Published: September 04, 2007 12:00 am            

Obituaries 09/05/2007

BACH - Rev. Francis T.

BACH - Rev. Francis T., 80, Arbutus Manor and Retirement Center, formerly of Windber, died Sept. 3, 2007, at Windber Medical Center. Born March 2, 1927, in Johnstown, son of the late George R. and Marion B. (Rager) Bach. Also preceded in death by wife, former Mary O. (Baumgardner) Bach; son, Timothy Paul; and sister, Nancy Rummel. Survived by sons, David L., married to the former Narissa Strong, Minneapolis; Rev. William T., married to the former Rev. Lorelei Floyd, Philadelphia; and Mark S., married to the former Laura Lesko, Columbus, Ohio; and six grandchildren. Brother of Lois Courter and Elaine Myers, both of Johnstown. Brother-in-law of Frank Rummel, Seward. He was graduate of Johnstown High School, Otterbein College and Divinity Theological Seminary. Rev. Bach served various United Methodist churches in southwestern Pennsylvania. His last pastorate was with the First Christian Church, Johnstown, in 1989. He retired from the Western PA Conference of the United Methodist Church. Member of Scalp Level Trinity UMC. There will be no viewing or visitation. A memorial service will be held on Sept. 22, 2007, at 4 p.m. at Scalp Level Trinity UMC, 751 Horn Road, Windber, Pa. Inurnment, Richland Cemetery. Arrangements by Meek and Dalla Valle Funeral Home Inc., Windber.



BERKEBILE - Thomas Boyce Sr.

BERKEBILE - Thomas Boyce Sr. "Boyce," 63, Windber, was released from his life and flew away to be with the Lord on Sept. 3, 2007, at Memorial Medical Center. Son of Thomas P. and Virginia (Horner) Berkebile. Survived by these children: Thomas Jr., Shari Sipe, Brian, Saundra Gathagan, Tina Harp, Jill Campitell, John Baird, Dianna Petimezas and Kim Maluchnik. Arrangements by William Kisiel Funeral Home, Windber. Complete obituary in Thursday's paper.



BLUCAS - Walter

BLUCAS - Walter "Moe," 83, 288 Shady Oak Drive, Johnstown, Pa. 15905, formerly of Boswell, died Sept. 2, 2007. Viewing from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Hoffman Funeral Home -- Cremation Services, 409 Main St., Boswell, where vigil for the deceased will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday. Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Friday at All Saints Church, Boswell, the Rev. Father Michael Lewandowski, OFM Conv., celebrant. Committal, SS. Peter -- Paul Cemetery, Jerome, with military rites by the Somerset County Honor Guard. Donations in Walter's memory may be sent to All Saints Church, 325 Quemahoning St., Boswell, Pa. 15531.



PISCITELLA - James

PISCITELLA - James, 56, Johnstown, died Sept. 4, 2007, at home. Born Feb. 4, 1951, in Johnstown, son of Thomas Sr. and Dorothy (Dereta) Piscitella. Preceded in death by mother and son, James Piscitella Jr. Survived by father; wife, the former Kathy Brehm; daughter, Lisa Marie, married to Warren Whitmyre, Johnstown; special pets, Abby, Gina, Kesha, Casey and granddogs, Jasmine and Bentley. Brother of Michael Sr., and wife, Carol; Thomas Jr., and wife, Roxanne; and Rosalie Tomaselli, all of Johnstown; and nieces and nephews, Michael Jr., Michelle, Craig, Thomas III, Kristin, Travis, Stephen Jr., Rochelle and Kimberly Burke. Also survived by brother-in-law, Arthur, and wife, Veronica Tedrow, and special friend, Michael Yancovitz. Member of St. Andrew's Church. He was a Vietnam veteran and former member of Tire Hill VFW. He was an avid hunter and ATV rider. He was former employee of U.S. Steel and he is employed by Johnstown America Corp. Family receiving friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at George E. Mason Funeral Home Inc., Davidsville, where vigil for the deceased will be held Friday afternoon. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Andrew's Catholic Church, the Rev. Angelo Patti officiating. Committal, Benshoff Hill Cemetery. Those who wish please make donations to St. Andrew's Catholic Church or Somerset County Humane Society.



SAPITA - Stephania

SAPITA - Stephania "Stell," Johnstown, died Aug. 31, 2007, at Memorial Medical Center. Born in Johnstown, daughter of the late Stephen and Mary (Stislo) Sapita. Former clerk at Sky's Market. All arrangements were private and in charge of Hindman Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.



SNYDER - Mrs. SusAnn E.

SNYDER - Mrs. SusAnn E., 61, Windber, died Sept. 3, 2007, at Regional Hospice at Windber. Born June 25, 1946, in Windber, daughter of the late Wilbur and Geraldine (Custer) Berkey. Also preceded in death by brother, Charles Berkey. Survived by loving husband of 27 years, Richard, and these children: Shelia, wife of Michael Kyle, Las Vegas; Sharon and Robert, both at home; and Richard Jr., married to the former Danetta Pearce; and granddaughter, Crystal Hollabaugh, all of Windber. Sister of Crystal, wife of Donald Leiter, Delaware; Kathleen, wife of Henry Burket Jr., Cairnbrook; David, and wife, Linda, Cairnbrook; and Robert, and wife, Judy, Central City. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and special friends. She loved her children, her day-care kids and was loving and caring to all she met. She was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Richland. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Meek and Dalla Valle Funeral Home Inc., Windber. Funeral service will be held at Berkey Church of the Brethren at 11 a.m. Thursday. (No viewing at church). The Rev. David Streets, officiating. Interment, Berkey Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Regional Hospice at Windber in SusAnn's memory. "God is good."



SWANEY - Robert G.

SWANEY - Robert G., 91, Mesa, Ariz., died Aug. 31, 2007. Born Nov. 24, 1915, in Johnstown. Educated in the Johnstown Public Schools. Graduated from Johnstown High School 1933 1/2. Worked for Carnegie Illinois Steel Co., Lorain Division, as a forger in a 1,000 ton press. Served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1945 and was on the USS Anthedon, a sub tender, working as a metal smith third class. He was an avid sports enthusiast, enjoying softball, bowling and above all gambling at the casino. Employed by Henderson Cleaner -- Laundry, and then as a building inspector for the city of Johnstown until his retirement in 1982. Preceded in death by wife of 63 years, Betty Slack, and daughter, Shirley Ann. Survived by daughters, Mary Lou, married to Dr. George Boes, Methuen, Mass., and Betty Ann, married to Walter Perry, Peoria, Ariz.; grandchildren, G. Brian Boes, and wife, Mary, Methuen, Mass.; R. Douglas Boes, and wife, Jennifer, Lewes, Del.; J. Eric Boes, and wife, Sharon, Merrimac, Mass.; and Jeffrey Nickerson, Peoria, Ariz.; and great-grandsons, Matthew, Nicholas and Cameron Boes. Also survived by a sister, Mary Jane Ferg, Johnstown. Friends received from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at John Henderson Co. Funeral Home, 215 Central Ave. Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Patrick Church, Monsignor Harold N. Biller. Interment, Grandview Cemetery.



WELSHKO - John

WELSHKO - John, 76, Chandler, Ariz., passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 29, 2007. A loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he will be missed by all who knew him. John received commendations for his service in the U.S. Navy and was proud to have served his country as a submarine sailor with the USS Archerfish. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Alice Hughes Welshko; five daughters, Barbara, Theresa, Mary, Susan and Ann; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many friends. A private memorial service attended by immediate family members was held. Arrangements by Bueler Mortuary.



WITKOWSKI - Joseph Kenneth

WITKOWSKI - Joseph Kenneth, 69, passed away the morning of Aug. 28, 2007, after a long and heroic battle with cancer. Joe was a Ranger in the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam as a captain receiving several decorations including the Army Commendation Medal and Purple Heart. He received his bachelor's degree in building construction from the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he lived for 30 years. He recently retired and moved to Orange Park. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 48 years, Kathleen; daughters, Kathi, Mary Jo and Janet; son, Joe Jr.; and grandchildren, Charlie, Catherine Jo, Christopher, Joseph III and Corina. A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at St Catherine's of Siena Catholic Church, 1649 Kingsley Ave., Orange Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to American Cancer Society.



Today's Funerals

BROOKS - Dorothy H., 10 a.m., Baker-Harris Funeral Chapel, Conemaugh.

KINLEY - James E., 11 a.m., Visitation of the BVM Catholic Church. John Henderson Co. Funeral Home, 215 Central Ave.

MONYAK - John Mark, 10 a.m., St. Mary's Cemetery, Nanty Glo. Askew-Houser Funeral Homes Inc., Ebensburg.

VULETIC - Douglas "Shorty," 10 a.m., Frank Duca Funeral Home, Westmont Chapel, 1622 Menoher Blvd.

        

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