Alexander L. Toia; 77; of Belle Vernon (Lynnwood); was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday; Nov. 11; 2006. He was the son of the late Frank and Lena Tallerico Toia. Alex was born May 18; 1929. He was an only child and wed Mary Ann Sowko; of Monessen; on Aug. 7; 1954. She went to be with the Lord in February 2005. After graduating from Belle Vernon in 1947; Mr. Toia went to work at Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel; Allenport plant. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force and was called to active duty in the Korean War; where he served his country until 1953. After being discharged; he was married and returned to work at the Allenport plant as a roll grinder. First and foremost; Alex loved his family; they include his eldest son; Thomas Toia and wife Cindy Hufford; of North Huntingdon; younger son; Gregory Toia and daughter Lee Ann McDowell and husband Timothy. Alex had three grandsons whom he was extremely proud of and loved very much; Joshua; Gregory Alexander and Samuel Alexander. He is also survived by his sister-in-law; Matilda Stimmel; of Bethel Park. It is important to note that Alex was an extremely loving and devoted husband; father and grandfather and a best friend. He provided well for his family and was a source of strength and confidence. What he passed on to them will not be forgotten as life goes on as part of their character today. Second to his family; Alex had a love for football and spent years playing in high school and officiating. Alex loved attending the Belle Vernon Area High School football games. He was a member of the Mon Valley Golden Panthers and held season tickets to Pitt football for more than 30 years. He was a true Pitt fan in good times and bad. Third; Alex loved preparing income taxes; which he did for 30 years. In addition to solving his clients’ tax problems; he loved conversing and joking with them. Alex was a life member of the North Belle Vernon Fire Department and loved to play golf. Most importantly; he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior shortly before being called home. This was the most important decision of his life. His family will look forward to being reunited with him in Heaven around the Throne of God; where they will give glory to God for all that He has done. Friends will be received Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME INC. and CREMATION SERVICE; a Golden Rule Member Firm; www.fergusonfuneralhome.net; 724-929-5300; 700 Broad Ave.; Belle Vernon. A blessing service will be in the funeral home on Wednesday; Nov. 15 at 10:30 a.m.; followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. On Tuesday at 3 p.m.; members of St. Sebastian R.C. Church will meet in the funeral home to pray the rosary; and members of the North Belle Vernon Volunteer Fire Department will meet to hold services at 7 p.m.

John A. Jack Peters; 65; of Speers; died Friday; Nov. 10; 2006 in Select Specialty Hospital; Greensburg. A son of the late Alvin Peters and Stella McCune Peters Rogers; he was born in Monessen on May 28; 1941. Catholic by faith; he resided in Speers since 2001 and formerly lived in West Virginia; New York and Connecticut. Mr. Peters was instrumental in the development of Outreach to Children and their families in Fayette County and was a professor in the Graduate School of Social Work at West Virginia University for many years. He moved to New York where he was the director of a shelter for homeless women and was a grant writer for Brooklyn Borough. Survivors include his sister; Carole Lee; of Charleroi; one sister-in-law; Elizabeth Peters; of West Haven; Conn.; seven nieces and nephews; Mary Beth Murray; Kevin Peters and Suzanne Reynolds; all of Connecticut; Peter Lee; of Ocala; Fla.; Patrick Lee; of Charleroi; Cynthia Lee and Craig Lee; both of Monessen; seven great-nieces and nephews; and many friends. In addition to his parents; he was preceded in death by a brother; LeRoy Skip Peters; in 1976; and his step father; Henry Hank Rogers; in 1987. Friends will be received Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME INC. and CREMATION SERVICE; a Golden Rule Member Firm; www.fergusonfuneralhome.net; (724-929-5300); 700 Broad Ave.; Belle Vernon. A blessing service will be in the funeral home on Tuesday; Nov. 14 at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery.

Cyril E. Baker Gene ; 87; of Monessen; died Thursday; Nov. 9; 2006; in Durham; N.C.; where he resided since 2004. Born in Charleroi on Nov. 9; 1919; he was a son of the late Adam and Anna Hohider Baker. He had been employed by Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel; coke plant division. Mr. Baker was a member of Epiphany of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church in Monessen and had been a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in West Newton. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. He served in the Signal Corps of the United States Army during World War II and was posted in England and Belgium. Preceding him in death; in addition to his parents; were three brothers; Robert; James and Charles Baker; and one sister; Catherine Zajack. Survivors include his wife; Gloria Zambelli Baker; with whom he celebrated 58 years of marriage on July 11; 2006; two daughters; Debra Kacmar; of Valencia; Calif.; and Nancy Poprosky; of Smithton; two sons and daughters-in-law; Larry and Pam Baker; of Belle Vernon; and Barry Baker and Jeanne White; of Durham; N.C.; eight grandchildren; Keith; Kelly; Amber; Johnna; Shelby; Justin; Brady and Jordan; and a sister; Geraldine Zajack; of Monessen. Visitation will be held in the RHOME FUNERAL HOME INC.; 1209 Grand Blvd.; Monessen on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Prayers will be offered Tuesday; Nov. 14; at 9:30 a.m.; followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Epiphany of Our Lord R.C. Church; Monessen. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery.

Charles A. Chuck Toteda; 86; of Belle Vernon; died Friday; Nov. 10; 2006 at 2:15 a.m. at Mon Valley Hospital; Carroll Township. Born Jan. 18; 1920 in Belle Vernon; he was the son of the late Ralph L. and Rose Deluca Toteda. A lifelong resident of Belle Vernon; Mr. Toteda was a member of St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church; Belle Vernon. He was retired as a salesman from C. Harper Chevrolet and a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. Mr. Toteda was a member of the Musicians Local of Pittsburgh and played with Frankie Barr and the house band at Twin Coaches for 10 years. He was an accomplished saxophone player. Survivors include his wife; Anne Tomasko Toteda; to whom he was married 65 years; brother; Joseph R. Toteda; of Belle Vernon; and three best friends; Robert Lacey; of Rostraver Township; Marc Ginsberg; of Monroeville; and Paul Ginsberg; of Monongahela. He was preceded in death by three half sisters; Josephine Sack Jones; Fanny Sack Terri and Anna Sack Smock; and two half brothers; James Sack and Dominic Sack. Visitation will be held Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday 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 Monday; Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Lawrence L. Manchas V.F.; pastor of St. Sebastian R.C. Church; officiating. Interment will take place in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Members of St. Sebastian parish will pray the rosary for the departed soul of Charles Chuck Toteda on Sunday at 3 p.m. in the funeral home. Condolences accepted at the funeral home Web site; http://www.parzynskifuneralhome.com/

Marjorie Johnston; 89; died Saturday; Sept. 30; 2006; after a long illness with Alzheimer’s disease. She had been living in the Atlanta; Ga. area for the past three years. Marjorie was born July 7; 1917; in Monongahela as part of the Long family. She was the wife of the late Thomas Johnston; Superintendent of Industrial Relations at the Allenport plant of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Co.; who died in 1985. Marge was active on the board of the United Way and the Mon Valley United Health organization; and she also sold real estate for many years. She is survived by two sons; Dick; from the Atlanta; Ga.; area; and Don; from the Chicago; Ill.; area; five grandchildren; Suzy Irvin; of Virginia; Jonathan Kenworthy and Ben and Kevin Johnston; of the Chicago area; and Tammy Johnston; of Florida. She also had two great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband; she was preceded in death by one daughter; Darlene. Funeral services will be held Monday; Nov. 13; at 9 a.m. in the Belle Vernon Cemetery Chapel.

Mae E. Schneider; 80; of Belle Vernon (Lynnwood); died Saturday; Nov. 4; 2006; in Havencrest Nursing Home. A daughter of the late Charles and Bertha Mossberg Roberts; she was born in Naomi on May 16; 1926. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Fayette City; where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday school for over 20 years. A resident of Lynnwood since 1960; she had worked for Corning Glass Works for 14 years until retiring in 1960. Survivors include her husband of 48 years; Joseph C. Schneider; one son; Bob Schneider; of Lynnwood; one sister; Ruth Stagi; of Phillipsburg; and her best friend for the last 12 years; her dog; Pumpkin. In addition to her parents; she was preceded in death by one brother; Albert Roberts. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in the FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME INC. and CREMATION SERVICE; www.fergusonfuneralhome.net; a Golden Rule Member Firm; (724-929-5300); 700 Broad Ave.; Belle Vernon. Funeral services will be in the funeral home on Wednesday; Nov. 8; at 11:30 a.m. with the Rev. Wayne Boring officiating. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery.

Harry A. Winstone; 60; of Monessen; died Thursday; Nov. 2; 2006 in Mon Valley Hospital. He was born Dec. 16; 1945; in Charleroi; the son of Anna Mae Campbell Winstone; who survives; and the late Harry Winstone. He was Protestant by faith. Mr. Winstone was a member of Ravens AA of Monessen; BPOE Elks No.773 of Monessen; were he was a Past Exulted Ruler; and a former member of Monessen Volunteer Fire Department No. 1. He served his country during the Vietnam era with the United States Marine Corps. Survivors include his daughter; Natalie (James) McGowan; of West Newton; a niece who was like a daughter to him; Roxanne (James) Smith; of Charleroi; six grandchildren; Amber Carreon; Maggie McGowan; Tyler Winstone; James Smith; and Jimmy and Brian McGowan; numerous aunts; uncles and cousins. Preceding him in death; in addition to his father; was his sister; Janet Winstone. Friends will be received at the RHOME FUNERAL HOME INC.; 1209 Grand Blvd.; Monessen; a Golden Rule Funeral Home; from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday. Services will be held in the funeral home chapel on Tuesday; Nov. 7 at 11 a.m.; followed by interment in Belle Vernon Cemetery.

Melvin Johnston; of St. Barnabus Community; Gibsonia (Richland Township); formerly of Rostraver Township; passed away Sunday; Oct. 29; 2006 in UPMC Passavant Hospital. He was preceded in death by his wife; Jane B. Siple Johnston; and his brother; Gale W. Johnston. He is survived by many nieces and nephews. Private funeral services are being conducted by the RHOME FUNERAL HOME INC.; a Golden Rule Funeral Home; 1209 Grand Blvd.; Monessen.

Michael Clarence Jones; 51; of Republic; died Tuesday; Oct. 31; 2006; in The Uniontown Hospital. He was born Aug. 8; 1955; in Pittsburgh; a son of the late Anthony Jones and Mattie Orr. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War; serving as a jet mechanic aboard an aircraft carrier. He was retired from Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel and was a landlord. Surviving are his wife; Patricia Bryant Jones; two children; Michael Cory and Brittney Margaret Jones; both of Republic; five brothers; Anthony Jones and wife Renee; of Monessen; Angelo Jones; of Germany; Anzalone Jones; of Belle Vernon; Erick Jones; of Virginia; and William Billy Andrews; six sisters; Antonia (Henry) Lawson; and Angalene Mitchell; all of Monessen; Dr. Anita Jones; of Miami; Fla.; Andrea Jones; of Texas; Dawn Jones King; of Pittsburgh; and Ellen Andrews; one aunt; Louise McCullum; and many other relatives. Friends will be received in the ELEY-McCRORY FUNERAL HOME INC.; 334 Main St.; Fayette City on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday; Nov. 4; at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Robert Spence officiating. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery.

Ruth I. Braithwood; 91; peacefully went home to live with the Lord on Tuesday; Oct. 31; 2006; in Mon Valley Hospital surrounded by her loving family. A daughter of the late Charles and Jean Muir Strenske; she was born in Belle Vernon on Oct. 26; 1915. Ruth was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Belle Vernon; the H.O.A. class and the Eastern Star; Chapter 108. Mrs. Braithwood was a teacher at the former North Belle Vernon School from 1939 to 1941 and then in Chattanooga; Tenn.; for 14 years until 1976. Ruth and her late husband; Edward H. Braithwood; who died in 1987; had resided in Belle Vernon until 1960 and then resided in Tennessee until returning to Belle Vernon in 1976. Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law; Janice and William Boulton; with whom she made her home in North Belle Vernon; one brother and sister-in-law; Harold and Rosemary Strenske; of Belle Vernon; and many nieces; nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents and husband; she was preceded in death by a granddaughter; Leigh Ann Boulton; in 1988; and two brothers; Raymond Strenske; in 1911; and Carl Strenske; in 1983. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME INC. and CREMATION SERVICE; (724- 929-5300); a Golden Rule Member Firm; www.fergusonfuneralhome.net; 700 Broad Ave.; Belle Vernon. Funeral services will be Friday; Nov. 3; at 11 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Church of Belle Vernon with the Rev. Suzanne Currie officiating. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Eastern Star; Lodge 108 will meet in the funeral home to hold services on Wednesday at 8:15 p.m. The elders and deacons of the First Presbyterian Church will meet to hold services on Thursday at 7 p.m.