Published: August 23, 2007 12:00 am            

Obituaries 08/24/2007

COPPOLA - Estelle T. (Neri)

COPPOLA - Estelle T. (Neri), 92, Palm Bay, Fla., formerly of Coal Junction, died Aug. 21, 2007, in Palm Bay. Viewing from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Hoffman Funeral Home -- Cremation Services, 409 Main St., Boswell, where vigil for the deceased will be held 6 p.m. Friday. Funeral Mass 10 a.m. Saturday at All Saints Chapel, Acosta.



FANCHER - Frances Jane

FANCHER - Frances Jane, 75, of Altamonte Springs, Fla., passed away Aug. 22, 2007. She was born in Johnstown, daughter of Charles and Bessie (Brehm) Laposata. In l953, she married her husband, Clifton, who was serving in the Marine Corps. After Clifton retired as a major from the Marine Corps in l969, they joined the Hunt Brothers and William Holden's Wild Animal Enterprise, where they captured and furnished wild and exotic animals to zoos and wild animal parks in the U.S. and abroad. They ran camera safaris and assisted in creating natural habitats. Jane even raised a baby Siberian tiger in their home. Jane had been fighting colon cancer since April of 2006. We would like to thank Dr. Keil, the Hospice of the Comforter doctor; their nurse, Joyce; and chaplain, Antonio Vazquez, for their care and understanding. We were confident that we made the right decision to put all of our trust and confidence in the staff of Hospice of the Comforter. Jane is survived by her husband, Clifton; children, Holly Jane Hillmann of Orlando, Fla.; Craig C. Fancher of Altamonte Springs; and Kandy Dawn Fancher of Lighthouse Point, Fla.; grandchildren, Curt and Tara Hillmann; brother, Wendel Laposata (Gaynelle) of King George, Va.; and cousin, Lt. General Joseph Laposata (Anita) of Melbourne, Fla. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Comforter, 480 W. Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, Fla. 32714. Please visit www.cliffff.com for more pictures of Cliff and Jane. Baldwin-Fairchild West Altamonte Chapel, 622 W. Highway 436, Altamonte Springs, Fla. 32714 (407) 869-6065. Please view and sign the guestbook at www.baldwinfairchild.com.



GAYLOR - Russell R.

GAYLOR - Russell R., 62, Johnstown, died Aug. 22, 2007, at Memorial Medical Center. Born Sept. 23, 1944, in Johnstown, son of the late John G. and Elvira (Purazo) Gaylor. Survived by loving wife, the former Gail Weible; son, Robert M., married to the former Bridget Morder, Johnstown; grandson, Zseth Gaylor; and stepgrandchildren, Jessica Heinlein and Krystal, wife of Kevin Shaffer. Retired dispatcher for Penelec. Member of First Russian American Federation, Slovak Education Club and St. Therese Catholic Church, where funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Saturday, the Rev. Bernard Karmonocky. Committal, Grandview Mausoleum. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home Inc., Broad Street, where vigil service will be held Friday.



GRAY - Lily A.

GRAY - Lily A., 87, Garrett, died Aug. 22, 2007, at the Church of the Brethren Home, Windber. She was born March 31, 1920, in Coal Run, daughter of the late Jacob and Mamie (Bittner) Diehl. Preceded in death by her husband, Harold L. Gray in 1997 and an infant brother and sister. She is survived by three sons, Dr. Jerry L., and wife, Margaret (Hruska); James J., and wife, Jill (Rounyak); and Glenn A., and wife, Mary (Merkel); grandchildren, Christian; James J. Jr., and wife, Valerie; Gregory, and wife, Tina; Stephen, and wife, Julie; Matthew, and wife, Ellen; Dr. Patrick, and wife, Toni; Nathan, and wife, Bethany; Tom Hughes; Sara; and Tina; and 17 great-grandchildren. Also survived by sister-in-law, Betty Gray, Garrett, and brother-in-law, Wayde Gray, and his wife, Betty, Ravenna, Ohio. A lifelong member of Mount Tabor Lutheran Church, Garrett, where she was organist for many years. Retired from Sears -- Roebuck. Resident of the Church of the Brethren Home for two years. Friends will be received after 2 p.m. Friday at the M. Ray Leckemby Funeral Home, Meyersdale. Saturday she will be taken to the Garrett Mount Tabor Lutheran Church to lie in state from 10 a.m. to time of service at 11 a.m., with Pastor Glenn P. Foster officiating. Interment, Highland Cemetery, Garrett. The family suggests that donations be made to Mount Tabor Lutheran Church or the Church of the Brethren Home, Windber.



GRISIN - Michael, Jr.

GRISIN - Michael, Jr., 58, Windber, died Aug. 23, 2007, at home. Born Aug. 2, 1949, in Johnstown, son of the late Michael Sr. and Frances (Sepp) Grisin. Also preceded in death by brother-in-law, George Grisin. Survived by wife, former Michael J. "Mickey" Rodgers; son, Michael III; and these stepchildren: Susan, wife of William Fritz, Richland; Paula, wife of Herman Beers, Windber; Rodger, married to former Kym Day, Fla.; and Danna, wife of Harold Sturtz; and Lisa, wife of Rodney Sturtz, both of Windber; also nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Brother of Dolores Grisin, widow of George, Maple Heights, Ohio; and Pat, wife of Willis Weaver; and Rosemary, wife of Dale Wagner, both of Windber; also numerous nieces and nephews. Mike was a letter carrier for 33 years. Navy veteran of Vietnam War. He was an avid fisherman who loved to garden, especially garlic. Member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Windber, where funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday. TOR Franciscans. Commital, Richland Cemetery. Military graveside rites by Windber VFW Ritual Team. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Meek and Dalla Valle Funeral Home Inc., Windber, where vigil for the deceased will be held. Memorials may be made to Regional Hospice at Windber in Mike's memory.



HEINLEIN - George J. "Joe,"

HEINLEIN - George J. "Joe," 72, Johnstown, died Aug. 22, 2007, at home. Born April 11, 1935, in Johnstown, son of George and Agnes (Cosgrove) Heinlein. Preceded in death by parents. Survived by loving wife of 47 years, Catherine H. (Majoris) Heinlein of Johnstown; and these children: Deborah, married to Raymond Stefanik of Lancaster; Catherine, married to Rick Mock of Pittsburgh; Joan, married to Robert Weimer of North Carolina; Michelle, married to Steve Loufek of Florida; and Joe, married to the former Missy Gates of Johnstown. Also survived by grandchildren, Raymond and Katrina Stefanik; Don, Alex and Richard Mock; Robert and Nicholas Weimer; Joshua and Jacob Loufek; and Zane Heinlein. A brother of Marie Slanac and James Heinlein, both of Johnstown. Retired employee for Bethlehem Steel and Johnstown America Corp. Known as the "Mayor of Roxbury," George was an avid woodworker who enjoyed creating many items for friends and family. A member of the G.B.U., Visitation BVM Altar Rosary Society and Catholic Church, where funeral Mass will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, the Rev. Barry Baroni. Committal, Grandview Cemetery. Friends received Friday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home Inc., Broad Street, where vigil for the deceased will be held on Friday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Roxbury Bandshell Preservation Alliance or Visitation BVM Church in memory of George "Joe" Heinlein.



HYNES - Regis F. Sr.

HYNES - Regis F. Sr., 91, formerly of Cambria City, died Aug. 20, 2007, at Presbyterian Home, Johnstown. Born May 17, 1916, in Johnstown, son of John J. and Sara (Crossen) Hynes. Preceded in death by parents; wife, the former Anna Krisko; twin sister, Rita Keim; and all of his sisters and brothers, namely: Elizabeth Simsic, Mary Euen and Richard, Danny, Thomas, John and Corneleus Hynes. Survived by these children: Ann C., widow of William Zalesky, Johnstown; Rita, wife of Richard Peschock, North Huntingdon; Regis F. Jr., married to the former Christine Hribar; Mary, wife of Felix Tomkosky; and Alicia, wife of Foster Garrison, all of Johnstown; Terrence, married to the former Barbara Varner, Hanover; and Dennis, married to the former Rochelle Hribar, Johnstown; 11 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Retired structural painter foreman for Johnstown Plant, Bethlehem Steel Corp. Member of St. Columba Catholic Church, where funeral will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday by the Franciscan Friars, OFM, Conv. Committal, Forest Lawn Cemetery. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home Inc., Broad Street, where vigil for the deceased will be held Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Columba Window Fund or Presbyterian Home of Johnstown.



JAKELL - John R. "Tim,"

JAKELL - John R. "Tim," 72, Johnstown, died Aug. 21, 2007. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at John Henderson Co. Funeral Home, 215 Central Ave., where service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday.



LIVINGSTON - Elizabeth "Betty" (Teplica)

LIVINGSTON - Elizabeth "Betty" (Teplica), 72, Jacksonville, Fla., formerly of Johnstown, passed away Aug. 15, 2007. She was born Jan. 22, 1935, in Johnstown, daughter of George and Maria (Utlak) Teplica. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, John; infant sister, Martha; and infant brother, William. she also was preceded in death by her husband, John Livingston. She is survived by these brothers and sisters: Mary Tirpak; Anna Mae Cicon; George Teplitza, married to the former Betty Yost; and Michael Teplica, all of Johnstown; Joseph Teplica, married to the former Saundra Grant, Baltimore, Md.; and Yolanda De Fazio, Middleburg, Fla.; also numerous nieces and nephews. Burial took place in Jacksonville.



MATONIK - William Patrick

MATONIK - William Patrick, 94, Johnstown, died Aug. 23, 2007, at Laurelwood Convelescent Center. Born March 8, 1913, in Johnstown, son of the late Joseph and Mary (Zayac) Matonik. Preceded in death by wife, Anna B. (Balon); son, Michael; brothers, John and Joseph Mctonic and Michael Motonak; and sisters, Rose Lake and Ruth Motonak. Survived by son, Patrick J. Matonik, Johnstown. Member of St. Clement Church. Mr. Matonik was a World War II Navy veteran and was employed with Bethlehem Steel Corp. Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Geisel Funeral Home, where vigil for the deceased will be held Friday afternoon. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Clement Church, Goucher Street, Father William E. Rosenbaum. Interment will be at St. Stephen's Cemetery, where military graveside rites will be held by the Marine Corps League.



McNAMARA - Betty

McNAMARA - Betty, 104, Allegheny Lutheran Home, Johnstown, died Aug. 20, 2007, at Memorial Medical Center. Friends received from 9 a.m. Saturday until time of service at 11 a.m., by her nephew, the Rev. John Palko, at Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home Inc., Broad Street. Interment, Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Allegheny Lutheran Home, 807 Goucher St., Johnstown, Pa. 15905 or to a charity of your choice in memory of Betty McNamara.



MILLER - James E.

MILLER - James E., 22, of East Taylor Township, passed away on Aug. 21, 2007. He was born on July 3, 1985, in Johnstown, son of Robert and Shirley (Scaife) Miller. He is preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Ralph and Lois Scaife. He is survived by his son, Douglas; sisters, Karen Stouffer and Sharon Barelich, both of Johnstown; Shirley Canon and Mary Drazina, both of Pittsburgh; and Melody Yahnert, Johnstown; brothers, Brian Giles and Robert Stewart, both of Johnstown; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. James enjoyed working on automobiles and building remote control models. Viewing will be held Monday from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. at the Baker-Harris Funeral Chapel, Conemaugh, with the Rev. Ralph Cotton officiating. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the family in memory of James.



RUSSELL - Mary (Parks)

RUSSELL - Mary (Parks), 60, Millville, Del., formerly of Cresson, died Aug. 8, 2007. Daughter of the late William and Dorothy (McGuire) Parks. Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Cresson, the Rev. George Gulash. Committal, church cemetery. Arrangements by Charles M. Kennedy Funeral Home, Cresson.



TANASE - James A.

TANASE - James A., 77, Old Conemaugh Borough, died Aug. 21, 2007. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 9:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Clare of Assisi Church, formerly St. Anthony's, the Rev. Leo F. Arnone. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Frank Duca Funeral Home, Downtown Chapel, corner of Jackson and Locust streets. Committal, St. Anthony Cemetery.



WALUKAS - Maulvine "Molly",

WALUKAS - Maulvine "Molly", 85, Southmont, died Aug. 22, 2007, at home. Friends will be received from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday and the Trisagion prayers will be sung at 8 p.m. at St. Mary's Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, 111 Alberta Ave. On Saturday, Trisagion prayers will begin at 10 a.m. at the church with the funeral service to follow, the Very Rev. Father Donald Shadid officiating. Interment, Grandview Cemetery. Arrangements by Picking-Treece-Bennett, West Hills.



Today's Funerals



GJURICH - Samuel, 11 a.m., St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church. Moskal Funeral Home, West End.

LAW - Robert William, 10 a.m., St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Cresson. Charles M. Kennedy Funeral Home, Cresson.

MYERS - Alvin D., 11 a.m., Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren. Hindman Funeral Homes -- Crematory Inc., 146 Chandler Ave.

PAPUGA - Agnes M., 11 a.m., Assumption Church of the BVM. Henderson-Makuchan Funeral Home, Conemaugh.

ROBERTS - Richard L. "Rick," 11 a.m., Hoffman Funeral Home -- Cremation Services, 409 Main St., Boswell.

SHULICK - Joseph, 10:30 a.m., SS. Peter -- Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, Patton. Stevens Funeral Home Inc., 146 N. Main St., Carrolltown.

WILL - Phyllis L., 10 a.m., St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Mickle-Geisel Funeral Home, Schellsburg.

        

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