Obituaries – Uniontown Apps (2024)

Betty Lou Belcher Seaman, 86, passed away Monday, November 27, 2023, leaving her family missing her endlessly.

Betty was born August 23, 1937, in Portsmouth, Ohio.

She was the beloved wife for 54 years of the late Charles A. Seaman, Sr.; loving mother of Luann Brown (husband Thomas), and the late Charles, Jr.; grandmother of Rylan, Hannah (husband Hamada), Charles III, and Angela; great-grandmother of Linnie and Andrew; daughter of the late Virgil and Juanita Fannin Belcher; sister of Joyce Damron, Donald and Fred Belcher, and the late David Belcher; dear aunt and great-aunt of many.

After dedicating more than 10 years at General Electric, she earned her retirement and settled in Pennsylvania with her husband.

Betty loved to cook and take Sunday drives to auctions. She enjoyed the solace of quiet days spent at home and those that were surrounded by her family.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Betty from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, the time of a blessing service, Friday, December 1, in the TERRAVECCHIA-HAKY HOME FOR FUNERALS, INC., 515 North Main Street, Masontown, with the Rev. Dick Anthony Cortado officiating.

Prayers of Christian Burial will follow in the St. Mary Chapel of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cemetery, Leckrone, PA 15454. Burial will immediately follow.

Uniontown

James R. "Bucky" Mangello, 84, passed away Tuesday, November 21, 2023. Bucky was born April 12, 1939, in Uniontown, a son of the late Joseph and Blanche Mangello.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph Mangello (Patty), JoJo Mangello, Earl Mangello, Robert "Bob" Mangello; sisters, Dorothy Burke (the late Ronald), Sylvia Jakobowski (the late Edward); and his wife’s parents, Jules and Ethel Valentine. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Left to cherish Bucky’s memory are his loving wife of 59 years, Sharon Mangello of Uniontown; daughters, Lisa Mollica (Joseph), and Renee Custer (James), all of Uniontown; grandchildren, Gianna Dascenzo (Corey), Gino Mollica (Nathaniel), Morgan Ezzi (Ricardo), and Mariah Custer; and many relatives and friends.

In his early years, Bucky was a truck driver for Country Belle and Hagan Ice Cream Company. He then worked in various roles for Gallatin Fuels Inc. until retirement.

Upon retirement, Bucky helped with deliveries at his daughter (Lisa) and son-in-law’s (Joseph) businesses, Twins Treats and Valentine Pharmacy.

Bucky was a member of St. Therese de Lisieux Roman Catholic Church. He was a 4th Degree Member of Assembly No. 926 of the Knights of Columbus Lodge in Uniontown. Bucky was a lodge brother and former lodge president with the Sons of Italy Lodge Giuseppe Mazzini No. 231 in Uniontown. He was involved in all activities and functions of the Sons of Italy, including Lenten and pasta dinners and the Italian festivals. He loved to play the Italian games bocce and morra while spending time with his lodge brothers and sisters. Bucky loved his country and was proud of his Italian heritage.

Bucky also enjoyed golfing with family and friends and was known for "shaving" a stroke or two off of his scorecard. He loved a cold beer, Bloody Mary, or a glass of Paisano wine. He made lifelong friendships sharing a cold one at the former Belmont Inn. He also enjoyed "quietly" watching Steeler games with family and friends over the years.

Bucky’s greatest joy in life centered around his family. He was protective of them and thankful for them. He adored his beloved wife, Sharon, and appreciated her for everything. He cherished the time spent with his loved ones and the countless memories made. Bucky was a legend that lived his life his way and had a special way of making everyone smile. All who knew and loved him agree there will never be another Bucky.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANDREW D. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIES, INC., 80 Morgantown Street, Uniontown, where family and friends will be received from 2 until 8 p.m. Friday, December 1. Visitation will continue in the funeral home from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, December 2, followed by prayers of transfer. A Funeral Mass celebrating Bucky’s life will be held at 10 a.m. in St. Therese de Lisieux Roman Catholic Church. Interment will be in Lafayette Memorial Park.

A parish wake service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday. Assembly #926 of Knights of Columbus Lodge of Uniontown will hold a prayer visual Friday at 5:15 p.m. and the Sons of Italy Lodge Giuseppe Mazzini #231 will have a memorial service at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either Fayette County Community Action Agency Food Bank, 108 N. Beeson Avenue, Uniontown; or Fayette Friends of Animals, 223 Searight Herbert Road, Uniontown.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at adferguson.com or the funeral home Facebook page.

Dawson

John A. Copeland, 63, of Dawson, Perry Township, passed away Tuesday, November 28, 2023, in his home, surrounded by his family. Born December 16, 1959, in North Charleroi, he was a son of the late William S. and Ruth Marlene Schroyer Copeland.

A lifelong resident of Dawson, Mr. Copeland was employed at Dicks Sporting Goods, Smithton, where he worked as a warehouseman. He was also employed at Lowes and the K-Mart Restaurant.

John was a 1977 graduate of Frazier High School, a member of Sons and Daughters of Italy, Perryopolis Sokols, Perryopolis Moose and Perryopolis Veterans of Foreign Wars.

John and his wife were foster parents and loved camping at their summer home at Big Bear Campground.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa Mass Copeland, to whom he was married to for 34 years; five children, John A. Copeland and wife Brianna of Lake Lynn, and Jonathan W. Copeland, Siniyah Copeland, Nicholas Copeland and David Copeland, all at home; three brothers, William S. Copeland of Belle Vernon, Robert W. Copeland and fiancee Cindy of Dawson, James Copeland of Uniontown; two sisters-in-law, Pamela Bartock of Dickerson Run, Roxanne Painter of Mt. Pleasant; granddaughter, Lillian Renee Copeland; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, November 30, in the PARZYNSKI FUNERAL HOME & CREMATIONS LLC, Family Owned and Operated, 191 Liberty Street, Perryopolis, 724-736-2515, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 1, with Pastor Lonnie Ritenour of Dawson Baptist Church officiating. Interment will take place in Dickerson Run Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to aide Becky and nurse Leslie from Amedisys Hospice for their comfort and care to John.

Condolences for the family accepted at www.parzynskifuneralhome.com.

Charleroi

Tina Rockwell, 62, of Charleroi, passed away on Monday, November 27, 2023, at the Donnell House with family by her side, after a short battle with cancer.

She was born in Brownsville, on August 12, 1961, daughter of the late Leo and Ruth Miller Rode. Tina graduated from Brownsville High School and worked at various dry cleaners over the years as a presser. She was Catholic by faith.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Allan Rockwell; sisters, Carmella and husband, Melvin Bowers and Nina and husband, John Zetty; brother, Leo Pat and wife, Judy Rode; children, Charles Michael Carpinelli, Jr. and wife, Samantha, Jason Rockwell and wife, Cindy, Jessica Kirtley and Dylan; grandchildren, Allan Carpinelli, Darius Rockwell and Ayden Rockwell; also nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be private and in the care of THE SKIRPAN FUNERAL HOME, 135 Park Street, Brownsville, PA 15417.

skirpanfuneralhome.com

Hopwood

Ronald J. Janosek, 72, of Hopwood, passed away Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at his home.

He was born August 20, 1951, at Uniontown a son of the late John and Wilma Lako Janosek.

Surviving is his loving wife of 51 years Terry (Kline) Janosek; his daughter, Erin Janosek (Derek) of Uniontown; three brothers, Terry Janosek (Jill), John Janosek (Laura), and Robert Janosek; and several nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.

He is predeceased by his parents and his mother-in-law, Kitty Kline; father-in-law, Jack Kline; brothers and sister-in-law, Sully and Kathy Gambone and John Kline.

Ronald was retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation where he was Assistant Maintenance manager. He was a member of the Fayette Gun Clun and an avid skeet shooter and hunter.

Friends will be received from 2 to 7 p.m. in the DONALD R. CRAWFORD FUNERAL HOME HOPWOOD Friday, December 1, 2023, the hour of service with Pastor Gary Workman officiating.

A special thanks to Amedisys Hospice for their care.

The family requests no flowers and requests that all donations to Fayette Gun Club at PO Box 295, Uniontown, Pa. 15401, or Geibel Catholic Trap Team, % Ray Kazmierczeck, at 611 E. Crawford St., Connellsville, Pa. 15425.

Dawson

John A. Copeland, 63, of Dawson, passed away Tuesday, November 28, 2023, in his home.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, November 30, in the PARZYNSKI FUNERAL HOME & CREMATIONS LLC, Family Owned and Operated, 191 Liberty Street, Perryopolis, 724-736-2515, where funeral services will be held Friday, December 1.

A full obituary will be placed in Thursday’s paper.

Condolences to the family accepted at www.parzynskifuneralhome.com.

Middleburg, Fla.

Randy Wheeler, 70, of Middleburg, Fla., hometown of Fairchance, died on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.

He was born February 18, 1953, in Uniontown, the son of the late Leonard and Mildred tee*ts Wheeler.

Randy joined the Navy soon after graduating from high school in 1971 and completed boot camp at Naval Recruit Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois. He became an Aviation Support Equipment Technician (AS) and fully embraced the motto "No air support without ground support."

He served as a leader in a variety of roles and at a number of duty stations, while rising to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer (E8).

His assignments included the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CV-59), the flight line of VP-16 which was a P-3 aircraft squadron in Brunswick Maine, and the Support Equipment shop at the Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) at Cecil Field, Florida.

Aboard USS Lexington (CVT-16), he was proud of his service as the ship’s Safety Chief Petty Officer, a critical role for this aircraft carrier whose mission was to train brand new Naval aviators.

During the first Gulf war, he served as an advisor to the Commander of a Navy helicopter wing at Naval Station Mayport, Florida. Among his many accomplishments, he was instrumental in obtaining body armor to keep helicopter flight crews safe in combat.

As an inspector on the aviation maintenance management team (AMMT) in Patuxent River Maryland, he traveled around the country, ensuring that all Navy, Marine, and contractor flying commands were conducting maintenance safely.

Following this tour, Senior Chief Petty Officer Wheeler retired from active duty in 1997, after 26 years in uniform.

He soon returned to government service as a Department of the Navy civilian at the Support Equipment Rework Facility in Patuxent River. After supporting the Navy and Marine Corps for another 16 years in this role, he retired again after a total of 40 years of service to his country.

Randy is survived by his wife of 24 years, Lynn Stroth Wheeler; sons, Randy Wheeler and Douglas Wheeler; grandchildren: Trinity Wheeler, Austin Wheeler, Gavin Wheeler and Brayden Wheeler; great-grandchildren, Evelyn Nieves and Mason Wheeler; sister, Barbara Yazell; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family will receive friends and family in the DEAN C. WHITMARSH FUNERAL HOME, 134 West Church Street, Fairchance, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023. The funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. with Pastor Bryan Kelley officiating. Interment with Military Rites being accorded will follow in American Legion Post 278 Veterans Cemetery, Fairchance.

Newell

Janet Ryan Higby, 73, of Newell, passed away peacefully, in her home, Monday, November 27, 2023. She was born July 19, 1950, in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Alex and Rose Zugeber.

Janet was the beloved wife of Christopher Powell; and loving mother of Tony (Ruth Farmer) Ryan, and John (Kim) Higby. She is also survived by her brother, Karl Alexander; her grandchildren, Mariah Klein, Dylan and Paisley Higby; and her great- grandchild, Ellianna Klein.

Janet loved the beach and traveling to Ocean City and Geneva on the Lake. To her family, she was the best cook in the world.

Private arrangements were entrusted to Pittsburgh Cremation & Funeral Care, Robinson Township.

Please share condolences on her obituary page at www.pittsburghcremation.com

Dunbar

Hester Mae Zebley Nadzam, 89, of Dunbar, passed away Friday, November 24, 2023, in Henry Clay Villa, Markleysburg.

She was born March 27, 1934, the oldest in her family, to the late Enoch Zebley Sr. and the late Catherine L. Gettemy Zebley, in Mt. Independence.

Hester attended Cove Run Free Methodist Church, in Lemont Furnace.

She was a proud homemaker. No matter what happened, she was always present for her family. She did for them whatever was needed, and she found particular joy in taking care of and doing for her grandchildren. She also loved her little dog, "Lady".

In her spare time, she took pleasure in listening to music, especially country, but her absolute favorite was listening to her son play the keyboard.

Hester is survived by her children, Cindy (Terry) Murphy, Mike Nadzam Jr. and Matt A. (Virginia) Nadzam; her grandchildren, Adam, Steven, Eric and Chris; her siblings, Shirley Yauger, Alice Yauger and Enoch "J.R." Zebley.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Nadzam Sr.; siblings, Mary Jane Matthews, Alda Zebley and twin brothers, Robert and Ronald Zebley; brothers-in-law, Devon "Rock" Yauger, Ernest "Ern" Yauger, and Emmett Matthews; and her sister-in-law, Twila "Star" Zebley.

Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, November 29, and from 8 until 10 a.m., the hour of service, Thursday, November 30, in BURHANS-CROUSE FUNERAL HOME, 28 Connellsville Street; Dunbar, with Pastor Travis Edgar officiating.

Interment to follow in Sylvan Heights Cemetery, Uniontown.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.burhanscrousefuneralhome.com or on the funeral home’s Facebook page @burhanscrouse.

Uniontown

Dibrell Carroll Stewart, 92, passed away Tuesday, November 21, 2023, after a brief illness, in Uniontown.

Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, November 28, and from 10 until the 11 a.m. hour of service Wednesday, November 29, in the BERNARD M. TOWNSEND FUNERAL HOME, 220 South Main Street, Masontown, with Lay Speaker Sandra C. Townsend officiating. Interment will follow at Greene County Memorial Park Jefferson.

Valley Lodge #459 Free & Accepted Masons will hold a service at 7 p.m. Tuesday, with a service following at 8 p.m. by the Masontown Volunteer Fire Department.