Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • Page 12

Jan 01 2010 Post-Gazette PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE 2, 2010 WWW.POST-GAZETTE.COM A-12 human habitation at that point in time. It was full of fire. Surviving in that he said. Despite the fire having engulfed the first floor and spreading, firefighters fought through the flames, searching for others. a little more aggressive, you might take a little more Deputy Chief Large said.

No one else was found as the two-alarm blaze gutted the house. Firefighters were relieved to later learn that the man who was thought to be inside was a boyfriend who stayed the night; the 18-year-old had been seen leaving the home the night before; and the two other children always stay there. The origin of the fire is believed to have been in the kitchen on the first floor because that area was most damaged, Deputy Chief Large said. He said there was no reason to believe the fire was suspicious, but fire investigators will make a final determination of the cause. Damage was estimated at $50,000.

Vinyl siding on a house next door melted from the heat of the flames, Deputy Chief Large said. Michael A. Fuoco can be reached at com or 412-263-1968. Woman found dead in blaze FROM PAGE A-8 Darrell Firefighters survey the scene of a fatal fire at 1111 Fairdale St. in Sheraden.

area was untenable for human habitation at that point in time. It was full of fire. Surviving in that Deputy Fire Chief Frank Large Charter schools are public schools that admit students without tuition. A home district pays a fee to the charter, an arrangement fueled tensions between charters and districts in various parts of the state. While Pittsburgh school officials have lamented the growing cost of charters a projected $37.9 million this year Mr.

Taylor contends the district is more worried about competition. State law gives a district the authority to grant, renew and revoke charters and monitor the operation. The state has an appeals board that reviews local decisions. If state officials conclude that Pittsburgh is denying charter applications for he said in the e-mail, there could be a backlash against school districts statewide. He said state officials could take away a right to grant charters and transfer the authority elsewhere, meaning decisions about local tax dollars could be made by outsiders.

Pittsburgh school officials aware that they are being Mr. Taylor said. Last year, Mr. Taylor announced that he seek a fourth term on the board because he believe his colleagues doing enough to scrutinize Superintendent Mark work. In a statement, the district defended its handling of charter applications, noting that Mr.

Roosevelt, a Massachusetts legislator in the 1990s, co-authored a law that brought charters to that state. district supports charter schools that offer innovative learning environments that are academically the district said. also believe that charters must be held to the same high standards of other schools to ensure that all of our children are getting the best education. Within this context, we will continue to review all charter applications and renewals on a case-by-case basis, and in accordance with the Six charter schools operate in the city. Since 2006, the board has renewed the charters of five of them, though it initially balked at renewing one because of frustration with the state charter school law.

During the same period, the board has rejected at least six proposals for new charter schools; shut down one school by declining to renew its charter; and shut down another school during its chartered operating period because of problems with its building. also approved one new school, the Environmental Charter School at Frick Park. In rejecting the Quest International and Community Service charter proposals, the board cited deficiencies with curriculum and special education reasons the district frequently has given in rejecting charter proposals. In the interview, Mr. Taylor acknowledged that quality varies, saying he was impressed with the Community Service proposal but found the Quest plan less than convincing.

Charter applicants have complained about unfair treatment, calling the proposal evaluation process too subjective and criticizing the reluctance to sell surplus buildings for charter schools. The district long has battled academic problems, though officials have cited big improvements in recent years. In his e-mail, Mr. Taylor said thousands of students still attend troubled schools and deserve charter school options. Joe Smydo can be reached at or 412-263-1548.

Pittsburgh schools blasted over charters FROM PAGE A-8 Cont. from Previous Page CLASSIFIED OBITUARIES NIEBRZYDOWSKI RAYMOND F. JR. Age 43, of the South Side, on Wednesday December 30, 2009. Beloved father of Raymond and Joshua Niebrzydowski; son of Sharon and the late Raymond F.

Niebrzydowski brother of Ryan, Melissa, Elizabeth Niebrzydowski and Clyde Elliot; step son of Patricia Niebrzydowski. Friends received Monday 1-8pm THOMAS J. GMITER FUNERAL HOME, INC. 2323 E. Carson St.

where Service will be held Monday 8pm. www.thomasjgmiterfh.com Send condolences at PARKER EDNA Z. Age 83, of Homestead, on December 29, 2009, after a lengthy illness. Beloved mother of John Parker; also survived by her sister, Deva Tabb of North Versailles, 3 grand and 5 great grandchildren. Visitation with the family 4-9pm Monday TUNIE FUNERAL HOME, 218 E.

11th Homestead. Funeral Service Tuesday 11am at the Mt. Rise Baptist Church, New Homestead. Interment Homestead Cemetery. Send condolences at PETRELL FRANK V.

On Thursday December 31, 2009. Frank V. age 83, of Ingram. Husband of the late Mary Ellen Carr Petrell; beloved father of F. Patrick (Michelle), J.

Michael (Donna), Vincent (Jean), Jeffrey J. (Joyce) and Cheryl Ann (Bill) Day; grandfather of Elizabeth, Patrick, Brendan, Christopher, Shawn, Marc, Tyler, Andrew and Hannah Petrell. Friends received at the HERSHBERGER- STOVER, INC. FUNERAL HOME 170 Noble Ave. Crafton on Sunday and Monday 2-4 7-9pm.

Frank R. Kirk Post American Legion Service on Sunday at 7pm. Ingram VFD Service Monday at 7pm. Mass of Christian Burial in Church of the Ascension, Berry St. Ingram on Tuesday at If desired memorials may be made to the Ingram Ambulance Assoc.

or the Ingram VFD, 40 West Prospect Ave. Pgh Pa. 15205. Frank was an Ingram Councilman for 43 years and an Ingram Fireman for 52 years. He was past president of the Keystone Chapter of Telephone Pioneers of America and a charter member of the Ingram Ambulance Service.

Send condolences at PORTER DAVID CARL Age 71, tragically on Tuesday, December 22, 2009, of the North Side. Survived by his son David (Megan) Porter and granddaughter Alyssa. Devoted friend of Grace Destro. Avid Pirates fan. He loved walking, the North Side and high school football.

Memorial Service will be held Sunday 10-11 am at STEPHEN M. BRADY FUNERAL HOME, 920 Cedar Ave. (across from AGH). Send condolences at PREMENTINE JOSEPH N. Age 80 of Trafford on Thurs.

Dec. 31, 2009. Husband of 53 years to Ruth Sterling Prementine; father of Joanne Caporoso (Aldo), Deborah and Joseph Prementine, Traci Lazar (Tom); grandfather of Joel, Nicholas, Kaylie, Leigh Anne and Tommy; brother of the late Barbara Srdoch Josephine Eskievich. Joe retired from WABCO as a clerk and was a US Army Korean War Veteran. Friends received in the JOHN M.

DOBRINICK FUNERAL HOME 702 7th St. (Rt.130) Trafford, (412)372-3111 on Sat. 6-8 PM and Sun. 2-4 6-8 PM. Parting prayers on Mon.

at 9:30 AM in the funeral home then a funeral mass at 10 AM St. Regis Church. Entombment to follow with military honors in New St. Joseph Mausoleum. Send condolences at RONGE OREN EDWIN Age 88, of Penn Hills, on December 31, 2009.

Beloved husband of the late M. LaVerne Ronge; father of Sandra (Gus) Gill and Gary (Mary) Ronge; grandfather of 5, great grand father of dear friend of Pat Whitehead. Oren was an Army Veteran of WWII Pacific Theater and a member of Rosedale United Methodist Church. He was an avid golfer loved woodworking. Friends received Sunday 2-4 and 7-9pm at SOXMAN FUNERAL HOMES, CHAPEL, 7450 Saltsburg Road (at Universal Rd.) Penn Hills.

Family will receive friends Monday 10am until service at 11am in Rosedale United Methodist Church, PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. Family prefers donations be made to Rosedale United Methodist Church, 5501 Third Verona, PA 15147, in lieu of flowers. Send condolences at SKOCZYLAS ALBINA N. Age 89, formerly of Monroeville and Chalfont Boro, died December 31, 2009 in the Baldock Health Care Centre, North Huntingdon. Beloved wife of the late Stanley Skoczylas; loving mother of Donald (Patricia) Skoczylas of Conway, SC; and Daniel (Bernadette) Skoczylas of Harrison City; grandmother of Marie Skoczylas and Dr.

Laura Skoczylas; loving sister of Edward (Stephanie) Cyburt and Henry (Virginia) Cyburt. Friends will be received Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the JOBE FUNERAL HOME CREMATION SERVICES INC. CHAPEL) corner of Beatty Road and 48 North, Monroeville, (412 856-4747). Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bernadette Parish Monday, 10:30 AM.

located at 245 Azalea Drive, Monroeville. Interment will follow at Good Shepherd Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice, 3520 Route 130, Building No. 3, Irwin, PA SNOCK-HALLIGAN MARGARET On Wednesday, December 30, 2009, Margaret Halligan- Snock of Allentown; daughter of the late James and Helen Herold Halligan; beloved mother of Marianne (Alan) Reinhart, Patricia Snock, Phyllis (Dave) Rebholz and Kimberly Schaeffer; special grandmother of Emily, Madeleine, Ellyn, Gavin and Garrett; sister of Donald (Mary Ann) and the late James and Robert Halligan; sister-in law of Lois and Jolene Halligan. Friends received Sunday 1-8 p.m.

at the JAMES J. BARRY JR. FUNERAL HOME, INC. 608 Warrington Ave. Funeral Prayer Monday at 9 a.m.

with Mass of Christian Burial in St. John Vianney Church, 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Grandparent Scholarship Fund (established in memory), Bishop Canevin High School, 2700 Morange PA 15205. Send condolences at STURGILL EILEEN D. 83, of Bridgeville, died on Sunday, December 27, 2009 at Pennybyrn at Maryfield Nursing Center in High Point, North Carolina.

She was born February 20, 1926 in Baltimore, MD, the daughter of John and Eileen Unger. An active member of the Bethany Presbyterian Church in Bridgeville, PA, she participated in choir, quilting and several senior group activities. Eileen married Carl L. Sturgill on June 19, 1948, who preceded her in death May 2002. She is survived by two sons, Gary A.

Sturgill and wife, Dorie of High Point, NC and Gregory S. Sturgill, and wife Lorraine of McKees Rocks, PA; two grandsons, Benjamin L. Sturgill of Wilmington, NC and Jonathan A. Sturgill of High Point, NC. The family will receive friends on Sunday afternoon, January 3, from 3 p.m.

to 6 p.m. at which time the Funeral Ceremony will be held at the BEINHAUER- FRYER FUNERAL HOME 430 Washington Bridgeville. A private interment service will be held at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Bethany Church, 740 Washington Bridgeville, 15017 or to your local Veterans Association. Please add to view tributes at www.beinhauer.com Send condolences at VATER MARY (McGERVEY) Of Mt.

Lebanon, peacefully while surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, December 30, 2009; beloved wife for 58 years of Francis J. Vater; mother of Mark (Jody) Vater, Paul (Janet) Vater, Joan (Bruce) Livengood, Lois (Charlie) Snowden, Marian (Mark) Gannon, Andrew (Gail) Vater and the late Stephen Vater who died in infancy. Sister of William (Nancy) McGervey Walter (Janet) McGervey; grandmother of Christopher, Shawn Megan Livengood, Kelly, Elizabeth Stephen Gannon, Nathan, Carl, Barbara, Jason, Scott Luke Vater; great-grand VERBANETS STEPHEN SR. Stephen on Tuesday, December 29, 2009, age 96 of North Side. Husband of Julia (Lizanich) Verbanets; father of Stephen (Kathleen) Verbanets, Jr.

and Patricia (Jeffrey) Morris; grandfather of Jonathan, Scott, Stephanie, Jacob, Alexandra and Audrey. Family will welcome friends on Sunday 2-4 6-8 pm at the SCHELLHAAS FUNERAL INC. 388 Center West View. Mass of Christian Burial in Incarnation of the Lord Parish on Monday at 10 am. Stephen was a World War II Army veteran.

www.schellhaasfh.com. Send condolences at VINCENT ROBERT R. Age 85, of Carnegie, on Thursday, December 31, 2009. Beloved husband of Marilou Scharbo Vincent for 59 years; loving father of Jeffrey R. Vincent, Martina (late William) Newman, Darby R.

(Valerie) Vincent, Lisa (John) Baraga, Cynthia (Robert) Andrews and Chad M. (Catherine) Vincent; son of the late Salvatore and Susan Vinciguerra. Also survived by nine grandchildren, Danielle Devlin, Justin Baraga, Jeffrey B. Vincent, Audra Timczyk, Sarah Doty, Nicholas Vincent, Robert, Julia and Spencer Andrews and one great grandson Jude Baraga. Bob was a U.S.

Navy WWII Veteran, graduated from Duquesne University and played baseball for both. He loved golf, was an active member of the Mineral and Lapidary Society of Pittsburgh, dedicated volunteer at Mercy Hospital, usher at SS Simon and Jude Church (50 years) and a member of St. Vincent de Paul Society. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by many. Visitation Sunday 12-2pm and 6-9pm at HENNEY, BRADWELL AND NIRELLA FUNERAL HOME, 524 Washington Carnegie.

Mass of Christian Burial Monday 10am in SS Simon and Jude Church, Green Tree. Send condolences at ZYGOWSKI ELIZABETH (WROBLEWSKI) Age 86 of Lawrenceville, on December 31, 2009. Beloved wife of the late Chester Zygowski, loving mother of Chester, Jr. (Sylvia), Bob (Joan) and Dan (Barbara); sister of the late Frank, Raymond, Ben, Clara, Martha, Dolly and Mary; also survived by five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Friends received Saturday 7-9pm and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9pm in the WALTER J.

ZALEWSKI FUNERAL HOME, 216 44th Lawrencville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday 10am in St. Stanislaus Church. Memorials may be made to Vincentian Regency, 9399 Babcock Allison Park, PA 15116. Send condolences at In Memoriam ACQUARO NELLIE In loving memory of our mother, a special lady.

Sadly missed and never forgotten by her family and all who loved her. FOGLIA ANGELINE OCT. 12, 1924 JAN. 2, 2009 Memories never fade. Will always love and remember the good times we shared with you.

Love Always, John, Carol, Terry, Kathy and Michael. GADDIE CAROL LYNN Dec. 21, 1957 Dec. 25, 2008 In loving memory of my cherished partner for 21 years. Gone, but not forgotten Sadly missed by Rose Williams LAGONA LORRAINE F.

Jan. 2, 1925 May 5, 2005 An old year is gone A new one is here We always feel you very near Though time goes quickly by Our memories of you will never die. Happy Birthday! Greatly missed by son Bruce, daughter Carol, family friends. RANSOM SHARON LOVE Sharon Love Ransom, born on Oct. 15, 1953, went to sleep on Dec.

27, 2009, awaiting the voice of Christ Jesus to awaken her to a resurrection of life according to John Sharon, a graduate of Community College of Allegheny County and Robert Morris University, received her MBA from SMU, Dallas, TX. She was an employee of IBM for 31 years and a mentor to many. Preceded in death by her father Ellsworth J. Early. Sharon is survived by her husband Edward Ransom of Grapevine, TX, her mother Roxanne Early of Pittsburgh, PA, her half-brother Paul Early of Boston, MA; stepsons, Edward (Kristy) of Erie, PA and Todd of Fort Worth, TX; grandsons, Edward and Kal-El both of Erie, PA; a host of beloved family and friends.

Visitation Sunday 4-8PM in the ROBINSON FUNERAL HOME, 2025 Perrysville Avenue, Perry Hilltop. A memorial service will be held on Monday at 11:00 AM in the Kingdom Hall of Witnesses, 7901 Dollman Road, Penn Hills. Interment Allegheny Cemetery Send condolences at SKOCZYLAS ALBINA N. Age 89, formerly of Monroeville and Chalfont Boro, died December 31, 2009 in the Baldock Health Care Centre, North Huntingdon. Beloved wife of the late Stanley Skoczylas; loving mother of Donald (Patricia) Skoczylas of Conway, SC; and Daniel (Bernadette) Skoczylas of Harrison City; grandmother of Marie Skoczylas and Dr.

Laura Skoczylas; loving sister of Edward (Stephanie) Cyburt and Henry (Virginia) Cyburt. Friends will be received Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the JOBE FUNERAL HOME CREMATION SERVICES INC. CHAPEL) corner of Beatty Road and 48 North, Monroeville, (412 856-4747). Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bernadette Parish Monday, 10:30 AM.

located at 245 Azalea Drive, Monroeville. Interment will follow at Good Shepherd Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice, 3520 Route 130, Building No. 3, Irwin, PA 15642. www.jobefuneralhome.com.

Send condolences at MULLIGAN BARBARA A. 77, Carrolltown, passed away December 31, 2009 at Memorial Medical Center. She was born August 18, 1932 in Carrolltown, the daughter of Irvin and M. Ethelend (Waltz) Bearer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert H.

"Moon" Mulligan on September 22, 2006. She is survived by her children: Gitthaline "Candie" (Thomas) Gagne, Gibsonia, and Ivan (Andrea) Mulligan, Ebensburg; grandchildren: Paige Gagne, and Ian and Andrew Mulligan. She is also survived by her brothers and sister: Robert "Bob" (Marion) Bearer, Carrolltown; William (Ethel) Bearer, Hastings; Elizabeth "Betty" (Jere) Perry, Fayetteville, PA; Ben (Sally) Bearer, Carrolltown; and Bernard (Caryle) Bearer, Carrolltown; also by numerous nieces and nephews. Barbara was secretary for Bearer Appliance in Carrolltown, bookkeeper for Carrolltown Fire Engine Company and Fire Club for 20 years, and was also Head Cook at St. Benedict Church and the Carrolltown Fire Company for 20 years.

She was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church, Carrolltown; a lifetime member of the Altar Rosary Society; lifetime member of the Carrolltown Fire Engine Company and Auxiliary; member of Cambria County Fire Auxiliary; lifetime member of St. Benedict VFW Post 7783 Auxiliary, and social member of the Carrolltown American Legion Post 506. Barbara enjoyed cooking, crocheting, jig saw puzzles, bird watching, and her grandchildren. Friends will be received from and p.m.

Sunday, at STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 146 North Main Street, Carrolltown, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. Additional viewing will be held Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Carrolltown, by Rev.

Jude W. Brady, OSB. Committal, church cemetery. At Barbara's request, please no flowers. Memorials may be made to Conemaugh Hospital Foundation, ATTN: Warming Blanket Fund, Palliative Care Unit 4GS, Johnstown, PA.

(www.stevensfh.com) Send condolences at VATER MARY (McGERVEY) Of Mt. Lebanon, peacefully while surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, December 30, 2009; beloved wife for 58 years of Francis J. Vater; mother of Mark (Jody) Vater, Paul (Janet) Vater, Joan (Bruce) Livengood, Lois (Charlie) Snowden, Marian (Mark) Gannon, Andrew (Gail) Vater and the late Stephen Vater who died in infancy. Sister of William (Nancy) McGervey Walter (Janet) McGervey; grandmother of Christopher, Shawn Megan Livengood, Kelly, Elizabeth Stephen Gannon, Nathan, Carl, Barbara, Jason, Scott Luke Vater; great-grand mother of Blake Addie Livengood. Friends will be received at LAUGHLIN MEMORIAL CHAPEL 222 Washington Mt.

Lebanon on Saturday 1-5 PM Sunday 5-7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered in St. Winifred Church on Monday at 11:00 A.M. Mary devoted her life to her family and her volunteer work included St. Winifred Church Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Guild for the Blind the St.

Vincent de Paul Society. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Winifred Church, 550 Sleepy Hollow Pittsburgh, PA 15228 Send condolences at.