The Derrick, April 2, 2009: Richard C. Alcorn, of Erie, formerly of Wesley Salvatore "Sam" Barbalaci, 233 Grant St., Franklin Nathan Porter Croasmun, Marienville Fred E. Drayer, New Bethlehem Bruce K. Dunham, Hempfield Township, Mercer County Bert E. Johnson, 410 North St., Oil City Dorothy McKinley McCleary, Stoneboro Judith Ann Strotman, Knox Donald J. Winger Jr., 114 Schoolhouse Road, Oil City Richard C. Alcorn, 76, of Erie, formerly of Wesley, died peacefully, going from this earthly life to his heavenly home on March 31, 2009, at the Veterans Memorial Hospital, Erie, after an extended illness. Born Jan. 21, 1933, in Ringgold Twp., Jefferson County, he was the son of Charles L. Alcorn and Arabelle L. Enterline Alcorn. He married Margaret "Peg" Alcorn on Sept. 24, 1954, and she passed away on Nov. 8, 2005. They were married for 51 years. He joined the Army in April 1950 and was stationed in Germany with occupation forces for three years. He was discharged on April 16, 1954. After the service, Mr. Alcorn first worked at Victory School where he hung plaster when the school was being built. He then was employed at HT Osborn Construction for a short time. Later, he was employed at Cooper Bessemer in Grove City for nine years until his disability on May 17, 1964. Later in life he transported the Amish for 17 years on many trips locally and out of town, before retiring to Erie to be closer to his children. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. Mr. Alcorn was an active member of the Barkeyville United Methodist Church until he moved to Erie in 2005. He then became a member of Emmanuel Presbyterian Church. Mr. Alcorn was a past member of the Clinton-Irwin Rod and Gun Club. He was also a past president of the Venango County Federation of Sportmans Clubs. He is survived by six children, Marvin Alcorn and his wife, Deb, of Illinois, Richard Gross and his wife, Karola, of Germany, Debbie Alcorn, Douglas Alcorn, Marcia Cass and her husband, Steve, and Pam Kindle and her husband, Dan, all of Erie. He is also survived by four sisters, Linda Bryant and her husband, Rob, of Virginia, Donna Early and her husband, Steve, of Eau Claire, Shirley Kelly of Harrisville and Jean Reitz of Brookville; three brothers, Bill Alcorn of Greenville, Charles "Junior" Alcorn of Harrisville and Ronald Alcorn of Grove City; 12 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Alcorn is preceded in death by four brothers, James, Raymond, Robert and Clarence Alcorn; and two sisters, Helen Guiste and Delores Heslop. Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Larry E. McKinley Funeral Home, 109 Emlenton St., Clintonville. The funeral service will take place at 12 p.m. Saturday in the Union Presbyterian Church, Clintonville. An hour of visitation will be held prior to the services with the Rev. Stephanie Thompson of the Barkeyville Methodist Church officiating. Internment will follow at the Crestview Memorial Garden, Grove City. Family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Okla., 73123-1718. Condolences may be sent via e-mail by visiting www.mckinleyfuneralhome.net Salvatore "Sam" Barbalaci, 70, of 233 Grant. St., Franklin, died at 7:10 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2009, in UPMC Northwest, Seneca, following an illness. Born Jan. 15, 1939, in Trenton, N.J., he was the beloved son of the late Antonio and Theresa Terranova Barbalaci. He was married June 1, 1990, to the former Angeolina N. Colella, who survives. Mr. Barbalaci attended the Trenton, N.J., schools and had proudly served his country as a seaman with the U.S. Navy. He was employed as a painter with Associated Spring Company (The Barnes Group) of Corry. He retired from the company after 35 years of service. Mr. Barbalaci was a lifelong baseball fan; in particular, he was a great New York Yankees fan. His love for children and the game of baseball prompted him to coach Little League while living in the Corry area. One of his greatest memories was to have coached the 1970s Corry Little League team to within the final qualifying game for the Little League World Series in Williamsport. He was an active and faithful member of Cooperstown United Methodist Church. At the church, Mr. Barbalaci was a certified lay speaker for the Cooperstown charge of the Western Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church. As his health permitted, he enjoyed visiting the area convalescent homes, including Sugar Creek Station, where he would sing gospel music with and for the residents. He was an avid daily reader of his Bible. In addition to his wife, Mr. Barbalaci is survived by four children, Anthony Barbalaci of Camp Hill, Michael Barbalaci and his wife, Michelle, of Erie, and Tina Duckett and Wendy Barbalaci, both of Erie; three stepchildren, Mark Cummins and his wife, Cheryl, of Dillsburg, Amy Garbacz and her husband, David, of Oil City, and Lori Rhinehart and her husband, Terry, of York; and seven grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Rosalie Petrino and her husband, Pete, of Hamilton, N.J.; a brother, Michael Barbalaci of Trenton, N.J.; and many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 10 siblings. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Timothy E. Hartle Funeral Home, 1328 Elk St., Franklin. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Cooperstown United Methodist Church, Main Street, Cooperstown, with the Rev. Joseph Martin, pastor, officiating. Interment with full military honors will be at St. Patrick Cemetery, Franklin. The family requests memorial contributions, if desired, be made to The Kirtland Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 108, Franklin, 16323; or The American Kidney Fund, 8110 Executive Blvd., Suite 1010, Rockville, Md., 20852-9813. Nathan Porter Croasmun, 81, of Marienville passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2009, at UPMC, Seneca, after a lengthy illness. Born March 11, 1929, in Kane, he was the son of Dale Forest and Seeley Porter Croasmun. He was raised in Redclyffe and was a 1946 graduate of Sigel High School He was married Feb. 15, 1953, in Brookville Methodist Church to Glenyce Richards Croasmun, who survives. Nate, a millwright, retired from Koppers, Oil City in 1991. He was previously employed at Prudential Insurance Co., U.S. Forest Service, Knox Glass, and as a dental lab technician. He was a former Jenks Township Supervisor. Mr. Croasmun was a veteran of World War II in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Marienville United Methodist Church, and a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge, Brookville. In earlier years, he had been active in the Marienville Volunteer Fire Company and fire police. He was a long standing member in the Forest County Historical Society and was a member of MACA. He enjoyed his family, and spending time with his extended family at his homestead in Redclyffe. He especially loved riding his trail bike in the woods. One of his passions was to be in his garage-shop, he was mechanically inclined, and known for being able to fix "anything." In addition to his wife, Mr. Croasmun is survived by four children, Dale Croasmun and his wife, Joy, of Socorro, Texas, Kathryn Hepler and her husband, Doug, of Erie, Jeanne Andring and her husband, Randy, of Marienville and Nathan Croasmun II and his wife, Dawn, of Butler. He is survived by eight grandchildren, Angela Bainey and her husband, Todd, of Morrisdale, Justin Croasmun of Chicago, Ill., Joshua Hepler and his wife, Tricia, of Christiansburg, Va., Rachel Hepler of Erie, Jason Andring and Tyler Andring of Marienville, Matthew Andring of Edinboro and Bailey Croasmun of Butler; and three great-granddaughters, Brooke Bainey, Reigan Andring and Sophie Hepler. He is also survived by a sister, Betty Brandon and her husband, Kenneth, of Oriental, N.C.; a brother, Dale F. Croasmun of Bedford; a brother-in-law, Allen Richard and his wife, Charlotte, of Erie; a sister-in-law, Barbara Richards of Erie; a cousin, Marie Emery of Brookville; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, William A Croasmun. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Ronald McDonald Funeral Home in Marienville. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Marienville United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dan Richter presiding. Interment will be in the North Forest Cemetery, Marienville. Fred E. Drayer, 85, of New Bethlehem, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, March 26, 2009. Born Aug. 10, 1923, in Truittsburg, he was the son of the late Foster Drayer and Mable Oppelt Drayer. He was married Aug. 23, 1971, to the former Beverly Jean Brown, who preceded him in death. Mr. Drayer was a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Navy. He was a graduate of the Pittsburgh District Church of the Nazarene and ordained an elder in the Nazarene Church in 1952. He participated in various area ministries and also founded and organized a program for the needy in July 1976, in Hawthorn, called Mission Possible. While in Bloomington, Ill., he became the co-founder of the Whippit Janitorial Company, along with his wife, Beverly. Mr. Drayer also served in evangelist mission work for 20 years. In recent years, He returned tot he Clarion County area where he became pastor of the Kahletown Community Church in Corsica. After retiring due to health issues, Mr. Drayer became a member of the Bread of Life Church. He also taught a Bible study at Broadwood Towers in New Bethlehem, where he resided, and he composed a newsletter called "Down Memory Lane." Mr. Drayer is survived by a daughter, Kathy Newton of Virginia; two sons, Gordon Drayer of Illinois and Les Drayer of Canada; a step-daughter, Sheryl Meadors of Colorado; two step-sons, Kevin Schull and Gary Schull, both of Illinois; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Drayer was preceded in death by a sister, Zelda McAninch; two infant brothers; and a special friend, Nancy Hodgson. The Kibler-Smith Funeral Home in Bloomington, Ill. will be handling the funeral service. Interment will be in the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Bloomington, Ill. A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday at Kahletown Community Church, located on Sigel Fisher Road in Corsica. Pastor Milton Nichols and Jeffery Hodgson will co-officiate at the services. Memorial donations may be made to Kahletown Community Church, P.O. Box 286, Corsica, 15284; or the Bread of Life Church, 413 Wood St., New Bethlehem, 16242. Local arrangements are under the direction of the Alcorn Funeral Home in Hawthorn. Bruce K. Dunham, 73, of 4 Redwood Drive, Hempfield Township, passed away at 8:25 p.m., Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at White Cliff Nursing Home in Hempfield Township . Bruce was born Dec. 1, 1935, in Titusville, the son of the late Roscoe Kenneth and Alice (Jones) Dunham. He attended Pleasantville Elementary and graduated from Pleasantville High School in 1954. Bruce graduated from Slippery Rock State College in 1958. He served in the U.S. Army as a private first class from 1958-60. He taught English and history at Franklin High School from 1960-68 while residing in Franklin. He received his master's degree from Westminster College with a principal's certification. He was a history teacher at Penn State-Shenango Campus for 12 years. Bruce also served as assistant high school principal in Greenville from 1968-70. He then served as the high school principal at Commodore Perry from 1970 until he retired in 1993. Bruce attended Pleasantville Community Church in Pleasantville. He was a lifelong collector of antique cars with his pride being his 1948 Buick Roadmaster. He was a PIAA basketball and baseball official for 18 years. Bruce was active in coaching the baseball recreation league in Greenville. He was also active in bowling, golf, and was previously a member of the Greenville Lions Club. He was the husband of Loretta (Lauffer) Dunham, whom he married in January 1959. She survives him at home. He is also survived by two daughters: LuAnne Jurczenko of Greenville and Lynne and her husband Dan Muir of Greenville; a son: Ted Dunham of Lake Latonka; and six grandchildren: Chelsea Jurczenko, Kyrylice Jurczenko, Alycia Hooks, Taylor Hawks, T.J. Dunham, and Taren Meehan-Muir. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday at Osborne-Williams Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 73-75 Columbia Ave. Greenville A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday the funeral home. Cremains will be buried at Fairview Cemetery in Pleasantville. Memorial contributions can be made to: Greenville Area Leisure Services Association ( GALSA ) 45 Alan Ave. Greenville, 16125. An online guest book can be signed at www.osbornefuneralhome.com Bert E. Johnson, 51, of 410 North St. in Oil City, died at 9:58 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2009, at UPMC Northwest, after and extended illness. The Hutchinson Funeral Home in Oil City is in charge of the arrangements and a complete obituary will be published in Friday's Derrick. Dorothy McKinley McCleary, 96, of Stoneboro, passed away at 6:35 a.m. Thursday, March 26, 2009, at Woodland Place, Coolspring Township. Born Nov. 1, 1912, in Raymilton, she was a daughter of Harry and Agnes Hoover Beach. She married Alvin McKinley in 1930, and he preceded her in death July 15, 1989. They spent many winters in Florida. She then married Duane McCleary in 1992, and he preceded her in death. Mrs. McCleary worked at the former Plastics Company in Franklin and was a waitress for many years at the Idlewood Restaurant in Franklin. She enjoyed fishing, gardening, crafts, crocheting and her grandchildren. Mrs. McCleary was a member of First Church of God in Grove City. She is survived by four daughters, Wilda Watson and her husband, Clark, of Stoneboro, June Stoebe and her husband, Carl, of Polk, Peggy Shindler and her husband, Max, of Las Vegas, Nev., and Ruby Lawson and her husband, Jack, of Slippery Rock; and a daughter-in-law, Ruth McKinley. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, nine great-great grandchildren and five sisters. In addition to her husbands and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Sonny McKinley; one granddaughter and one sister. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday at the First Church of God with the Revs. Gene Warline and Robert Graham officiating. Interment will be at Crestview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the First Church of God, 1333 West Main St., Grove City, 16127. Arrangements are being handled by the John Flynn Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., 2630 East State St., Hermitage, 16148. Condolences may be sent by e-mail to remember@flynnfuneralhome.com Judith Ann Strotman, 66, of Knox, died Tuesday, March 31, 2009, at her home, following an illness. Born Jan. 4, 1943, in Knox, she was a daughter of the late Ralph F. and Jennie E. Call Claypool. Ms. Strotman was a school bus driver for the Keystone School District and IU6 until her retirement. She was a member of Edie's Lambs Bowling Team. She was formerly married to Ray E. Strotman, who preceded her in death Oct. 31, 2003. Ms. Strotman is survived by three sons, Brian D. Strotman and his wife, Kimberly, of Chester, Va., Michael Strotman of Knox and Kevin Strotman and his wife, Valerie, of Dinwiddle, Va.; a daughter, Brenda Kincaid Jones and her husband, Bob, of Smithfield, N.C.; and nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother, Les Claypool of New York; and three sisters, Betty Beck of Knox, Edie Barty of Sligo and Lila Kulp of Knox. Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the William N. Rupert Mortuary Inc., in Knox. Funeral services will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Interment will follow at the Knox Union Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to Judy's family at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com Donald J. Winger Jr., 88, of 114 Schoolhouse Hill Road, Oil City, died at 8:58 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2009, at UPMC Northwest, Seneca. Born Aug. 21, 1920, in the Oil City Hospital, he was the son of Donald J. Winger Sr. and Lavanda Cauvel Winger. He was married Aug. 1, 1941, to the former Blanche Mac Miller, who preceded him in death in July 1999. Mr. Winger attended school at Hasson Heights, Nickleville and Crawford Memorial High School in Emlenton. He served on the Civilian Conservation Corps where he excelled as a wrestler. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army, the Army Air Corps and the Army Corps of Engineers in the European and Pacific Theaters. In February 1974, he hired out on the Pennsylvania Railroad as a fireman, and he retired as an engineer in July 1982. Mr. Winger was known for TV repair, mobile home courts, ice cream trucks and a go-kart track. He drove a school bus for Oil City and Venango Christian High Schools. Mr. Winger was a volunteer for RSVP. He conducted sing-a-longs at several nursing homes in Venango and Clarion counties for eight years. Another hobby was singing in the Venango Barbertones for several years. Mr. Winger had been a member of Trinity United Methodist Church since 1954. He worked for several years in the Venango County Prison Ministry. Mr. Winger is survived by a very special friend, Pauline Boring of Plumer; three sons, Jack Winger and his wife, Patty, of Shippenville, Donald Larry Winger of Huntersville, N.C., and Gene O. Winger and his wife, Karen, of President; and four grandchildren, Von Winger of Shippenville, Rhonda Schenberg and her husband, Andy, of Plumer, Gene E. Winger and his wife, Wendy, of Oil City, and Susan O'Laughlin of President. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, Noah Schenberg, Nathanael Schenberg and Grace Schenberg, all of Plumer, Kendra Winger, Keisha Winger, Kayla Winger and Kara Mae Winger, all of Oil City, and Katlyn O'Laughlin of President. He is also survived by a brother, Jack Winger and his wife, Sally, of San Diego, Calif.; and a sister, Doris Bucholz and her husband, Albert, of Prosperity, S.C. In addition to his wife, Mr. Winger was preceded in death by two sisters, June Allison and Pearl Mong. It was Mr. Winger's wishes that there be no visitation or viewing. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2 Center St., Oil City. The Hutchinson Funeral Home, 201 Bissell Ave., Oil City, is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions can be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 2 Center St., Oil City, 16301; The Venango County Prison Ministry, c/o Foursquare Church, P.O. Box 347, 318 13th St., Franklin, 16323; or the youth camperships of Trinity United Methodist Church in Oil City.