Valley News Dispatch

"N. Irene (Burtner) Ormesher, 92, of Brackenridge, formerly of Allegheny Township, passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at Platinum Ridge Nursing Home in Brackenridge. A daughter of the late David Newton Burtner and Nellie Viola (Shook) Burtner, she was born July 21, 1924, in Natrona Heights. Irene was a homemaker and member of the Cross Roads Community Presbyterian Church in Leechburg. She had been a seamstress and avid gardener for many years. Her and her husband traveled extensively, to the east to Europe, to the west to Hawaii, to the south to the Panama Canal and Carribean and to the north to Montreal and Quebec, Canada. She was involved with church and community activities including being a Girl Scout leader and member of the Order of the Eastern Star. What a life! Surviving is her daughter, Phyllis J. Ormesher Johnston (Eric), of Boalsburg, Pa., near Penn State University. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert James Ormesher, on Aug. 16, 2014; and two brothers, David Newton Burtner II and Roy Lynn Burtner and their wives.
There will be no public visitation. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 22, at Cross Roads Community Presbyterian Church, 271 Main St., Leechburg, with the Rev. Gary J. Lyon officiating. Interment will be made at Greenwood Memorial Park at the convenience of her family. Arrangements have been entrusted to CLAWSON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CENTER, 170 Main St., Leechburg (724-842-1051).
Her daughter and family would like to thank Heritage Hospice and Platinum Ridge for Irene's care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cross Roads Community Presbyterian Church, 271 Main St., Leechburg, PA 15656; or to Heritage Hospice, 2400 Leechburg Road, No. 300, New Kensington, PA 15068; or to the charity of the donor's choice."

[obituary of Emmet M. Ekas]

"John L. Pesci, 81, of Freeport died Sunday (June 13, 2004) in Concordia Lutheran Ministries, Jefferson.
Born April 1, 1923, in Freeport, he lived in the borough all his life.
An Army veteran, he served in World War II and landed on Omaha Beach.
He was a plumber for 38 years before retiring in 1986.
Mr. Pesci was a member of St. Mary Roman Catholic Church and Veterans of Foreign Wars, both of Freeport, White Star, Buffalo Township, and Knights of Columbus, Natrona.
He enjoyed fishing and working with his hands.
Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Helen E. Sober Pesci; two sons, Mark B. (Cheryl A. Walker) Pesci of Windham, N.H., and Paul R. (Elizabeth D.) Pesci of Elm Grove, Wis.; a daughter, Patricia A. (Dennis) Geary of Buffalo Township; a stepson, R. David (Carol W.) Rowley of Buffalo Township; a stepdaughter, Janet L. (Richard) Kaminski of South Buffalo; nine grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; two stepgreat-grandchildren; two brothers, Mario J. Pesci of Lawrenceburg, Ind., and Geno E. Pesci of Clearwater, Fla.; and two sisters, Rose M. Pesci and Edith E. Pesci, both of Freeport.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia M. Rengers Pesci, in 1966; his parents, Massimino and Matilda Gasparini Pesci; three brothers, Elmo, Joseph and Cledo "Ben" Pesci; and three sisters, Mary R. Ranieri, Inez and Emily Pesci.
Family and friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the DENNIS J. DAUGHERTY FUNERAL HOME, 324 Fourth St., Freeport, where a parting prayer service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday. Christian Funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. in St. Mary Church, Freeport, with his pastor, the Rev. Thomas A. Federline, as celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Freeport. Natrona Knights of Columbus will have a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, followed by a parish wake service at 8:30 in the funeral home."

"Helen E. Rowley Pesci, 87, of Freeport, died Friday, July 30, 2010, in Good Samaritan Hospice, Cabot. Mrs. Pesci was born May 25, 1923, in Tarentum, to the late Voss and Frances Sober. Helen was a graduate of Freeport High School. She was a display manager for the Horne's Department Store in Natrona Heights for 17 years. She was member of the Freeport United Methodist Church. She enjoyed spending time with her family, fishing, boating, camping, gardening, cooking, vacationing in Canada and spending winters in Naples, Fla. Helen is survived by her children, R. David (Carol) Rowley, of Sarver, and Janet L. (Richard) Kaminski, of Freeport; her stepchildren, Patty (Dennis) Geary, of Freeport, Mark (Cheryl) Pesci, of Windham, N.H., and Paul (Elizabeth) Pesci, of Elm Grove, Wis.; a sister, Martha Kerr, of Cabot; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Robert H. Rowley (1969) and John L. Pesci (2004); a sister, Virginia Petruziello; and a brother, John Sober. There will be no public visitation. Everyone is invited to a memorial service at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the chapel of Freeport Cemetery with her pastor, the Rev. Edd H. Myers, officiating. Arrangements are under the care of the DENNIS J. DAUGHERTY FUNERAL HOME, 724-295-3100, 324 Fourth St., Freeport, PA 16229. Burial will follow. Memorial contributions may be made to: Freeport United Methodist Church, 211 Fourth St., Freeport, PA 16229.

"Marie Dolores Rowley, 78, of Berlin, formerly of Brackenridge, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011, at the Meadowview Nursing Center, Berlin. She was born March 15, 1933, in Natrona, the daughter of the late John and Mary Dalkowski Levandoski. Marie was a member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Parish in Natrona. She enjoyed shopping and spending time with her family. Marie is survived by her brother, Henry Levandoski, of Fawn Township; and by several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Kasmir Levandoski; and sisters, Irene Wilkie, Janet Wielobob, Jean Perchyck and Valerie Felsman. Friends will be received from 9 a.m. until the time of a blessing service at 10:30 a.m. Friday in the CICHOLSKI-ZIDEK FUNERAL HOME INC., 1522 Carlisle St., Natrona Heights, 724-224-8688 . Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. in St. Ladislaus Church with the Rev. William Siple as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Freeport. To send an online condolence, please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com."

"Elizabeth R. "Betty" McKnight, 93, of Freeport, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, in the Alle-Kiski Medical Center, Natrona Heights, Harrison Township. She was born Sept. 4, 1918, in Freeport, to the late William Wesley and Carrie L. (Rowley) Rowley. Betty resided her entire life in Freeport Borough. She graduated from Freeport High School in 1935, Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education. Betty fondly recalled being a teacher for six years out in South Buffalo Township in "the old one room school house" which required more tasks than teaching. She then continued teaching for the Freeport Area School District for 20 years, prior to her retiring in 1980. Betty was a member of Freeport United Methodist Church, where she served on various church committees. She was also a member and assistant teacher for the Gleaners Sunday School Class and an active volunteer for Meals on Wheels since her retirement in 1980. She is survived by her two nephews, George (Carol) Buechner, of West Union, W.Va., and Dan (Joanne) Buechner, of Brandon, Fla.; her niece, Mandy (Mike) Allen, of Norfolk, Va.; and her beloved cousin and dear friend, Darlene J. Pike, of Laneville; five great-nieces and nephews; and 10 great-great-nieces and nephews. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, mentioned above; her husband; her son, R. Wesley McKnight; and her sister, Jean R. Buechner. Family and friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral ceremonies at 11 a.m. Saturday in the DENNIS J. DAUGHERTY FUNERAL HOME, 324 Fourth St., Freeport, 724-295-3100. Her pastor, the Rev. Edd Myers, will officiate. Committal services and burial will follow in the Freeport Cemetery."

"R. David Rowley, 65, of Sarver, Buffalo Township, passed away Friday, Jan. 27, 2012, in UPMC St. Margaret, Aspinwall. He was born Feb. 14, 1946, in Natrona Heights, to the late Robert H. Rowley and Helen (Sober) Rowley Pesci. David was a welder/fitter at Nadine Corporation in Verona for 22 years. Prior to working for Nadine, he was a self-employed tractor trailer driver. He worked for the Boilermakers' and in various fab shops in the area. In his youth, he was an ice hockey player and coached preschool and grade school ice hockey beginners. He enjoyed trips to the family's lodge in Canada for fishing. A lifelong, avid boater, he and his wife, Carol, traveled the rivers for 20 years in their houseboat, The Carol Louise II. They shared their home and boat with two black cats, Bert and Ernie. Mr. Rowley is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Carol (Walker) Rowley; his sister, Janet (Richard) Kaminski, of Freeport; and two nephews, Roger (Wendy) Welsh, of Butler, and Ian Kaminski, of Atlanta, Ga.; also several cousins. Friends and family may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in the DENNIS J. DAUGHERTY FUNERAL HOME, 324 Fourth St., Freeport, 724-295-3100. Funeral ceremonies will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. The Rev. Edd H. Myers will officiate. Committal services and burial will follow in Freeport Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley, 533 Linden Ave., New Kensington, PA 15068."

"Carolyn J. Ross, 78, of Buffalo Township, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday morning, March 19, 2012. Carolyn was born in Freeport, Aug. 19, 1933, the daughter of the late Martha (Beale) and Richard J. Rowley. She was a wonderful and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was a lifetime member of Freeport United Methodist Church. Carolyn had worked at the old Freeport 5 & 10 cent store and at Ferlino's Appliance in Leechburg, before she and her husband started their family. Carolyn was a member of the Joy Class, Sunday school teacher and a past trustee at her church. She was a member of two card clubs and a sewing club. She baby-sat for many years for family and friends. She loved watching the Steelers and Pirates. She enjoyed cooking, baking and traveling with her husband. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Charles I. Ross; their two daughters, Linda (James) Fergus, of South Buffalo Township, and Joni (Chuck) Lauffer, of South Buffalo Township; grandchildren, Casie (Mike) Rock, of Mars, Emily (Bob) Linn, of Allison Park, Jamie and Matthew Fergus, of South Buffalo Township, and Eliza and Annie Lauffer, of South Buffalo Township; and two brothers, Robert Dale (Sharon) Rowley, of Fort Worth, Texas, and James (Joyce) Rowley, of South Buffalo Township. She was preceded in death by her son, Charles R. Ross, who passed away in 2008; and her brother, Donald Rowley. Family and friends are being received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the REDMOND FUNERAL HOME INC., 524 High St., Freeport. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in Freeport United Methodist Church with the Rev. Edd Myers officiating. Burial services will be held in Freeport Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Freeport United Methodist Church, 211 Fourth St., Freeport, PA 16229."

"Robert J. Ormesher, 89, of Lower Burrell, formerly of Leechburg, died Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014, at Logan Place, Lower Burrell. He was born July 14, 1925, in New Kensington, to the late Thomas and Annie (Deardon) Ormesher. He was employed as a mechanical engineer at Alcoa in New Kensington for 38 years, retiring in 1981. He was a member of Cross Roads Community Presbyterian Church in Leechburg and was an Army veteran of World War II in the Air Corps. He was a member of the Tyrian Masonic Lodge No. 0844. He enjoyed gardening, sewing and photography. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, N. Irene (Burtner) Ormesher; daughter, Phyllis J. Johnston (Eric R.), of Boalsburg; and brother, David Thomas Ormesher, of Newton, N.J. The family wishes many thanks to Logan Place and Bridges Hospice for all the care given to Robert. Funeral ceremonies will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014, in Cross Roads Community Presbyterian Church, 271 Main St., Leechburg, with his pastor, the Rev. Gary J. Lyon, officiating. Interment will be made in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell. Arrangements are by CLAWSON FUNERAL and CREMATION CENTER, 170 Main St., Leechburg, 724-842-1051. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cross Roads Community Presbyterian Church, 271 Main St., Leechburg, PA 15656 or to a charitable organization of the donor's choice."

"Wesley H. Rowley II, 85
Wesley "Wes" Hale Rowley II, 85, of Bonita Springs, Fla., died Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015, in his son's home from complications due to pulmonary fibrosis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley Hale Rowley and Arabella Pauline (Mickey) Rowley; and a brother, Ronald Keith Rowley. He leaves his wife of almost 60 years, Jane Doris (Thorn) Rowley. He also leaves behind four children, Harry F. Rowley and Terri, Donna Bolls and David, Wesley H. Rowley III and Lori, and Jeffrey K. Rowley and Lynda; and two brothers, Roger A. Rowley and Donna Marie and David J. Rowley and Ruth. Wes had nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Born in Natrona Heights on Jan. 30, 1929, Wes was the eldest of four brothers. He graduated in 1946 from New Kensington High School and joined the Army. He served in Japan during the occupation after World War II. When he returned, Wes attended the Kiski School for Boys before finishing his school career at Bowling Green University in Ohio where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta. Wes had a long career in retail management for the G.C. Murphy Co. and then Kmart. He was a dedicated family man with a quick wit and always looked for the humor in any situation. The family asks that memorial donations go to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary."