Published: September 10, 2007 07:16 pm            

Obituaries 09/11/2007

ALEXIS – Caroline (Panagotacos)

ALEXIS – Caroline (Panagotacos), 90, passed away Sept. 8, 2007, in Quincy, Ill. After emigrating from Greece in 1932, she lived in Johnstown with her parents, Alec and Georgia Panagotacos, until her marriage in 1942, after which she lived in the area around Carlisle-Harrisburg, Pa. She was born Aug. 3, 1917, in the village of Daphne near Sparta, Greece. She graduated from Johnstown High School and was married for 55 years to her husband, Peter, who predeceased her. Caroline was a member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, the Philoptochos Society and the Daughters of Penelope, all of Camp Hill, Pa. After she retired from the State of Pa. Motor Vehicle Department, she served several philanthropic organizations, working with other Greek women of the community to enrich the lives of others. She delivered Meals on Wheels for nearly 20 years and served as the Orthodox liaison to Christian Church Women United. Survivors include three children: John Alexis, Esq., and wife, Carol, of St. Paul, Minn.; Georgiann Heidbreder, and husband, John, of Quincy, Ill.; Stella Wagner, and husband, Michael, of Denver, Colo.; three grandchildren: Jonathan, Alex and Nicole Heidbreder; four great-grandchildren; and 12 nieces and nephews. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1000 Yverdon Drive, Camp Hill, Pa. 17011, by Father Costas Keares. Burial will be in Westminster Cemetery in Carlisle, Pa. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, at the Neill Funeral Home, 3401 Market St., Camp Hill, Pa. In lieu of flower, memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church or the Philoptochos Society in Camp Hill, Pa.



BERCHICK – Joseph

BERCHICK – Joseph, 84, Hollsopple, died Sept. 9, 2007, at home. Born March 24, 1923, in Acosta, son of Frank and Helen Berchick. Preceded in death by parents and four brothers. Survived by wife of 58 years, the former Clara “Sally” Penner; children, Joseph, married to former Patty Ciscato, Altoona, and Marcie, married to David Ball, Johnstown; granddaughters, Carrie, Jean and Valerie; and great-grandchildren, Joey, Ashley, Lindsey, Natalie and Jae-Lyn. U.S. Army Air Force veteran of World War II. Retired employee for former Miller-Picking. Member of Hollsopple Post 8861, VFW. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing pinochle. Viewing from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Hoffman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 109 Church Road, Davidsville, where service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, the Rev. Seth McPherson officiating. Interment, Custer Cemetery, with graveside military rites. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the family.



BOYLE – Sr. M. Emmanuelita, RSM

BOYLE – Sr. M. Emmanuelita, RSM, 94, a member of the Mid-Atlantic Community of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, died Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, at Mercy Center, Dallas. The former Mildred Margaret Boyle was born Jan. 10, 1913, in Johnstown, the daughter of the late Frank L. and Mary (Donovan) Boyle. She received her elementary and high school education in Cresson, graduating from Mount Aloysius Academy in 1931. She entered the Sisters of Mercy at Dallas in August 1933 and made her profession of vows in 1936. Sr. Emmanuelita earned a bachelor of arts degree from College Misericordia (now Misericordia University) and a master’s degree in library science from Villanova University. Her teaching career in parochial schools in the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese and Brooklyn Diocese spanned 45 years. From 1971 to 1989, she was the librarian at St. Anastasia School, Douglaston, New York. In 1987, Sister Emmanuelita moved to Mercy Center, Dallas, as librarian and clerical assistant to the Province Archivist. She continued in the role as librarian until 2003, when she retired to the prayer ministry. In addition to her parent, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Thomas, Donald and John Boyle, and sister, Marie (Boyle) Tufnell. Surviving is sister, Helen Shevlin, Clarks Summit; nieces and nephews; and the sisters in the Mid-Atlantic Community of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. Transferral to Mercy Center will be Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007, at 2 p.m., followed by a wake service in Blessed Sacrament Chapel. The viewing will be from 2 to 5 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the chapel. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township. Memorial contributions may be made to: Retirement Fund, Sisters of Mercy, Mid-Atlantic Community, P.O. Box 369, Dallas, Pa. 18612. Arrangements are by E. Blake Collins Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre.



GEORG – James

GEORG – James, 88, died Sept. 6, 2007, at Florida Presbyterian Homes. He was born May 18, 1919, in Johnstown, where he was a member of Moxham Lutheran Church. Mr. Georg graduated from the University of Florida with a master’s degree in agriculture. He forecasted for cranberry growers in Wisconsin and for citrus growers in Florida. He was awarded the U.S. Department of Congress Silver Medal for meritorious service, was a member of the World Meteorological Society and headed the Lakeland area weather service from 1970-1976 when he retired. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and was a WWII Army veteran, serving in the 10th Weather Squadron in the CBI Theater and Puerto Rico. He is survived by wife, Evelyne “Honey” Georg, and three sisters, Phyllis Meyers, Doris Martin and Lois Tilden. He will be buried in Grandview Cemetery in Johnstown. Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home, Lakeland, Fla.



GOOD – Emma E.

GOOD – Emma E., 79, Laurel View Village, died Sept. 10, 2007, at Laurel View Village. Born Oct. 16, 1927, in Hollsopple, Pa., daughter of Basil and Clorinda (Ghezzi) Petet. Preceded in death by parents; grandson, Michael William Good; and these brothers and sisters: Lena Moranduzzo, Lewis Moranduzzo, Albert Moranduzzo, Elda Lichvar and Lawrence Petet. Survived by husband of 58 years, Clyde Good, and these children: Richard, married to the former Janet Redick, Johnstown; Carol, married to Thomas Byer, Davidsville; and William, married to the former Michele Weaver, Elkins, W.Va. Also survived by grandchildren, Jennifer Slaugenhaupt, Meghan Good, David Byer, Gregory Byer, Celeste Cost, Nicole Good and Michael D. Good, and three great-grandchildren. Sister of Rose Eash, Boswell. Member of St. David’s Lutheran Church, where she was a former choir member. Family receiving friends Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the George E. Mason Funeral Home Inc., Davidsville. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at St. David’s Lutheran Church, Davidsville, the Rev. John Eash officiating. Interment, Maple Springs Cemetery. Those who wish may make donations to Laurel View Village or the American Cancer Society.



HILL – Norman T.

HILL – Norman T. “Johnny,” of Springfield Township, Ohio, 86, died Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007. Born in Indiana County, Pa., Norman was a son of the late Burt and Emma Hill. He retired from Summit County Building Inspection after 25 years’ service. Norman served in the U.S. Army during World War II; was a member of the Masonic Temple, Army Navy Club #273; and was a masonry contractor for 15 years. Preceding him in death was his loving wife of 58 years, Betty Jane, and brothers, Albert and Robert Hill. He is survived by four children, Bruce, James, Dennis and Kathy Hill; three granddaughters; two grandsons; and six great-grandchildren; brothers, Jesse Hill, Raymond (Gene) Hill and Benny (Ann) Hill; sisters, Eleanor Hoover, Doris (George) Datsko and Jean Friday; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral service at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Strongstown United Methodist Church in Strongstown, Pa., with Pastor Perry Chronister officiating. Burial at Pineland Cemetery in Strongstown, Pa. Friends may be received from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 3553 Northdale St., Uniontown, Ohio, (330) 733-6271. www.hopkinslawver.com.



KOPERA – Mary

KOPERA – Mary, 78, Lewes, Del., formerly of Hastings, died Sept. 9, 2007, in Delaware. Born March 14, 1929, in Hastings, the daughter of the late Michael and Susan (Fiasco) Cavallo. Preceded in death by brothers, Joseph, Patrick, Henry, William and John. Survived by husband, Urban “Butch,” Lewes, Del.; and son, Bob, and wife, Marnie, and their children, Megan and Patrick, Bethesda, Md. Sister of Theresa Haluska, Michael Cavallo and Helen Cavallo, all of Hastings; also a number of nieces and nephews. Member of Senior Citizens. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Easly Funeral Home, Hastings. Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Bernard Catholic Church, Hastings. Interment in church cemetery.



NEMETH – Albert

NEMETH – Albert “Al,” 75, Richland Township, went to be with the Lord Sept 8, 2007. Born Oct. 15, 1931, in Johnstown, son of John Sr. and Anna (Nemit) Nemeth. Preceded in death by parents; brothers, Charles, killed in action in WWII, James, William and John Jr. Nemeth; and son-in-law, Rauel Gaviola. Survived by beloved wife of 54 years, the former Dorothy “Dolly” Frankowsky, and these children: Francine, wife of Richard Bodnar, and Charles, married to the former Nancy Sharrets, both of Johnstown; Monica, wife of Stephen Hunt, Angola, Ind.; Sandra Gaviola, Pittsburgh; and Matt, married to the former April Knepper, Sarasota, Fla.; grandchildren, Anne Bodnar; Jessica Roberts; Stacy Nemeth; Angela, Albert, Austen and Aubrey Hunt; Nicholas and Gwen Gaviola; Josie and Faith Nemeth; and great-granddaughters, Emily Roberts and Ivy Gaviola-Peterman. A brother of Anna Vuckovich, Maryland, and Robert Nemeth, Johnstown. Retired employee of General Yard Department of the former Johnstown Plant, Bethlehem Steel Corp. Army veteran of the Korean War. Retired sergeant first class from the 876th Engineer Battalion, 28th Infantry Division of the Pennsylvania National Guard. A builder of numerous homes and a master craftsman in ceramic tile work. Al was an avid dancer. A member of Post 954 CWV and St. Stephen Catholic Church, where funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, the Rev. Andrew Stanko. Committal, Grandview Cemetery. Friends received from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home Inc., Broad Street, where vigil for the deceased will be held Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to St. Stephen Church Renovation Fund or Johnstown Chapter of the American Red Cross, in memory of Al Nemeth. Graveside military service by 876th Eng. Bn. Pa. National Guard and the Korean War Veterans Association. Harley-Davidson Bikers Association will provide a motorcade to the cemetery.



VOYTKO – Michael

VOYTKO – Michael, 90, Northern Cambria, died peacefully with family at his side on Sept. 9, 2007, at St. Benedict Manor. Born Nov. 17, 1916, in Spangler, the son of Slovakian immigrants, Mary (Kuzmission) Sovik-Voytko and Peter Voytko, who died in the Riley Shaft explosion in 1922. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Frances (Dunn) Voytko, who passed away on Sept. 18, 1975; siblings, Stephen Sovik, Joseph Sovik, Mary (Sovik) Papotto, Nicholas Voytko, Ann (Voytko) Winsko, John Voytko and Helen Voytko. Survived by children, James M. Voytko, Portland, Ore.; Jane A. Holtry, Beaverton, Ore.; Patricia F. Voytko Zito, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; Judith I. Voytko, Kenneth J. Voytko and Michael M. Voytko, all of Northern Cambria; Mary M. Flynn, Rose Valley, Pa.; and Richard A. Voytko, New Castle; 13 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and devoted friend, Mark Stoltz. Graduate of Spangler High School. Michael’s years of working began at the Spangler A&P, where he worked from age 18 to 24 with a wage of $19 per week. On April 8, 1941, at age 24, he was inducted into the Army and became a sergeant with Battery C of the 754th Anti-Aircraft Gun Battalion. He was a veteran of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He received a Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Star and an Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal with one Bronze Star. He later served as a drill instructor, training young soldiers for duty in the jungle. He was honorably discharged on Sept. 7, 1945. One of his fondest memories returing home was enjoying his mother’s homemade vegetable soup. He returned to work at the A&P and later took a job with American Bakeries, Johnstown District, working as a salesman for more than 20 years. On May 29, 1948, he married Frances Regina Dunn from Pittsburgh. She was a nursing instructor and later director of nurses at Miners Hospital, Spangler. Together they established their homestead on June 20, 1950, when they purchased their land in Spangler from Mary Falger with a $6,500 Veteran’s Administration loan. There they built their home and raised eight children. After Fran’s passing in 1975, Mike continued raising the family on his own. He worked for a short time at the County Home and later, for the PA Mines Corp. as a night watchman/custodian. He retired in 1989 at the age of 72. Mike was a founding member of VFW Post 7503, Spangler, and member of Barnesboro Slovak Club, Spangler American Legion and Hastings Moose. Member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Mike enjoyed spending time berry pickin’ and mushroom pickin’ in the woods with his kids, working in his vegetable garden and hunting. He was a lifelong Pirates and Steelers fan. He will be remembered as a man who took life in stride, with unfailing strength and humor. His boundless love for his family made him rich beyond any material measure. Friends will be received from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Moriconi Funeral Home Inc., Northern Cambria, where vigil for the deceased will be held. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday at Prince of Peace Chapel. Committal, Holy Cross Cemetery. Military honors by local veterans organizations.



WASHKO – Mrs. Phyllis L. (Berkebile)

WASHKO – Mrs. Phyllis L. (Berkebile), 86, Windber, passed away Sept. 9, 2007, at Meadow View Nursing Care Center, Berlin. Born June 26, 1921, in New Florence, daughter of John and Elizabeth Decker. Preceded in death by parents; sons, Telford and George; daughter, Mary Noon; brothers, James, Thomas and Barney; sister, Veda Cummings; a grandson; a granddaughter; and a great-grandson. Survived by husband, John Jr.; daughters, Darlene Coutts, Johnstown, and Betty, wife of Joseph Oraweic, Mineral Point; brothers, Pete and Frank Decker; and sister, Evelyn Mort; also 18 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Employed by Bestform and Windber Area School District. John 10:10: Mom, love and peace go with you until we see you again to say goodbye three say hello. Funeral service will be private at the deceased’s request. Arrangements by Meek & Dalla Valle Funeral Home Inc., Windber.



Today's Funerals

KEIM – Charles W., 11 a.m., Maple Spring Church, Hoffman Funeral Home & Creamation Services, 109 Church Rd., Davidsville.

WINGARD – David E., 11 a.m., John Henderson Co. Funeral Home, 215 Central Ave.

WRIGHT - Frank G. “Hap,” 10 a.m., Askew-Houser Funeral Homes Inc., Nanty Glo.

        

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