, Camp Verde; Amber Hoover, Lancaster; Aaron and Andrew Kinnan, Colver; and Hailie Yeser, Armagh. Sister of Fred and G. Robert (Barbara) Hott, Ebensburg; Betsy Hawthorne, Johnstown; Sylvia (Jackson) Sonneborn, York; Mary (Earl) Hutchison, Huntsville, Mo.; Gail Prave (Mark Piljay), Johnstown; and Nancy (Daniel) O’Hara, Wright, Wyo. Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, former Relief Society president, Sunday school teacher, seminary teacher and director of the LDS Family History Center. She also was former president of the election board in Revloc, a former Avon representative and an avid genealogist. Eleanor served as Barefoot Reunion president from 1992 until 2005, when her health forced her to step down. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Askew-Houser Funeral Homes Inc., Ebensburg, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Interment, Lloyd Cemetery, Ebensburg.



KOZDRON – Edward V. “Audda”

KOZDRON – Edward V. “Audda,” 82, of Mine 40, Scalp Level Borough, went to be with the Lord Dec. 2, 2005. Member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Windber, where funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday. Committal, St. John Cantius Catholic Cemetery, Windber. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday at William Kisiel Funeral Home, Windber.



MESOROS – Joseph J. “Pap Pap”

MESOROS – Joseph J. “Pap Pap,” 88, Vintondale, died peacefully Dec. 1, 2005. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Askew-Houser Funeral Homes Inc., Nanty Glo. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at SS. Timothy & Mark Chapel, Vintondale.



MYERS – Frank

MYERS – Frank, 89, the oldest lifelong resident of Sidman, died Dec. 3, 2005, at Country Living Estates. Born Sept. 22, 1916, in Sidman, son of August and Matilda (Evans) Myers. Preceded in death by parents; brothers, Russell, John, Robert A. and Ezra. Survived by wife of 63 years, Laurine (Johnson) Myers, Sidman; son, Jim, married to Janet (Peck), Loudon, Tenn.; son, Gene, married to Patricia (Cooper), Warminster; daughter, Dr. Doris Myers, Gates Mills, Ohio; son, Dr. Frank J., married to Denise (Michaud), Concord, Ohio; son, Terry, married to Rosemary (Maher), North Wales; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and brothers, Raymond Myers, Sidman, and Dr. Byron Myers, Wyoming, Pa. Frank worked in the coal mines for 6 years and then was a conductor for Conrail for 30 years. After he retired, Frank enjoyed raising blueberries and “working in his garage.” He was a faithful family man who was loved by all who knew him. He was a member of the United Trainmen’s Union and a charter member of the Silver Knob Hunting Club. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Charles O. Dimond Funeral Home Inc., South Fork, where funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday by Dan Helenek and Delmar Stockwell. Interment, South Fork Cemetery.



MYERS – Ruth E.

MYERS – Ruth E., 82, Minor Road, Summerhill, died Dec. 3. 2005, at Memorial Medical Center. Born March 17, 1923, in Salix, daughter of Philip C. and Elizabeth (Naugle) Shaffer. Preceded in death by parents; husband, Robert A. Myers, who died Jan. 8, 1990; brothers, Kenneth, Simon W., Herbert and Orlando; and sisters, Florence Lehman and Olive Seese. Survived by daughter, Bonnie, wife of Robert Massing, Greenville; sons, Robert L., married to Penny (Smay), Sidman, and Barry L., married to Jeanne (Kuyat), North Augusta, S.C.; grandchildren, Alan Myers, Barbara (Massing) Roesch, Keith Massing, Robin (Myers) Bartlett, Sara Myers and Katherine Myers; great-grandchildren, Taran Roesch, Carly Roesch, Lucas Myers and Haley Myers; and sisters, Dorothy Johnson, Johnstown, and Bernice, wife of Paul Neff, Sidman; also her special companion, Orlando Seese, Richland Township. Ruth was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and WELCA, Sidman. She was a member of The Sunshine Girls and was a “calendar girl.” Ruth enjoyed quilting, going on trips and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at Charles O. Dimond Funeral Home Inc., South Fork, where funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, the Rev. Bill Coleman. Interment, Richland Cemetery. Family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Sidman.



PODER – Mary Louise

PODER – Mary Louise, 81, formerly of 821 Coleman Ave., died Dec. 1, 2005, at Laurel View Village. Born Jan. 30, 1924, in Johnstown, daughter of Michael and Ann (Quinn) Eck. Preceded in death by parents; husband, Francis J. Poder; and brothers and sisters, Rosemary and Helen Eck, Ruth (Sister Miriam Ann, Sisters of Charity), Margaret Eck Carroll and William and John Eck. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Survived by children, Mary Lou Poder, Pittsburgh, and Michael P. Poder, Philadelphia. A registered nurse, she had worked at Mercy Hospital, Neilcliff Manor and the Hiram G. Andrews Center. Member of St. John Gualbert Cathedral Parish, where funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday. At her request, there will be no visitation. Memorials may be made to Seeing Eye Inc., Washington Valley Road, Morristown, N.J. 07960. Arrangements in care of Moskal and Kennedy Funeral Home.



REED – Daniel Edward

REED – Daniel Edward, 67, Manns Choice, formerly of Johnstown, died Thursday, Dec. 1, 2005, at home. Born Feb. 6, 1938, in Johnstown, son of William and Erlamond (McMillen) Reed. Preceded in death by his father; wife, the former Betty Hofecker; and brother, William. Survived by his mother of Johnstown; children, Daniel, Tim, Michael and Mickey; sister, Catherine Crotzer, of Johnstown; several grand and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Mr. Reed was a former employee of Bethlehem Steel Corp. Memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, Donahue Road, Bedford, with Langford Gates officiating. Arrangements by John Henderson Co. Funeral Home, Johnstown.



SAVERINO – Mrs. Lucille B.

SAVERINO – Mrs. Lucille B., Silver Spring, Md., formerly of Windber, died Dec. 1, 2005, at Montgomery General Hospital. Born Jan. 9, 1927, in Windber, daughter of the late Mike and Rose (Farbo) Formica. Also preceded in death by sister, Dorothy Saverino. Survived by husband, Roosevelt L., Silver Spring; son, Michael, married to the former Debbie DeRosa, Johnstown; and grandson, Michael. Sister-in-law of Theodore Saverino, Silver Spring. Lucille was an executive secretary for Council of Economic Development during the Johnson, Nixon, and Ford Administrations, then later for the president of Committee for Economic Development in Washington. Member of St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Meek Funeral Home Inc., Windber, where vigil for deceased will be held in the evening. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Windber, the Most Rev. Bonaventure Midili, TOR, presider. Commital, St. Anthony Mausoleum, Windber. Those who wish may make memorials to American Cancer Society in Lucille's memory.



SEVENS – James E.

SEVENS – James E., 71, Beaverdale, died Dec. 2, 2005, at home. Born April 21, 1934, in Summerhill Township, son of William H. and Emma F. (McMasters) Sevens. Preceded in death by parents and brother, William. Survived by wife of 52 years, former Annalou “Sis” Miller; children, James E. (Wendy), Waverly, Ohio, and Judy (Lawney) Eckrote, York, Pa.; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He retired from Conrail. No viewing or visitation. Friends received from 1 p.m. until time of service at 2 p.m. Sunday at Beaverdale Alliance Church, the Rev. Daniel Hammond officiating. Inurnment, Mount Olive Cemetery. Arrangements by Jean H. Kinley Funeral Home, Beaverdale.



TAORMINA – Daniel John

TAORMINA – Daniel John, 47, of Johnstown, died Dec. 2, 2005, from cancer. Born April 18, 1958, in Johnstown, son of Anthony J. and Shirley R. (Wagner) Taormina of Belmont. Preceded in death by his brother, James R. Taormina. He is survived by his loving parents; brothers, Charles A., Akron, Ohio, and Thomas L., married to the former Nancy M. Scherer, Wexford; nieces, Angela L., Amy L. and Nancy J. Taormina; and nephew, Anthony J. Taormina. Also survived by sister-in-law, Wendy Taormina, Colorado Springs, Colo. Dan was a 1976 graduate of Richland Senior High School and a licensed cosmetologist with supervisory training. He owned J. Daniel’s Hairdressing Salon in Southmont and later enjoyed his loyal clients at Boscov’s and Holiday Hair salons. His interests included playing piano, dancing, collecting figurines, many creative crafts, fiction and song writing, caring for pet cats and his many good friends. Special thanks to the loving staffs of Laurel Crest Special Care Center, Altoona Hospice and counselor William L. Glosser, Esq. Friends will be received from 1 to 3 and 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at The Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland (814) 269-3333. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Geistown. Committal will take place at Richland Cemetery. The family suggests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, (800) 227-2345, or Altoona Hospice, 949-6780, in Dan’s memory.





Today's Funerals

SEVENS – James E., 2 p.m., Beaverdale Alliance Church. Jean H. Kinley Funeral Home, Beaverdale.