All Obituaries

David L. Vanderpool, age 89, of Punxsutawney, passed away Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at his home. David was born February 16, 1929 in Punxsutawney to the late Oscar and Cora (States) Vanderpool. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Evelyn Mae Vanderpool on April 15, 2015. He attended the Wesleyan Methodist Church. In 1962 he founded Vanderpool Auto Sales in Punxsutawney. Previously, he was a salesman for the plumbing and heating business for 20 years. He was a devoted...

Anna Mae Berkey, age 78, of Punxsutawney, passed away Monday, December 17, 2018, at Punxsutawney Area Hospital. Anna Mae was born July 25, 1940 in Anita, to the late Howard and Laura Mae (Chapman) Miller. Anna Mae was preceded in death by her husband Howard L. Berkey. Surviving relatives include two sons; Brian Berkey and Bruce Berkey and wife Melissa all of Punxsutawney, two grandsons; Owen O’Harra and Donovan O’harra, two brothers; Sam Miller and wife Kay and John Miller all of...

Sarah "Sally" McConnell, age 81, of Punxsutawney, passed away Sunday, December 16, 2018 at Jefferson Manor in Brookville. Sarah was born August 29, 1937 in New Bethlehem, PA., to the late Edgar G. and Sarah M. (Heeter) Skinner. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She was a Home Economics teacher then Guidance Counselor at the Punxsutawney Area High School for many years before retirement. Surviving relatives include one son; Eric J. McConnell of Texas, one...

Marilyn Ann "Marty" (McQuown) Rhodes, age 88, went to be with the Lord, Saturday, December 15, 2018, at UPMC Shadyside. She was a resident of AM/PM Personal Care Home. Marty was born in Punxsutawney, on November 30, 1930 to the late Claire and Alva McQuown. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Clark A. Rhodes. She was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church, Order of the Eastern Star and Rainbow Girls Advisor. Throughout the years, Marty worked at G.C....

Deanna F. Kopnitsky, 72, of Punxsutawney, passed away Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at home, with her family, best friend and care giver,Terry Henry and her beloved dogs, Jack and Jill, by her side. Deanna was born in Punxsutawney on April 29, 1946. She was a daughter of the late Francis and Dorothy Scarantine. She is survived by two sons; David Kopnitsky and wife Maria of Michigan and Scott Kopnitsky and wife Jen of Valier. One daughter; Kimberly Huey of Punxsutawney, nine grandchildren and...

James E. Hurd, age 66, of Mahaffey, went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, December 11, 2018. James was born July 2, 1952 in Philipsburg to the late Louis and Violet (Benson) Hurd. James was the former Pastor of Mt. Zion Church in Mahaffey and the First Baptist Church in Patton.He was a farmer most of his life and continued farming until his passing. He is survived by his fiance' Crystal Steele of Mahaffey, three children; Craig, Kimberly and Valerie Hurd. One brother; William Hurd and five...

Albert Hollenbaugh, age 80, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Albert was born February 8, 1938 in Panic, PA. to the late Eli and Mabel (Hayes) Hollenbaugh. He was a US Army veteran serving during the Korean War. He loved gardening and just being at home with his family and his grandchildren. He was a giving person who always had a helping hand for anyone in need. Albert was preceded in death by his wife Mary (Haire) Hollenbaugh and one son; Kenneth L. Hollenbaugh. Four...

Diana L. " Dee" Duttry, age 70, of Punxsutawney, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, December 7, 2018, surrounded by her family. Diana was born January 24, 1948 in Philipsburg, PA. To the late B. Franklin and Beryl (Stone) Kenyon. Diana was a seamstress for most of her life. She was the owner of the former Dee's Alterations where she made many beautiful gowns and outfits. She was also the owner of the former Arcade Cafe'. Diana was a member of the Young Women's...

Jon T. "Ted" Hoover, age 48, of Indiana, passed away Wednesday, December 5, 2018 in Indiana, PA. Ted was born July 27, 1970 in Indiana, PA. to Robert and Mary (Baker) Hoover of Punxsutawney. He was a solutions specialist for 24 years at Verizon in Indiana, PA.. In addition to his parents, Robert and Mary, he is survived by his significant other; Sue Winter and her children; Lynn and Jack and her grandson Cameron. One sister; Cherie Kopas and husband Matthew of Punxsutawney and one...

Kelly G. Smith, age 59, of Rochester Mills, passed away Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh. Kelly was born June 30, 1959, in Brookville, to the late Ralph and Rita (Uplinger) Hughey. She was employed at S&T Bank for many years. September 19, 1998, she married the love of her life, Arthur Smith of Rochester Mills. They were married 20 years. In addition to her husband, she is survived by three children; Mistie Stewart and husband Jason of Marion Center, Kenneth...

Michael Petro, 90, of Latrobe, died Monday December 3, 2018 in Excela Latrobe Hospital. He was born November 6, 1928 in Derry Twp. a son of the late Michael F. and Helen Sherba Petro. Mike was a proud US Marine having served in Korea. He was a member of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Catholic Church, Latrobe. He retired from Latrobe Steel in 1991 after 32 years of service. Mike had been a constable for over 24 years and was a life member to the Kingston Veterans and Sportsmans Club...

Rev. George J. Pembleton, age 90, of Mahaffey, passed away Sunday, December 2, 2018 at UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh. Mr. Pembleton was born July 1, 1928 in Harveys Lake, PA. to the late George and Doris (Higgins) Pembleton. He was a WWII and Korean War veteran and enlisted when it was the Army Air Corps and reenlisted in the Air Force. He was one of the first occupational troops deployed to Hiroshima. He was a minister for many years doing the Lords work and staying involved in all things...

Carmen R."Tootie" Ferra, Jr., age 86, of Punxsutawney, passed away Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Punxsutawney Area Hospital. Mr. Ferra was born July 7, 1932 in Punxsutawney to the late Carmen and Carmella (Cappella) Ferra, Sr. He was married in 1955 to Edna "Babe" Ferra who survives. They were married for 63 years. Carmen "Tootie" worked construction for 34 years. After retiring, his hobby was woodworking. He enjoyed music and cars. Most of all he loved his...

Robert D. Day, 80, of Walston, passed away on Friday, November 30, 2018, at Punxsutawney Area Hospital. Bob was born May 13, 1938, in Vestaburg, PA. He was a son of the late James O. and Althea (Blankbeckley) Day. He was a veteran of the US Army and a Pennsylvania State Trooper with Troop C. He retired in 1988 after 27 years. Bob was a member of Ss. Cosmas & Damian Roman Catholic Church, Punxsutawney Eagles, Walston Club and a member of the FOP. September 14, 1963, he married the love of...

Charles R. Sullenberger, 72, of Latrobe died Tuesday November 20, 2018 in Select Specialty Hospital, Latrobe. He was born September 23, 1946 in Connellsville a son of the late George R. and Cora Jane Long Sullenberger. Charles was a member of the the Latrobe United Presbyterian Church. He graduated from California State Univesity with a masters degree in biology. Sully taught biology in the Ligonier Valley School district for 28 years retiring due to illness. He was a model train collector...

Carolyn Y. Piper, 63, of New Derry, died Monday November 19, 2018 in Excela Latrobe Hospital. She was born November 22, 1954 in Henagar, Alabama a daughter of the late Thomas and Virginia Koger Hayes. Carolyn was a member of the Derry First United Methodist Church and had worked at the Latrobe Care Center. She is survived by her loving husband Kevin A. Piper, her brother Tommy Hayes (Melba) of Ringgold, GA mother-in-law Mary Piper, 2 brother-in-laws Ray and Scott Piper and her beloved dog...

Daniel P. Carns, 76 of Ligonier, died unexpectedly Sunday November 18, 2018 at his home. He was born July 13, 1942 in Ligonier a son of the late Pealer P. and Margaret Heffelfinger Carns. Dan loved his family and spending time with his friends. He was well known and liked in the Ligonier Area. He always had a smile on his face and had a great sense of humor. When able, he always enjoyed golfing and hunting. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers; Donald P. and...

Gary E. Garzoni, 68, of Punxsutawney, passed away, Sunday, November 11, 2018, surrounded by his family at home. Mr. Garzoni was born April 30, 1950 in Punxsutawney. He was a son of the late Edward and Margaret (Labance) Garzoni. Gary taught 43 years at Maple View Elementary School and Punxsutawney Middle School as well as coaching for 43 years. He was an avid classic cars enthusiast and was instrumental in getting the Classic Car Unit and the Geography Bee started. He was inducted into the...

Marjorie L. Markosky Gracie, 82, of Derry passed away peacefully Saturday November 10, 2018. She was born May 28, 1936 in Wilpen a daughter of the late Steve and Catherine Pleban Markosky. She was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Derry. Marge became a beautician and had worked at Central Service at Latrobe Area Hospital. She was an avid reader who also loved to garden and cook. Some of her favorite times were her weekly shopping trips with her friends Nancy, Goldie and...

Ethel B. Bail of Hempfield Township died Sunday November 4, 2018 at her home. She was born in New Kensington, PA on October 21, 1919, the only child of Edward and Rose Lemon Benzer. She was a life member of the Westmoreland County Historical Society and a Director Emeriturs of the Westmoreland Symphony. Her husband, John H. Bail, died in 2007. She is survived by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Donald and Josephine Bail of Freeport, ME: Four nieces, Linda Bail and her husband George E....

Pamela Kay Bateman, 60, of Derry, died Saturday, November 3, 2018. She was born Saturday, February 15, 1958 in Uniontown, a daughter of Edward J. and Madeline Moyer Miller. Pam was Catholic by faith and had belonged to St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Derry. She was a 1976 graduate of Admiral King High School in Lorain, Ohio. Before her illness she had been employed as a sales manager for Sheetz. Pam was preceded in death by her loving son Matthew G. Sapienza. She is survived by her...

Emma J. Byers, 91, of Mahaffey, passed away on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at Punxsutawney Area Hospital. Emma was born October 17, 1927 in Burnside, a daughter of the late Joseph and Faye (Sturgeon) Wolfe. She was the registrar for the Mahaffey area from 1982 until 2004. She also worked many years as a seamstress before retirement. Emma was a true matriarch of her family. She was the glue that held her family together. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard Byers, three sons;...

David J. Ostrowski, 77, of Punxsutawney, passed away, Friday, November 2, 2018 at Mulberry Square Elder Care & Rehabilitation Center. David was born February 11, 1941 in Big Run. He was the son of the late Joseph and Theresa Ostrowski. David found his soulmate later in life when he married Loretta S. (Shields) Ostrowski on July 29, 1994. Together they made their home in Punxsutawney, where David enjoyed driving the school bus for Amish kids and continued with his farming. He loved riding...

Marie LaRue Swanson, age 76, of Punxsutawney, passed away Friday, October 26, 2018 at Punxsutawney Area Hospital. Marie was born January 8, 1942 in Punxsutawney, to the late Wilber and Lucy (McCullough) Wright. She is survived by her children; Alan Dinger and wife Christine, Ronald Meckley and wife Cansas, all of Punxsutawney, Renee’ Howell and husband Ed of Marion Center, along with ten grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son; W. Brian...

Anna C. Downey, 91, of Derry died Wednesday October 24, 2018 in the Bethlen Home, Ligonier. She was born July 3, 1927 in Latrobe a daughter of the late Michael Rick Sr. and Anna C. Balluch Rick. Anna was a life long member of St. Martin Roman Catholic Church in New Derry. She retired from the Derry Area School District. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Lewis W. Downey in 1998, a brother Michael Rick Jr., two sisters; Ellen Penich and Mary Prah and step...

Donald P. Hicks, age 72 , of Rochester Mills, passed away, Saturday, October 20, 2018 at Penn Highlands Dubois. Donald was born June 17, 1946 in Punxsutawney. A son of the late Paul E. and Twila (Wulfert) Hicks. Donald retired after 39 years from Jefferson Wholesale Grocery in 2011. He was a loving family man who enjoyed his grandchildren, joking , building puzzles, bingo and even the occasional coloring book. Don loved having a good time and just being with his family. August 17, 1968, he...

William T. Kemmerer, Jr., 75, of Punxsutawney, passed away Thursday, October 18, 2018 at McKinley Health Center in Brookville. Mr. Kemmerer was born May 17, 1943 in Homestead, PA. He was a son of the late William T. Kemmerer, Sr. and Zella (Kovolick) Kemmerer. Bill was retired from the US Postal Service where he worked as a mail carrier for many years. He is survived by his siblings; John Kemmerer of Rossiter, Grace Ireland and husband Robert of Shreveport, LA., Ilene Wasicki and husband Tom...

Michael D. Kempka, 29, of Greensburg, died unexpectedly Thursday October 18, 2018 at Excela Latrobe Hospital. He was born January 26, 1989 in Latrobe a son of the late Cynthia Rae Deleski Kempka and John E. Kempka of Greensburg. Mike graduated from Latrobe High School and attended Vo-Tech. He loved playing on the Pittsburgh Penguins Sled Hockey Team. In addition to his father he is survived by his two brothers; Nicholas Kempka (Maya Waldron) of Latrobe and Matthew Kempka (Jennifer) of...

Bernard J. Schrey, 71, of Greensburg, passed away peacefully Thursday October 11, 2018 in Excela Latrobe Hospital. He was born November 12, 1946 in Pittsburgh a son of the late Bernard T. Schrey and Rita Kleber Schrey of Pittsburgh. Before retiring Bernie was vice president/director of operations for numerous distribution centers in the food industry. He always made people laugh with his " unique sense of humor" and was the life of the party. Bernie made a positive impact on many...

Grace (Bouch)Rorabaugh, age 89 of Mahaffey, passed away Thursday, October 4, 2018 at Christ the King Manor In DuBois. Grace was born February 24, 1929 in Mahaffey, a daughter of the late Harry and Jennifer (Strawcutter) Bouch. She was preceded in death by her husband James A. Rorabaugh, Sr. in 1998. They were married November 21, 1945. Grace was retired from the former Clearfield Cheese Factory where she worked for many years. She also worked every year at the Bell Twp. voting booths and...

Thomas L. Bridge, age 93, of Punxsutawney, passed away Monday, October 1, 2018, at home, surrounded by his family. Thomas was born July 24, 1925 in Punxsutawney to the late Thomas and Hazel (Fetterman) Bridge. He was a very proud WWII Veteran serving in the US Marine Corps. Tom was the owner and operator of Bridge Auto Repair for over 67 years. He was Methodist by faith. Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing, going to camp, woodworking and fixing and tinkering with cars. He is survived by his loving...

George A. Maccarelli, 71, formerly of Derry, died Sunday September 30, 2018 in Excela Latrobe Hospital. He was born June 10, 1947 in Latrobe a son of the late Alex and Mary Simich Maccarelli. He was a member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church of Derry and a life member of the Derry Ukes and the VFW. A graduate of Derry Area High School and Westmoreland Community College. George was a US Army Veteran having served in Vietnam with the 4th Battalion 9th Infantry 25th Infantry Division. Prior...

Lois L. Newell, 79, of Latrobe, died Saturday September 29, 2018 at The Grove at Latrobe. She was born Wednesday, November 30, 1938 in Conemaugh Twp., a daughter of the late Lloyd R. and Cora C. Calhoun Clawson. Lois enjoyed family, canning and cooking. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husbands Robert Felbaum and Edward Reinauer, a daughter Laurie Ann Sherback, a sister Charlotte A. Leary and a brother Gary J. Clawson. She is survived by her two sons; Edward...

Joseph “Curly” Macauley, age 71,passed away, Thursday, September 27, 2018 at Mulberry Square Elder Care & Rehabilitation Center, after a long battle with cancer. Joe was born January 8, 1947 in Pittsburgh to the late Hillery and Matilda (Robinson) Macauley. He was an Honorary Member of the FOE Eagles in Reynoldsville. Joe loved to garden, watch movies, tinkering and fixing things and was an awesome cook. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a twin sister;...

Shirley M. Meloy "Grandma Shirley", 83, of Jeannette died Wednesday September 26, 2018 in Excela Westmoreland Hospital. She was born March 16, 1935 in Jeannette a daughter of the late Joseph and Ethel Davis Henry. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her son Joseph Bloom. Shirley loved children and being around family and friends. She is survived by her three daughters; Gloria Ressler (Stanley) of Jeannette, Leah Stull (Charles) of Jeannette and Amy Meloy...

Timothy L. Gump, 46, of Latrobe died Tuesday September 25, 2018 at his home. He was born December 14, 1971 in Latrobe a son of the late Chester and Donna McGarvey Gump. Tim worked at Castle Co-Packers of Latrobe. He was an avid Steeler fan and enjoyed fishing, hunting and golf. Tim is survived by his wife Tammy L. Starry Gump, two sons; William Kelly of Hannastown and Alexander "AJ" Kelly of Latrobe. A daughter Krista Wood of Latrobe, two sisters; Heidi Boehm (Joseph) of New...

Norma Jean (McMillen) Smith-Marshall, age 84, of Punxsutawney, passed away, Sunday, September 23, 2018 at Punxsutawney Area Hospital. Norma was born September 17, 1934 in Punxsutawney to the late Norman and Ruth (Burkett) McMillen. She was a member of the Countryside Baptist Church. Norma worked many years at Rola-Jensen before retirement. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who will be very missed. Norma is survived by her husband Larry B. Marshall of Punxsutawney. They were...

Richard H. Marks Sr., 85, of Latrobe died Sunday September 23, 2018 in the Greensburg Care Center. He was born December 18, 1932 in Latrobe a son of the late John Oliver and Margaret McCracken Marks. Richard was a US Air Force Veteran. He retired from Latrobe Steel and thoroughly enjoyed wood working, hunting and was an avid golfer. He was a member of American Legion Post #978, a life member of the F.O.E. and a life member of the VFW Post #9310. In addition to his parents he was preceded...

Thomas E. Hudson Sr., 73, of Derry passed away Saturday September 22, 2018 at home. He was born September 29, 1944 in Greensburg Pa, a son of the late James P. Hudson and Charlotte (Grimm) Hudson. He was employed by the PA. Dept. of Transportation as a highway maintenance worker, retiring in 2005 with 33 years of service. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, loved the outdoors, his garden and watching all of the Pittsburgh sports teams. He also enjoyed making homemade sauerkraut and jerky...

Thomas J. "T.J." Meehan, age 63, of Punxsutawney, passed away Saturday, September 22 at Punxsutawney Area Hospital. T. J. was born May 27, 1955 in Punxsutawney, to the late Daniel and Elizabeth (Quinlisk) Meehan. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. T.J. was a kind and loving person to everyone and will be missed by many friends and family members. He is survived by his siblings; Mary Ann Cameron, Jane Gelnette, Richard Meehan, Cathy Michaels, Julie Meehan, Patrick Meehan, Rose...

Raymond R. Davis, 91, of Derry passed away September 21, 2018 at the Hempfield Manor. He was born July 26,1927 in Irwin, a son of the late Raymond A. and Iva (Herman) Davis. Raymond is preceded in death by his wife Erma (Boring) Davis and two sisters Vietta Riddle and Vivian Remaley. Raymond is a US Marine Veteran having served during the Korean War. He was a member of the Derry American Legion. He worked as a car body man for 24 years at the Central Service Station in Jeanette then later...

Dorothy L. Cole, age 78, of Curwensville, passed away Friday, September 21, 2018 at Punxsutawney Area Hospital. Dorothy was born October 26, 1939 in Clearfield. She was a daughter of the late Ferd and Etta (Freedline) Shear. Dorothy is survived by her beloved husband of 27 years, James B. Cole of Curwensville. She worked for DuPont for 18 years before retiring. In addition to her husband Jim, she is survived by her children; B.J. Steiner, Diane Beard and husband Kirby, Jeff Mauk, Brenda...

Rachael L. Gaffey, 43, of Derry died suddenly Thursday September 20, 2018 in Excela Latrobe Hospital. She was born July 29, 1975 in Latrobe the daughter of the late James M. "Mitch" and Pamela Pyle Gamble. Rachael is survived by her loving husband Robert M. Gaffey, her two sons; Dakota M. and Dylan Gaffey both of Derry. Her brother Robert M. Gamble (Kim) of Latrobe, several aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends will be received Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8pm in the McCabe Funeral Home,...

David L. Bottenhorn, Sr., age 74, of Rossiter, passed away, Tuesday, September 18, 2018, at Select Specialty Care in Johnstown. David was born August 7, 1944 in Wyandotte, Michigan to the late John and Laura (Delp) Bottenhorn. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps. David was known around the area as "Old Man Dave". He loved to make people laugh and always had a joke and a conversation for his friends. David was an avid fisherman who always carried his fishing pole in his car so...

Ruth M. Miller, age 99, of Grampian, passed away Monday, September 17, 2018 at Penn Highlands Clearfield, surrounded by her loving family. Ruth was born September 7, 1919 in Clearfield. She was a daughter of the late Clair and Hilda (Rishell) Wriglesworth. She was a member of the Hepburnia United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. She was a member of the Womens Auxiliary, Grampian Penn Grange and was Past Matron of the Eastern Star. Ruth is survived by one son; John D. Miller and...

Roger C. Meckley, 72 of Punxsutawney, passed away, Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at his home. Roger was born March 29, 1946 in Spangler. He was a son of the late Ray and Ruth (Billings) Meckley. He was a US Army Veteran. Roger is survived by his daughter; Dawn Ruth Ann Smith and three grandchildren; Nick, Evan and Josh. Two sisters; Carol Bracken and husband Pete, JoAnne Turner and husband Douglas and three brothers; Ronald Meckley and wife Joyce, Mike Meckley and wife Carolyn and Arthur...

James E. Zimmerman Sr., 89, of Ligonier died Tuesday September 11, 2018 in Excela Latrobe Hospital. He was born May 4, 1929 in Waterford a son of the late Alger and Mary Orme Zimmerman. Jim was a veteran of the Korean War having served in the US Navy on the USS Albemarle. He was an electrical inspector, a past commander and life member of the Ligonier VFW #734 and member of the Ligonier American Legion. He enjoyed being around family and telling stories about the Navy and hunting. In...

James O. Saxe, 69, of Mahaffey, passed away Saturday, September 8, 2018 at UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh. Jim was born December 2, 1948 in Mahaffey. He was the only son of the late George and Josephine (Lines) Saxe. He was a proud veteran of the US Army having served during the Vietnam era and also completing his tour of duty in Korea. He was a Spec 5 in the US Army Artillary Division. On November 28, 1970 he married his beloved wife of 48 years, Lois I. (Bennett) Saxe of Mahaffey who survives....

Paul E. "Ed" Bracken, Sr., 68, of Burnside, passed away Friday, September 7, 2018 at his home. Paul was born August 2, 1950 in Mahaffey. He was a son of the late Ellsworth and Florence (Wright) Bracken. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother; Robert "Otie" Bracken and two sisters; Joan Daisher and Peggy Price. He is survived by one son; Paul E. Bracken, Jr. and wife Marlene of Toccoa, GA., three daughters; Amanda Mason and husband Adam,...

Sarah A. Hull 79, of Derry died Wednesday September 5, 2018 at her home. She was born Friday, February 24, 1939 in Derry a daughter of the late George M. and Loretta A. Baird Sholey. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband William B. Hull. Sarah is survived by her son Terry Lee Hull(Cookie Cicchitello) and her daughter Billie R. Hull Marriott (Jeff Markle). A special sister-in-law Esther Sholey, several nieces and nephews. All services and interment in Coles...