OBITUARIES
Recent Obituaries
Mary Grace Christina
Oct 14, 2025
CHRISTINA – Mary Grace, 91, New Germany, died October 14, 2025. Born May 13, 1934, in Ehrenfeld, the last surviving child of Augustine J. and Marion L. (Bowen) Schrift. Preceded in death by parents, husband, Robert J. Christina Sr., who died May 18, 2024; son, Robert J. Christina Jr.; sisters, Margaret Emigh, Louella Penrod, and Joan Salamon; and brothers, Stephen,...
Jeffrey L. Zalar
Oct 9, 2025
ZALAR – Jeffrey L., 55, South Fork, died October 9, 2025. Born June 2, 1970, in Johnstown, son of the late Donna Lee (Miller) Zalar-Ohler.
Survived by loving wife of 24 years, Vannie L. (Beaner) Zalar, whom he married May 25, 2001; sons, Michael Potter (Joy); Justan Potter; and Ray Potter (Kennedie); sister, Tammy Zalar-Krestar (Steve); and Brandon Hampton (Heather); grandchildren,...
Christina L. Miller
Oct 8, 2025
MILLER – Christina L., 53, died October 8, 2025, at Hilltop Heights, where she lived for the passed 5 years. Born November 25, 1971, in Johnstown, daughter of Eugene F. and Beverly R. (Fresch) Miller. Preceded in death by parents; and sister, Wendy Martino.
Survived by daughter, Bobbi Miller; sister, Beverly Ann Miller; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Christina always felt...
Eric T. Gregorich
Oct 6, 2025
GREGORICH – Eric T., 54, Mineral Point, died October 6, 2025. Born August 5, 1971, in Johnstown.
Survived by his parents with whom he lived, Joyce E. (Long) and Thomas Gregorich; sisters, Maria Brinklow and Tanya Gregorich (Charles Harris), and nephew and nieces, Anthony, Brittany, and Michelle and their families.
Eric was, in the truest sense of the word, a free spirit....
Melvin A. Wilt
Oct 3, 2025
WILT - Melvin A., 79, Windber, went to be with the Lord on October 3, 2025 at UPMC Shadyside. Born, January 1, 1946, in Gaffney, South Carolina. Preceded in death by parents, Charles and Beverly Jewel (Blanton) Wilt, and brother-in-law, Melvin Alexander.
Survived by loving wife of 51 years, Debbie (Mickolick) Wilt; children, Beverly (Brian) Chesnutwood, Salix; Charles (Tony), Maryland; and...
William A. Knisel Jr.
Oct 2, 2025
KNISEL – William A. Jr. “Bill,” 90, New Germany, entered eternal rest October 2, 2025, at home. Born April 15, 1935, in Portage, son of William A. Sr. and Julia (Saylor) Knisel.
Preceded in death by parents; daughter, Michele Knisel; infant sister, Dorothy; sister, Rosellia Knisel; and brothers, Edward, and Walter.
Survived by loving wife of 60 years, Doris (Freidhoff) Knisel; daughter,...
Richard T. Wess
Sep 29, 2025
WESS - Richard T. “Dick,” 92, New Germany, died September 29, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family. Born August 21, 1933, in Summerhill, the last surviving child of Adolph J. “Shorty” and Coletta (Betz) Wess. Preceded in death by parents; grandson, Lee Wess; daughter-in-law, Twila (Williams) Wess; sister, Helen Miller; and brothers, David, George Wm. “Bill,” and Daniel...
David H. Bright
Sep 26, 2025
David H. Bright passed away peacefully in his home on Friday afternoon September 26, 2025, with his loving wife at his side. David had a long and debilitating illness that he fought head on for more than 10 years. Along with the loving care of his dear wife, Tina, and the Doctors, Nurses, and Technicians that ministered to him through...
Lawrence C. Malesky
Sep 23, 2025
MALESKY – Lawrence C. “Larry,” 83, New Germany, died September 23, 2025. Born August 21, 1942, in Croyle Township. Preceded in death by parents, Charles W. and Helen (Matusik) Malesky; twin sister, Mary Ann Hughes; brother, Frank; and great-grand baby, Nicholas.
Survived by sons, Tim (Michelle); Tom (Terri); Barry (Tracy); and Sam; grandchildren, Matthew (Courtney), Stephen (Kathleen), Lauren (Max), Danielle, Julianne,...
David E. Gates
Sep 21, 2025
GATES – David E., 89, Mineral Point, passed away peacefully September 21, 2025. Born August 27, 1936, in Croyle Township, son of Walter S. Gates Sr. and Jane (Goughnour) Gates-Crouse. Preceded in death by parents; brothers, Walter Jr. and Donald Gates; grandson, Jesse Kirksey; stepfather, Glenn Crouse; and sister-in-law, Esther Gates.
Survived by beloved wife, Amy (Hill) Gates; sons, David K....
Richard P. Wilkinson Jr.
Sep 17, 2025
WILKINSON – Richard P. Jr., 95, Mineral Point, died September 17, 2025. Born July 20, 1930, in Spangler, son of Richard P. and Catherine (Costlow) Wilkinson. Preceded in death by parents; and sisters, Nancy Troxel and Margaret Zubeck.
Survived by loving wife of 64 years, Joanne M. (Gabany) Wilkinson, whom he married May 20, 1961; sons, William R.; and Richard P....
Alice Lutsko
Sep 15, 2025
LUTSKO – Alice, 70, South Fork, died September 15, 2025. Born February 23, 1955, in Nanty Glo; daughter of Harold J. and Alice J. (Rankin) Wagner. Preceded in death by parents; husband, Richard J. Lutsko, who died July 16, 2012; sister, Cathy Cook; and brother, Barry Wagner.
Survived by daughters, Sheena (Mark Guyer); Apryle (Garry Barrett II); and Ricci (Nicholas Smith);...
Rodger J. Penrod Sr.
Sep 15, 2025
PENROD – Rodger J. Sr., 91, Beaverdale, died September 15, 2025. Born April 20, 1934, in Croyle Township, son of Daniel F. Sr. and Gladys (Carl) Penrod. Preceded in death by parents; his beloved wife and sweetheart, Alice May (Sherman) Penrod, who died August 27, 2008; daughter, Cindy Wilde; sisters, Dolores “Sue” Penrod and Mary Kuhar; and brothers, Delmar, Wilbur,...
Mary Katherine Calaboyias-Raich
Sep 14, 2025
CALABOYIAS-RAICH – Mary K. “Bemba”, 77, of Seward, passed away September 14, 2025 at UPMC East Hospital Monroeville, after a short and courageous battle against cancer. She was born July 27, 1948, in Cambridge, Ohio, the daughter of the late Jack and Demetra (Pavlos) Calaboyias. Also, preceded in death by her brothers, Vasili and Peter; sister, Anna; and niece, Kimberly.
She...
Ronald S. Martynuska
Sep 2, 2025
MARTYNUSKA- Ronald S., “Nonnie” 75, Sidman, passed away September 2, 2025. Born July 16, 1950, in Johnstown, son of Stephen V. and Anna M. (Nazit) Martynuska. Preceded in death by parents; and stepbrothers, Valentine, Arthur, and Fred Martynuska.
Survived by sons, Daniel; Douglas (Rose); and Stephen (Nicole); grandchildren, Jacob, Zachary, and Janessa; companion, Lee Rudnik; and siblings, Ann Sanders, Fran Nazit...
Karen Ann Harteis
Aug 28, 2025
HARTEIS – Karen Ann, 81, Windber, died August 28, 2025. Born September 6, 1943, in Johnstown, daughter of Milton J. and Margaret (McCormick) Velmar. Preceded in death by parents; daughter, Bonnie Miller; and brothers, Barry and Brian Velmar.
Survived by husband, Charles Harteis; daughter, Sharon Wilmore; grandsons, Garrett Wilmore and Nathan and Dwayne Miller; and great grandson, Damian Nugent.
Former owner and...
Donnie P. Rozier Jr
Aug 22, 2025
ROZIER – Donnie P. Jr., 54, Johnstown, died August 22, 2025. Born August 27, 1970, in Johnstown; son of the late Donnie P. Sr. and Carrie Belle (Edwards) Rozier.
Survived by children, Terazie, Tariah, Gabriel, Mecelea, Donnie III “DJ,” and Kaliana; fiancé, Aubrey R. (Vocco) Seese; sister, Denise; brother, Dwayne (Nicole), and many other beloved family and friends. Graduate of Conemaugh...
Jack W. Reese
Aug 20, 2025
REESE – Jack W., 81, Mount Hope, died August 20, 2025. Born September 7, 1943, in Johnstown, son of George and Fern A. (Reighard) Reese.
Preceded in death by parents; loving wife, Lucy Fay (Penrod) Reese, who died October 24, 2023; and son, Eric W. Reese.
Survived by son Darrin; daughter, Tina (Charles) Teno; beloved grandchildren, Kendra Reese, Michael Teno (Gina Rhoads),...
Mary Catherine Malzi
Aug 16, 2025
MALZI – Mary Catherine, 90, formerly of Dunlo, died August 16, 2025. Born March 5, 1935, in Beaverdale, daughter of Ross and Vina (Jackson) Hart. Preceded in death by parents; husband, Peter E. Malzi, who died October 2, 2021; sister, Mildred Whitlow; and brothers, Ross, Thomas, and Charles.
Survived by daughters, Cindy (Denny) Nagy; Diane (Tim) Weaver; and Kimberly (Robert) Fisher;...


