Greene County Messenger
Greene County Messenger
Waynesburg, PA
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Obituaries 1-22-10
January 22, 2010 04:42 AM
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Noah James Havrilesko, 11, of Waynesburg, formerly of Richeyville, died unexpectedly Monday, January 11, 2010.

He was born December 30, 1998, in Washington, a son of Stacey Gatten Havrilesko of Waynesburg and James Havrilesko of Richeyville.

He was a fifth-grade student at Waynesburg Elementary, where he was a hall monitor. He was an A student, having excelled at arithmetic, and was scheduled to take a math test at Carnegie Mellon University later this month.

He enjoyed hockey, football, swimming and playing drums and enjoyed cars and going to car shows with his dad. He was a PlayStation buff and enjoyed riding his dirt bike.

In addition to his parents, also surviving are two sisters, Abbigale and Anna Havrilesko, both of Waynesburg; paternal grandmother Elizabeth Havrilesko of Richeyville; maternal grandparents John and Sandy Gatten of Beallsville; maternal great-grandparents Bob and Rosetta Adamson of Waynesburg; two aunts, Celeste Balog and husband Bill of Richeyville and Jean Defabbo and husband Tom of Vestaburg; five uncles, John Havrilesko and wife Donna of Masontown, Frank Havrilesko and wife Cheryl of Apopka, Fla., Doug Havrilesko and wife Tyffini of Washington, Chris Gatten of Beallsville and Jeremy Gatten of North Carolina; great-aunt and uncle Danny and Tina Adamson of Waynesburg; a great-aunt, Deb Bogumit of Vestaburg; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Deceased is his paternal grandfather, John Havrilesko.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions may be made to the Havrilesko Family, c/o P.O. Box 282, Richeyville, PA 15358, for a scholarship and/or memorial fund to be set up at a later date.

Ava Naomi Holbert

Ava Naomi Holbert, 13, of Mt. Morris, died Monday, January 11, 2010, from injuries received in a house fire while staying at a friend's house in Waynesburg.

She was born Thursday, June 27, 1996, in Morgantown, W.Va., a daughter of Thomas Russell Holbert of Bobtown and Donna Jean Wade Holbert of Mt. Morris.

She was an eighth-grade student at Margaret Bell Miller Middle School in Waynesburg, where she played trumpet in the band.

She was a member of Mt. Morris Gospel Tabernacle Assembly of God.

In addition to her parents, surviving are two sisters, Ashley Holbert Swestyn and husband Thad of Carmichaels and Ana Paige Holbert of Mt. Morris; a brother, Thomas Alexander Holbert of Mt. Morris; maternal grandparents Robert and Doris Wade of Mt. Morris; paternal grandparents Robert and Barbara Holbert of Mt. Morris; two nieces, Emily and Mia Swestyn of Carmichaels; a nephew, Andrew Swestyn of Carmichaels; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family asks, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Humane Society of Greene County, 183 Jefferson Road, Waynesburg, PA 15370.

Mary E. Wilkins Kerns

Mary E. Wilkins Kerns, 79, of Mt. Morris, died at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 12, 2010, in Rolling Meadows Nursing Home, Waynesburg.

She was born Friday, May 23, 1930, in Granville, W.Va., a daughter of the late Arch S. Wilkins and Lena Davis Wilkins.

Mrs. Kerns was a member of Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Morgantown, W.Va.

She had worked as a cook for 15 years in Hamilton, Ohio, and was a homemaker.

Her husband, James E. Kerns, died March 28, 1984.

Surviving are a daughter, Carolyn Joan Spitznogle of Mt. Morris; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Evelyn Rose of Mt. Morris, Jean Near of Big Bear, W.Va., and Linda Huggins of Davistown; three brothers, Ray Wilkins of Hamilton, Ohio, Arch S. Wilkins of Westover, W.Va., and Lawrence Dale Wilkins of Mt. Morris; and several nieces and nephews.

A sister, Maxine Turner, is deceased.

Stephen Klamerus

Stephen Klamerus, 87, of Carmichaels, died at 9:50 p.m. Tuesday, January 12, 2010, in his home.

He was born August 13, 1922, in Dunlap, Menallen Township, Fayette County, a son of the late Joseph and Anna Graczek Klamerus.

Mr. Klamerus was a 1940 graduate of Redstone Township High School and resided in Cumberland Township, Greene County, all of his married life.

He served with the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II.

Mr. Klamerus retired from Gateway Mine in 1984.

He was a member of Our Lady of Consolation Roman Catholic Church in Nemacolin and United Mine Workers of America Gateway Local 6259 and a former member of Greene County Citizens Club in Nemacolin.

Mr. Klamerus was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers and New York Yankees. He was a former senior league coach. He enjoyed vegetable gardening and reading.

Because his family was important to him, he attended nearly every sporting event in which his family participated.

On September 16, 1950, in St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Brownsville, he married Margaret Ann Donelich, who survives.

Also surviving are a son, Jerry F. Klamerus and wife Jackie of Severna Park, Md.; two daughters, Margaret McCombs and husband Jerry and Bernadette Klamerus, both of Carmichaels; two grandsons; a great-granddaughter; a sister, Helen Balas of California; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are five brothers, John, Joseph, Mike, Andrew and William Klamerus, and three sisters, Victoria Aldridge, Frances Bellotti and Elizabeth Maida.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Our Lady of Consolation Roman Catholic Church, P.O. Box 206, Nemacolin, PA 15351, or Albert Gallatin Hospice, 102 South Main Street, Masontown, PA 15461.

Josephine A. Leasure

Josephine A. Leasure, 97, of Carmichaels, died at 7:17 p.m. Tuesday, January 12, 2010, in Rolling Meadows Nursing Home, Waynesburg.

She was born December 29, 1912, in Baggaley, Unity Township, Westmoreland County, a daughter of the late Vincent and Anna Banik O'Lear.

Mrs. Leasure resided in Cumberland Township, Greene County, most of her life.

She was a member of First Christian Church in Carmichaels, where she taught Sunday school for many years.

On September 3, 1929, she married Charles D. Leasure, who died April 17, 1983.

Surviving are two sons, George K. Leasure and wife Margie of Washington and James F. Leasure and wife Leora of Eighty Four; 18 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; 23 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Sophia Volk of Masontown; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are a daughter, Dolores David; a son, Charles M. Leasure; four brothers, John Smith, Andy Smith, John O'Lear and Frank O'Lear; and seven sisters, Edna Nootny, Mary Smith, Helen Koval, Katie Koval, Annie Swarlis, Mary Holupka and Elizabeth Orshowitz.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to First Christian Church, P.O. Box 193, Carmichaels, PA 15320.

Madeline S. Lemmon

Madeline S. Lemmon, 89, formerly of Jackson Township, Greene County, died at 4:23 a.m. Wednesday, January 13, 2010, in Rolling Meadows Nursing Home, Waynesburg, after being in failing health for the past several years.

She was born October 21, 1920, in Aleppo Township, Greene County, a daughter of the late Lot Bowen and Bertha Mitchell Shough.

Mrs. Lemmon had been a resident of Jackson Township since 1949.

She was a 1940 graduate of Waynesburg High School and attended Waynesburg College from 1940 to 1942.

Mrs. Lemmon was a former member and Sunday school teacher at Centennial Church of God and had been a member of Bethany United Methodist Church for the past several years.

She enjoyed reading, sewing and knitting, as long as her health permitted. In her youth, she enjoyed oil painting.

On November 1, 1945, she married Robert Lee (Billy) Lemmon, who died April 4, 2009.

Surviving are eight nieces and nephews.

An only child, she was the last of her immediate family.

Leona Beatty

Leona Beatty, 94, of Carmichaels, died Thursday, January 14, 2010, in the home of her daughter, Charlotte White.

She was born October 21, 1915, in Fairchance, a daughter of the late Hosea and Addabelle Guthrie.

She attended Clarksville Christian Church.

Surviving are a son, Charles Beatty and wife Louisa of Massillon, Ohio; and four daughters, Charlotte White and husband Albert of Clarksville, Geraldine Howard and husband Richard of Ocean View, Del., Leona Joyce Olesko and husband Andrew of Republic and Betty Beatty of Carmichaels. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Deceased are her husband, Charles Beatty Sr.; three sisters, Gertrude Byerley, Ruth White and Mildred Huey; and a brother, William Brown.

Mary Jo (Kavlick) Hood

Mary Jo (Kavlick) Hood, 71, of Connellsville, Pa., passed away Tuesday, January 12, 2010 in the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, of complications from surgery and COPD.

Born in Bobtown, Pa. on Sept. 3, 1938, she was a daughter of Walter and Mary (Auther) Kavlick.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by two brothers, Bernard and Linus Kavlick, and a daughter, Mary, in infancy.

A 1956 graduate of Mapletown High School, she was a 38 year member of the Pleasant Valley Country Club.

During her life, she expressed love and respect for the coal mining community of Bobtown and the people she knew from her early years. Mary Jo was very much admired by her many friends and her husband's employees, customers, and suppliers who she met during his career in the coatings business.

She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, James D. Hood; two sons: James D. Hood, II of Connellsville, and Joel (Mary) Hood and step-grandson, Scott Bell, all of Connellsville; a daughter, Jill (William) Underhill of Richmond, Texas, and two grandsons: Will and Charlie Underhill, who Mary Jo totally enjoyed and adored.

Also surviving are two brothers, Vincent (Karen) Kavlick of Green Valley, Arizona, and David (Mary) Kavlick of Baltimore, Maryland; and a sister, Lucille Fralick of Knoxville, Tenn.

Melvin J. Ammon

Melvin J. (Mel) Ammon, 62, of Ruff Creek, formerly of Port Orange, Fla., died unexpectedly Wednesday, January 13, 2010, in his home.

He was born August 9, 1947, in Washington, a son of the late Edward Carl and Catherine H. Petrola Ammon.

Mr. Ammon attended Canon-McMillan High School.

He served during the Vietnam War in the U.S. Army as an aircraft maintenance crewman and in single engine airplane repair. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Sharpshooter Badge.

He was a self-employed floor installer.

Mr. Ammon's passion was to be with his children, grandchildren and family. He enjoyed spending time at the family cabin, partying and listening to doo-wop. He was an avid Steelers fan. He was taken from his family and friends too soon and will be sadly missed by all.

Surviving are a son, Sonny (Agnes) Ammon of Ormond Beach, Fla.; a daughter, Sheri (John Bennett) Ammon of Holly Hill, Fla.; two grandchildren; two sisters, Lenora Sue (Didier) Ammon Rousseau of New York City, N.Y., and Mary Veronica Ammon of Canonsburg; two brothers, Edward Carl (Paulette) Ammon II of McDonald and William Michael (Susie) Ammon of Las Vegas, Nev.; and many nieces and nephews.

He also leaves behind his longtime companion, Colette Biosvert.

Deceased, in addition to his parents, is a sister, Catherine L. Ammon.

Sarah Crouse Grossman Conkle

Sarah Crouse Grossman Conkle, 99, of Waynesburg, died at 7 a.m. Friday, January 15, 2010, in RespiCenter West, Waynesburg.

She was born Wednesday, December 28, 1910, in Rogersville, a daughter of the late Thomas Campbell Crouse and Ella Rock Crouse.

Mrs. Conkle was a member of Church of Christ of Waynesburg.

She was a 1933 graduate of Ohio Valley School of Nursing in Steubenville, Ohio, and was a member of the American Red Cross. She had worked as a nurse in Greene County Memorial Hospital in Waynesburg and also did home nursing, retiring in 1965.

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Her first husband, David S. Grossman, and her second husband, Leslie R. Conkle, are both deceased.

Surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are five sisters, Carolyn Lemley, Louise Anderson, Helen Haines, Kathleen Hammond and Mary Meighen; and five brothers, Layton Crouse, Lawrence Crouse, Theodore Crouse, James Crouse and Walter Crouse.

Mary Teresa Crouse Meighen

Mary Teresa Crouse Meighen, 89, of Washington, died Friday, January 15, 2010, in Donnell House, Washington.

She was born February 4, 1920, in Rogersville, a daughter of Thomas Campbell Crouse and Ella Rock Crouse.

Mrs. Meighen was a graduate of Rogersville High School.

She was a homemaker who enjoyed taking care of her children and grandchildren.

Mrs. Meighen was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Washington, and South Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department's Ladies Auxiliary.

On September 24, 1940, she married Denis Albert Meighen, who died November 8, 1997.

Surviving are two sons, Denis T. (Nancy) Meighen of Washington and Gary W. (Dolly) Meighen of Latrobe; a daughter, Teresa Harper of Pittsburgh; seven grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Deceased are five brothers, Layton, Lawrence, James, Theodore and Walter; five sisters, Helen Haines, Kathleen Hammond, Carolyn Lemley, Louise Anderson and Sara Conkle, who died January 15, 2010; and four grandchildren, Cindy Meighen Calabrese, and Dale, Darren and Gregory Meighen.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Immaculate Conception Church or Donnell House.

G. Edward Minder Jr.

G. Edward Minder Jr., 77, went to be with the Lord early Friday morning, January 15, 2010, in his home in Carmichaels.

He was born December 17, 1932, in Millersville, Lancaster County, a son of George Edward and Reba Morrow Minder.

Mr. Minder was a 1951 graduate of Solanco High School.

He was a longtime resident of Lampeter, where he had a nursery and served as assistant chief of Lampeter Fire Company. He was instrumental in building its current fire hall.

Mr. Minder was one of the founders of Fire Expo, in support of Lancaster County Fire School. Fire Expo is now held in the farm show building in Harrisburg.

On December 23, 1976, he married Beth J. Chapman and moved to Carmichaels, where he owned and operated G. Edward Minder Jr. Groundcover Nursery.

He loved the community, donating plants and wreaths to many community groups, including the landscaping of Min-Love Park in Rices Landing.

Mr. Minder was a member of Carmichaels First United Methodist Church, where he served as trustee and helped Adult Family Ministries with monthly community dinners. His big project was a Community Christmas party this past December.

Surviving are a son, G. Edward Minder III (Judy) of Lancaster; daughters Stephanie Sauder (Jim) of Lancaster, Jamie Roesler (Will) of Anchorage, Alaska, and Loni Willis (Mark) of Carmichaels; three grandsons; three granddaughters; and a sister, Carol Wiggins (Russ) of Willow Valley.

Deceased, in addition to his parents, are a brother, Robert Minder; and a beloved uncle, Samuel I. Minder.

Margaret Alice Menhart

Margaret Alice Menhart, 84, of Crucible, died Friday, January 15, 2010, in her home, surrounded by her loving husband and children.

She was born February 9, 1925, in Crucible, a daughter of the late John J. and Mary Swank Ohler.

Mrs. Menhart was a homemaker, loving mother and grandmother. Her greatest joy was always putting her family first.

She was a member of Greene Valley Presbyterian Church of Carmichaels, Crucible Ladies Aid and Crucible Playground Committee and she volunteered her time for community services.

Mrs. Menhart was an avid reader of the Holy Bible. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she adored.

On March 30, 1946, she married Mike Menhart Sr., who survives.

She was the beloved mother of Linda King and husband Lynn of Waynesburg, John Menhart and wife Cassie of Rices Landing and Mike Menhart Jr. and wife Anita of Rices Landing.

Also surviving are several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Sylvia Gossett of Cleveland, Ohio, and Ivy Tresnowsky of Youngtown, Ohio.

She also leaves a very dear friend, Laura "Charlie" Danforth; and her loving caregivers, Amy Metts, Sandra Provance, Sharon Hathaway and Barbara Davis.

Deceased are a son, Bertram Menhart; two sisters, Aretta Archel and Barbara Kowalewski; and three brothers, John Ohler, James Ohler and Bertram Ohler.

Nick Levo

Nick Levo, 88, of Waynesburg, formerly of Greensboro, died at 3:30 a.m. Sunday, January 17, 2010, in Southwest Regional Medical Center, Waynesburg.

He was born July 13, 1921, in Arnold, a son of the late Nicholas Sr. and Anna Dompe Levo.

Mr. Levo attended school in Russellton and graduated from Springdale High School in 1939.

He served with the U.S. Army during World War II in Northern France and Central Europe with Company B of the 283rd Engineers Battalion.

After the war, Mr. Levo received his bachelor of science degree in engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 1955 and subsequently earned the title of professional engineer. He retired as superintendent of Duquesne Light Warwick Mine in Greensboro in 1986.

Mr. Levo was a member and usher at Holy Family Catholic Church in Greensboro, a past commander, chaplain and life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6303, Greensboro. He was a life member of Cumberland American Legion Post 400 of Carmichaels and a life member of Bobtown Polish Club.

In addition, he served with the Carmichaels Honor Guard for many years and was a member of Italo-American Citizens Club of Masontown. He served as a member of the advisory counsel of the Area Agency on Aging for Southwestern Pennsylvania, served as a member of the board of directors of the Pittsburgh Coal Mining Institute of America and served with the Greene County Planning Commission.

He was instrumental in developing Mon-View Park in Greensboro with Duquesne Light Co.

On October 28, 1946, he married Minnie Trofnoff, who died February 29, 1992.

Surviving are two sons, Bob Levo and wife Mary of Waynesburg and James Levo and wife Cindy of Carmichaels; a daughter, Anita Capristo and husband Jay of Titusville; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a half brother, Carmen Levo of Jacksonville, Fla.; a half sister, Mary Ann Lewis of Jacksonville, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are a son, George Levo; and a grandson, Angelo Capristo.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the building fund of Cumberland American Legion Post 400, 205 East George Street, Carmichaels, PA 15320.

Doreen J. Bogucki Moore

Doreen J. Bogucki Moore, 52, of Waynesburg, died at 7:54 p.m. Saturday, January 16, 2010, in Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, W.Va.

She was born Monday, March 25, 1957, in Fairfax, Va., a daughter of the late Edward S. Bogucki and Julie M. Katusa Bogucki of Waynesburg.

She was affiliated with St. Ann Roman Catholic Church of Waynesburg and had worked as a waitress at the former Chicken House Restaurant in Waynesburg.

In addition to her mother, surviving are two brothers, Edward J. Bogucki of Carmichaels and Michael J. Bogucki of New Port, Ala.; five nieces and nephews; and five great-nieces and nephews.

Jean C. Kenton

Jean C. Kenton, age 88 of Grindstone, Pa., died peacefully at Hillside Manor Personal Care Home, Uniontown, on December 31, 2009.

She was born October 30, 1921, in Crucible, Pa. She attended Cumberland High School, then Redstone High School in Fayette County, and completed her undergraduate studies at California State Teacher's College (now California University of Pennsylvania) in 1945. There she met her future husband, Frank J. Kenton of Republic. They were both involved with the campus newspaper, and were the catalysts for and producers of "The C Book", the college's first Student Directory.

Jean taught elementary school for 45 years, first in Braznell and Republic, then in the Sharpsville Area School District in Mercer County, Pa. She taught Special Education there for six years, while Frank taught Shop and Mechanical Drawing. She received her Masters Degree in Education from Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pa., while teaching in Sharpsville.

The couple moved to Orange County, California in 1963, where Jean taught Kindergarten and First, Second, or Third Grades in the Santa Ana Unified School District. She received numerous awards and honors for her teaching, and was particularly proud to have children in her classroom whose parents she had also taught.

Jean Kenton was also an artist, craftsperson, and historical preservationist. She quilted, sewed, crocheted, and drew, chiefly in colored pencil. Her specialty was botanical art, and she completed hundreds of drawings of wildflowers, garden flowers, trees, and shrubs in bloom, particularly after her retirement from teaching.

Jean had two children who accompanied their parents on lengthy car trips across the United States in the 1960s, during which they visited numerous sites of historical interest. She continued such explorations throughout her life, even into her eighties.

Especially within the Greater Pittsburgh Area, after her return to Fayette County in 1997, she regularly visited museums and attended historical re-enactments and festivals. She especially cherished family travels to Washington, D.C., Gettysburg, Mt. Vernon, New York State, and southern Canada.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gabriel and Mary Centofanti, her brother Louis Centofanti, her uncle Gaetano Centofanti, husband Frank J. Kenton, and her grandson Frank J. Kenton IV.

She is survived by her children: Frank J. Kenton III and Mary Jean Kenton Rosenberg; daughter-in-law Maureen Kenton; son-in-law Jim Rosenberg, one grandson; sister-in-law Rose Centofanti, two nieces and one nephew.

Memorial Donations may be made to a library of your choice, specifying that the donation be used for the purchase of children's books.

David L. Marks

David L. Marks, ("Dave"), 77, died Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at his home in Tomball, Tex., following a brief illness.

He leaves his wife of 57 years, Lida (Howard) Marks, 74; his son David (Howard) Marks, 52 and his wife Janna Marks (Spring, Tex.); his two daughters ~ Deborah (Scarpaci) Sofranko and her husband John Sofranko of Owings Mills, Md. and Lisa (Marks) Ownbey and husband Rodney Ownbey of Dalton, Ga.

Dave was born on August 14, 1932, in Waynesburg, Pa., to David and Carmela Marks. His siblings include brothers, Albert F. Marks (deceased) and wife Mary (also deceased); Alfred D. Marks and wife Mary, of Murrayville, Ga., and Michelle (DePriest) Johnson of St. Clairsville, Ohio.

After graduating college, in Waynesburg, Dave began a 30-year career with Gulf Oil in Pittsburgh and moved himself and family to many cities across the country as a result, including Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Baltimore and eventually San Francisco, where he spent the remaining years of his career until his retirement in 1992. He and his wife, Lida, fell in love with Tucson and moved there shortly after retirement and remained there until June of 2009, when they decided to move closer to family in the Houston area.

In his earlier years, Dave loved to fish and hunt, spending many hours in the surf along the coast of Galveston or hunting with his son, David, near Brenham, Tex. He loved and adored his family, especially his five wonderful grandchildren and three great-granddaughters.