Local news for Mercer County, Pa., and the Shenango Valley (2024)

LARGO, Fla. -- Helen Kudelko, of Largo, formerly of Farrell, died Saturday (8-04-01) in Sun Coast Hospital in Largo. She was 86.

She was born in Elm Grove, Pa. and moved from Farrell to Largo in 1982.

Mrs. Kudelko was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Largo. She had been a member of Infant of Prague, Holy Name Society and the Women's Guild, all of St. Michael Catholic Church, Hermitage.

Her husband, Paul Sr., whom she married May 10, 1938, preceded her in death Dec. 24, 1971. He was a civic leader.

Surviving are: three sons, Dr. Paul E. Kudelko, Clearwater, Fla.; Dr. Robert J. Kudelko, Seminole, Fla.; Dr. David G. Kudelko, Largo; one daughter, Delores Vaughn, Valencia, Calif.; two sisters, Esther Hrabosky and Marie Trope, both of Sharon; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sun Coast Hospital Foundation, Inc., 2025 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, Fla., 33774.

KUDELKO
Mrs. Paul (Helen), Sr., 86, of Largo, formerly of Farrell.
Calling hours: 6 to 8 p.m. Monday (8-06-01) in MOSS-FEASTER FUNERAL HOME, SERENITY GARDENS CHAPEL, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, Fla.
Service: Funeral mass at 11 a.m. Tuesday (8-07-01) in St. Patrick Catholic Church, Largo.
Interment: Serenity Gardens Memorial Park, Largo.

Joseph Liptak, of Grove City, formerly of 335 Sterling Ave., Sharon, died at 11:50 a.m. Friday (8-03-01) in Trinity Living Center, Grove City. He was 84.

He was born Sept. 23, 1916 in Phoenixville, Pa. to Michael and Mary Geletka Liptak.

Mr. Liptak was a veteran of the United States Army serving in World War II.

Before retirement in 1974, he was employed for 32 years at Wheatland Tube as a pipe tester. He was always known at Wheatland Tube as "Goosey."

Mr. Liptak was a former member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Slovak Home and the Italian Home, all of Farrell. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed feeding the geese at the Sharon park.

His wife, Florence E. Inman, whom he married July 23, 1949, preceded him in death on April 26, 1968.

Surviving are: one son, Joseph P. Liptak and his wife, Donna, Greenville; two sisters, Anna Surles, Sharon; Mary Yurchisin, Hermitage; and four grandchildren, Melissa, Kimberly, Joseph, Jr., and Michael Liptak.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Josephine Dobrovolski; and two brothers, John and Michael Liptak.

LIPTAK
Joseph, 84, Grove City, formerly of 335 Sterling Ave., Sharon.
Calling hours: 5 to 8 p.m. Monday (8-06-01) in LEIPHEIMER-TOMON FUNERAL HOME, 1246 Roemer Blvd., Farrell.
Service: Funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday (8-07-01) in the funeral home with Monsignor Michael Polanichka, pastor of St. John's Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church, officiating.
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.

Florence M. Malia, of Conneaut Lake, formerly of Hermitage, passed away at 10:10 a.m. Saturday (8-04-01) in the home of her daughter following an extended illness. She was 87.

She was born Oct. 23, 1914, in Sharon, to Isaac and Frances Woge Hilkirk.

An alumna of St. Joseph's Elementary School, Sharon, and Hickory High School, Hermitage, Mrs. Malia was employed by Hermitage School District where she worked in Delahunty Elementary School cafeteria. She also worked at the former Thompson Brothers Farm Equipment Store, Hermitage.

A homemaker, she belonged to Notre Dame Church, Hermitage, and its former Ave Maria Society and Quilters Club, as well as their catering group.

She also belonged to Our Lady Queen of Americas Catholic Church, Conneaut Lake, and was a member of their Altar Rosary Society and 55+ Club.

Her husband, James M. Malia, whom she married Feb. 8, 1940, passed away Dec. 25, 1976.

Surviving are: two daughters, Margaret Duncan, with whom she lived, Conneaut Lake; and Kathleen Malia, Warwick, N.Y.; and one granddaughter, Dorene Duncan, Conneaut Lake.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Robert, and two infant brothers, Edwin and Edmond Hilkirk.

The family requests no flowers please. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of Crawford County, 448 Pine St., Meadville, 16335, or to Our Lady Queen of the Americas Church, 155 S. 9th St., Conneaut Lake, 16316.

MALIA
Mrs. James M., (Florence), 87, of Conneaut Lake, formerly of Hermitage.
Calling hours: None. Arrangements by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.
Service: Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Monday (8-06-01) in St. Roses Cemetery Chapel, with the Rev. Steve Anderson, Pastor, of Our Lady Queen of Americas, as Celebrant.
Interment: St. Rose Cemetery, Hermitage.

RANDOLPH, N.J. -- Harry E. Pebly, Jr., Randolph, formerly of Sharpsville, died Tuesday (7-31-01) in St. Clare's Hospital, Denville, N.J. of natural causes. He was 78.

Mr. Pebly was born Feb. 1, 1923 in Greenville to the late Harry E. and Esther Roth Pebly, Sr.

He received his bachelor's degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1944 and his master's from Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, N.J. in 1970.

Before retirement in 1996, he was employed as a chemical engineer for 48 years with Picatinny Arsenal, Rockaway Township, N.J.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Dover, N.J.

Mr. Pebly was co-chairman of the Freedom Festival in Randolph.

Surviving are: his wife, Geraldine K. (Katilus) Pebly, at home; one daughter, Amelia Jane (A.J.) Pebly, Randolph; one son, Robert, Leolia, Pa.; one sister, Ruth Dyll, Sharpsville; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church Soup Kitchen, 123 E. Blackwell St., Dover, N.J. 07801.

PEBLY
Harry E., Jr., 78, Randolph, N.J., formerly of Sharpsville.
Calling hours: None. Arrangements by TUTTLE FUNERAL HOME, 272 Route 10, Randolph, N.J. 07869.
Service: Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, 2001 in Trinity Lutheran Church, 123 E. Blackwell St., Dover, N.J.
Burial: Private.

Siegfried 'Sieg' Adam Sippl, 650 Latonka Dr., Coolspring Township, died at 4:15 p.m. Friday (8-03-01) in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, following an extended illness. He was 48.

He was born July 22, 1953, in Sharon, to Adam and Priska Pachatz Sippl.

Mr. Sippl was a 1971 graduate of Hickory High School and was an alumnus of Mt. Union College, Alliance, Ohio, where he received his bachelor of arts degree in speech and drama in 1975. He received his bachelor of science degree in financial services from American College, Bryn Mawr, Pa.

He was employed as an independent chartered financial consultant and investment broker for the past 25 years. He was a past president of the Lake Latonka Property Owners Assoc.; the Maennerchor Club, Sharon; the Lake Latonka Fish Club; and the Lake Latonka Players Club.

A well-known entertainer, he participated in many musicals and shows. His theatrical experience included Venango Christians "Spirit of Christmas" in 1998; Franklin Civic Operetta "Julian Marsh" in 1997; and "The King" musical in 1996. He also performed many short variety shows, master of ceremony appearances and numerous radio commercials. He was well-known for his "Elvis Show-Vegas Style".

Mr. Sippl was a lover of the outdoors and enjoyed skiing, fishing, boating and hunting.

Surviving are: his wife at home, Linda Sheppard Davis, whom he married March 3, 1995; one daughter, Lynda Diana Sippl, at home; two stepsons, Lewis G. Davis III and Lee S. Davis, both at home; two stepdaughters, Lindsay G. and Laura S. Davis, both at home; his parents, of Hermitage; and one sister, Diana T. Sippl, Hubbard.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of donor's choice.

SIPPL
Siegfried 'Sieg' Adam, 48, 650 Latonka Dr., Coolspring Township.
Calling hours: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday (8-06-01) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Friends may also e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@infonline.net
Service: Funeral service at 1 p.m. Monday (8-06-01) in the funeral home with the Rev. Matthew Ruyechan, Pastor of St. Anthony's Church, Sharon, officiating.
Burial: Cremation services by J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME Inc.PREVIOUS DEATHS
Look in past days' obituary files to find the full obituaries

ALFORD
Charles Warren, 62, Grove City, formerly of 416 Lafayette Ave., Sharon, and Jamestown.
Obituary was published 8-4-01
Calling hours: 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. today (8-5-01) in ANDREW H. OSBORNE III FUNERAL HOME Inc., 73 & 75 Columbia Ave., Greenville. Condolences may be sent to www.osbornefuneralhome.com
Service: Funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Monday (8-6-01) in the funeral home with the Rev. Dr. Richard Herman of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Sharon, officiating.
Burial: Following the funeral service, a procession will follow to Park Lawn Cemetery, Jamestown, where a committal service will be held prior to burial.BURRY
Howard Norman, 89, 606 Terrace Ave., Grove City.
Obituary was published 8-4-01
Calling hours: 7 to 9 p.m. today (8-5-01) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.
Service: Funeral service at 1 p.m. Monday (8-6-01) in the funeral home with the Rev. Christine A. Greoger, pastor of Fredonia United Methodist Church, officiating.
Burial: Woodland Cemetery, Grove City.DRAKE
John C. "Jack," 95, of 1820 Valley View Road, Hermitage, formerly of Farrell.
Obituary was published 8-3-01
Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. today (8-5-01) in A.E. PUSTINGER FUNERAL HOME Ltd., 1310 Idaho St., Farrell. Condolences may be e-mailed to pustinger@adelphia.net
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Monday (8-6-01) in the funeral home with Monsignor John B. Hagerty, pastor of Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage, officiating.
Burial: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.HUNYADI
Terry L., 51, of Hubbard, formerly of Norman, Okla.
Obituary was published 8-4-01
Calling hours: 6 to 8 p.m. today (8-05-01) in KELLEY-ROBB FUNERAL HOME, 709 N. Main St., Hubbard. Friends may send condolences to www.kelley-robb.com
Service: Funeral service at 11 a.m. Monday (8-06-01) in the funeral home.
Burial: Hubbard Union Cemetery.MATTHEWS
Helen M., 1037 Isaac Dock Drive, Fayetteville, N.C., formerly of the Shenango Valley.
Obituary was published 8-3-01
Calling hours: 10:30 a.m. to time of service Monday (8-6-01) in New Light Missionary Baptist Church, 170 Sharpsville Ave., Sharon. Also call in the home of Tracy Hood, granddaughter of the deceased, 642 Crestview Drive, Transfer. Condolences may be sent to the family by fax at (724) 347-1917 or e-mail at shannonfhltd@netscape.net
Service: Funeral service at 12:30 p.m. Monday in the church with the Rev. Lee T. Rucker Jr., pastor, officiating. Fraternal memorial rites will be given at 10:30 a.m. by Golden Circle; and at 11 a.m. by Order of Order of the Eastern Star, both Monday in the church.
Burial: Haywood Cemetery, West Middlesex.

SHAFFER
Earl Wayne, 77, Steingrabe Road, New Wilmington, East Lackawannock Township.
Obituary was published 8-3-01
Calling hours: 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (8-5-01) in CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME Inc., 144 Pitt St., Mercer.
Service: Military funeral service at 11 a.m. Monday (8-6-01) in the funeral home with the Rev. Dr. F. Stanley Keehlwetter, pastor; and the Rev. August Hurst, associate pastor, both of Bethany Presbyterian Church, Mercer, officiating.
Burial: Carpenter Cemetery, Springfield Township.

SHAFFER
Harry C., 88, of Jamestown, formerly of Farrell.
Obituary was published 8-4-01
Calling hours: 3 to 5 p.m. Monday (8-6-01) in LOUTZENHISER-JORDAN COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME, 366-68 S. Main St., Greenville.
Service: Funeral and committal service at 5 p.m. Monday (8-6-01) in the funeral home with the Rev. Donald Reed, pastor of Crossing Paths Television Ministry, Hermitage, officiating.
Burial: Parklawn Cemetery, Jamestown.