OBITUARIES

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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,...

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....

Sep 19, 2025

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....

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);...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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),...

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;...

Aug 10, 2025

LAUTENBACHER – Donald J., 49, Windber, passed away August 10, 2025. Born April 20, 1976, in Johnstown, son of the late Robert Lautenbacher and Gaynelle (Clites) Schmieder. 

Survived by loving wife of 23 years, Elaine M. (Mulhollen) Lautenbacher, whom he married July 20, 2002; beloved children, Kara and Kolt; sister, Amber Lautenbacher; niece, Sorina Leary (husband, Michael); nephew, Aiden Cooper; great...

2025

VAS DIAS - Richard A., 86, of Topton, formerly of Kempton, passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025 at his residence. Richard was born in Manhattan, New York, on May 2, 1939, and spent his childhood in Queens, graduating from Resurrection-Ascension School (1953) and St. John’s Preparatory School, Brooklyn (1957). He attended St. Francis College (now University), in Loretto, Pennsylvania,...

Aug 3, 2025

WINGARD – Terry C., 76, Sidman, passed away peacefully at home August 3, 2025. Born February 1, 1949, in Johnstown, son of Dwight E. and Pauline J. (Carpenter) Wingard. Survived by wife, Carol (Chicoli) Wingard.

Terry was a US Army veteran of the Vietnam War and owned Wingard Painting, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Lifetime member of VFW Post 392, Virginia Beach; and...

Jul 21, 2025

BRYDON – Kevin J., 62, South Fork, passed away July 21, 2025. Born January 21, 1963, in Johnstown. Preceded in death by father, Richard J. Brydon and sister, Kimberly K. Stevanus.

Survived by mother, Sandra (Riblett) Brydon – Unger (Henry Unger); loving wife, Debra R. (Pauley) Brydon; sons, Richard “RJ” and Zachary (Teasha); beloved grandchildren, Peyton Moss and Bowen, Brooks, and...