Death of Marian Jean (Steadman) Russell

Marian Jean Steadman Russell, age 94, formerly of Waterford, passed away Monday, November 24, 2014. Born in Erie on July 30, 1920, she was a daughter of the late Faye J. and Florence (Sue) Weibel Steadman.

Marian was raised in McKean, and after marrying John C. Russell on August 23, 1941, eventually moved to Waterford, where she lived until 2010. She was a homemaker and a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who was well-liked in the Waterford community for her sweet disposition.

A member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Waterford for over 60 years, Marian served almost continually on various committees, and for many years, was faithful teaching Sunday School and leading the Women's Circle. Before moving her residence to Springhill Senior Living in Millcreek, Marian lived in North East and was a member of Park United Methodist Church.

Marian's community memberships included the Fort LeBoeuf Historical Society, the Order of Eastern Star-American Chapter in Union City, and she was formerly co-chair of the Home Show Exhibits at the Waterford Fair. In 2008, Marian received the Community Service Award from the Fort LeBoeuf Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Family members that predeceased Marian include her parents; her husband John on December 5, 1992; two sisters, Lois Davies and Elizabeth Munson Kramer; four infant children- John Allen, Jean Elizabeth, Gary James, and Joyce Ann Russell; and her grandson, Trevor David Russell.

Survivors include her two children - Barbara Clark and her husband Harry of North East, and David Russell and his wife Julie of Waterford; five grandchildren - Heather Hakel (Christopher), Kobi Grabowski (Christopher), Jennifer Russell, Kimberly Myers (Rick), and Amy Huegel (Nick); three great-grandchildren - Abigail Hakel-Garcia, Tyler Grabowski, and Lydia Huegel; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., at Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford. Funeral services will be held at Asbury United Methodist Church in Waterford, on Saturday at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Gary Donaldson officiating. Interment will follow in Waterford Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Asbury U.M. Church, 23 West Second Street, Waterford, or Park U.M. Church, 30 North Lake Street, North East, or the Fort LeBoeuf Historical Society, or a pet shelter of one's choice. Condolences may be shared at www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.

Death of Barbara R. Mosier Hernandez
Class of 1961

Mary Kibbe Lambert, class of 1961, brought to my attention that a classmate of hers had passed back in September. My apologies to Barbara's family for my oversight!

Barbara R. Mosier Hernandez, age 71, of Albion Pa., passed away on Saturday, September 13th, 2014 at Pleasant Ridge Manor.

Barbara was born February 21, 1943, in Girard Pa., daughter of Victor Mosier and Dorothy Mosier. Barb was raised in the Waterford area, and graduated from Ft. Leboeuf High School in 1961. She attended secretarial school in Erie Pa. She lived in Los Angeles and Folsum, California, for several years, returning back to the Albion area, residing here since. She worked at Paragon Packaging in Girard. Barbara was a 21 year member of alcoholics anonymous.

She is survived by her two sons, John Mosier (Kathy), of Lake City, and Lance Hernandez, of Reynolds, North Dakota; two sisters, Dottie Pfeiffer (Leo), of Girard, and Mary Crooks (Sam), of Chambersburg, Pa.; two brothers, Gerald Mosier, of Charlotte, N.C., and David Mosier, of New York City, N.Y.; four grandchildren, Marissa (Hernandez) Fowler, Laurana Hernandez, both of Fargo, North Dakota, Erica Mosier, of McKean Pa., and Ethan Mosier of Lake City; and seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date by the Edder Funeral Home, Inc., Girard.

Death of Kenneth "Ken" Skladanowski
Class of 1972

Kenneth "Ken" Skladanowski, age 60, of Fairview, passed away suddenly, Tuesday, September 23, 2014, at home.

He was born in Erie, on September 3, 1954, the son of Walter and Rita Wienczkowski Skladanowski of Erie.

Ken graduated from Ft. Leboeuf High school and obtained his HVAC certification at Erie County Vo Tech. He was a maintenance technician at Triangle Tool, part of the Plastek group, for 41 years.

As a young boy, he participated in the Boy Scouts. Ken was a member of Holy Cross Church, including the Holy Name Society, Cursillo, and served on the maintenance committee. He spent many years boating and snowmobiling. He loved to ride a bike, one of his favorite trips was Roger's Century ride to Niagara Falls and GOBA. Ken enjoyed riding with the Monday Night Riders and the Presque Isle Cycle Club. He also belonged to the Nautilus, and was a former member of Erie Runners Club, and completed his first marathon at the age of 40. Ken was a lifetime Cleveland Browns and Indians fan. He was always willing to lend a hand and was known as Mr. Fix It for family, friends, and church family. He will be missed by his family and friends, including his cat Lucifer.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife of 38 years, Cindy Hardner Skladanowski; daughters, Jennifer Anderson (Eric) of West Seneca, N.Y. and Jillian Wellington (Robert) of Pittsburgh; grandsons, Benjamin Wellington and Samuel Anderson; brothers, Lawrence (Tennie) of Greensboro, N.C., Michael (Karen) of Winston-Salem, N.C., and Martin (Lori) of Waterford; and sister. Kathleen Bowden of Erie. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as sister-in-law, Carolyn (David) Lewis of Erie.

Friends may call at Holy Cross Church, on Thursday, 6-8 p.m. and Friday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and are invited to attend a funeral mass at 10 a.m. Saturday morning, with Celebrant Father Thomas Tyler. Memorials may be made to Holy Cross Church , 7100 W. Ridge Road, Fairview, or Bike Erie. Burial will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are by Burton Funeral Home, 525 Main Street East, Girard.

Death of Stanley A. Bielak
Class of 1965

          

Stanley A. Bielak, age 69, of Waterford, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 21, 2014. He was born August 2, 1945 in Union City, PA, son of the late Steven and Eva Johnson Bielak, and brother of the late Margaret Stafford.

Stanley graduated from Fort LeBoeuf High School in 1965, and he also graduated from the old Tech High School Auto Mechanics in Erie and several other schools. He was employed at Walker Brothers Buick Chevrolet in Edinboro and Edinboro University for several years until he retired. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, working on and showing classic cars, and drag racing, for which he won several trophies in the late 60's.

Stanley was a Skywarn Spotter, a member of the NRA, and a member of the Gold Prospectors Association of America where he enjoyed going to the meetings to dig and pan for gold and gems.

Survivors include his loving wife of 45 years, Margie Moses Bielak; his nieces- Michelle Hogue and husband Mark of Edinboro, and Renee McAlexander and friend Shawn Dizpatrick of Arizona; his nephew- Michael Stafford and his wife Frieda and their child Margaret of Arizona; cousins-Nancy Porter of Saegertown, PA, Ellen Bartnik and husband Casey of Illinois, and Paula Rose and husband Dave of Maine; also, two sisters-in-law, Joyce Conneely of Erie and Leellen Moses of Girard; a brother-in-law David Stafford of Edinboro; and many good friends and neighbors.

Friends may call at Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Friday from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m., and from 5:00 p.m. until time of the funeral service at 6:00 p.m. Rev. Emily Zeig-Lindsey of the First Presbyterian Church in Waterford will officiate. Committal service and interment will be in Mill Village Cemetery on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. officiated by Rev. Matt Falco of the Edinboro First Presbyterian Church.

Memorials may be made to the Regional Cancer Center, the First Presbyterian Church of Waterford, or the Mill Village Fire Department.

Death of Harley G. Wells
Long-time Resident of Waterford

          

Harley G. Wells, age 102, of Waterford, passed away Saturday, September 13, 2014 at Edinboro Manor. He was born March 17, 1912 to Francis Giles and Orrie Wells of LeBoeuf Township.

Harley was an electrician who retired from Erie Press Systems but continued to work at various companies and for the private sector. He was the eldest of four boys and remained in the Waterford area for his entire life. He married Lillian Burger in Ripley, NY on December 14, 1935 and was married 69 years until her passing on October 1, 2006. Harley was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of St. Peters Episcopal Church in Waterford.

Family members include a son, Dayle E. Wells (Joyce) of Marysville, CA, and a daughter, Jill Hopkins of Waterford. Also, three grandchildren, Renae Cunningham (David), Jeff and Greg Wells, and three great-grandchildren, Hayden, Zach and Harley.

Harley felt he had a second daughter, Rebecca Charlton (Greg), who he loved dearly. Also, numerous nieces and nephews survive, along with a sister-in-law Betty Wells of Pleasantville who he dearly loved. Harley had three brothers, Harold, Harvey, and Howard Wells, who preceded him in death.

"Whenever we see a head of beautiful white, wavy hair framing sparkling blue eyes with just a hint of English Leather, you’ll be there."

Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peters Episcopal Church in Waterford and will be officiated by Rev. Norman Field.

Interment will be in Mill Village Cemetery.

Death of Janelle Marie Kitelinger
Fort LeBoeuf High School class of 1996

Janelle Marie Kitelinger, age 36, of Union City, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2014, at St. Vincent Health Center. She was born in Erie on June 22, 1978.

Janelle will be greatly missed by her parents, Charles Kitelinger and Cathy Brown Kitelinger and is leaving behind her three precious children, Issac, Ayva, and Alecia Kitelinger; two brothers, Joseph and Justin Kitelinger; and numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins, and friends. She is further survived by her birthparents, Candy Holder and Mark Lupo and siblings, Matt, David, Bobby, Travis, Terry, Cherise, Melissa, Mark Jr., and Destiny.

Funeral services were private and held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements were under the care of the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., Erie, PA 16504.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family c/o the funeral home.

Please visit www.SchmidtFuneralHomeErie.com to sign the Book of Memories.

Death of Bonnie L. (Reed) Wasyl
Fort LeBoeuf High School class of 1966

Bonnie L. (Reed) Wasyl, age 66, of Erie, passed away Saturday, August 30, 2014, at her residence. She was born May 19, 1948 in Erie, daughter of the late Charles H. and Mabel (Renko) Reed.

Bonnie was a graduate of Fort LeBoeuf High School class of 1966. She worked for over 20 years as the Executive Director at the Greater Erie Eye and Organ Bank, which is currently known as, the Lions Eye Bank of Northwestern PA. She was a member of the Red Hat Society. Bonnie loved woodworking, gardening, computers, and her cats.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Katrina Wasyl, in infancy; a brother, Charles H. Reed, Jr.; a sister, Becky J. Reed; a brother-in-law, Marvin Thomas, Jr.; a niece, Heidi Reed; and her former husband, Richard Karl Wasyl.

Survivors include a son, Stephen Wasyl, wife Dawn, of Erie; a step grandson, Mitchell Weber; a sister, Carol Sue Thomas, of Erie; a brother, Paul Reed, wife Judy, of McKean; two nieces Carol Lee Wojtkielewicz, husband Joseph, and Lori Ann Jacobson, husband Denis, both of Erie; a nephew, Scott H. Reed, wife Michelle, of Erie; and several great nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. until the time of a service at 8 p.m. at the Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th St., at Greengarden Boulevard. Burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made to Because You Care P.O. Box 54, McKean, PA 16426, or, the Lions Eye Bank of Northwestern PA, 5105 Richmond Street, Erie, PA 16509.

Death of Faye Ann Russell
Fort LeBoeuf High School class of 1980

Faye Ann Russell, age 53, of Waterford, passed away peacefully in her home Saturday, August 30, 2014. She was born in Erie on August 2, 1961, and was the beloved daughter of Chester and Phyllis Russell.

After graduating from Fort LeBoeuf High School in 1980, she worked at Russell's of Waterford, and was a valued member of the team. Faye had a passion for traveling, genealogy, and history. She was also a member of the Fort LeBoeuf Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and she attended the Asbury United Methodist Church, in Waterford.

Faye's father, mother, brother, Darren Russell and his wife Suzi, and nieces, Samantha and Lauren, survive her, along with an aunt, an uncle, cousins, and dear friends. All who had the good fortune of knowing her, will greatly miss Faye; her warmth and gentle spirit will live on in their memories and hearts.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3, at the Waterford Cemetery, East 3rd Street.

In lieu of flowers, tributes to Faye can be made either to the Fort LeBoeuf Historical Society, P.O. Box 622, Waterford, PA 16441, or, the Regional Cancer Center of Erie, 2500 W. 12th St., Erie, PA 16505.

Condolences may be shared at www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.

Death of Donna L. (Martin) Peters
Fort LeBoeuf High School Cafeteria/Mill Village Elementary School Cafeteria as Manager

Donna L. (Martin) Peters, age 82, of Mill Village, died at Saint Vincent Hospital, on Wednesday, August 20, 2014, after a short illness. Born in Erie, on July 28, 1932, she was one of four daughters of the late Melvin and Edna Specht Martin. Donna married Raymond O. Peters on November 14, 1953, and he survives to mourn her loss.

All who knew Donna could describe her as a great lady with an outgoing personality, a friend to anyone she met, and a devoted wife who loved her family. She enjoyed holidays and family gatherings, and while pleased to cook anytime for those she loved, she also liked to be taken out for dinner by her husband.

Donna played bingo and held regular card games with her sisters and aunts, and with her grandchildren. She enjoyed winters in Myrtle Beach and Florida, with her husband, and would crochet baby blankets to be given to children in a Myrtle Beach hospital.

For 23 years, Donna worked for the Fort LeBoeuf School District, first at the high school cafeteria, then at the Mill Village Elementary School cafeteria, where she retired as manager in 1993. She loved the school children and was recognized often by them, even years later. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, the Mill Village United Methodist Church, and the United Methodist Women, and was a former Girl Scout leader.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Martha Stellmack.

In addition to her husband Ray, she is survived by three children - Paul R. Peters and his wife Cris of Mill Village, Peggy A. Brown and her husband Bruce of McKean, and William R. Peters and his wife Donna M. of Mill Village; six grandchildren - Bryan Brown and his fiancee Rhiannon Tokar, Kyle Brown, Megan and Aaron Peters, and Bradley and Kylie Peters; also, two sisters - Betty Jean Schwab and husband Roger of Waterford, and Jane Currie and husband Jim of Welton, Ariz.; and many more family and friends.

The family will visit with friends on Friday, August 22, 2014 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., at Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford. Funeral services will be at the Mill Village United Methodist Church on Saturday at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor Bryon Switala. Interment will follow at Mill Village Cemetery.

Death of Florence Clara Rutkowski
Waterford High School Class of 1950

Florence Clara Rutkowski, age 82, a longtime resident of Erie, PA, passed away August 10, 2014, at Edinboro Manor, in Edinboro, Pa. Florence was born September 27, 1932 in Waterford, Pa., to Theodore and Waleria Rutkowski.

After graduation from Waterford High School, Florence worked for ten years for General Telephone. She then attended Hickson's School of Floral Design and worked for Allburn Florists before opening her own business, Flowers by Florence, in Waterford. She later opened a second Flowers by Florence in North East. Because of health reasons, she later sold both businesses and worked at St. Mary's Home in Erie, retiring from there after twenty years of service.

Florence is survived by a brother, Eugene (Elizabeth) Rutkowski, of New Bethlehem, Pa.; sisters-in-law Pauline Rutkowski, of Erie, and Alice Rutkowski, of North East; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Florence was preceded in death by her brothers Edmund, Theodore Jr., Raymond, Benjamin, Leo, John, Matthew, and Rev. Fr. Edward Rutkowski, and her sisters, Bertha Rutkowski, Anna Wehan, Irene Lewandoski, and Thelma Laufenberg.

Friends may call Tuesday, August 12, 2014, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m., at Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford, Pa. Interment will follow at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in McKean, Pa. Condolences may be shared at www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com

Death of Minnie Bell (Briggs) Baughman
Fort LeBoeuf High School Cafeteria Cook

Minnie Bell (Briggs) Baughman, age 89, resident of Waterford, Pa. since 1947, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2014, after a period of failing health. Born on January 13, 1925, in Weldon, N.C., Minnie was a daughter of the late Matthew Turner and Minnie Bell Turner.

In earlier years, Minnie worked as a civilian secretary of airplane parts supply, at Seymour Air Force Base in North Carolina. She met her future husband, Melvin Briggs, there, and they were married on December 30, 1944. He died on March 23, 1966. She subsequently married Warren Baughman in April of 1973, and he died on April 5, 1997. From 1957 until her retirement in 1987, Minnie was employed as a cook at Fort LeBoeuf High School.

A member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Waterford, Minnie also was a member of American Legion Post # 285 Auxiliary in Waterford, and a past member of Waterford Rebekah Lodge. She enjoyed traveling, especially to the New England states and to North Carolina.

Surviving Minnie is a son - Mark A. Briggs of Sutton, Mass., and a daughter - Brenda K. Haight and her husband, Joseph of Waterford; four grandchildren - Christan J. Stempka, Matthew T. Stempka, and Shayna Haight, all of Waterford; and Shelly (Haight) Fry and her husband, Michael of Meadville; three great-grandchildren; two great-great-granddaughters; and a great-great-grandson. In addition, Minnie is survived by several dear friends - Wilbur and Jennie Davis of North Carolina and Kathy Coyle of Erie.

She was preceded in death by four brothers, four sisters, and a best friend - Louise Chase.

Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, in Waterford, on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9, and are invited to a funeral service there on Friday at 10:00 a.m. Reverend Jim Fish, United Methodist Minister, will officiate. Interment will be in Waterford Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society of Erie.

Death of Loretta (Young) Dzeskewicz
Waterford High School Class of 1955

                         

Loretta Y. Dzeskewicz, age 77, of McKean, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2014, at home, in the care of her family. She was born in Hastings, Pa., daughter of the late James and Lucy (Gray) Young.

Her family moved to Waterford when she was a child and she graduated from Waterford High School. She met her future husband during school, where he was friends with her brothers. Loretta attended Hamot School of Nursing on a scholarship, while her then fiancé, Chester, served in the army. She married Chester Dzeskewicz on November 22, 1958, and celebrated 53 years with him, before he passed away in 2012. Prior to retiring, Loretta was a nursing supervisor at Battersby Convalescent Center.

She enjoyed traveling, having gone to Scotland for her son's wedding, and having toured Italy with her sisters and the bishop of the diocese. She attended a mass given by Pope John Paul II, and returned with many souvenirs, including rosaries for her daughters that were twice-blessed by the Pope. Loretta especially enjoyed visiting her children and grandchildren, traveling to Connecticut, Philadelphia, South Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Michigan, Maine and Ohio to do so. She was an active member of St. Francis Xavier R.C. Church, the St. Francis Rosary Society, and the Hamot School of Nursing Alumni Society. She enjoyed gardening, and had a lovely view out the front window of the hummingbirds that were attracted to her flowers. She helped Chester with his large vegetable garden every year, often canning dozens of bottles of vegetables and hot ringers. She was well known for her pies at the McKean Bazaar.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Charles, James, and Alfred Young, and sisters, Miriam Onorato, Mary Rita Kurtak, Olean Heimbach, Dolores Thrall, Shirley Ruggerio and Lucy Young.

Loretta is survived by three sons: Chester S. Dzeskewicz, Jr., wife JoAnne and daughter Jacqueline of Girard, Pa.; Philip Dzeskewicz of Meadville; Stephen Dzeskewicz, wife Michelle, children Aaron and Matti Rose of Waterford, Pa., five daughters: Deanna Dzeskewicz of Cranesville, Pa.; Lucy Lenhardt, husband Douglas, children Dustin, Brandon, Corey, Brooke and Jacob of McKean, Pa.; Catherine Malinchak, husband Thomas, daughters Sabrina and Mari of Chesterland, Ohio; Rose Harnois, husband Steven, sons Aidan, Elliot and Alexander of Willow Springs, N.C. ; and Mari Orlop, husband Matthew, children Madelyn, Gabriel and Catherine of Cambridge Springs, Pa. She is also survived by one sister: Imogene Stockton of Erie and two brothers: Quentin Young, wife Grace of Jamestown, N.Y. and Joseph Young of Mt. Morris, N.Y., along with dozens of nieces and nephews, and many friends.

Her children are deeply grateful to Mary Tubbs, her dedicated caregiver of the past two years.

Friends may call at St. Francis Xavier Church, 8880 Main St, McKean, PA 16426, on Friday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held there Saturday at 2:00 p.m., followed by burial at St. Francis Cemetery. The Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., Edinboro, has been entrusted with the care of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Francis Xavier Church. To send condolences please visit www.gluntfuneralhome.com.

The following is a 40 miinute video tribute to Carm Bonito:

Tribute to The Coach

Death of The Coach - Carm Bonito

It is with deep sadness and regret that I report the death of The Coach:

Carmel "Carm" Bonito, age 91, of Waterford, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at Forestview Healthcare Center where he resided for over a year. Born in Erie on October 14, 1922, he was a son of Anthony and Susan Verdoni Bonito. He married Alice Mooradian on October 7, 1949 and she survives.

Carm was a well-known local sports figure from his early high school years to his many years of coaching. He graduated from Wesleyville High School in 1941 where he lettered in football, basketball, wrestling and baseball. He played football, baseball and wrestled at Findlay College in Ohio before joining the U.S. Navy in 1941. After four years of service, Carm enrolled at Bowling Green University where he played football and was captain of the wrestling team for three years, graduating in 1949 with a B.S. in Health, P.E. and Recreation.

His teaching career started at Waterford Academy in 1949 and ended with his retirement from Fort LeBoeuf High School in 1982. During those years he served as: Athletic Director 1949-82; basketball coach 1949-51; baseball coach 1949-59, including Eastern Champs three years and Erie County Champs two years; and football coach 1949-82, including Erie County Champs three years with an undefeated team in 1962.

Carm was the first Certified Athletic Trainer in Erie County and served as trainer for the Erie Vets semi-pro football team. After retiring from Fort LeBoeuf, he was the football trainer for Mercyhurst College 1982-84. Carm was privileged to serve as County Coach in the Save-An-Eye Football Classic three times, he also played in the game as a high school senior.

Carm organized the first recreation program at Fort LeBoeuf Schools, and he enjoyed playing in the American Legion Baseball League, the Wesleyville and Waterford County Leagues, the Lake Shore League and Glenwood League, and the Senior County League. He was past president of the Erie County Coaches Association, was a PIAA wrestling official for 25 years, and was inducted into the Fort LeBoeuf Hall of Fame in 1996, the Wesleyville-Iroquois-Lawrence Park Hall of Fame in 2008, and the Metropolitan PA Sports Hall of Fame, Erie Chapter, in 1999.

Carm enlisted in the Navy in 1941 after the Pearl Harbor attack. He served in the Pacific on two destroyers, the USS Maddox and the USS Hastings, and was involved in the invasions of Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Philippines, Luzon, Marshall Islands, and Tokyo Bay. He was honorably discharged in 1945 as Gunner's Mate First Class.

He was a member of the Waterford Lions Club and recipient of the Melvin Jones Award, and he enjoyed hunting, dog training, hiking, fitness, reading and traveling.

Carm is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Alice; his two children, James A. Bonito and wife Patricia of Waterford, and Patricia A. Sarring and husband Rudy of Edinboro; his granddaughter, the joy of his life, Allyson C. Sarring; two brothers, Joseph Bonito and wife Sandra, and Anthony Bonito and wife Tabby, all of Port Huron, MI; and two sisters-in-law, Teresa Mooradian and Patsy Mooradian, both of Erie. Carm also had a sister, Theresa Lindway, who preceded him in death.

Visiting hours will be at Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Monday, July 21, 2014 from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. The funeral service will be at Asbury United Methodist Church, West 2nd Street, Waterford on Tuesday morning at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Pastor Linda Ruth of Oasis of Love Church, Edinboro. Private burial with military honors will follow at Lakeside Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Fort LeBoeuf Football Boosters, c/o Diane Lewis, PO Box 993, Waterford, PA 16441, the Fort LeBoeuf Historical Society, PO Box 622, Waterford, or the Art Steves Room Fund, c/o Greg Kuzma, 8313 Old French Road, Erie, PA 16509

Death of Stacey Lee Chase Dingle

Fort LeBoeuf High School Class of 1988

Stacey Lee Dingle, age 44, of Waterford, died Saturday, July 12, 2014, peacefully at her mother's home, after a long battle with cancer.

Stacey had a passion for animals, which motivated her to pursue a degree as a Veterinarian Assistant. She also had a passion for photography.

Stacey is survived in death by her two daughters, Paige and Kari Dingle; her father, Donald Chase and his wife Linda; her loving mother, Kathleen Kiehart; her sister, Dawn Decker and husband Louie; her brother, Bryan Chase and wife April; three nephews, Devin and Connor Chase, and Louie Decker, IV; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends are invited to attend visiting hours at The Summit, 8160 Oliver Road, Erie, PA 16509 on Thursday from 6:00 until the time of the service at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Brugger Funeral Home & Crematory, 845 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16508. Condolences and photos may be sent at www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com.

Death of Amber LaVonne Owens McCall

Fort LeBoeuf High School Class of 1953

Amber LaVonne Owens McCall, age 78, lifelong resident of Waterford, died Monday, July 7, 2014 at Presque Isle Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Erie after a long illness.

Born in Waterford on October 8, 1935, she was one of seven children of the late Everett and Caroline Lindsley Owens. She married Ronald L. McCall on August 22, 1953 and he survives. A loving wife and a great mother and grandmother; fun-loving with an infectious laugh and a great sense of humor -- this is how Amber will be remembered by her family. She loved to crochet and quilt and belonged to a crochet club and the Waterford Colonial Quilters. She enjoyed playing cards, bowling, square dancing, playing golf, and spending time with her family. Amber retired in 2001 as the secretary of the Waterford Municipal Authority after ten years of service. She was an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church and played in the bell choir and was involved with the United Methodist Women. Amber also served as a local election official.

Family members include four siblings who are deceased: two sisters, Juanita Williams and Meredith Lockwood, and two brothers, Darrell Owens and Dale "Ike" Owens.

Surviving family members in addition to her husband, Ron, include: four children, Dawn Casey and husband, John of Voorhees, N.J., April White and husband, Gary of Waterford, Julie See and husband, Ed of Titusville, and Jay McCall and wife, Heather of Summit Township; eight grandchildren, Jillian, Katie, Amber, Andrew, Abby, Katelyn, Joshua, and Julia; two sisters, Beverly "Babe" Brace and husband, Robert of Waterford, and Mona Kelly of Chicago, Ill.; a sister-in-law, Dolly Owens of Waterford; and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be at Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will take place at Asbury United Methodist Church, West 2nd Street, Waterford on Friday, July 11, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Gary Donaldson officiating. Burial will follow at Waterford Cemetery.

The McCall family would like to express thanks to the caregivers at Presque Isle Nursing Center for their loving care, and to family and friends for all their support during this difficult journey.

Memorial gifts may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be sent at www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.

Lesley E. (Sherrod) Proper, age 51, of Mill Village, died Monday, June 23, 2014 at Saint Vincent Health Center.

Born in Erie on June 6, 1963, she was the daughter of the late Margaret DeWolf Sherrod.

Lesley was an awesome mom and grandma who will be missed by all who knew her. She was a volunteer Girl Scout leader, she enjoyed crafts and collecting knickknacks, and she loved her two dogs.

Family members include her four children: Samantha Lynn Proper Vincent and her husband, Timothy, Michael Proper, Bobbi Sue Proper, and Brandon Proper; four grandchildren; a brother, Thomas Parr; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

She was predeceased by a brother, Lawrence Parr.

Friends are invited to attend a memorial service at the Mill Village Methodist Church on Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. with a dinner following. Memorial donations may be given to the Van Matre Funeral Home in Waterford, and condolences may be shared at www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.

Death of Valerie Johnson Kennedy



Fort LeBoeuf High School Class of 1975

Valerie Johnson Kennedy, age 56, of Wattsburg, passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Erie on September 10, 1957, daughter of the late Ralph and Darlene Gillingham Johnson.

Valerie was a respiratory therapist locally for many years before pursuing her true passion of cooking, graduating from Mercyhurst North East with a degree in Culinary Arts in 1998. She was truly creative and had a knack for making something out of nothing.

Valerie was a loving and loyal wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend who was always smiling. She enjoyed spending time outdoors and supporting local agriculture. She treasured fun adventures with her Ya-Ya sisters, camping with good friends, and was pleased to act as a mentor for The Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network. For Valerie, nothing was more important than being there for her friends and family.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Kennedy, with whom she was together with for over 38 years; two daughters, Melissa Brumett of Wattsburg and Lauren Kennedy of Meadville; two grandchildren, Brittany and Justin Brumett; two brothers, Ralph (Karen) Johnson and David (Jody) Johnson; her mother-in-law, Beatrice Ann Kennedy; her sister-in-law, Trish Kennedy-Flynn, and numerous nieces, nephews and many close friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network Mentoring Program or www.farmaid.org.

Friends may call at the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home Inc. 5000 Wattsburg Rd. Erie, 16504, on Wednesday from 2:00 pm until the time of the Memorial Service at 4:00 pm with Rev. Dale Francis officiating. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

Death of Nancy Joan Greenlee



Fort LeBoeuf School District Teacher

Nancy Joan Greenlee, 80, formerly of Erie, Pennsylvania, died June 3, 2014, in Hudson, Ohio. Nancy was a teacher for many years in the Ft. LeBoeuf School District. She and her late husband, Harold (Hal), where active in square dancing.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., Friday in the Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 West Park Street, Franklin. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 7, at Christ United Methodist Church, 1135 Buffalo Street, Franklin.

Online condolences, flowers, and sympathy cards may be sent to the family, by visiting www.HuffFuneral.com.