Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • Page 11

May 28 2009 Post-Gazette PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE 29, 2009 WWW.POST-GAZETTE.COM A-11 ernment. The individual want to be identified because the plans were still under discussion with the U.S. and Canadian governments. Bloomberg News reported last night that sources close to GM said that the automaker would file for bankruptcy protection on Monday and sell most of its assets to a new company. The overall proposal is similar to the approach taken in the bankruptcy reorganization approach used by Chrysler.

Its plan to shed assets and sell control of a downsized carmaker to Fiat, aided by government financial assistance, could receive final approval from a bankruptcy court judge in New York soon. A senior Obama administration official estimated GM would be under bankruptcy protection for 60 to 90 days, which is longer than reorganization because of the size and complexity of GM. The goal is to eventually return GM to profitability, allowing it to eventually sell its shares. But the risks for taxpayers are daunting, with U.S. auto sales near their lowest level in 27 years.

will come out of this rid of some of the historic legacy costs that have been dragging us down for the last 20 years or GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said yesterday at an Automotive Press Association luncheon in Detroit. will come out of it with an all new focus on product The new offer to the holders of $27 billion in unsecured GM bonds amounted to a take-it-or- leave-it deal: Go along with the government auto task proposal or be left holding the assets a new GM want ones with presumably little value at all. In addition to the 10 percent of the stock in a newly formed GM that was originally rejected by bondholders, the new offer would give them warrants to acquire an additional 15 percent stake at a deep discount. That would come only if they agree to support selling the assets to a new company under bankruptcy court protection. The Securities and Exchange Commission filing said that if enough bondholders agree to support the sale by 5 p.m.

tomorrow, the amount of stock and warrants they get would be substantially reduced or eliminated. The filing specify how much support is needed. The government had demanded that 90 percent of bondholders agree to a previous debt-for-equity swap that failed. The Obama administration official said the government would not require a specific percentage of bondholders to approve the proposal but would make a judgment call based on the level of support. The committee representing 20 percent of bondholders that yesterday said it would go along with the new deal still think fair.

the committee continues to remain troubled by preferential treatment that the UAW care is receiving compared to the bondholder class rejecting this offer in the expectation that the bondholders will do better in a litigated outcome was a risk the committee is unwilling to the committee said in a statement. United Auto Workers President Ron Gettelfinger, in a telephone interview with The Associated Press yesterday, said he want to get into a debate with bondholders while the union is pushing for ratification of concessions to GM. objective person that stood back and looked at all the sacrifices that have been made by active workers and retirees would see that we have made tremendous he said. Don Hammonds can be reached at gazette.com or 412-263-1538. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

GM: Bondholders will OK better deal GM, FROM PAGE A-7 By Bree Fowler The Associated Press NEW YORK Chrysler Chief Executive Officer Robert Nardelli said he expected the sale of the bulk of assets to a group headed by Fiat Group SpA to close today, assuming the judge overseeing the bankruptcy protection case approves the deal. Mr. Nardelli testified in court yesterday that he expects the required U.S. regulatory approvals for the sale to be in place today and international approvals to follow shortly thereafter. But likely that if U.S.

Judge Arthur Gonzalez does approve the deal, attorneys representing three Indiana state pension and construction funds, which hold Chrysler debt and are aggressively opposing the sale, will appeal the decision and force the company to postpone the closing. Fiat could back out if the deal wrap up by June 15. Chrysler LLC yesterday began its second day of testimony to convince Gonzalez that selling itself to Fiat was the best way to avoid liquidation. Attorneys for Chrysler say a leaner company could shift more easily to building smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. But many Chrysler dealers, bondholders and former employees say they are being steamrolled by the exceptionally speedy bankruptcy court proceedings.

If the judge approves the sale, as expected, the automaker could emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection within weeks, defying observers who said that the company could linger under court oversight for years. Chrysler filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection April 30. Meanwhile, U.S.- based rival General Motors Corp. earlier yesterday said a committee has agreed to a sweetened deal proposed by the U.S. government to erase the unsecured debt in exchange for company stock.

The deal should help GM reorganize more quickly through Chapter 11 reorganization. A person familiar with plans said it was that the company would seek bankruptcy protection on Monday. The person want to be identified because the plans were still under discussion with the U.S. and Canadian governments. In his testimony yesterday, Mr.

Nardelli described the events leading up to bankruptcy filing. He said the company attempted to cut costs and restructure itself throughout 2008, but a steep drop in vehicle sales and tight credit proved to be too much, sending the industry into a by summer. bottom fell he said. Mr. Nardelli said he favored a plan for a stand-alone company and was disappointed when the auto task force gave him to the end of April to join with another automaker if it wanted the financial help.

In the days leading up to its filing, Chrysler reached an agreement with most of its bondholders in which they would receive a combined $2 billion in a deal worth 29 cents on the dollar, but some bondholders refused to support it, saying that as secured lenders they deserved more. Mr. Nardelli said Chrysler attempted to negotiate with the holdout debt holders right up until the filing, with the Treasury at one point upping its offer by $250 million to $2.25 billion. In the end, Mr. Nardelli said Chrysler officials justify liquidating the company instead of restructuring, given the number of jobs that would have been lost and communities that would be effected.

think it would have had a cataclysmic effect on the industry and the overall he said. The Associated Press writer Tom Krisher in Detroit contributed to this report. Chrysler CEO expects sale today Bulk of assets will be sold to group headed by Fiat Seth Press Boxes full of documents related to the Chrysler bankruptcy case are wheeled into bankruptcy court yesterday in New York. Cont. from Previous Page CLASSIFIED OBITUARIES MITLO PATRICIA A.

Age 68 of Bethel Park on Wednesday, May 27, 2009. Loving mother of Cynthia (Steve Shartel) Mitlo, Robert (Lisa Madden) Mitlo II, and Krista Mitlo; grandmother of Brittany and Bella Mitlo, and Rowan and Conrad Shartel; sister of Dorothy (George) Bauer and Robert Meyers; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Family and friends welcome Friday 2-9pm at FREYVOGEL-SLATER FUNERAL HOME, 112 Fort Couch Road, Bethel Park (opposite Macys South Hills Village). Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Thomas More Church 10 am. Send condolences at MITTEREDER MARGARET K.

(UNGER) 82, a resident of St. Barnabas Retirement Village, formerly of Brighton Heights (Pgh.) Passed away peacefully on May 26, 2009, devoted wife of the late Francis Mittereder, loving mother of Judy (Ray) Wipkowski of Ross, Gregory of Mary (Joe) Donnelly of Ross, Patti (Bernie) Micklos of Erie, PA, Jack (Lori) of West View and Joe (Cindy) of McCandless. Cherished grandmother of Amy (Bob) Patsilevas and David Wipkowski; Greta Mittereder; Michael, Christine, Matthew and Jennifer Donnelly; Julieann and Christopher Micklos; Nicholas, Jeffery and Ashley Mittereder; Patrick and Alyssa Mittereder. Great grandmother of Emma and Nathan Patsilevas. Sister of Anne Farrell, Frank (Eileen) Unger and the late Ed (Sis) Unger.

Margaret was a lifelong member of the Royal Outing Club and Secret Pals. Friends will be received on Thurs Fri. 2-4 7-9pm at the H.P. BRANDT FUNERAL HOME 1032 Perry Highway, Ross Twp. 412-364-4444.

Mass of Christian Burial in St. Cyril of Alexandria Church on Sat. at Interment Calvary Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Valencia Hospice, 85 Charity Place, Valencia, PA 16059. Send condolences at NOVAK ROSE MARY (RIEGLER) Age 51 of Polish Hill formerly of Twp.

On May 27, 2009, beloved wife of Jerry B. Novak; mother of Brian M. Crnkovich; daughter of Fred the late Rose Mary Riegler; sister of Ruth Ann (Larry) Foor, Richard Riegler; step-mother of Edward (Sherlyn) McLaughlin; also Julianna, Mary, Anna Justin McLaughlin; also survived by four nephews. Friends received at the WALTER J. ZALEWSKI FUNERAL HOME, 216 44th Street, Lawrenceville.

Sat. Sun. 2-4 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Monday at 10 a.m. Family requests donations to Family Hospice Palliative Care, 50 Moffett St, Pgh, PA.

15243. Send condolences at PERELLA JAMES "HONEY" Age 87, on Thursday, May 28, 2009 of Bon Air. Husband of the late Helen S. Perella; father of James A. Perella and Michael (Diane) Perella; grandfather of Matthew and Taryn Perella; brother of Clem, Alfonse, and Mary Davidson and the late Carmela Sciulli, Paula Mumbray, Antoinette Varratti, Frank, John, Albert, Carmen and Len Perella.

"Honey" was a proud member of the U.S. Army during WW II and a longtime member of the Bon Air Golf League. Friends will be received at the JOHN F. SLATER FUNERAL HOME, 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral prayer on Monday morning at 9:15.

Mass of Christian Burial in St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin Church at 10:00 a.m. Please send condolences to WWW.JOHNFSLATER.COM Send condolences at PHILLIPS MARY JO On Sunday May 24, 2009 age 60, of Moon daughter of the late Joseph A. and Mary (Matty) Phillips; sister of Wanda (Paul) Cianfichia of CA, and Anthony (Rose Mary) Phillips of WA; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Miss Phillips was a teacher in Cornell School system.

A memorial mass will be offered in Saint Margaret Mary Church, Moon Twp. Saturday May 30, 2009, 9:30 a.m. Everyone please meet at church at 9:15 a.m. Donations may be made to the Beaver County Humane Society, P.O. Box 63, Monaca, Pa 15061.

Arrangements by ANTHONY J. SANVITO INC. FUNERAL HOME Coraopolis. 412-264-3050. Send condolences at PIASECKI DORIS J.

On May 28, 2009, age 83, of Blawnox; wife of the late John A. Piasecki; mother of Jolene J. (Ronald) Dziuban and John A. (Karen) Piasecki grandmother of Lauren Dziuban, John and Sarah Piasecki; sister of the late Rose Marie Comptaro. Friends received 2-4 7-9pm Sat.

Sun. at the THOMAS M. SMITH FUNERAL HOME CREMATORY LTD 930 Center Blawnox where prayers will be recited Monday morning at 9:15 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Edward Church, Blawnox at 10:00. Send condolences at PICCOLO SAMUEL LOUIS On Wednesday, May 27, 2009, Samuel Louis, 74, of Bethel Park, formerly of Snowden Beloved husband of Diane C.

Piccolo; loving father of Denise Lee (Terry Duffy) Babjack, Deborah (John) Farrelli, Russell James, Carl PICCOLO SAMUEL LOUIS On Wednesday, May 27, 2009, Samuel Louis, 74, of Bethel Park, formerly of Snowden Beloved husband of Diane C. Piccolo; loving father of Denise Lee (Terry Duffy) Babjack, Deborah (John) Farrelli, Russell James, Carl Anthony, Gina Marie and Juilette Monic Piccolo and Mark Earl Young, II; grandfather of Shannon (Adam), Shauna, Brandon, John, Rachael, Samantha Rose and Randall Anthony; great grandfather of Joseph Riley; brother of Evelyn Bellino and the late James Dequinta, William F. Ash and Joseph, Russell, Carl and Franklin Piccolo; best friend of Bubba; also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and many good friends. A U.S. Army Veteran, he was retired from the United Steel Workers where he served as a district representative.

Friends received Thursday Friday 2-4 7-9PM at the GRIFFITH MORTUARY, 5636 Brownsville Broughton Curry South Park Twp. Funeral prayer Saturday at followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM in St. Valentine Church. www.griffithmortuary.net. Send condolences at ROBINSON JAMES C.

Of Penn Hills, on Thursday May 28, 2009; beloved husband of Joanne (Iacurci) Robinson; loving father of Tina Toscani (Gerard) and Cynthia Zordich (Michael); proud grandfather of Michael Michael Julianna, Alex, Joseph, Aidan Marie and Gerard; brother of Kathleen, Gayle, Robert and the late Georgie; son of the late Elsie Pecora; loving grandson of the late Charles Pecora great friend of Patrick and Gilda Stock Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday in St. Raphael Church at 12:30 P.M. Arrangements by McCABE BROS. INC. Send condolences at ROPER MARK J.

Age 58, formerly of Mt. Washington, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 28, 2009, with his loving wife, Sherry Roper by his side. Son of the late Matthew and Pearl (Jackson) Roper; beloved husband of 37 years to Sherry (Schrimm) Roper; father of Dale, Jason (Debbie) and Eric Roper; grandfather to Brittany, Jason, Tara, Teresa, Mica, Tia and Michael; great grandfather to Ashton, Zoe, Christopher and Brock. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the doctors and staff of the Shock Trauma ICU at Allegheny General Hospital and Forbes Hospice. A Memorial Service will be held at the FUNERAL HOME CREMATORY LTD, Butler at 46th Lawrenceville SUNDAY at 2PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. www.dalessandroltd.com Send condolences at SCIULLI JOSEPH A. Age 51, of East Liberty, on Tuesday, May 26, 2009. Beloved husband of Holly Murphy Sciulli; father of Christopher J. Sciulli; son of the late Guiseppe and Mary Ann Sciulli; brother of Diane Al-Taher, Anthony, Nick, Angelo and Dolores Sciulli.

Friends received at the WALTER J. ZALEWSKI FUNERAL HOME, 216 44th Lawrenceville Friday 2-4 and 7-9pm. Funeral Mass in St. Raphael Church on Saturday at 10am. Send condolences at SHEPPARD KENNETH 62, of Beltzhoover, on May 25, 2009; father of Kenya, April, Cherie; brother of Chester and Marion; four grandchildren.

Kenneth was a Vietnam Veteran. Visitation Friday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at SHEFFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 225 Beltzhoover Ave. Service Saturday 11 a.m. Mt.

Ararat Baptist Church, East Liberty. Interment Homewood Cemetery. Send condolences at SODINI GEORGE Of Green Tree, on May 27, 2009, peacefully in his own home, at the age of 96; beloved husband of the late Josephine loving father of M. Grace Azzara (the late Joseph), Father Pierre George Sodini and Mary H. (Michael) Regan; cherished grandfather of Monique (Brian) Billow, David and Gina Azzara.

Visitation Fri. 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL 1650 Greentree Road, Scott Twp. Friends will also be received Sat. 10 a.m.

until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Michael Church, 95 Highland Avella, 15312. PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to, St.

Building Fund. Send condolences at SZEWCZYK JOHN Age 81, of Brookline, on Wednesday May 27, 2009 beloved husband of Bernice; father of Carol (Dave) Oliver, John (Angela), James (Sheila), Joe (Debbie), and Michael (Michele) Szewczyk; 13 grandchildren; brother of Harry, Gertrude Staniszewski, and the late Stan and Dorothy; also nieces and nephews. John served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Happy Hackers Golf League. Funeral arrangements by BEINHAUERS friends welcome at 2630 West Liberty Dormont 412-531-4000 on Sunday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Church of the Epiphany Monday at 1 p.m. Interment National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. In lieu of flowers we ask that you dedicate one day of your busy lives doing something you love and spending time with your family. Please add or view tributes at www.beinhauerfamilyservices.com Send condolences at VARISCO MARIO Age 78, on May 27, 2009, of Shaler Township. Husband of Emilia; father of Frank J.

Varisco (Rose Ann), Patricia Weihrauch (Harry) and the late Bernard Varisco and surviving wife Denise Sherbak; grandfather of Nicole, Stephen, Anthony, Christopher and Rachel. Visitation Thursday 7-9PM and Friday 2-4 7-9PM, NEELYS, 2208 Mt. Royal Glenshaw. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday St. Bonaventure Church.

Send condolences at VOGTSBERGER OSCAR JR. 78, of Hampton, VA, formerly of Bloomfield, PA, died Wednesday, May 27, 2009. Funeral arrangements by R. HAYDEN SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 245 S. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23669, 757-723-3191.

Send condolences at WASKO HELEN M. On Tuesday, May 26, 2009, Helen M. Wasko, age 80 of the North Side, wife of the late Edward F. Wasko; beloved mother of Michelle Peasner, Veronica Giesy, Cynthia Fox, Annette (Joe) Kumpfmiller, Edward G. Wasko and Richard A.

(Yvonne) Wasko; sister of James and Harry McKinley, and the late Buzzy McKinley and Marie Tass; also survived by 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Friends received Friday 1-4 and 6-9pm at the LAWRENCE T. MILLER FUNERAL HOME, 460 Lincoln Avenue, Bellevue, where closing prayers will be held on Saturday at followed by blessing and committal service in the chapel of St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Soose Road, Shaler Township. www.ltmillerfuneralhome.com Send condolences at WIRTH JOHN On Wednesday, May 27, 2009, of Shaler age 75.

Beloved husband of Pearl M. (Wisniewski) Wirth; loving father of Gary J. (Linda) Wirth of N.M., Cindy L. (Rob) Gross and Susan (Todd) Novelli; grandfather of Shelton, Jacci, Allison, Carly, Nicholas and Zack; brother of Evelyn Wirth, James Wirth and the late Charles and Robert Wirth; son of the late Charles and Mildred Wirth. Friends received on Thursday 7-9 and Friday 2-4 and 7-9 at the BOCK FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Mt.

Royal Glenshaw. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Bonaventure Church, Glenshaw on Saturday 11am. Memorials may be made to the St. Bonaventure Development Fund, 2001 Mt.

Royal Glenshaw, PA 15116. Send condolences at YOEST HAROLD C. Age 80, of Pleasant Hills, on Wednesday, May 27, 2009. Beloved husband of Rita Stack for 58 years; loving father of Charles (Patricia) Yoest, Mark (Arleen) Yoest, Heidi (William) Myers; loving pappy of 8 grandchildren; great-grandfather of brother of Robert (Rosella) Yoest, Kathy (Joseph) Boyer, and Thomas (the late Mary) Woodring. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was a previous member of the PA Historical Society, had a love for history, was a graduate of the Carnegie Institute of Technology, and a partner of Holiday Displays. He was responsible for the development, engineering, and maintenance of the exhibits at Fort Pitt Museum, Fort Ligonier, Well, and various other PA museums. Visitation will be on Saturday from 5-8pm Sunday from 2-4 6-8pm at the JEFFERSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pleasant Hills. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10am at the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church.

Interment Jefferson Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 1040 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 www.jeffersonmemorial.biz Send condolences at In Memoriam GOLEMBESKI LEO May 29, 2008 It has been one year and you are still deeply missed by your family. Love, Helen, Sandy, Pat and Rich MANFREDI CLARA In loving memory of Our Dear Mother who passed away 41 years ago, May 29, 1968. After all these years your words are so often called upon for guidance and direction. so fortunate for the foundation your provided.

No words could ever express the love and gratitude in our hearts. There a day that goes by without thanking God for the blessing of the greatest Mom. Sadly missed by children.