Category: Necrology

James Paul Dawson, 74, of Altoona, peacefully passed away Sunday evening at Select Specialty Hospital in Johnstown. He was born in Altoona, son of the late George Thomas Dawson Sr. and Dolores Dawson. James was also preceded in death by siblings, George Thomas Dawson Jr. and Sondra Irvine; and best friend, Patty Black Andorio. James…

Damian Lee Over, age 44 passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025. He enrolled in WPSD and left in 1995. He reside near Los Angeles, California. Damian Lee Over passed to eternal life on the 15th of March 2025, in Los Angeles, California. He began his educational journey at the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf…

With profound sadness, I am acknowledging the passing of my beloved sister and best friend Viola Lee Kellner, who was born on August 27, 1979, and breathed her last on March 9, 2025. Viola was/ is a radiant soul ( with at times an annoyingly funny smart ass attitude ,  stubborn, incredibly creative and artistic ,…

Note: Dean Minshull enrolled in WPSD and left in 1978-1979 school year. Dean Russell Minshull, age 58, of Transfer, passed away Tuesday afternoon, September 26, 2023 in his residence. He was born in Grove City, PA on November 11, 1964 a son of Thomas R. and Audine F. (Reynolds) Minshull. He was a 1982 graduate…

Earl L. Knight, 61, of 68 Main Street, Mt. Jewett, passed away Monday, January 20, 2025, at his residence. Born April 30, 1963, in Bradford, he is a son of Anne M. (Perrott) Knight of Bradford and the late Carl A. Knight, Sr. who died in 1976. Earl attended and graduated from Western Pennsylvania School…

Finley “Clark” McCulley, born on July 12, 1935, in Irvona, PA, passed away on January 20, 2025.  He attended the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD) and worked as a machinist at Caterpillar in York, PA for many years.  He was married to Sharon McCulley and had two children, Lisa and Lynn, as well…

Ronald R. Heckman, Sr., 87, of Butler, passed away Monday, December 30, 2024, at his home. He was born September 10, 1937 in New Kensington, the son of the late Robert R. and Elma (Frank) Heckman. He retired after 35 years as a print setter for the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. Surviving are his wife, Linda…

John Paul Stanton, 56, of Nanty Glo, went to Heaven on Dec. 11, 2024. Born Nov. 25, 1968 in Johnstown, son of the late Herbert and Irene (Kankula) Stanton. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by grandparents; brother, Herbert, Jr.; and sister, Barbara Stanton. Survived by sister, Sue (Chuck) Keilman; brothers,…

Raymond Gerald Gwizdak, 65, of Pittsburgh, passed away on November 28, 2024. Born December 16, 1958, in Pittsburgh, the son of late Roman and Antoinette (DiLiberto) Gwizdak. Beloved wife of Janice (Mogus) Gwizdak for 36 years. Survived by brother in law, Robert (Ginny) Mogus and cousins. He graduated from Western Pa School for the Deaf…