Published: September 15, 2007 07:00 pm            

Obituaries 09/16/2007

Obituaries 09/16/2007











BLOUGH – Eleanor I.

BLOUGH – Eleanor I., 78, formerly of Geistown, passed away at Laurel View Village. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Henderson Funeral Home, East Hills, where funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Father Richard Tomkosky. Interment, St. Joseph Cemetery.



DAVIS – Harry I.

DAVIS – Harry I., 78, Johnstown, died Sept. 13, 2007, at Memorial Medical Center. Born April 9, 1929, in Johnstown, son of Creed W. and Anna (Hickey) Davis. Preceded in death by parents; brother, Robert Davis; sister, Phyllis Hyndman; and sister-in-law, Mercedes (Knuff) Davis. Survived by loving wife of 52 years, Dorothy (Sebert) Davis, Johnstown; son, Greg Davis, Sun Prairie, Wis.; and daughter, Kathy, married to Michael Harris, Aiken, S.C.; grandchildren, Melissa and Amanda Harris, and Kevin Davis; brothers, Walter, married to Nerene (Harrington) Davis; and Herbert Davis, both of Johnstown; Edward, married to Nancy (Luther) Davis, Dunedin, Fla.; sister, Credene, married to Eugene Bucco, Massachusetts; sister-in-law, Florence, married to George Morris, Johnstown. Graduate of Ferndale High School, class of 1949; attended Lock Haven University and played football for both schools. Corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, serving in the First Calvary Artillery Division. He received the meritorious sportsmanship award for football in the Army. After leaving the Army, he went to work for GTE as an equipment installer and retired from GTE/Verizon in 1993 after 43 years. Member of Korean Veterans Association Post 1, Ferndale Historical Society, and Our Mother of Sorrows Church. He was an avid tennis player and sports fan. He will be remembered most for his complete dedication to his wife, family and Catholic faith. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, by the Very Rev. Paul E. Turnbull, VF. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Monday at Frank Duca Funeral Home, Westmont Chapel, 1622 Menoher Blvd. Committal, Grandview Cemetery.



FRICK – Evelyn K.

FRICK – Evelyn K., 84, Atrium Manor, formerly of Ferndale since 1922, died Sept. 13, 2007. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Monday at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, the Rev. Father Angelo J. Patti. Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Geisel Funeral Home, Dale, where vigil for the deceased will be held Sunday.



NEWMAN – Ezra E. “Amos”

NEWMAN – Ezra E. “Amos,” 89, Cairnbrook, passed away Sept. 14, 2007, at home surrounded by his family and now is with his savior. Born Sept. 6, 1918, the son of the late Fred and Laura Newman. Preceded in death by wife of 63 years, the former Justine Gordon; two brothers; two sisters; and a great-granddaughter, Abigail “Abby” Leon. Survived by children, Janet (Wallace) Buelow, Arizona; Dolly (Alan) Boring, North Carolina; Fredrick (Gloria) Newman, Scio, Ohio; Shirley (Roy) Spidle, Akron, Ohio; Thomas (Judy) Newman, Akron, Ohio; 15 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by his brothers and sister, Fred (Roberta), James (Caroline), David (Millie), Robert (Gloria), Wilma (Ben) Hilyard, Richard, Donald (Sue), and longtime friend, Pearl. Amos was retired from Akron Standard Mold, a former UMWA coal miner, a member of the Central City Christian Church and he loved to hunt and fish with his many buddies. He never met a stranger and had a heart of gold, always willing to help those in need. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Mulcahy Funeral Home and from 10 a.m. until time of service 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Central City Christian Church, Pastor Randy Reynolds and the Rev. Gene Daley officiating. Interment, Daley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, family asks donations be made to Regional Hospice of Windber or the Christian Church in Amos’ memory.



NIESSNER – Alvin H.

NIESSNER – Alvin H., 93, of Johnstown, died Sept. 14, 2007, at Memorial Medical Center. Born March 15, 1914, in Johnstown, son of Herman F. and Mary E. (Berkey) Niessner. Preceded in death by parents; wife, Elizabeth “Betty” (Goehres); and sister, Mary Clossin. Survived by son, Richard A., Johnstown, and a sister, Virginia N. Hess, Atlanta. Member of Zion Lutheran Church and life member of the Elks. He was an avid bowler, and he and Betty enjoyed traveling. Retired electrician with Bethlehem Steel Corp., with 25 years’ service. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the John Henderson Co. Funeral Home, 215 Central Ave. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Zion Lutheran Church, the Rev. Michael Van Dyke. Interment, Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 613 Locust St., Johnstown, Pa. 15901.



PORTA – Sister Mary de Paul

PORTA – Sister Mary de Paul, 94, member of the Mid-Atlantic Community of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, died Sept. 14, 2007, at Mercy Center, Dallas, Pa. Born Mary Thelma Porta Oct. 25, 1912, in Altoona, daughter of the late James J. and Sarah (Chirdon) Porta. Preceded in death by brothers: James, Lawrence, Joseph, Augustine, Floyd and George; and sisters: Coletta, Thelma, Barbara and Teresa Pruznak. Survived by sister, Sara L. Minster, Phoenix; 24 nieces and nephews; and her Sisters in the Mid-Atlantic Community of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. Sister received her elementary education in Altoona and graduated from Mount Aloysius Academy in 1937. She entered the Sisters of Mercy in Cresson in February 1930, and made her profession of vows in 1932. Sister de Paul was in the last group to make first profession in the Cresson Novitiate. The Novitiate moved to Baltimore two weeks after her profession, and her name is listed last as a member of the Cresson Novitiate in the Ireland Archives. Sister de Paul received her bachelor of arts degree from College Misericordia and a master of science degree in Library Science from Villanova University. She ministered in the Altoona-Johnstown diocese for 60 years, in the Pittsburgh diocese for five years and in the Harrisburg diocese for one year. Sister retired in July 1998 from Bishop McCort High School, Johnstown. Sister de Paul received a Diocesan Education Award, and the Prince Gallitzin Cross Award in 1998. In 1998, she retired to the Ministry of Prayer, and lived in Johnstown and Cresson before moving to Mercy Center, Dallas, in November 2005. Family and friends received from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at Charles M. Kennedy Funeral Home, Cresson. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Our Lady of Mercy Chapel, Mount Aloysius College, Cresson. Committal, Sisters of Mercy Cemetery, Cresson. Memorial contributions in the name of Sister M. de Paul Porta may be made to the Retirement Fund, Sisters of Mercy, Mid-Atlantic Community, P.O. Box 369, Dallas, Pa. 18612.



SEVER – Pamela L. (Shaffer)

SEVER – Pamela L. (Shaffer), 50, of Patton, died Sept. 14, 2007, at her home. Born April 27, 1957, in Spangler, the daughter of Jacob and Doris (Yeckley) Shaffer, who survive. She was preceded in death by an infant son and nephew, Jeremy Shaffer. Pamela married her devoted husband, Lawrence Sever of Patton on Nov. 15, 1975, who survives. Survived by sons, Matthew, of Northern Cambria; Adam, and fiancee Alicia, of Lancaster; Robert and Shane, both at home. She is also survived by brothers and sisters, Yveonne Ritcha, and husband Joe of Lancaster; Rose McGovern of Cherry Tree; William Shaffer of Hastings; Wayne and Jeanne Shaffer of Ebensburg; Patrick and Elaine Shaffer of Ebensburg; Jacob and Brenda Shaffer of Bakerton; Jane and Walter DePetro of Cherry Tree; Carol and Jerry McGulick of Northern Cambria; John and Chris Shaffer of Lancaster; Jeffrey and Ann Marie Shaffer of St. Benedict; and Jennifer and Wayne Brown of Virginia. Pamela is also survived by father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Patricia Sever of Patton; sisters-in-law, Teresa and James Mitasky of Northern Cambria; Michelle Romagna of Patton; Denise Zalisnock of Hastings; one brother-in-law, Edward Sever of Hastings and several nieces and nephews. Many thanks to the wonderful hospice nurses, also aunts, Veronica Gregory and Vivian Anstead, for their tender care and devotion. Pam was a devoted wife, mother and sister who loved spending prime time with her sons and their many activities. She was Presbyterian by faith and loved gardening, in which she took great pride in her flowers. Pam will be sadly missed. Family will receive friends from 2 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17, at McCabe Funeral Home, Patton. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, Sept. 18, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Nadine Kinkaed and Pastor Marty Cartmel officiating.



SIEDLARCZYK – Helen D.

SIEDLARCZYK – Helen D., 88, of Lilly, passed away Sept. 14, 2007, at home. Born Sept. 27, 1918, in Lilly. She was the daughter of the late Andrew and Anna (Nazat) Kondis. Preceded in death by husband, Andrew; grandson, Kevin; sisters, Mary and Anna; brothers, Andrew and Steve. She was the mother of Leonard, and wife, Marlene; James, and wife, Cindy; Andrew; Gerry, and wife, Laura; Louise Bocci; Irene, and husband, Rodney Geisbrecht; Carol, and husband, Pat Love; grandchildren, Bruce Bocci; Brian and Erika Geisbrecht; Jennifer and Dan Hoffmann; Nicole, Aaron and Alan Love; Monica and Andrea Siedlarczyk; also five great-grandchildren. Sister of Joseph, Elizabeth and Margie; sister-in-law, Margie Kondis; also good buddy, Rosie Przybys. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at Thomas F. Cloherty Funeral Home, Lilly. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of the Alleghenies Chapel, Portage Street, Lilly. Committal, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery, Lilly.



SNYDER – Joshua Dean

SNYDER – Joshua Dean, 25, of Mundys Corner, died Sept. 14, 2007. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Askew-Houser Funeral Homes Inc., Nanty Glo, and from 10:30 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11 a.m. Monday at Bethany United Methodist Church in Portage.



SOWERBROWER – Frederick J.

SOWERBROWER – Frederick J., 61, of Elton, passed away on Sept. 14, 2007, at Windber Hospice. Born Nov. 10, 1945, in Johnstown. Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Dunmyer Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Nila Cogan officiating. Interment will be held at Dunmyer Lutheran Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to Dunmyer Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 189, Elton, Pa. 15934, or to Windber Hospice, 600 Somerset Ave., Windber, Pa. 15963, in memory of Fred.



WEBER – Gervase G. “Gabbie”

WEBER – Gervase G. “Gabbie,” 76, lifelong Carrolltown resident, passed away on Sept. 15, 2007, at UPMC, Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was born Aug. 21, 1931, in East Carroll Twp., the son of Raymond and Pearl (Yeckley) Weber. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Arlene, married to Thomas Hoover, and brothers, Merle Weber, married to the late Mary Ellen (Farabaugh), and John Weber, married to Carol (Fryer). He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sara “Sally” (Guynn) Weber; children, Sara, married to Donald Sharbaugh; Donald Weber, married to Linda (Holtz); and William Weber, married to Isabelle (Shandor), all of Carrolltown; grandchildren, Mark, Andrew and Emma Sharbaugh and Patty Weber, all of Carrolltown; brothers and sisters, Virginia, married to the late Bob Cunningham, Carrolltown; Floyd Weber, married to Thelma (Lilly), Ebensburg; Mildred, married to Arthur Cunningham, Carrolltown; Dorothy, married to Joseph Stasick, Cresson; Leo Weber, married to Theresa (Klenotic), Painesville, Ohio; Theresa, married to the late Jim Fortner; Joseph Weber, married to Rose (Albarano); Harold Weber, married to Delores (Himmel); and Rose, married to Richard Prevost, all of Carrolltown; Dennis Weber, married to Caroline (Duman), Nicktown; Irvin Weber, married to Joyce (Sawyer), and David Weber, married to Sally (Kuzminski), all of Carrolltown. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous nieces and nephews. He was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church, Carrolltown. Gervase was a heart transplant recipient of 23 1/2 years, making him one of the longest living heart transplant recipients in the country. On the anniversary of his transplant, Feb. 5, 1984, he would especially remember the donor in his prayers. In his early years, he owned and operated an auto body repair shop. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing horseshoes, cards, fishing and gardening. In his later years, Gervase enjoyed watching football and westerns, mowing grass, tinkering outside with his tractors, as well as spending time with his family. Friends will be received from 2 to 9 p.m. Monday at Stevens Funeral Home Inc., 146 N. Main St., Carrolltown, where a vigil for the deceased will be held and from 9 a.m. until the 10 a.m. funeral Mass Tuesday at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Carrolltown, the Rev. Jude W. Brady, OSB, celebrant. Committal, church cemetery. www.stevensfh.com.



Today's Funeral

SHERRY – Barbara (Stiffler), 11 a.m., Bowser-Ondriezek Funeral Home, Nanty Glo.

        

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