All Obituaries

Naomi H. (O’Martin) Erb, 97, of Ligonier formerly of Derry Twp., died Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at Ligonier Gardens. She was born March 25, 1922, a daughter of late Joshua and Ruth Naomi (Lennox) O’Martin. Prior to retirement Naomi was a self-employed beautician. Besides her parents Naomi was preceded in death by her husband Edward Glenn Erb and two brothers Lloyd B. and Wade O’Martin. Naomi is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. As per Naomi’s wishes all services will...

James J. Connor Jr., 95, of Derry, died March 10, 2020 at Excela Health Latrobe Hospital. He was born August 23, 1924, in Derry, a son of the late James J. Sr. and Annie (Meidenger) Connor. Prior to retirement James was a self-employed truck driver. He was a proud veteran of the US Army having served during WWII. James was a member of the St. Martin Roman Catholic Church, New Derry, New Derry Sportsmen, F&J Bow and Gun Club, Derry VFW Post 444, and founding member of the Derry Rod &...

Loretta N. Smillie, age 88, of Jeannette Pa, passed away on Thursday March 12, 2020, at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital, after a brief illness. She was born October 3, 1931, in Claridge, PA, a daughter of late Frank and Edith (DiMarchi) Gaudi. Loretta was a homemaker and wonderful mother. She was a member of the Ascension Church, Jeannette and was once President of the Homemakers Association. Loretta loved cooking and gardening. She was an avid reader, enjoyed crafts and spending time...

Nancy E. (Hershberger) Brendlinger, 63, of Derry Twp., died Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at her home with her family by her side. She was born June 9, 1956, in Bedford, a daughter of Thomas F. Hershberger of Bedford and the late Janet S. (Spinos) Hershberger. Nancy worked at Brookdale Senior Living, Latrobe as a Nurse’s Aide. She was a member of the New Derry United Methodist Church. Nancy enjoyed Calligraphy and spending time with her family. Nancy is survived by her husband of 26 years,...

David W. Bell Jr., 60, of Derry Twp., beloved son, brother, nephew, uncle, and friend, died unexpectedly on Friday, January 17, 2020 at his home. He was born February 5, 1959, in Latrobe, the son of the late David W. Sr. and Emma L. (Waldron) Bell. David retired from the US Air Force as a Master Sergeant. He was an avid sportsman and collector of many things. He truly was a fun person and enjoyed making his friends and family laugh. Besides his parents, David was preceded in death by one...

Dorothy J. (Marsh) McCreery, 71, of New Derry, died Thursday, January 16, 2020 at home with her husband by her side. She was born November 5, 1948, in Cokeville, a daughter of Mary Marshe. Prior to retirement Dorothy worked at Latrobe Hospital as an LPN. She enjoyed her work and spending time with her family. Dorothy is preceded in death by her son Donald B. McCreery Jr. Dorothy is survived by her husband of 50 plus years, Donald B. McCreery Sr. of New Derry; one daughter Lisa Newhouse and...

Violet A. (Selesky) McIlnay, 91, of Latrobe, died Friday, January 10, 2020, at Bethlen Home, Ligonier surrounded by her family. She was born May 3, 1928, in Latrobe, a daughter of the late Leo and Goldie (Piper) Selesky. Prior to retirement Violet worked for Latrobe School District as a baker. She was a charter member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Violet will be greatly missed. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother. She...

Donna F. (Garris) Harris, 69, of Blairsville, died Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. She was born December 12, 1950, in New Derry, a daughter of late Jim and Anna Irene (McCurdy) Garris. Donna was a homemaker. She was a member of the Pittsburgh Revival Center. She is preceded in death by her husband Larry C. Harris Sr. in 2001, two brothers Ronnie and Dickie Garris, and one sister Shirley Garris. Donna is survived by her four sons Larry Harris of Derry, Eligh Harris of...

Dorothy E. (Tunstall) Fink, 69, of Latrobe, died Monday, January 6, 2020, at Excela Health Latrobe Hospital. She was born August 3, 1950, in Somerset, a daughter of the late William and Dorothy (Auman) Tunstall. Dorothy enjoyed spending time with her family and at Senior Life. Besides her parents Dorothy was preceded in death by her two brothers Clyde and Blair Tunstall. Dorothy is survived by her husband Edwin R. Fink of Latrobe; three daughters Melinda Diehl of Derry, Veronica Bach of MT,...

Brian J. Downs, 67, of Dallastown, formerly of Derry, died Tuesday, January 7, 2020, at UPMC Shadyside Hospital. He was born May 14, 1952, in Latrobe, the son of the late George C. and Ruth (Kennedy) Downs. Prior to retirement Brian worked for Decker Machine as a CNC Machinist. He was a graduate of Derry Area High School Class of 1971. Brian loved racing and was an automobile enthusiast. Brian is survived by his five brothers George Downs and wife Carol, Ernie Downs and wife Tina, Doug...