George Warren Hill Jr.; 78; of Charleroi; departed this life on Tuesday; July 19; 2005. Born on March 15; 1927; in Arnold City; he was the son of the late George Sr. and Hazel Hill. He was preceded in death by his loving wife; Katherine Marie Thomas-Hill; four brothers; James Elliot Hill; Thomas Eugene Hill; Neil Crawford Hill; and Bruce Elliot Hill; and three sisters; Hazel Barbara Garland; Mary Louise Smith and Alice Reddick. A lifelong resident of the Mon Valley; George worked and retired from Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel; Allenport Plant; after 30 years. After his retirement; he was employed by Gregg Security as a security guard at Mon Valley Hospital for 15 years until an injury forced him to retire once again. George was a faithful member and deacon of Union Baptist Church in Monessen. Through all his mature life; Deacon Hill loved the Lord and remained a humble man who derived great strength from his trust in God. Wherever Deacon Hill traveled; he was always remembered for his beautiful warm smile; his firm handshake and his gently resonant voice. When it was time to depart one’s company; George would never say goodbye; instead he would always say So long for now . He leaves to cherish his memory and bid him a loving So long; for now are three daughters; Valerie Hill of California; Tawndra Shorter and husband Bryon of Clinton; Md.; and Kimberly Hill of Waldorf; Md.; one son; George W. Hill III of Rostraver Township; one sister; Doris G. Lawson of Charleroi; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces; nephews; cousins; extended family and friends. Friends will be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in Union Baptist Church; 670 McMahon Ave.; Monessen. Additional viewing will be held in the church on Saturday; July 23; from 10 to 11 a.m.; the hour of service with the Rev. Verton L. Dean officiating. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the BEVERLY C. DRAPER FUNERAL HOME INC.; 608 Sixth St.; Monessen (724-684-6242).

Allen Hamer; 88; of Belle Vernon (Fairhope); died Tuesday; July 19; 2005; at 3:15 pm at his home. Born Feb. 7; 1917; in North Belle Vernon; he was the son of the late Richard and Honor Breakwell Hamer. A lifelong resident of Fairhope; Mr. Hamer was a member of Marion United Presbyterian Church in Fairhope and served as clerk of session for many years. He also was a Lay Minister serving at the Redstone Presbytery. Mr. Hamer was a retired chief inspector from Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel; Allenport Plant. He is survived by his wife; Ellen Trembach Hamer; two daughters and one son-in-law; Kathleen Hamer of Charleroi and Diane and Terry Diehl of Rostraver Township; a son and daughter-in-law; Craig and Carla Hamer of St. Louis; Mo.; a brother and sister-in-law; Willard and Janet Hamer of Charleroi; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother; Jack Hamer; and a sister; Emma Jean Dunn. Visitation will be held Friday 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 Saturday; July 23; at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Robert Prinkey ; pastor; Marion United Presbyterian Church; officiating. Interment will take place in Belle Vernon Cemetery. For those unable to attend; condolences may be sent to the family at the funeral home web site; www.parzynskifuneralhome.com

Harriet A. Kuklar; 64; of Belle Vernon (Lynnwood) went to be with her Lord in the emergency room at Monongahela Valley Hospital on her birthday. She was born July 16; 1941; in Pricedale; the daughter of the late William E. Miller and Elizabeth Nichols Miller. She was a member of Lynnwood Lutheran Church and was employed for years by Keystone Bakery in Monessen. She is survived by two sons; Gregg Wyne and wife Johnna of Vanderbilt and Jeff Wyne and wife Brenda of Perryopolis; two sisters; Mary Ellen Russell and husband Sam and Geraldine Shrader and husband George; all of Belle Vernon; four brothers; Robert Miller; Richard and wife Ann; and Edwin Miller; all of Belle Vernon; and Charles Miller and wife Lisa of Fayette City; and two step daughters; Ronda Perrotta and husband Al; and Mindy Kuklar; all of Florida; and six grandchildren; Gregory; Johnalyn; Jeffery; Albert; Briana and Victory. Friends will be received Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the ELEY/McCRORY FUNERAL HOME INC; 334 Main St.; Fayette City; and Wednesday; July 20; until 10 a.m.; where funeral services will be held with interment in Belle Vernon Cemetery. For those unable to attend on-line condolences will be accepted at the funeral home website; www.eleymccroryfuneralhome.com

Norman L. Tucker Celaschi; 74; of Speers; died Thursday; July 14; 2005 in The Washington Hospital. A son of the late Hugo and Josephine Jay Sarra Celaschi; he was born in Charleroi on July 9; 1931. He was a member of the Speers United Methodist Church; the Charleroi Lions Club and Charleroi F&AM Lodge 615. Mr. Celaschi was a former member and past champion of Jay’s Golf League and was formerly the mayor of Speers Borough. Tucker and his wife owned and operated Jay’s Tavern from 1978 to 1994. He retired after 31 years from the Allenport Plant of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Co. Survivors include his wife of 53 years; Dolores Evans Celaschi; two daughters and sons-in-law; Janet and Burt Williams of Sun Lakes; Ariz.; and Cyndi and Greg Grimm of Allenport; one son; Norman A. Celaschi and girlfriend Dawn Dietz and her son Jarrik of Dunlevy; one sister; Linda Craig of East Millsboro; two brothers; Ronald Celaschi and Francis Celaschi; both of Allenport; three grandchildren; Christopher Williams of Phoenix; Ariz.; Patrick Williams of Farmington; Conn.; and Jason Celaschi of Fairmont; W.Va.; and a sister-in-law; Donna Hite of Coal Center. Friends will be received from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in the FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME INC. and CREMATION SERVICE; a Golden Rule Member Firm; 724-929-5300; 700 Broad Ave.; Belle Vernon. Funeral services will be in the funeral home on Monday; July 18 at noon. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery.

William A. Scott; 89; of Speers Hill; died Thursday; April 27; 2006 in his home with his loving sons at his side. He was born March 29; 1917; in McKeesport; a son of the late Albert and Jennie Atkinson Scott. Lutheran by faith; Bill was the last surviving member of his family. He worked for years in the steam plant of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Co. in Monessen until his retirement. Bill took great pride in all of his family and especially enjoyed working around his house and surprising his neighbors’ children with unexpected treats. He is survived by three sons; William R. Scott and wife; Colleen; of Annapolis; Md.; David L. Scott of Donora; and Ronald R. Scott and wife; Maria; of Bedford. Survivors also include grandchildren: Bill Scott and wife; Dana; Kelli Scott Keough; Christopher Scott; Lauren Scott and Connor David Scott; great-grandchildren: Drew Scott; Nicole Scott and Alec Keough; sister-in-law and brother-in-law; Pat and Sam Fee and daughter Diane; a devoted family friend Henry Furar and a faithful dog and companion; Cody. In addition to his parents; Mr. Scott was preceded in death by his wife; Pearl; brothers Herman; Richard; Tom and sisters Jean and Fern Jones Scott Keeney; and a dear friend; Florence Blades; as well as many other nieces and nephews. The family greatly appreciates Family Hospice Care of South Hills for their comfort and compassion. Friends will be received Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the SCHROCK-HOGAN FUNERAL HOME INC.; 226 Fallowfield Ave.; Charleroi (www.schrock-hogan.com). Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Raymond Ursin presiding. Interment will take place in Belle Vernon Cemetery.

Melvin L. Sterner; 76; of Dunlevy; formerly of Belle Vernon; died Friday; July 15; 2005 at 4:50 a.m. in Haven Crest Nursing Home; Carroll Township. Born Feb. 2; 1929 in Belle Vernon; he was the son of the late Raymond C. and Amy M. Hammitt Sterner. A lifelong resident of Belle Vernon; Mr. Sterner was a member of the Char-Belle Free Methodist Church in Belle Vernon and a retired supervisor for Columbia Gas Transmission in West Newton. He is survived by one son; Gilbert L. Sterner of South Park; two daughters and one son-in-law; Susan E. Keyock of Elizabeth and Janet and David Barcus of Dunlevy; one brother and sister-in-law; Clifford L. and Loretta Sterner of Belle Vernon; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife; Gloria Holmes Sterner; on April 21; 2003. Visitation will be held 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; July 18 in the funeral home at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Eugene Spear of Char-Belle Free Methodist Church officiating. Interment will take place in Belle Vernon Cemetery. For those unable to attend; online condolences may be sent to the family at the funeral home web site; www.parzynskifuneralhome.com

Irene Slavischalk; 84; formerly of Belle Vernon; died Thursday; July 14; 2005; in Victoria House Personal Care Home. A daughter of the late Adam and Mary Paruban Klawcho; she was born Feb. 20; 1921. A lifelong resident of Belle Vernon; she was a member of St. John’s Slovak Zion Church of Charleroi. Survivors include four nieces; Patty Testy and husband Dan; Nancy Rocco and husband Tom; Dorothy Jeffries and Kathy Allen and husband Jim; one nephew; Charles Jackowski; one sister; Bernice Burkett; of Belle Vernon; and one brother; Frank Klawcho; of Belle Vernon. In addition to her parents; she was preceded in death by her husband; John L. Slavischalk Jr.; in 1999; three sisters; Susan Rutkowski; Marie Pisula and Mildred Jackowski; and two brothers; Adam and John Klawcho. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday in the FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME INC. and CREMATION SERVICE; a Golden Rule Member Firm; 724-929-5300; 700 Broad Ave.; Belle Vernon; where funeral services will be held Monday; July 18 at 9:30 a.m. with the Rev. Richard F. Price officiating. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery.

Florence M. Knaus Petros Penska; 81; of Belle Vernon (Washington Township); died Thursday; July 14; 2005; in Haven Crest Nursing Home; Carroll Township. Born July 5; 1924; in Belle Vernon; she was the daughter of the late Paul and Mary Crasovic Knaus. Mrs. Penska was a member of St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church; Belle Vernon. She was a beautician in the Mon Valley for several years and later retired from the Belle Vernon Area School District as a custodian with 12 1/2 years of service. Mrs. Penska then pursued her hobby of entertaining people with her ethnic costumes and playing polka music. She belonged to the Slovene Heritage Association where they put on shows showcasing costumes from every region of Slovene. They performed in Colorado; Ironworld; Minnesota; Wisconsin; Ellis Island Statue of Liberty; Ohio; Michigan and Canada; among many other places. Mrs. Penska also was a member of the Thursday Niters Button Box Club and played all over the United States and for several years at the Kitchner-Waterloo Octoberfest in Canada. She also played backup music for performances at the David Lawrence Convention Center and Renzie Hauser Park in McKeesport. The band also played at many church festivals and functions in the Pittsburgh area and in our region. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law; Mark and Rosemary Petros of Belle Vernon; two daughters and sons-in-law; Valerie and Edward Mendola of Charleroi and Eileen and Thomas Costella of Belle Vernon; a brother and sister-in-law; Robert and Lois Knaus of St. Louis; Mo.; a sister and brother-in-law; Mildred and Frank Mazzei of Belle Vernon; five grandchildren; Edward and Eric Mendola; Ciara Petros and Nicole and Nathan Costella; four great-grandchildren; Trevor; Mitchell; Ian and Avery Mendola. She was preceded in death by her first husband; Edward Petros. Visitation will be held Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. at the LEONARD J. PARZYNSKI FUNERAL HOME; family owned and operated; 626 Broad Ave.; Belle Vernon (724-929-6183). A Prayer Service will be held Saturday; July 16 at 9 a.m. in the funeral home followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. in St. Sebastian R.C. Church with the Rev. Lawrence L. Manchas V.F.; pastor; as celebrant. Interment will take place in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Members of St. Sebastian parish will pray the rosary for the departed soul of Florence Penska Friday at 3 p.m. in the funeral home. For those unable to attend; online condolences may be sent to the family at the funeral home web site; www.parzynskifuneralhome.com

Betty June Williams; 73; of Perryopolis (Jefferson Township); died Wednesday; July 13; 2005; in Mon Valley Hospital. She was born Feb. 22; 1932; in Belle Vernon; a daughter of the late Fred P. and Mary Ann Smith English. She was a member of First Christian Church in Fayette City. Surviving are a son; James A. Williams; of Canonsburg; a daughter; Linda Eustis; of Crawfordville; Fla.; five brothers; Harry English; of Charleroi; Robert English; of Las Vegas; Nev.; William English; of Oklahoma City; Okla.; Thomas English; of Florida; and Daniel English; of Irwin; Tenn.; three sisters; Marjorie Breckenridge; of Belle Vernon; Laura Nichols; of Fayette City; and Ethel McKee; of Cleveland; Ohio; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Friends will be received in the ELEY-McCRORY FUNERAL HOME INC.; 334 Main St.; Fayette City; on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday; July 16; until 10 a.m.; the hour of services in the funeral home with the Rev. Wayne Boring officiating. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. For those unable to attend; on-line condolences will be accepted at the funeral home website; www.eleymccroryfuneralhome.com

Donna Kaschok Armstrong; 60; of Belle Vernon; died Wednesday; July 13; 2005; in UPMC Shadyside. She was born July 8; 1945; in North Charleroi; a daughter of Alice Wislosky Kaschok and the late John Kaschok Jr. She was baptized in Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church; of Charleroi; and was a retired legislative assistant. Donna enjoyed spending her time with family and friends. Survivors include her mother; Alice Kaschok; of Stockdale; daughter; Lori and husband; Randall Russell; of Fox Chapel; son; Robert Thomas Armstrong; of Belle Vernon; three grandchildren; Jonathan Beck Russell and Elizabeth Lee Russell; of Fox Chapel; and Logan James Armstrong; of Belle Vernon; sister; Joan Kaschok; of Rillton; niece; Susan Gentile; of Squirrel Hill; and her dearest friend; Carole Busch-Cappetta. She was preceded in death by her father; John Kaschok Jr. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the ED MELENYZER FUNERAL HOMES INC.; Roscoe. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers; sympathy remembrances may be made to: Pittsburgh Oratory Homeless Ministry; 4450 Bayard St.; Pittsburgh; PA 15213; or Pet Connection; 127 Sunrise Lane; Avonmore; PA 15618.