Samuel W. Servey, 82, of Punxsutawney, died Monday, March 24, 2014 at Mulberry Square.

Born October 25, 1931 in Clarion, a son of the late H.B. and Irene (Clark) Servey.

Mr. Servey was a United States Army Veteran serving during the Korean Conflict.

Sam worked as a salesman for Stoehman Bread for over twenty two years.

He enjoyed playing cards, watching college football, eating candy, and collecting Railroad memorabilia.

Survived by two children, Cristie Clark and boyfriend Brian Seitz of Clarion, and Dr. Steven Servey and wife Alisa of Schwenksville; two brothers, Carl Milton Servey of Erie, and Donald Paul Servey and wife Judy of Shippenville; three sisters, Martha Hazeldine Stevens of Venus, Virginia Righi of Milford, OH, and Edna McDonald of Cheyenne, WY; his fiance, Jeannie Hanson Pagano of Punxsutawney; sister inlaw, Roberta Servey of Philadelphia.
Preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Harry W. and Rev. James M. Servery; two sisters, Edith Dills and Ardella Courson.

Friends will be received from 9-10 a.m., March 29, 2014 at Shumaker Funeral Home, inc., Punxsutawney.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, officiated by Pastor Maureen Seifried. Military honors will be accorded by the Jefferson County Veterans Honor Guard.

Interment will be at the American Legion plot at Circle Hill Cemetery.

Violet M. Usoff, 86,of Franklin, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, March 25 at UPMC Northwest in Seneca.

Born March 12, 1928 in Clintonville, Violet was the daughter of the late Elmer Ellsworth and Rachael Pearl Surrena Miller. She was married to Floyd Usoff who preceded her in death.

Throughout the years, Violet had many jobs. She worked at Isaaly’s as a clerk, at Franklin Hospital as a nurse’s aide, and also worked at the Voyager Inn. Violet also had her own janitorial service for many years and cleaned for many businesses and churches. She enjoyed being outside, fishing, and working in her garden. Even though she had a stroke 4 years ago and was confined to a wheelchair, Violet still managed to enjoy hunting, by using her “custom-made” bows and rifle. She also enjoyed spending time at the Farmer’s Market in Franklin.

Violet is survived by her three sons, Merl Grinder and his fiancee’, Judy Mazon, of Franklin, Steven Grinder of Warren, and Michael Grinder and his wife, Mary, of Franklin; and her daughter, Shirley Walling of Wisconsin. She is also survived by her sisters, Irma Irene Paden of Franklin and Lillian Bowen of Ohio; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Violet was preceded in death by her son, Donald Grinder; her sisters, Mary Roemer and Altha Miller; and her brothers, Elmer Miller, Jr., Edward Miller and Perry Miller.

Family and friends of Violet will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, on Friday, March 28 from 10 to 11 a.m. Funeral services will be held following visitation with Pastor Scott Woodlee, pastor of Franklin Alliance Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Graham Cemetery.

To send cards, flowers, online condolences, or for further information, family and friends are invited to visit Gardinier Funeral Home

James R. Moyer, 84 of Rocky Grove passed away early Wednesday morning on March 26, 2014 at his residence.

Born January 19, 1930 in Chicora, he was a son of the late Mahlon and Ruth Parker Moyer.

He was a 1948 graduate of the former Chicora High School.
He enjoyed fishing and building radio controlled airplanes and flying them at Deeter’s and at the old Emlenton Airport.

Mr. Moyer traveled extensively with his wife Mary throughout the United States. He is a life member of the Rocky Grove Volunteer Fire Department.

He proudly served his county in the United States Army during the Korean War form 1951-1953.
Mr. Moyer worked at the former Amalie Refinery in Franklin and then transferred to Witco Refinery in Louisiana. Upon his return to Franklin, he worked at Quaker State for many years and retired there as a Quality Control Coordinator.

On May 7, 1953 he married the former Mary Kelley at the First United Methodist Church in Franklin and she survives.

Also surviving are three children; James R. Moyer Jr. and his wife Marcia of Franklin, John E. Moyer and his wife Deanna of Franklin and Donald R. Moyer and his wife Sue of Franklin; nine grandchildren, Emily Moyer, James Moyer III, Mark Moyer, Alex Moyer, Elizabeth Moyer, Erica Haubrich, Dan Dayton, Drew Dayton and Elissa Dayton; and three great-grandchildren, Berlin Haubrich, Lucy Haubrich, and Kendall Dayton.

He is additionally survived by a brother, Glenn Moyer and his wife Jane of Alabama and a sister, Karen Pacier and her husband Paul of Texas.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ray Moyer and Ron Moyer.
There will be no visitation or services.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. 312 West Park St. Franklin.

Memorial contributions may be made to VNA of Venango County 491 Allegheny Blvd. Franklin, PA 16323 of the Rocky Grove Volunteer Fire Department 29 Shuffstall St. Franklin, PA 16323.

Online Condolences can be sent to Huff Funeral Home

Timothy J. ( Tim ) Omiatek, 54, of 317 Bissell Ave. Oil City, PA. died unexpectedly Wednesday morning March 26, 2014.

Born in Oil City, PA. on Sept. 14, 1959 son of the late Anthony J. and Aileen McGillicuddy Omiatek.

He attended St. Joseph Grade School and was a 1977 graduate of Oil City Senior High School.

Tim was of the Catholic Faith.

Music, was Tim’s life. For the past twenty eight years he has worked for Story & Clark , which later became part of QRS of Buffalo , in the player piano business in Seneca, PA. He was also a Piano tuner and mover to many.

He also had a second career, as a Bass player with Southern Knights for the past 34 years, playing many venues in N/W Pennsylvania. His peers considered him one of the best Bass players in our area.

Tim gave the area a half century of laughs, tears, music, enduring friendships and true brotherly love. His one liners and quips were legendary. His smile will never be forgotten. His broad musical talent was sublime.

There was another side of Tim. Through Youth Alternatives for the past twenty years , He has been a fund raiser and counselor with the Children’s Camping Services of PA. He and the band and his close friends have worked tirelessly raising funds for this endeavor.

He enjoyed his dogs, the outdoors, target shooting and canoeing on the river.

Survivors;

two brothers.

John Omiatek and his fiance Mary Jo McGinty of Oil City and his children Mark and Emily.

Michael Omiatek and his wife Mary and their son Jude of Dayton, OH.

And by his Southern Knights Family

His brother Joe Omiatek preceded him in death.

The family will receive friends from 2-4,6-8 P.M. Saturday in the Reinsel Funeral Home & Crematory. A private Funeral Service will be held later at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made to the Childrens Camping Services of Penna. In c/o Youth Alternatives 1 Graff St. Oil City, PA. 16301

On line condolences may be sent at www.reinselfuneralhome.com.

Vera Stalker Cooper, 92, of Hopkinsville, Ky., formerly of Parker and Emlenton, passed away early Monday morning (03-24-14) at Jennie Stuart Medical Center in Hopkinsville following an illness.

Born in Erieco, Butler Co., Pa. on August 1, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Orren and Vernie McCandless Stalker.

Vera was of the United Methodist faith.

In earlier years, she had been employed at the former Sportspal Inc. of Emlenton, and then later at the Emlenton Super Duper (now IGA).

She enjoyed membership for many years with Order of Eastern Star Chapter #60 of Parker.

She is survived by one son and wife, Richard A. and Wilma “Willee” Cooper of Hopkinsville, Ky.; two grandsons and wives: Adam C. (Jennifer) Cooper of Columbia, SC. and Aaron N. (Jill) Cooper of Scottsdale, AZ.; one great-grandson: Levi Duffy Cooper of Scottsdale, AZ.; one brother: Howard Stalker of Parker; number of nieces and nephews including three nieces and husbands locally: Jenny (Bob) McGinnis, Cindy (Doug) Yarger, and Eileen (Paul) Trulick.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Harold Stalker who resided in Arizona.

Friends may call from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Friday at H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home, 201 So. Wayne Ave., Parker where funeral services will be held Saturday at 11:30 AM.

Burial will follow the service at Allegheny Cemetery, near Parker.

Carol Altmire, 69, of Eau Claire PA, passed away Thursday morning peacefully at home with her family.

Born December 22, 1944 in Slippery Rock, PA, she was the daughter of the late Ronald Sr. and Alda Kelly.

Carol Ann was a loving and devoted mother and housewife. Her greatest achievement was raising her two boys and being a mother to many more.

She enjoyed mowing grass, planting flowers, swimming and boating.

She also enjoyed deer hunting with the boys.

Surviving is her husband, Perry Altmire SR. of Eau Claire, whom she married on October 9, 1965. Her sons Perry (Sharon) Altmire JR, and Travis S. Altmire. One step granddaughter, Chastity Wissinger and two great step grandsons, that called her “GG”, Owen & Cameron Burkett. Also surviving are six siblings, and brother and sister in laws on both sides.

She is proceeded in death by two brothers.

Friends may call 2-4 & 7-9 Sunday at H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home, 201 South Washington St., Eau Claire. Funeral service at 11 AM Monday in funeral home. Burial will follow in Eau Claire Cemetery.

To view/send condolences, sympathy cards or flowers visit www.buzardfuneralhomes.com

Charles D. Sheraw, 70, of Madison Street, Sligo, died Thursday, March 27, 2014.

A complete obituary is not yet available, check back soon.

Daniel Earl Burkett, Jr., 41, of Newmansville, died Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at his home. Born January 10, 1973 in Natrona Heights, he was the son of the late Daniel Earl Burkett, Sr. and Linda M. Keibler Burkett, of Newmansville, who survives.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and demolition derbies.

In addition to his mother, Daniel is survived by 1 son and 3 daughters: Travis Myers of Lucinda, Melinda Benzo of Lake Lucy, Krissy Burkett of Lake Lucy and Ashley Burkett of Strattanville. He is also survived by 2 brothers: Robert S. Burkett and his wife, Emma and Jeffrey W. Burkett and his wife, Stephanie, all of Tionesta. In addition he is survived by 5 grandchildren: Aalidia Myers, Owen Myers, Travis Myers, Jr., Gavin Benzo and Maeleigh Eisenman.

He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his father, Daniel was preceded in death by a grandmother, Betty Lou Edmonds, an aunt, Brenda Hutchinson and great grandparents, Mary and Herbert Ruffner.

Friends and family may call on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the Borland Funeral Home, Inc. in Leeper. A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Seth

McPherson, pastor of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church officiating.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to the funeral home to help with funeral expenses.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at borlandfh.com.

Bonnie G. Arbuckle, 75 of Cochranton died Thursday, March 27, 2014 at UPMC Hamot in Erie. Born, March 10, 1939 in Greenville, she was the daughter of Joseph L. and Mary A. Harpst Wentz. She married Loyd Arbuckle on August 31, 1957 and he survives.

She graduated from Cochranton High School in 1958 and worked at the Iris Theatre and also the former Rexall Drug Store in Cochranton.

She was a member of the Cochranton United Methodist Church, enjoyed knitting and cherished times spent with not only her grandchildren but other children as well.

Survivors in addition to her husband include a son Joe Arbuckle and his wife Julie of Cochranton and a daughter Karen McDonald and her husband John of Meadville. Four grandchildren, Stacy Jo and Emily Arbuckle and Cody and Christopher McDonald. Three step grandchildren, Amber Adams, John and Dana Shaffer and two step great grandchildren, Addie and Leah Adams. Two sisters, Sandy Buzza and her husband Gary of Huber Heights, Ohio and Mary Lou Reisinger and her husband Tom of Grove City, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a son Kevin Arbuckle.

Friends will be received at the Dickson Family Funeral Home, Inc., 123 S. Franklin St. Cochranton on Sunday from noon until 3:00pm. A Celebration of Bonnie’s Life will be 3:00pm Sunday from the funeral home with the Rev. Gregg Spencer, officiating.

Interment will be in the Cochranton Cemetery.

The family ask that memorials be made to Hospice of Crawford County, 464 Pine St. Meadville or the Cochranton United Methodist Church, 114 E. Adams St. Cochranton.

Edgar T. Ganoe, 76, of Shippenville, passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2014, at the Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Born on November 21, 1937 in Clarion; he was the son of William E. and Cecilia Aaron Ganoe.

Ed was a 1958 graduate of CL High School. He then graduated from Clarion University with a history degree in Secondary Education.

A veteran, he served in the Navy.

Ed was married on February 5, 1966 to the former Nancy L. Raisley, and she survives.

He taught history at the Oil City High School for 33 years. He also co-owned and managed The Tavern bar in Clarion with his brother, Dick, for over 50 years. Everyone knew Ed as “Mr. Wonderful”.

Ed is a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Clarion.

He is also a member of the Beartown Beagle Club, past member of Shippenville Fire and Ambulance, and served as former Councilman and Past President in Shippenville.

In addition to his wife, Nancy, he is survived by five children, Charles D. Ganoe and his wife, Violette, of Muncy, Jeffrey S. Ganoe of Kossuth, Cindy A. Ganoe of Atlanta, Georgia, Julie L. Patrick and her husband, Brian, of Bossier City, Louisiana, and Michael T. Ganoe and his wife, Joann, of Suwannee, Georgia; eighteen grandchildren, Zach, Amanda, Mikaila, Hailey, Rose, Lilly, Heather, Jasmine, Kenzie, Aiden, Ava, Adeline, Ashton, So Jung, Kynder, Chae Young, Ariel, and Bohyeon; and two great grandchildren, Jonah and Lucas.

Also surviving are six siblings, Mary Louise Beichner of Oil City, Dorothy Beichner and her husband, Eugene, of New Castle, Robert Ganoe of Clarion, Kathleen Thompson and her husband, Dick, of
Clarion, Raymond Ganoe of Fleming Island, Florida, and Bernard “Bun” Ganoe and his wife, Linda, of Clarion; four sisters-in-law, Nancy Ganoe of Clarion, Gayle Ganoe of Clarion, and Donna Ganoe of
Fisher, and Noreen Ganoe-Pieper of The Villages, Florida; special friends, Bob and Ann Geisin of Shippenville; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, David Ganoe, William Ganoe, Richard Ganoe, and Leo Ganoe, and a sister, Claire Marie Leitch.

Family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2014, and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2014, at the Robert V. Burns Funeral Home, 638 Wood Street, Clarion.

Christian wake service will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2014, in the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 31, 2014, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Clarion with Rev. Monty Sayers, pastor of the Immaculate Conception Church, presiding.

Interment will be held at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery.

Memorials and donations can be made to the Clarion Free Library, 644 Main Street, Clarion PA 16214, or a to a charity of one’s choice.

Military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 66 of Clarion at 10 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.rvburnsfuneralhome.com.

Francis E. Myers, 78, of Cranberry, died on Thursday, March 27, 2014.

Hartle Funeral Home in Franklin is handling arrangements.

Read more: http://www.hartlefuneralhome.com/obituaries/myers.htm

Pamela D. Blair, 52, of Clarion passed away Thursday March 27, 2014 in the Clarion Hospital surrounded by family.

Born November 27, 1961, in Clarion she was the daughter of LaRue and Edith Davis. Pamela enjoyed cooking and listening to country music. She loved spending time with her family especially the grand children.

On October 19, 2003 she married Christopher Blair.

Along with her husband and father Pamela is survived by three sons Mike (Jessica) Conner of Clarion, Matthew Conner (Chanelle Schons) of Clarion, Mason Conner (Dawn Powell) of Clarion, a step daughter Vi Blair, five grandchildren Matthew Conner, Dakota Conner, Jason Conner, James Conner, Ryan McCann, ten sisters and eleven brothers.

Pamela was preceded in death by her mother and a brother Garfield Davis.

The family will receive friends from 9 to 11 am Monday March 31, 2014 at the Riverhill Evangelical Church, 11133 Rt 322, Shippenville. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in the church with pastor Terry Jacobs officiating. Interment will follow at the Loope Cemetery. T

he McEntire-Weaver Funeral Home, 504 East Penn Ave, Knox, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to the funeral home to help defray funeral expenses.

Leroy C. “Jack” Space, age 87, formerly of Shippenville and Strattanville, passed away on March 28, 2014 at the Golden Living Center in Clarion.

Born on February 8, 1927, he was the son of the late Anna Space. He was married to the former Janice Kathleen Elgin for 50 years. She preceded him in death in 2011.

After high school, Jack worked at Hanley Brick for over 40 years. He enjoyed long walks, putting jigsaw puzzles together, and watching sports.

Jack is survived by his daughters, Deb Kendra of Strattanville, and Jackie Taylor and her husband Fred, Jr., of Philadelphia; and her grandchildren, Christopher Myers and Michelle Greenleaf of North Carolina, Doug Myers and his wife Becky of Shippenville, Zachery Kendra of Strattanville, Freddy Taylor, and Kate Taylor of Philadelphia.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Jack was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Diamond.

Arrangements are under the care of the Goble Funeral Home and Crematory, 330 Wood Street in Clarion where visitation will be held from 6-8pm on Monday, March 31 and from 10-11am on Tuesday, April 1. Memorial services will follow at 11:00am on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Friends and family may send online condolences, share memories, order flowers, and obtain additional information by visiting the Goble Funeral Home and Crematory website at www.goblefh.net.

On Saturday March 29, 2014, Eric H. Rapp was received into the loving arms of his heavenly Father. He was 43.

Born May 4, 1970 in Oil City, PA., he was the son of Frank & Bonnie Lingo Rapp.

He attended Cranberry Elementary School and was a 1988 graduate of Franklin High School.

He graduated from Clarion University in 1992 with a degree in Business Administration.

Eric worked as the office manager for the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad for 26 years.

He married the love of his life, Tammy Hurst on Nov. 9, 2008 in Las Vegas and she survives.

Eric lived and loved to hunt with his dad, his uncles Dick, Bob and Paul and their families and, shot several trophy bucks over the years.

He also enjoyed dirt track racing.

He went to several NASCAR Tracks with his wife Tammy.

Eric took great pride in his truck, “The Grinch” and entered truck shows and had won many trophies.

He enjoyed traveling with Tammy on trips to Niagara Falls, Chicago, Dover, North Carolina, Virginia and Las Vegas.

Eric was a member of St. Joseph Church.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his parents Frank & Bonnie Rapp of Oil City, His step children, Kaden Disharoon and Nicole Disharoon, His brother, Dr. Adam Rapp & his wife Dr. Tammy Rapp of Northport, AL, And their children Savannah & Gage, His mother-in-law, Connie Hurst of Franklin

Eric had many friends & family who loved him.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Irene& Leanus Rapp, Alberta & Anthony Lingo, And by several aunts and uncles, as well as his father-in-law Ollie Hurst

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday in the Reinsel Funeral Home. Fr. Justin P. Pino,, Pastor of St. Joseph’s Church will preside.

Entombment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent at www.reinselfuneralhome.com.

Pastor Larry D. Blauser, 77, of 159 Johnstone Rd. Seneca, PA. died at 4:23 P.M. Saturday March 29, 2014 at UPMC-NW in Seneca after being stricken at his home.

Born Nov. 9, 1936 in Oil City, PA., he was the son of the late Harold & Anna Mae Bickel Blauser.

Larry was a 1954 graduate of Cranberry High School.

He had served as a SPEC 4 in the Army Reserves.

Larry was married on Sept. 7, 1969 to the former Carolyn A. Shaughnessy and she survives.

Larry had worked as a mechanic after High School, for Asplundh Tree Service and for 11 years at Chicago Pneumatic Tool in Franklin.

In 1972 he had a personal relationship with his Lord Jesus Christ.

He had attended the First Baptist Church in Oil City and taught Sunday School and served as a deacon.

In 1975 he served as a Minister at the Seneca Evangelical Congregation as well as the Evangelical Congregation New Zion in Emlenton, PA and preached at various churches as the pulpit supply. He had preached at the Fertigs Gospel Tabernacle, the President Chapel and the Ecumenical Congregation Churches in Bradford, Uniontown Heights and Grove City.

Larry’s favorite verse was Isiah 40:31

In the Summer of 1979 he led the Team Missions to the Dominican Republic.

He also served in Child Evangelism Fellowship Release Time and served many years at the Bucktails Summer camp.

Pastor Larry loved to hunt and fish and always had a nice big garden.

He loved the outdoors, enjoyed reading his bible and playing “500”.

He is survived by the following brothers and sisters, Harold “Bub” Blauser & his wife Dee of Oil City, Bernie & Helen Blauser of Seneca, Chris Blauser of Seneca, Rick & Sally Blauser of Conroe, TX, Wendall Blauser of Brunswick, OH, And by many nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his in-laws, Pat & Anne Shaughnessy of Brunswick, OH, Jim & Patty Shaughnessy of Paoli, PA., Mary Nick & her husband Ron of Dempseytown, As well as many Shaughnessy nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an Infant Daughter, Jennifer Lynn, sister Sally Reaser and a sister-in-law Midge Blauser.

Friends will be received from 1:00-3:00 P.M. Wednesday in the Reinsel Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent at www.reinselfuneralhome.com.

Donald Starr Pence, 94 of New Bethlehem, died early Saturday morning March 29, 2014, at his home.

He was born on February 18, 1920 in Madison Township, Armstrong County, and son of Meade and Kathryn M. (Starr) Pence.

He was married on September 3, 1940 to Lois K. (Mann) and she preceded him in death on May 14, 1994.

Don worked at the H K Porter Brickyard in St. Charles but his passion was farming which he did for most of his life. He served his country during World War II with the United States Navy in the Pacific Theater including the Battle of Iwo Jima. Don was also a member of the Walter W. Craig Post # 354 New Bethlehem American Legion.

He is survived by a son, Merlyn Pence and his wife, Patricia of Wamego, Kansas, three daughters, Barbara Switzer and her husband Larry of Aylett, Virginia, Donna Miller and her husband, Leland of Brookville and Debra Rensel and her husband, William of Templeton, seventeen grandchildren, thirty five great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren, a brother, Rev. Roger Pence of Butler, and a special friend, Betty Oss of Templeton.

In addition to both parents and his wife, Lois, Don was preceded in death by two sons, Larry D. Pence and Dennis R. Pence.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 31, from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 at the Alcorn Funeral Home in Hawthorn. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 1, at 11:00 am at the funeral home with Rev. Cliff Hamilton officiating. Immediately following the funeral service the Walter W. Craig Post # 354 New Bethlehem American Legion will honor their fallen comrade. Interment will follow in the Kellersburg Lutheran Cemetery, Madison Township, Armstrong County.

The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to the Clarion Forest VNA Hospice at 271 Perkins Road Clarion, Pa. 16214.

Online condolences may be sent to www.alcornfuneralhome.com.

Dr. C. Darrel Sheraw, 70, of Sligo passed away on Thursday, March 27th 2014 at the Clarion Hospital, surrounded by his loving wife of 46 years, his two sons and their wives. Darrel was born May 25th, 1943 in Greensburg, PA. The son of Charles A. and Mildred Mae Hemminger Sheraw.

He was married on August 7, 1967 to Norma Krause, who survives in Sligo.

Darrel was an English professor at Clarion University for 35 years, joining the faculty in 1977. His first connection with Clarion did not begin with his teaching career, however. He first came to Clarion as an undergraduate student earning his bachelor’s degree. While there he was fortunate to have found a life changing mentor in Dr. Edward Grejda, who first recognized his love of teaching and ability to communicate his knowledge to others.

With Dr. Grejda’s encouragement he completed his Masters and Doctorate degrees at Ohio University. His teaching career began at Alliance College in Cambridge Springs, PA where he served as the department chair for seven years.

While there he started Studies in Contemporary Satire, which became the longest running academic satire journal. With Dr. Grejda’s encouragement, Darrel returned to his Alma Mater, Clarion, where he taught popular classes in mythology, comedy and satire, and his area of specialization: romantic poetry.

Darrel’s enthusiasm and energy throughout all 70 years allowed him to pursue his many interests and talents. He earned an 8th degree black belt and taught karate in the Clarion area for 20 years. He had an interest in raising and showing rare waterfowl, developing a new breed that is now officially recognized internationally. He wrote three books on waterfowl and was an international waterfowl judge, having judged events in four countries with his best friend of over 40 years, Curtis Oakes of Cochranton, PA. He was also an avid gardener of over 100 varieties of hostas, to name just one of his plant specialties.

One of Darrel’s greatest joys was collecting and restoring antiques. You could often find him at the local sales, antique stores and flea markets. He was always willing to share his vast knowledge and enjoyed helping others with many restoration projects.

Darrel easily formed friendships and influenced the lives of many. One of his colleagues once referred to him as a true Renaissance man, which never failed to bring a smile to his face. His sharp wit and lively sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.

Darrel is also survived by his son’s Scott and Lynnette of York, PA; and Chris and Beki of Wappingers Falls, NY; also survived by a brother Dennis and his wife Gale Sheraw of the Virgin Islands. Proceeded in death by his parents.

The Robert V. Burns Funeral Home in Clarion is handling arrangements. A memorial service in his honor is being planned for a future date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to The Grejda Education Scholarship Endowment c/o Clarion University Foundation, Inc., Seifert-Mooney Center, Clarion University of PA, 840 Wood Street, Clarion, PA 16214.

Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.rvburnsfuneralhome.com.

William R. Hoover, 71, of Morris Street, Sligo, died Sunday morning, March 30, 2014.

A complete obituary is not yet compete, check back soon.

Paul Charles “Butch” Laskovich, age 71, of Franklin, Pa, formerly of Hampton Township, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2014 in the care of UPMC-Northwest. Born December 8, 1942 in Butler, he was the son of the late Paul and Beatrice (Helton) Laskovich. Butch was a former resident of Hampton Twp. and a graduate of Hampton High School And Pittsburgh Technical Institute.

He went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Navy serving aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid during the Cuban Missile Crisis and involved with recovering U.S. astronaut Scott Carpenter from the sea. After his service, Butch worked for J&L steel and a couple glass companies before founding ABC glass and later Franklin Glass and he was also owner of the Grant Street Bar & Grill in Franklin.

He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 83, American Legion Post 0945, and the F&AM. Butch loved to be outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trap shooting and golf.

He is survived by his sons, Keith (Maureen) Laskovich, Kevin C. Laskovich and their mother Marguerite A. (Seibert) Laskovich, all of Hampton Twp., a brother, David A. Laskovich, of Pensacola, Fl, and his loving dog Vicky. He is predeceased by his parents.

The family would like to thank all the personnel at UPMC-Northwest for their excellent care. Mr. Laskovich’s family will welcome friends from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8 P.M.on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at the King Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 2841 Woodland Circle in Allison Park. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 2 at the funeral home with a time to be announced later.

He will be laid to rest at the Hampton Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with Butch’s family at www.kingfuneralhome.com.

Shirley Lynn Griffith, 75, of Watson Farm, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2014, at the Hamot Hospital in Erie. Born on January 29, 1939 in Youngstown Ohio; she was the daughter of Albert Burcher and Mildred Painter Ruhlman.

Shirley was an avid reader and is survived by her children, Jacquetta Conant of Manassas Virginia, Shauna Griffith of Watson Farm; three grandchildren, Preston Conant of VA Tech, Lucas Conant of Dayton, OH and Jimmy Porterfield of Watson Farm. Two sisters, Roxie Smith and her husband Edward of Southport, NC, Nikki Mays of Marienville, and a brother Virgil “Bill” Ruhlman and his wife Carol of Watson Farm.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, a granddaughter Samantha Griffith and step father Robert Ruhlman.

Robert V. Burns Funeral Home in Clarion is handling arrangements. A private service will be held for family. Interment will be in the Watson Farm Cemetery. Memorials and donations can be made to a charity on one’s choice.

Online condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.rvburnsfuneralhome.com.