2020 Obituaries
Benjamin Michael Gates, the 16-month old son of TM3 USN Michael Zachary Gates and Kara D. Fulmer Gates of Norfolk, VA, died Monday, January 20, 2020 in Norfolk. Benjamin was born in Portsmouth, VA on September 24, 2018.
In addition to his parents, Benjamin is survived by two sisters, Kina L. Gates and Bria A. Gates, at home in Norfolk; his paternal grandparents, Michael L. and Judy A. Gates of Emlenton; his maternal grandmother, Kelly Lawrence and her companion, Robert Kunselman of Strattanville; his maternal grandfather, Kevin S. Fulmer of Callensburg, his paternal great grandmother, Linda E. Gates of Foxburg, and his maternal great grandmother, Yvonne C. Haskell of Clarion, as well as a number of aunts, uncles, great and great great aunts, uncles and cousins.
Benjamin was preceded in death by a number of paternal and maternal great and great great grandparents and great and great great aunts and uncles.
Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home Inc., 1204 Kerr Ave., Emlenton, from 4 – 6:45 p.m. Thursday where a funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with the Rev. Lewis Bennett, pastor of New Zion E.C. Church, Emlenton. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.
In addition to his parents, Benjamin is survived by two sisters, Kina L. Gates and Bria A. Gates, at home in Norfolk; his paternal grandparents, Michael L. and Judy A. Gates of Emlenton; his maternal grandmother, Kelly Lawrence and her companion, Robert Kunselman of Strattanville; his maternal grandfather, Kevin S. Fulmer of Callensburg, his paternal great grandmother, Linda E. Gates of Foxburg, and his maternal great grandmother, Yvonne C. Haskell of Clarion, as well as a number of aunts, uncles, great and great great aunts, uncles and cousins.
Benjamin was preceded in death by a number of paternal and maternal great and great great grandparents and great and great great aunts and uncles.
Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home Inc., 1204 Kerr Ave., Emlenton, from 4 – 6:45 p.m. Thursday where a funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with the Rev. Lewis Bennett, pastor of New Zion E.C. Church, Emlenton. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.
2019 Obituaries
Peter Lee Balsamo
July 13, 1940 - September 22, 2019
Peter Lee Balsamo, 79, of Meadville, passed away Sunday, September 22, 2019 at Wesbury United Methodist Community surrounded by his loving family.
He was born July 13, 1940 in Meadville, a son of Peter Thomas and Anna Craig Balsamo. He married Carol Derby December 21, 1961 and she preceded him in death December 31, 1999.
Pete was a 1959 graduate of Meadville High School. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving from 1958 to 1961. He worked at Pat & Pete's Grocery, Weldon's Clothing, Meadville Ambulance Service, former manager of the Downtown Mall in Meadville, former building superintendent for the Crawford County Court House, and at Westminster Highlands Church Camp.
Pete was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. He was a former member of the Rotary Club of Meadville, Meadville Elks Lodge 219, and former volunteer fireman for the Davis and Dick Hose Companies. He was actively involved for many years with Boy Scout Troop 244 and enjoyed traveling and gardening.
Survivors include nine children, Louan Hicks (Don) of Brownstown, IN, Kevin Balsamo (Traci) of Meadville, Marcie Coward (Jerry) of McKean, Robert Balsamo (Heather) of Janesville, WI, Scott Balsamo (Jenny) of Slippery Rock, Joseph Balsamo of Conneaut Lake, Heather Balsamo (Kevin Thompson, Sr.) of Meadville, Timothy Balsamo (Holly) of Clintonville, and Aaron Balsamo of Philadelphia; 23 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Robert (Bob) Derby of Dudley, NC; and 1 niece and 1 nephew.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Elisabeth.
Family and friends will be received on Thursday, September 26th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the ROBERT W. WAID FUNERAL HOME, 581 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE where the memorial service will follow at 12:00 p.m. with the Rev. Sam Marchetta officiating.
Private interment will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Wesbury Foundation (for the benevolent care fund), 31 N. Park Ave., or Kindred Hospice, 1245 Park Ave., all of Meadville, PA 16335.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net.
To send flowers to the family of Peter Lee Balsamo, please visit Tribute Store.
He was born July 13, 1940 in Meadville, a son of Peter Thomas and Anna Craig Balsamo. He married Carol Derby December 21, 1961 and she preceded him in death December 31, 1999.
Pete was a 1959 graduate of Meadville High School. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving from 1958 to 1961. He worked at Pat & Pete's Grocery, Weldon's Clothing, Meadville Ambulance Service, former manager of the Downtown Mall in Meadville, former building superintendent for the Crawford County Court House, and at Westminster Highlands Church Camp.
Pete was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. He was a former member of the Rotary Club of Meadville, Meadville Elks Lodge 219, and former volunteer fireman for the Davis and Dick Hose Companies. He was actively involved for many years with Boy Scout Troop 244 and enjoyed traveling and gardening.
Survivors include nine children, Louan Hicks (Don) of Brownstown, IN, Kevin Balsamo (Traci) of Meadville, Marcie Coward (Jerry) of McKean, Robert Balsamo (Heather) of Janesville, WI, Scott Balsamo (Jenny) of Slippery Rock, Joseph Balsamo of Conneaut Lake, Heather Balsamo (Kevin Thompson, Sr.) of Meadville, Timothy Balsamo (Holly) of Clintonville, and Aaron Balsamo of Philadelphia; 23 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Robert (Bob) Derby of Dudley, NC; and 1 niece and 1 nephew.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Elisabeth.
Family and friends will be received on Thursday, September 26th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the ROBERT W. WAID FUNERAL HOME, 581 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE where the memorial service will follow at 12:00 p.m. with the Rev. Sam Marchetta officiating.
Private interment will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Wesbury Foundation (for the benevolent care fund), 31 N. Park Ave., or Kindred Hospice, 1245 Park Ave., all of Meadville, PA 16335.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net.
To send flowers to the family of Peter Lee Balsamo, please visit Tribute Store.
Sandy Clark
06/29/1947 - 09/19/2019
Sandra K. “Sandy” Clark, 72, of Emlenton, went to be with the Lord early Thursday morning, September 19, 2019 while surrounded by her loving family at UPMC Shadyside following a brief illness.
Sandra was born in Oil City on June 29, 1947. She was the daughter of the late Eugene N. “Gene” and Gertrude M. “Trudy” Gerwick Ritts.
Sandy was a graduate of Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District in 1965, the last class that graduated from the Emlenton High School building. She was a long time active member of New Zion E. C. Church in Emlenton. She had served as Sunday School treasurer and board member and coordinated church funeral dinners for many years. Sandy had a kind and loving personality, always concerned for others.
Sandy was a homemaker and was employed for more than 10 years as a cashier at Wal-Mart in Cranberry. She and her husband enjoyed attending car cruises and shows.
Surviving is her husband, David M. Clark, whom she married in Lamartine on December 2, 1967. Also surviving are three children, Terry L. Clark and his wife, Maria, and Tammy L. Courson and her husband, Clay, all of Emlenton, and Tricia L. Way and her husband, Michael, of Sarver; five grandchildren, Allison, Seth, Justin and his wife, Ashley, Jadyn and Dalton; two great grandchildren, Aleya and Kayge; a brother, Kenneth E. Ritts and his wife, Barb, of Emlenton; a sister-in-law, Debbie Bolden, of Columbus, OH, as well as a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In addition to her parents, Sandy was preceded in death by her in-laws.
Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home Inc., 1204 Kerr Ave., Emlenton
The funeral service following at 3:00 p.m. from the funeral home with the Rev. Lewis Bennett, Pastor of New Zion E.C. Church, officiating. Private interment will follow at Zion Union Cemetery, Emlenton.
Memorial contributions may be made to:
For additional information or to send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com.
Sandra was born in Oil City on June 29, 1947. She was the daughter of the late Eugene N. “Gene” and Gertrude M. “Trudy” Gerwick Ritts.
Sandy was a graduate of Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District in 1965, the last class that graduated from the Emlenton High School building. She was a long time active member of New Zion E. C. Church in Emlenton. She had served as Sunday School treasurer and board member and coordinated church funeral dinners for many years. Sandy had a kind and loving personality, always concerned for others.
Sandy was a homemaker and was employed for more than 10 years as a cashier at Wal-Mart in Cranberry. She and her husband enjoyed attending car cruises and shows.
Surviving is her husband, David M. Clark, whom she married in Lamartine on December 2, 1967. Also surviving are three children, Terry L. Clark and his wife, Maria, and Tammy L. Courson and her husband, Clay, all of Emlenton, and Tricia L. Way and her husband, Michael, of Sarver; five grandchildren, Allison, Seth, Justin and his wife, Ashley, Jadyn and Dalton; two great grandchildren, Aleya and Kayge; a brother, Kenneth E. Ritts and his wife, Barb, of Emlenton; a sister-in-law, Debbie Bolden, of Columbus, OH, as well as a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In addition to her parents, Sandy was preceded in death by her in-laws.
Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home Inc., 1204 Kerr Ave., Emlenton
- Friday from 5 – 8 p.m.
- Saturday from Noon – 3:00 p.m.
The funeral service following at 3:00 p.m. from the funeral home with the Rev. Lewis Bennett, Pastor of New Zion E.C. Church, officiating. Private interment will follow at Zion Union Cemetery, Emlenton.
Memorial contributions may be made to:
- New Zion E.C. Church, 1195 Airport Rd., Emlenton, PA 16373
- American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.
For additional information or to send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com.
Joan P. Carpenter
09/16/1936 ~ 08/07/2019
Joan P. Carpenter, 82, of Meadville died Sunday, July 7, 2019 at Meadville Medical Center. She was born September 16, 1936 in Bradford, PA a daughter of Carl and Grace Eggleston Andrews. She had been married to Louis H. Carpenter, Jr. and he preceded her in death November 7, 2015.
She was a 1955 graduate of Randolph High School and worked as an operator with Bell Telephone Co. She was a former member of Lyona Bible Church and had attended New Beginnings Church of God. She was a member of the Pioneers (a Bell Telephone Group) and enjoyed knitting, crocheting, cooking and baking.
She is survived by a son, Randy L. Carpenter (Penny) of New Castle; a daughter, Gloria McNamara (Bret) of Meadville; six grandchildren, Craig, Kyle, Sean, Keri, Mandi and Stacey; eleven great grandchildren; a sister, Iva Lou (Tootie) Vecillio of Nashville, TN; a twin brother, John Andrews (Mary) of Meadville and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her step-mother, Jane Andrews.
Calling hours will be Thursday, July 11th from 4-7 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, Inc., 581 Chestnut Street, Meadville. The funeral and committal service will be Friday, July 12th at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Philip Torre, officiating.
Interment will be in North Richmond Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials be made to the American Diabetes Association, 112 Washington Place #1520, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, New Beginnings Church of God, 13226 Leslie Road, Meadville, PA 16335 or the Wesbury Foundation, 31 N. Park Avenue, Meadville, PA 16335.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net
DONATIONS MAY BE MADE TO:American Diabetes Association
112 Washington Place #1520, Pittsburgh PA 15219
Tel: 1-412-824-1181
Web: http://www.diabetes.org
New Beginnings Church of God
13226 Leslie Road, Meadville PA 16335
Tel: 1-814-724-5074
Web: http://www.newbeginningschog.org
The Wesbury Foundation
31 N. Park Avenue, Meadville PA 16335
Tel: 1-814-332-9264
Web: http://www.wesbury.com
She was a 1955 graduate of Randolph High School and worked as an operator with Bell Telephone Co. She was a former member of Lyona Bible Church and had attended New Beginnings Church of God. She was a member of the Pioneers (a Bell Telephone Group) and enjoyed knitting, crocheting, cooking and baking.
She is survived by a son, Randy L. Carpenter (Penny) of New Castle; a daughter, Gloria McNamara (Bret) of Meadville; six grandchildren, Craig, Kyle, Sean, Keri, Mandi and Stacey; eleven great grandchildren; a sister, Iva Lou (Tootie) Vecillio of Nashville, TN; a twin brother, John Andrews (Mary) of Meadville and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her step-mother, Jane Andrews.
Calling hours will be Thursday, July 11th from 4-7 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, Inc., 581 Chestnut Street, Meadville. The funeral and committal service will be Friday, July 12th at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Philip Torre, officiating.
Interment will be in North Richmond Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials be made to the American Diabetes Association, 112 Washington Place #1520, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, New Beginnings Church of God, 13226 Leslie Road, Meadville, PA 16335 or the Wesbury Foundation, 31 N. Park Avenue, Meadville, PA 16335.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net
DONATIONS MAY BE MADE TO:American Diabetes Association
112 Washington Place #1520, Pittsburgh PA 15219
Tel: 1-412-824-1181
Web: http://www.diabetes.org
New Beginnings Church of God
13226 Leslie Road, Meadville PA 16335
Tel: 1-814-724-5074
Web: http://www.newbeginningschog.org
The Wesbury Foundation
31 N. Park Avenue, Meadville PA 16335
Tel: 1-814-332-9264
Web: http://www.wesbury.com
Francis M. “Bill” Heckethorn Jr., 77, of Emlenton, passed away Friday, June 28, 2019 at UPMC Mercy Hospital while surrounded by his family.
Born in Eau Claire on October 8, 1941, Bill was the son of the late Francis M. and Velma Greenawalt Heckethorn. After the untimely passing of his mother at age 4, Bill was raised by his aunt and uncle, Don and Glenna Kohlmeyer.
Bill was a 1960 graduate of Moniteau High School. He then served six years in the U.S. Army National Guard. He attended New Zion E.C. Church in Emlenton. Bill was an avid outdoorsman, spending much time gardening, cutting wood, turkey hunting and groundhog hunting, and fishing, especially in Canada. Bill was an avid NASCAR fan and a loyal “Ford Man”. Bill had a well-known passion for the “big boy toys” and occasionally pushing their limits. He owned and flew an ultralight airplane, several motorcycles and snowmobiles, and antique Jubilee and Ferguson tractors. Above all else, Bill enjoyed spending time with his grandson, Joshua.
Bill had been employed by Central Electric Cooperative for 38 years, retiring in 2009.
Surviving is his wife, Paula J. Renfrew Heckethorn, whom he married at the Nickleville Presbyterian Church on November 5, 1966. Also surviving is a son, Jay B. Heckethorn and his wife, Sarah, of Seneca; a grandson, Joshua David Heckethorn; three sisters, Jean Carlson of Findley, OH, Nancy Weeter of Emlenton, and Kay Courson of Sligo, as well as a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
In addition to his parents and aunt and uncle, Bill was preceded in death by several brothers-in-law.
Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home Inc.,
from 6 – 9 p.m. Tuesday and
from 11:00 a.m. – 12 Noon Wednesday
1204 Kerr Ave., Emlenton, .
A funeral service will be held from the funeral home at 12:00 Noon Wednesday with the Rev. Lewis Bennett, pastor of New Zion E.C. Church, officiating.
Military honors accorded by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard will follow at the funeral home.
Interment will be in Salem Lutheran Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Christian Life Academy, 3973 SR 257, Seneca, PA 16346.
For additional information or to send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com.
Born in Eau Claire on October 8, 1941, Bill was the son of the late Francis M. and Velma Greenawalt Heckethorn. After the untimely passing of his mother at age 4, Bill was raised by his aunt and uncle, Don and Glenna Kohlmeyer.
Bill was a 1960 graduate of Moniteau High School. He then served six years in the U.S. Army National Guard. He attended New Zion E.C. Church in Emlenton. Bill was an avid outdoorsman, spending much time gardening, cutting wood, turkey hunting and groundhog hunting, and fishing, especially in Canada. Bill was an avid NASCAR fan and a loyal “Ford Man”. Bill had a well-known passion for the “big boy toys” and occasionally pushing their limits. He owned and flew an ultralight airplane, several motorcycles and snowmobiles, and antique Jubilee and Ferguson tractors. Above all else, Bill enjoyed spending time with his grandson, Joshua.
Bill had been employed by Central Electric Cooperative for 38 years, retiring in 2009.
Surviving is his wife, Paula J. Renfrew Heckethorn, whom he married at the Nickleville Presbyterian Church on November 5, 1966. Also surviving is a son, Jay B. Heckethorn and his wife, Sarah, of Seneca; a grandson, Joshua David Heckethorn; three sisters, Jean Carlson of Findley, OH, Nancy Weeter of Emlenton, and Kay Courson of Sligo, as well as a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
In addition to his parents and aunt and uncle, Bill was preceded in death by several brothers-in-law.
Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home Inc.,
from 6 – 9 p.m. Tuesday and
from 11:00 a.m. – 12 Noon Wednesday
1204 Kerr Ave., Emlenton, .
A funeral service will be held from the funeral home at 12:00 Noon Wednesday with the Rev. Lewis Bennett, pastor of New Zion E.C. Church, officiating.
Military honors accorded by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard will follow at the funeral home.
Interment will be in Salem Lutheran Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Christian Life Academy, 3973 SR 257, Seneca, PA 16346.
For additional information or to send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com.
