Jack Sturgis; 77; of Belle Vernon (Washington Township); died Friday; July 6; 2007; at 10:10 p.m. in Mon Valley Hospital; Carroll Township. Born Oct. 29; 1929; in Lowber; he was the son of the late Guy and Mary Ann Pascoe Sturgis. He was a resident of Washington Township for the past 47 years. Mr. Sturgis was a retired machine operator from Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel; Allenport plant; and he was a veteran of the Korean Conflict; serving with the U.S. Army. He is survived by his wife; Irene Havadich Sturgis to whom he was married 47 years; sister and brother-in-law; Mae and Edward D’Erreco; of Belle Vernon; two sisters-in-law; Helen Evans; of Belle Vernon; and Pat Lawrence; of Destin; Fla.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three sisters; Maude; Hope and Jane; and a brother; James Sturgis. Visitation will be held Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the LEONARD J. PARZYNSKI FUNERAL HOME; family owned and operated; 626 Broad Ave.; Belle Vernon (724-929-6183). Services will be held Tuesday; July 10; at 10 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Lawrence L. Manchas V.F.; pastor of St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church; Belle Vernon; officiating. Interment will take place in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Condolences accepted at the funeral home Web site; www.parzynskifuneralhome.com

Margaret A. Mann; 69; of Monongahela; died Thursday; July 5; 2007; in Monongahela Valley Hospital. Born Dec. 23; 1937; in Monessen; she was a daughter of the late John Sr. and Anna Vagasky Michaels. For the past 25 years; Mrs. Mann had been working as a seamstress at Monongahela Valley Hospital. After graduating from Rostraver High School in 1955; she worked at the former J.C. Penney Co. in Monessen. Mrs. Mann was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Monongahela and a member of the Altar Rosary Christian Mothers Society. She is survived by two sons; Mark Mann; of Clairton; and Sean Mann; of Monongahela; two daughters; Juli and Krissy Mann; of Silver Spring; Md.; two sisters; Helen Martin; of Clearwater Springs; Fla.; and Dolores Zyglowicz; of Monessen; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her five brothers; John Jr.; Joseph; Frank; Elmer and Anthony Michaels; and two sisters; Ann Randall and Agnes Michaels. Friends will be received at the MARSHALL MARRA FUNERAL HOME; 216 Chess St.; Monongahela (724-258-6767); on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Anthony Catholic Church on Monday; July 9 at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Joseph Feltz as celebrant. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. The Rosaries will be recited in the funeral home on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. by members of the Altar Rosary Christian Mothers Society.

Eric L. Dzonko; 39; of Dunlevy; died Thursday; July 5; 2007; in the emergency room at Mon Valley Hospital; Carroll Township. He was born May 30; 1968; in North Charleroi; the son of Karen Lynn Hess Dzonko Poziviak; of Dunlevy; who survives; and the late James W. Dzonko. He was employed as a service manager for Greenwald Automotive in Elizabeth. In addition to his mother; he is survived by his step-father; John Poziviak; of Dunlevy; his fiancee; Melissa Falkenstine; a brother; Michael Dzonko and wife Kelly; of Belle Vernon; his maternal grandmother; Kathryn Hess; of Belle Vernon; his paternal grandmother; Ida Kate Chalfant; of Belle Vernon; his step-daughter; Samantha Falkenstine; a step-sister; Raenelle Poziviak; of North Charleroi; a step-brother; Russell Poziviak; of St. Clairsville; Ohio; step-niece; Addyson Poziviak; of North Charleroi; nephew; Michael James Dzonko; and Larry and Doris Falkenstine; of Waynesburg; and numerous aunts; uncles; cousins and many close friends. Friends will be received in the ELEY-McCRORY FUNERAL HOME INC.; 334 Main St.; Fayette City; on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.; and Monday; July 9 until 10 a.m.; the hour of service with the Rev. Christine Ingold officiating. Interment will follow in the Belle Vernon Cemetery. For those unable to attend; on-line condolences will be accepted at the funeral home Web site; www.eleymccroryfuneralhome.com

Patricia L. Grove; 78; of Rostraver Township; died Monday; July 2; 2007; in Hempfield Manor; Greensburg. Born in Donora on Dec. 15; 1928; she was the daughter of the late Olie and Cecelia Moravec Evick. Catholic by faith; Mrs. Grove worked as a packer at the former Fox Grocery Company. She also was a notary for the family business; Grove’s Used Cars. In her earlier days; she was an avid bingo player. She is survived by three sons; Robert B. Grove Jr.; of Belle Vernon; Dennis A. Grove and wife Jody; of West Newton; and James F. Grove; of Belle Vernon; two daughters; Debbie Weeast and husband Kerry; of Pen Argyl; and Susan Dalrymple and Ron; of Dawson; six grandchildren; Steven Dalrymple; Allyssa Grove; Julia Ruscitti; Mary Grove; Katie Grove and Dennis A. Grove Jr.; two great-grandchildren; Alexie and Zach; and several nieces; nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents; she was preceded in death by her husband; Robert B. Grove; in 1981; and a sister; Gwendolyn Dolly Anderson. Friends will be received Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the JAMES C. STUMP FUNERAL HOME INC.; 580 Circle Drive; Belle Vernon/Rostraver Township (724-929 7934); www.jamesstumpfuneralhome.com; where a funeral service will be held Friday; July 6; at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Msgr. Nicholas A. Mitolo and the Rev. Eugene Spear co-officiating. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery; Rostraver Township. The family suggests memorial contributions be made in Mrs. Grove’s name to Rostraver/West Newton Emergency Medical Services.

Richmond Little Buddy Jennings; formerly of Monessen; loving uncle and friend to all; entered into Eternal rest on Monday; June 25; 2007; at the age of 94. He was preceded in death by his wife; Beryl. Services were held in Greater Macedonia Baptist Church; Detroit; Mich. Interment was held today in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by ALDRICH FUNERAL HOMES; Munhall.
SWANSON FUNERAL HOME; INC.-806 EAST GRAND BLVD.;-DETROIT; MI. 48207; HANDLED THE ARRANGEMENTS IN MICHIGAN. SERVICES WERE HELD IN GREATER MACEDONIA BAPTIST CHURCH IN DETROIT; MICHIGAN. RICHMOND DIED IN MOUNT CLEMENS REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER; MOUNT CLEMENS; MICHIGAN AT 7:07 AM ON JUNE 25; 2007. HE WORKED AS AN ASSEMBLER IN AN AUTOMOBILE PLANT.

WE RECEIVED A COPY OF MR.FREWS’ DEATH CERTIFICATE FROM VALERIE C.EVERETTE ON JUNE 23;2007. (TAKEN FROM DAILY INDEPENDENT;FRIDAY;OCT.17;1913-David Frew;aged 42 years;died about 10 o’clock Thursday night at the Foster House;Donner avenue;where he had made his home for two years. Death was the result of neuralgia of the heart;although he had been complaining for two months with rheumatism. Deceased was employed in the bar mill of the Pittsburg Steel and had worked up until almost the day of his death. Deceased was a brother of J.Frew;a well known furniture dealer of Charleroi;he is survived by a wife and five children-three sons and two daughters-all of whom reside on Lonaconing;Md.;except one son;Malcolm Frew;who is in Monessen;he was also a brother of Mrs.William Pritchard of Second street. Arrangements have not been made for the funeral;but the remains will likely be sent to Lonaconing.) (TAKEN FROM THE DAILY INDEPENDENT;SATURDAY;OCT.18;1913-David Frew;whose death at the Foster House was mentioned in Friday’s Independent;was 50 years old instead of 42. He is survived by the wife and five children as follows: James;Edna and John;of Lonaconing;Md.;and Mrs.Wm.A.Anderson of Huntingdon;W.Va.;and Malcolm of Monessen. He is also survived by these brothers and sisters;James and Robert Frew and Mrs.John Steinbaugh of Charleroi;and Mrs.William Pritchard of Second street;Monessen;from whose home funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Interment will be in the Belle Vernon cemetery.)

Andrew Scheponik; 92; of Charleroi; died Monday; June 25; 2007. He was born May 22; 1915; in Charleroi; a son of the late Tony and Katherine Romansky Scheponik. Andrew was a member of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church of Charleroi; a former employee of the Thorofare Super Market; and a member of the Charleroi American Legion; having served with the U.S. Army during World War II. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law; Thomas and Nancy Scheponik; of The Village; Fla.; one daughter and son-in-law; Christine and Graham Watson; of Bluffton; S.C.; three grandchildren; Tanya; Tom and Nick Scheponik; and one great-granddaughter; Katina Scheponik; two brothers; Joseph; of Charleroi; and Nicholas; of Norristown; one sister; Julia Granus; of Charleroi; and nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents; he was preceded in death by his wife; Helen Yuschak Scheponik; on June 9; 2005; brothers; John; Samuel; Michael and Peter; and a sister; Mary. Friends will be received Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the ED MELENYZER FUNERAL HOMES INC.; 825 Fallowfield Ave; Charleroi; where an American Legion service will be held at 7 p.m.; followed by a Parastas Service at 7:30. Funeral services will be held Thursday; June 28 at 10 a.m. in Holy Trinity Orthodox Church with the Rev. Gregory Peterson officiating. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. On-line condolences will be accepted at www.melenyzerfuneralhomes.com

Mildred Miller Ward; 90; of Wallingford; formerly of Belle Vernon; died Friday; June 22; 2007. A daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Walkush; she was born in Belle Vernon on Dec. 5; 1916. Mildred resided in Belle Vernon until 1970; when she moved to Pittsburgh where she resided until moving to Wallingford in 2003. She was a member of St. John Chrysoston of Wallingford and was a speech and hearing teacher in the Pittsburgh School District. Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law; William Buzz and Marsha Miller; of Wallingford; two brothers; Joseph and Melvin Walkush; and one sister; Cecelia Sweitzer; all of Belle Vernon; three grandchildren; Lori Miller and husband Barrett; of Chicago; Ill.; William Buzz Miller Jr. and wife Suzanne; of Pittsburgh; and Robert Miller and wife Angela; of Alameda; Calif.; and three great-grandchildren; Henry and Stella Barrett and Tatum Miller. In addition to her parents; she was preceded in death by her first husband; William W. Miller; in 1967; and her second husband; LeRoy Ward; in 2006; seven sisters; Edith Walkush; Helen McCollough; Frances Curcio; Irene Boyd; Anna Moxin; Mary Alteri and Augustine Ezolt; and one brother; Carl Walkush. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday in the FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY INC.; www.fergusonfuneralhomeandcrematory.com; (724-929-5300); 700 Broad Ave.; Belle Vernon. A prayer service will be in the funeral home on Tuesday; June 26; at 9:30 a.m.; followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church; Belle Vernon. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. The rosary will be prayed in the funeral home on Monday at 3 p.m.; led by members of St. Sebastian parish.

Paul A. Lape; 87; of St. Cloud; Fla.; formerly of Rostraver Township; passed away Friday; June 1; 2007. He was born April 24; 1920; the son of Harry and Mary Evans Lape of Charleroi. Paul was employed at the Monessen works of Pittsburgh Steel prior to entering the armed forces. He became a distinguished and decorated soldier during World War II; having served in the 1st Division 16th Infantry Service Corps (Big Red One) and was very proud of having served under Major General Terry Allen. Paul fought at the Battle of the Bulge in Ardennes; on the beaches of Normandy; in Algeria; French Morocco; Tunisia; Sicily; Rhineland (Germany) and Central Europe. For his efforts he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal; Good Conduct Medal; Distinguished Unit Badge with one Oak Leaf Cluster; European Service Medal; African Service Medal; Middle Eastern Service Medal with eight Bronze Stars and one Bronze Arrowhead; and lapel button for expert marksmanship. After his discharge on Sept. 18; 1945; he returned home to marry Irene Simko of Fayette City. They built a home in the Cedar Creek area of Rostraver Township where they raised to children; Linda and Terry. Paul continued to work for Pittsburgh Steel as a welder for 40 years until his retirement. Several years after his retirement; Irene passed away and Paul followed their dream to spend their retirement days in Florida. He moved to St. Cloud; where he lived until his demise. Paul is survived by his daughter Linda Kincel and husband David; of Penn Hills; his son; Terry Lape and wife Susan; of Belle Vernon; five grandchildren; Ben (Heather) Kincel; Samantha Kincel (fiance Dr. David Cohen) and Dr. Nate Kincel; and Angel (Tom) Gulick and Jena (Jared) Candelore; and three great-granddaughters; Kayla and Michelle Gulick and Julianna Candelore. Paul’s remains will be interred at the Belle Vernon Cemetery will full military honors. A military service will be conducted by representatives of American Legion Posts 295; 940; 838 and 275 at the Belle Vernon Cemetery Chapel on Saturday; June 23 at 9:30 a.m.

John Moe Marasco; 80; of Belle Vernon; died Friday; June 15; 2007 in Mercy Hospital; Pittsburgh. A son of the late Frank and Philomena Ruggiero Marasco; he was born in Belle Vernon on Dec. 19; 1926. He was a member of St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church; the Musical Society; American Legion Post 659; the Belle Vernon Moose and the East Belle Vernon Athletic Association. John retired in 1982 from the Allenport plant of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Company and was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors include one sister; Gilda Marasco; of Belle Vernon; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents; he was preceded in death by six sisters; Mary Spina; Rose Checchi; Margaret Duronio; Teresa Menzel; Josephine Jarouse and Teresina Marasco; and one brother; D. Chester Marasco. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in the FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY INC.; www.fergusonfuneralhomeandcrematory.com; (724-929-5300); 700 Broad Ave.; Belle Vernon. A blessing service will be in the funeral home on Monday; June 18 at 9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at 10 a.m. in St. Sebastian R.C. Church. Entombment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Members St. Sebastian parish will meet in the funeral home to pray the rosary on Sunday at 3 p.m.; and the Belle Vernon American Legion will meet to hold services Sunday at 7 p.m.