All Obituaries

Thomas Sherwin Smith, Jr., 77, of Gibsonia, formerly of Philadelphia, PA, died Tuesday, September 14, 2021 in the Good Samaritan Hospice Center, Wexford, PA. He was born November 21, 1943, in Philadelphia, PA, a son of the late Thomas Sherwin Smith, Sr. and Catherine (Walker) Smith.  Prior to working as a prison guard in Philadelphia, Tom was a police officer and then rose to the rank of Chief of Police for the Medford Lakes Police Department. He served as President of the Burlington...

James Michael Fabery, 60, of Latrobe, died Saturday, September 11, 2021 in the Excela Health Latrobe Hospital.  He was born December 25, 1960, in Greensburg, PA, a son of the late John and Mary (Colosimo) Fabery.  James worked for 41 years at Seton Hill University as a member of the grounds and maintenance crew.  He was a past member of the Mount Pleasant VFW Honor Guard.  James was an avid sports fan and a volunteer for the PGA tournaments at Oakmont Country Club....

Walter J. Czerpak, Sr., 86, of Forbes Road, passed away on September 9, 2021, surrounded by his loving and devoted family.  He was born November 6, 1934 in Forbes Road the sixteenth child of the late Lawrence and Anna Maruscak Czerpak.  Walter was employed by Jeannette Glass Company for 32 years and continued his employment with EDM Services until his retirement in 2000.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Ortha M. Bungard...

Edith M. (Scarpo) Gendek, 98, of South Greensburg, died Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021. She was born Jan. 7, 1923, in Crabtree, a daughter of the late Ralph and JoAnn Crocetti Scarpo. Edith volunteered at Westmoreland Hospital for several years and enjoyed tending to her roses and cooking for her family. She was a member of St. Bruno Church, S. Greensburg. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore T. "Red" Gendek Sr.; son, Richard Gendek Sr.;...

Donna M. (Martin) Koelsch, 77, of Greensburg, died Saturday, September 04, 2021.  She was born December 13, 1943, in Harrison City, a daughter of the late William and Bernice Baughman Martin.  Donna was a retired clerk for the Bureau of Disability, Greensburg.  She loved spending time doing things outdoors and would want everyone to remember her in the good times.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Jaleen Parsons; a sister, Monna...

Frances Barbara Vecchio, 97, of Crabtree, passed away on the beautiful, sunny morning of Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021. She left this life the same way that she lived. Peacefully, gracefully, and surrounded by the family that she loved. She was daughter of Anna Frederick Oshie and John Oshie, of Crabtree, and the last remaining of her 11 siblings. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Samuel Vecchio, who was waiting to welcome her to heaven; beloved sister...

Ann B. (Patrick) Kocian, 91, of Crabtree, died Monday, Aug. 30, 2021. She was born May 23, 1930, in Crabtree, a daughter of the late John Jack and Sophie F. Solomon Patrick. She was a member of St. Bartholomew Church, Crabtree. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert J. Kocian; a brother, George Patrick; and a sister, Mary Massimo. Ann is survived by her children, Carol Ann Kocian and Robert Kocian, both of Crabtree; her dear sister, Theresa Miscik...

Frances A. (Perne) Celesnik, 93, of Greensburg, died Saturday, August 28, 2021. She was born March 9, 1928, in Irwin, a daughter of the late John and Anna Kushar Perne. Frances retired from the former Sheraton Inn. She enjoyed gardening and cooking for her family and friends and spending quality time with her family and grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Slyvster P. Celesnik; a son, Dennis G. Celesnik, and ten siblings; John Adamic, Mollie...

Barbara A. (White) Skodak, 82, of Greensburg, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021, surrounded by her family. She was born July 7, 1939, in Greensburg, a daughter of the late Arthur E. and Delma J. Malling White. Barbara was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church and worked at Carbone's, Troutman's Restaurant and the Hospitality Shop at Westmoreland Hospital. Her life was full of adventures and her generous heart will be missed by all. She loved playing music and had so many...

Santo Baca, 77, of Crabtree, died Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021, at home. He was born Nov. 2, 1943, in Crabtree, a son of the late Joseph and Clara Spinelli Baca Riscinto. Santo was a retired salesman known by many as the "Candy Man". Throughout the years he worked for American Candy Company and Seaman Wholesale before retiring from Frank Fratto Wholesale. He was a member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church as well as many area social clubs. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in...