Published: December 07, 2005 07:00 pm      

Obituaries 12/08/2005

BARRON - Jeremy T.

BARRON - Jeremy T., 32, of Richland Township, went to be with his Lord on Dec. 5, 2005, at his residence. He was born on Sept. 11, 1973, son of beloved mother, Helene Barron, Richland Township. Preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Michael and Helen (Walat) Barron, and an aunt, Linda Barron. In addition to his mother, he is survived by aunts, "God Mother" Maria, wife of Joe Waynik, and Kathy, wife of Dean Crist, all of Richland, and Betsy Ward, Coral Springs, Fla.; uncles, "God Father" Michael Barron, Santa Fe, N.M., and his wife, Cyndi Barron, Cleveland, Ohio; Tom Barron, married to the former Maureen Nanna, Johnstown; and Rick Barron, Arlington, Va.; numerous cousins, including special cousin, Lisa Barron, Oakland; and many special friends including, Bill, Joshua and Jacob Yoder; Linda Yoder; and Jim and Melissa Wiesheier. Jeremy was a graduate of Richland High School. He also attended University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg and Wrightco Technology, where he studied fiber optics. Jeremy was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family and friends. Jeremy will be sadly missed by all who knew him. At the family's request, there will be no public viewing. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial Mass at 10 a.m. on Saturday at St. Benedict Catholic Church. Committal will be at the convenience of the family at St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family c/o William Yoder and may be mailed to First Commonwealth Bank, East Hills Branch, 1001 Scalp Ave., Johnstown, Pa. 15904, in memory of Jeremy. Family is be served by the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland.



BIRCH - Charles W. "Bud" Jr.

BIRCH - Charles W. "Bud" Jr., 72, Johnstown, died Dec. 6, 2005, at Memorial Medical Center. Born July 9, 1933, in Johnstown, son of the late Charles W. Sr. and Catherine J. (Clark) Birch. Preceded in death by infant sister, Ruth Virginia Birch. Survived by wife, Ruth N. (Evans) Kinsey-Birch, and these children: David R., married to Martha (West), Brighton, Mich.; Charles Dennis Kinsey, and wife, Sue, of Shelocta, Pa.; Carol (Kinsey), wife of Paul Horner, of Delta, Pa.; and Donald C. Kinsey of Johnstown; also eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Brother of Sara Jane, wife of Boyd Davis, Alum Bank, Pa. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Member of Bethany United Methodist Church, the VFW, American Legion and the D.A.V. Mr. Birch would have retired with 15 years' service on Jan. 1, 2006, as a flotilla commander in the Coast Guard Auxiliary #92 of Johnstown. He served in the Korean Conflict and was employed with the General Motors in Michigan. He will long be remembered as a person known for his good humor. Family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Geisel Funeral Home, Dale. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday in the Geisel-Devin Memorial Chapel, the Rev. Charles L. Shaffer. Interment, Richland Cemetery. Military graveside rites by the VFW 155 Ritual Team.



DAVIES - Dorothy L.

DAVIES - Dorothy L., 81, of Richland Township, a resident of Beverly Healthcare Manor died Dec, 5, 2005, at Memorial Medical Center. Born Dec. 15, 1923, in Johnstown, son of the late Forest and Rosella (Holtzman) Mock. Survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Robert E. Davies, and children, Rebecca, wife of G. Scott Mueller, Huntington Harbour, Calif., and Robert L., Sunset Beach, Calif. Also survived by a brother, Hugh McGinnis, Oakridge, Tenn. Dorothy was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church. She owned and operated "Kiddie Korner" clothing stores in Geistown and Richland shopping centers. She was the first volunteer teachers' aide in the Richland School District and was the first president of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Richland American Legion. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, where vigil for the deceased will be held. A grave-side service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Richland Mausoleum, where the entombment will take place. Because she dearly loved children, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital by calling toll free 1-800-4ST-JUDE, in Dorothy's name. She will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.



FERRIS - George Peter

FERRIS - George Peter, 88, of Somerset, died Dec. 6, 2005, at Somerset Hospital. Born July 19, 1917, in Johnstown, Pa., son of George Ferris and Selma (Wood). Preceded in death by parents; wife, the former Betty Johnson, who died in 1986; brothers, Abe, Dean and Robert Ferris; and sisters, Sally Ferris and Ann Dollard. Survived by brother, Phillip Ferris, and wife, Dorothy, of New Florence, Pa., and numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Member of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church. 1935 graduate of Johnstown High School. World War II U.S. Air Force veteran. Had owned and operated Ferris' Parking Lot on Main Street, Somerset, for 49 years until his retirement in January 1996. Also a member of FOE Aerie 1801 and was an avid pool player, playing in various leagues throughout the years. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Hauger-Zeigler Funeral Home, Somerset, where services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, 2005, with the Rev. Keith M. Fink officiating. Interment, P.O.S. of A Cemetery. Contributions to St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, 132 E. Union St., Somerset, Pa. 15501, or Somerset Senior Center, 1338 S. Edgewood Ave., Somerset, Pa. 15501.



GARCIA - Isabel Kay

GARCIA - Isabel Kay, 57, of Richmond, Va., and Kapalua, Hawaii, died Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2005. She is survived by her husband, Tony Garcia; two daughters, Elizabeth Gleason Seeber and Laura Davis Gleason; sister, Martha Kay Skaltsounis; brother, W. Richard Kay Jr.; and five grandchildren. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Bliley Funeral Homes' Central Chapel, 3801 Augusta Ave., Richmond. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Hollywood Cemetery.



HALE - James P. Sr.

HALE - James P. Sr., 63, of Johnstown, died Dec. 5, 2005, at Memorial Medical Center. Born Feb. 1, 1942, in Latrobe, son of John and Bertha (Shawl) Hale. At the request of the family, there is no viewing or visitation. Committal is private. Arrangements by Ozog Funeral Home.



KRUG - Brooke A.

KRUG - Brooke A., 25, Krug Road, Ashville, died Dec. 6, 2005, at UPMC Shadyside Hospital, Pittsburgh. Born Feb. 22, 1980, in Fairfax, Va., daughter of Pete and Della (Shingle) Kuhnlein. Preceded in death by special uncle, Bill Petre. Survived by parents of Ashville; husband, Jake, whom she married Aug. 14, 2004, in St. Augustine; sisters, Laura Brissette, Warrenton, Va.; brother, Peter, Ashville; and special cousin, Rose Petre, Chest Springs. Also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. 1998 graduate of Cambria Heights High School, Patton. Attended St. Francis University, Loretto, and graduated in 2002 with a bachelor's degree in accounting. Employed by the Gleason Agency, Johnstown. Brooke loved life; her family, friends and animals; crafts and reading and; especially holding her dad's hand. Member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and former member of St. Monica's Catholic Church, Chest Springs, where funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, the Rev. Joseph Fleming, celebrant. Committal, St. Monica Cemetery. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Gibbons Funeral Home, Ashville, where a vigil service will be held Friday afternoon. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Western Pa. Chapter, 810 River Ave., Suite 240, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15212, in Brooke's memory.



LEONARDIS - the Rev. Charles Francis

LEONARDIS - the Rev. Charles Francis, 79, of Windber, died Dec. 6, 2005, at home. Born April 12, 1926, son of Carlo F. and Virginia (Leonardis) Leonardis. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Andrew and Kelso "Al." Survived by three nieces, one nephew and many cousins. The Rev. Leonardis was a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. He was a 1943 graduate of Windber High School. A graduate of St. Vincent College and St. Vincent Seminary, Latrobe. He was ordained May 22, 1954, at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona by the Most Rev. R.T. Guilfoyle. He was the parochial vicar of St. Francis Xavier in Cresson and St. Columba and Visitation Parish in Johnstown. He was the pastor of St. Joseph's in Williamsburg, Pa., and the pastor of Holy Child Jesus Catholic Church in Windber from 1971 until his retirement in 2001. He was truly devoted to the priesthood and had a great love of priestly work. He faithfully attended many priestly gatherings in the area. U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. Friends will be received from 2 to 6 p.m. and 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Windber, where funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, the Most Rev. Joseph V. Adamec, bishop of Altoona-Johnstown Diocese, and visiting concelebrants. Committal, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Cemetery, Windber. The Rev. Leonardis would appreciate donations to the Vocation Office of the Diocese in his memory. Vigil for the deceased will be held Thursday. Arrangements entrusted to the Hugh W. Marron Funeral Home, Windber.



NAIR - Henry A.

NAIR - Henry A., 71, of Somerset, died Dec. 7, 2005, in Johnstown. Born Sept. 5, 1934, in Somerset, he is the son of the late Herbert S. and Helen Mae (Merkel) Nair Sr. Also preceded in death by brother, George, and an infant sister. Survived by his wife, Fumie (Nakatani) Nair; children, Mrs. Wayne E. (Linda) Broadwater of Berlin and James A. Nair, married to the former Stacey Sayler, of Somerset; grandchildren, Courtney Marie Broadwater and Andrew James Nair and also an expecting grandchild; twin brother, Herbert S. Nair Jr. of Somerset; and brother, Harry Robert Nair of Stoystown. Life member of VFW Post 554 and proudly served as a staff sergeant in the Army from 1953 to 1957 and in the National Guard from 1958 to 1961. He was employed by Shaffer Rock Bit and Leiss Tool and Die. Friends received from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the Robert H. Halverson Funeral Home, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, the Rev. Roger Huffman. Interment in Husband Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Somerset County Honor Guard, 139 W. Union St., Somerset, Pa. 15501.



PFEIL - William G. "Nick"

PFEIL - William G. "Nick," 66, of Boca Raton, Fla., formerly of Johnstown. Born April 2, 1939, died suddenly Dec. 7, 2005, in Florida. Funeral arrangements are incomplete. The family is being served by the Geisel Funeral Home, Dale.



RAGER - James E. "Mac"

RAGER - James E. "Mac," 73, Westmont, went to be with the Lord Dec. 4, 2005, at the McCullough House. Born July 20, 1932, in Johnstown, son of James C. and Helen (Jenc) Rager. Preceded in death by parents. Survived by children, Gary M., married to the former Melissa Eash, and Michele L., married to Christopher Arone, all of Johnstown. Also survived by his beloved grandsons, Michael Rager, Ivan Arone and Gavin Arone. A brother of Dorothy Vojtko of Johnstown, and Diana Lepus of Colorado. Retired employee for Penelec from 1958 to 1991 as a transformer shop mechanic. A U.S. Army veteran serving during the Korean War. James was an avid fisherman, poker player and lottery player. A union representative for I.B.E.W. Local in the Bargaining Committee. A member of the American Legion and Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, where friends and family are asked to attend a funeral Mass Friday at 10 a.m., the Very Rev. Paul Turnbull. Committal, Benshoff Hill Cemetery. Arrangements by Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home Inc. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Medihome Hospice in memory of James E. Rager.



SAVUKAS - Raymond J.

SAVUKAS - Raymond J., 88, Fort Myers, Fla., formerly of Portage, died Nov. 17, 2005, in Fort Myers. Born Nov. 22, 1916, in Portage, the son of Vincent and Helen (Svitar) Savukas. Preceded in death by parents; brother, Edward; and sisters, Ann Denne, Mildred Devos, Monica Cook and Miriam Bradey. He is the last member of his immediate family. Survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Mary (Seabolt) Savukas, Fort Myers, and these children: Charles "Raymond" Savukas, and wife, Mary Ann, Indiana; Michael J. Savukas, and wife, Elaine, Mountville, Pa.; Mary Ann, wife of Darryl Hart, Fort Myers; and Marilyn, wife of J. Patrick Hughes, Johnstown. Also survived by seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Retired from the Pa. Liquor Control Board with 35 years' service and last employed as manager of the South Fork store. Family will receive friends on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2005, from 10 a.m. until time of memorial service at noon at the Mark A. Serenko Funeral Home, Portage. Committal in the Lithuanian Cemetery. Family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Portage Library, the Alzheimer's Association or the American Lung Association.



STANISLAV - Dorothy

STANISLAV - Dorothy, 79, formerly of Lorain Borough, died Dec. 6, 2005, at Memorial Medical Center, Downtown Campus. Born Sept. 8, 1926, in Johnstown, daughter of Andrew and Catherine Mazzo. Preceded in death by parents; husband, John; brothers, John, Frank and Steve Sandusky; and sisters, Mary Urban and Helen Rovan. Survived by children, John Jr., and wife, Darlene; Catherine, wife of Eugene Sweeney; and Dorothy "Dotty" Durso, all of Johnstown; and grandson, Army Specialist 4 David Stanislav, stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky. Sister of Ann Cekada, Cleveland and Rose DeSimone, Solon, Ohio; many nieces and nephews; and loving dog, Mickey. A retired employee of Mercy and Lee hospitals. Dorothy was an avid guitar player and singer. A member of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Byzantine Catholic Church, where Funeral Liturgy will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Father Andrew Krasulski, celebrant. Committal, Grandview Cemetery. Friends received from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Moskal -- Kennedy Colonial Funeral Home, Ohio Street and Highland Avenue, where Parastas will be sung at 7 p.m. Friday. The family wishes to express sincere thanks to the staff of the Church of the Brethren home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in care of Dotty Durso, 371 Sam St., Johnstown, Pa. 15902.



STAUFFER - John D. "Shorty"

STAUFFER - John D. "Shorty," 81, formerly of Barnesboro, died Dec. 5, 2005, at the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Long-Contres Funeral Home Inc., Northern Cambria. Interment, Burnside Cemetery.