IN MEMORIUM
of our members who have passed.
Their memory will continue to live on through their works.
GOFF, Harriett B. - died on April 15, 2010, just 4 days after celebrating her 102nd birthday. Harriett was born on April 11, 1908, outside the village of Davidsville to Otto and Anna Burggraf. Her father was the village smithy. Harriett attended a two-room elementary school house in Davidsville and graduated from Johnstown Central High School. She had an older brother, Robert, who later studied music at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Though Harriett was deeply interested in the
visual arts at an early age, her father insisted
that she study nursing, and so she trained at
Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia and practiced
her skills for a brief time in Johnstown, working
for Dr. Spicker.
In 1935 Harriett married John B. Goff, Jr., and
she was finally able to focus on her art.. In 1936,
during the Depression, the WPA program under
FDR entitled her to take art lessons from George
Ream for the grand sum of 50 cents. These
lessons were followed by instruction from Olga
Henning of Davidsville.
John and Harriett welcomed a son, Bradley, in 1939, and, a few years later, the couple moved to a home on Walnut Street while Harriett continued to paint and study with Lucille Banks in Rector.
Harriett and Lucille became part of a group of artists who were recruited by a Bethlehem executive to depict the exciting day-to-day steel-making processes in the steel mill. These captivating scenes were eventually seen in the administrative offices of the mill and on the walls of the Bethlehem Management Club. Within the recent past, the paintings were displayed in the atrium of Conemaugh Memorial Hospital and now will become part of the steel painting collection at the Discovery Center.
By 1957 Harriett’s reputation had grown and, after being asked by two acquaintances to give art lessons, she began teaching in the attic of the Walnut Street home. In the meantime, pursuant to her desire to further develop her own painting style, she participated in the Famous Artists course, directed by Rockwell and Sloan. She was accepted as a fellow to the American Artists Professional League of New City and entered in the Grand National competition three times. One of the shows was located in the World Trade Center and was entered in the Congressional Record. She was a member of the Allied Artists of Johnstown since 1933, exhibiting in numerous shows and winning many awards.
Harriett continued to teach and mentor the
many students who actively sought her
expertise. Though Harriett loved portraiture
more than any other subject matter, she
excelled in all areas and media including
oil and watercolor. At one time, there was
a waiting list for entry into her classes,
taught in the basement of her Luzerne
Street home and later her Carriage Hills
apartment. The students returned, year
after year..
Lest we think that Harriett was all work and
no play, there was an adventurous side to
her as well. She was fond of telling stories
about the time she had a convertible and
would joyously ride throughout the countryside
with friends, with the top down and hair blowing
in the wind. She claimed she had a “heavy foot.”
She liked eating out, good jokes, and an occasional martini. With her elegant coiffure, classy outfits and dark sunglasses, she looked like a starlet, even into her nineties. In the past few years, with the help of loving relatives and friends, especially Sandy Grech, and caregivers, Harriett was able to maintain her semi-independent life style in her apartment.
Harriett enjoyed reminiscing and talking about the “beautiful art” of the good old days. Art was her passion, but she loved her dogs, cats, students and friends as well. She encouraged and inspired her students, many of whom continued to paint and became well-known themselves. Somewhere in heaven she is directing some of them saying, “Mix to the value first, than add the color.”
A book entitled "Portrait Painting Atelier: Old Master Techniques and Contemporary Applications" was donated to the Cambria County library in Harriett's memory:
above and left:
Harriett celebrated her 100th Birthday at the Community Arts Center with many of her artist friends.
Painting by Harriett Goff
Portrait by Harriett Goff
above: Mark Parrish with his entry in
the 2009 Annual Show
left: Morley's Dog by Parrish
VARGO, Sandy, 72, died Feb. 5, 2011, at Memorial Medical Center. Member of Allied Artists, DAR and Cambria County Arts Center.
A book will be donated to the Cambria County Library in her memory.
right: Sandy was always willing to assist with the hospitality during show openings and to offer her help in different capacities.
WELSH, Ralph Calvin III, 69, of Somerset, Pa., died May 24, 2011, at Somerset Hospice House, Somerset.
Born Aug. 11, 1941 in Somerset.
We can still admire his work at:
KOSOSKI – Walter “Fat” S., 90,
Jerome, died Jan. 6, 2012, at
Memorial Medical Center. Born
Oct. 8, 1921, and married to wife,
Jeanne. A 1942 graduate of
Conemaugh Township Area High
School. U.S. Army Air Force
veteran of World War II, having
served in the European and
African theaters. A 1949 graduate
of Edinboro State Teacher’s
College. He also obtained his
master’s degree in art education
from Penn State University in
1959.
His teaching career began as an
elementary art supervisor and high
school art instructor at Cresson High School. Later he was the art instructor for Conemaugh Township Area High School, where he was the dean of the classes of 1958 and 1968. Also a member of Hollsopple Post 8861, VFW; Somerset County PSEA, Retired; NEA; and Allied Artists of Johnstown. Walter was a volunteer art instructor at Laurel View Village and was an avid golfer. Devoted husband, loving father, good friend, committed teacher, gifted artist and lifelong student of art. Donations in Walter’s memory may be given to the Allied Artists of Johnstown Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1547, Johnstown, Pa. 15907 or Jerome Volunteer Fire Company, Box 425, Jerome, Pa. 15937.
'First Light' by Walter Kososki
EBENSBURG — WHINNIE – Paul Gordon, 63, Ebensburg, died July 8, 2012, in Pittsburgh. Born March 8, 1949, in Johnstown, son of Gordon and Louella (Clouser) Whinnie. Survived by parents; wife, Margaret, Ebensburg; daughter, Nicole, and husband, Tom Novitsky, Bellefonte; and three grandchildren, Grace, Ella and Tommy. Brother of Stuart (Kathy) Whinnie, Karen (Forrest) Jones, Charolette (Bob) Gailey, Cliff (Naomi) Whinnie and Wayne (Lisa) Whinnie. Also nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, Mike (Michele), and children, Colin, Audrey, Kyle; Dan (Tonya); Adrienne (David), and children, Adam and Calvin;
Troy (Alyssa), child, Cameron; Evan
(Miranda); Calandra (Steve); Jennifer;
Briana; Kayla; Mason; Juli and Stevie
(Loren). Retired from Greater Johnstown
Career and Technology Center and
Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Army
veteran serving in Korea, member of VFW
Post 4963 Ebensburg, Boy Scout and
Eagle Scout, Allied Artists of Johnstown
(served as president 1981-1982) and
inducted into the Art Institute of
Pittsburgh Hall of Fame by the National
Association of Trade & Technical Schools.
Paul had given 99 pints of blood towards
his goal of 100. His immediate family
donated to complete his goal. The family will be instituting an annual blood drive in his name. Blood donations can be made to the American Red Cross in Paul’s memory.
'Fall Festival" by Paul Whinnie
A Prayer for Peace, Acrylic by Rich Newill
was shown in Winter 2013 show
CONEMAUGH — NEWILL – Richard G., 62,
Conemaugh, formerly of Dawson, died suddenly
May 31, 2014, at home. Born Nov. 23, 1951,
Connellsville, son of the late John Richard and
Alverta June (Cable) Newill. Also preceded in
death by nephew, Brian Campbell; brother-in-law,
Patrick Campbell; and father-in-law, Anthony
Kowal. Survived by wife of 17 years, Veronica
“Ronnie” (Kowal); sister, Karen (Newill) Campbell; daughters, Amanda Newill and Elizabeth Newill; two grandsons; mother-in-law, Patricia Kowal; sister-in-law, Patti (Kowal) Meyers; and numerous nieces and nephews. A 1969 graduate of Frazier High School, Perryopolis. A 1972 graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Employed by Walnut Medical Services and formerly employed at Winchester Optical, Greensburg. A new member of St. John Gualbert Cathedral. Member of Allied Artists of Johnstown, Cambria County Community Arts Center, American Artists Professional League in New York City and numerous other art clubs in western Pennsylvania. He was selected to design an ornament for the White House Christmas tree and also won numerous awards for his artwork. Rich was a wonderful and caring husband who will be greatly missed. Friends received from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Baker-Harris Funeral Chapel, Conemaugh, where vigil service will be held. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. John Gualbert Cathedral, the Very Rev. James F. Crookston, pastor. Committal, Assumption Cemetery, Parkhill.
WESTMONT -- O'MALLEY - Jean, 79, died Nov. 15, 2013,
after a valiant three-year battle against multiple myeloma
and its complications.
Born Oct. 1, 1934, in Houtzdale, and raised in Windber.
Preceded in death by beloved husband, James Francis O'Malley;
parents, John Coleman Hughes and Margaret Louise (Stevenson)
Hughes; and brother, John S. "Jack" Hughes. Survived by loving
daughter, Margaret A. O'Malley, Westmont; brothers, William R.
Hughes, Windber, and Thomas G. Hughes, State College;
sisters-in-law, Marjorie Hughes, Upper Yoder Township, and
Barbara O'Malley, Florida; and many nieces and nephews.
Jean was most proud of her role as wife and mother. She also was a national award winning artist. Her paintings hung in the Word Trade Center, Lever House and the Salmagundi Club in New York City. She was a life member and fellow of the American Artists Professional League, member of the Portrait Institute, Allied Artists of Johnstown and the Community Arts Center of Cambria County. Former social worker for Cambria County Child Welfare. Jean loved art, music, cars, animals and most of all, her family.
WESTMONT -- BROUGHER - O. Glenn, 87, died Aug. 19, 2015,
Born April 12, 1928, in Boswell, son of O. Glenn Sr. and Hilda
(Brennan). Preceded in death by his parents, and wife, Patricia.
Survived by daughter, Melinda, married to Dale Koch;
grandchildren, Timothy Koch, and fiancee, Jenne, and
Brian Koch, married to Allison; great-grandchildren, Noelle and
Brian Koch; brothers, Robert, married to Lois, and Ronald,
married to Lana. Glenn received his bachelor’s degree and
master’s in education from IUP. He was an art teacher for
31 years and taught at many locations, including Ferndale
High School, UPJ and Westmont Hilltop High School, where
he retired in 1982. He was co-owner of Brougher Designs
and a respected artist, winning many awards for his watercolors.
A member of Allied Artist, Community Arts Center and board of directors at Grandview Cemetery. In 2009, he was an inductee to the Johnstown Artist Hall of Fame. Glenn loved to sail, garden and create his artwork. His greatest passion was his grandsons with whom he spent many memorable times, was greatly loved and will be sadly missed. He was a longtime member of Our Mother of Sorrows Church.
PARRISH, Mark 45, died on March 7, 2010.
Known for his wonderful colored pencil
drawings, he also painted the very first
Morley’s Dog as part of the Morley’s Dog
Art Project. It featured several Johnstown
landmarks in exquisite detail.
A book, “Colored Pencil Painting Bible”
was donated to the Cambria County
Library by AAJ in Mark's memory.
Edward E. Kale, Mar 10, 1937 - Mar 22, 2017, 79, of Ebensburg, died at home March 22, 2017. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Kay Noonan Kale. They met in 10th grade. He is well loved and will be deeply missed by his family. Ed, a self-employed architect and lifelong artist, was involved in many local and regional art associations and exhibitions. In recent years, he created a large body of watercolor paintings. He proudly served as president of the Ebensburg Cambria Library Board.
Doris S. Wilson, Aug 26, 1926 - Apr 25, 2017, 90, of
Richland, died April 25, 2017, at Richland Woods Assisted Living. Born August 26, 1926, in Johnstown, daughter of the late Wallace S. and Mary L. (Cummins) Stuver. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Dean M. Wilson, DDS; son, David; and brother, Donald. Survived by her loving sons, Scott M. (Carol Wingard), Murrysville, PA; and Jeffrey W. (Sandra Semanchick), Girardville, PA; grandchildren, Amanda, Matthew, Zachary, Nicholas, Gregory and Christopher; great grandchildren, Malana, Frankie and Johnnie. Doris was a graduate of I.U.P with a Master's in Education. She retired as an art teacher from Westmont Junior High School. Doris was a member and past Treasurer of Allied Artists. She was also a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. Doris enjoyed going to the Brigantine Beach every year. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.Rev. Scott A. Klimke, officiating. Interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Doyka, Florence L., 88,
Portage, passed away
March 8, 2018 at Windber
Hospice. Born March 27, 1929
in Portage to the late John and
Madalyn (Evagash) Markovich.
Preceded in death by husband,
Elmer Doyka; son, Timothy
Doyka; brothers, Elmer
Markovich; and John Markovich.
Survived by children, Eileen
married to Peter Mider,
Richland; Gene married to
JoAnne Varner, Windber;
daughter-in-law, Anne Doyka,
South Fork; grandchildren,
Michael Mider (Sara), York, PA;
Philip Mider; Todd Doyka,
Windber; Jason Doyka
(Stephanie), Windber; Cory Doyka (Stephanie), West Virginia; Zach, Ricky, and Sam Doyka, South Fork; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Florence was a resident of Richland Township for many years and was a great artist. Family & friends will be received Monday March 12 from 6-8 p.m. at Simple Alternatives Inc., 717 Main St. Windber, PA 15963, where a service will then be held at 10 a.m on Tuesday. Private interment at Richland Cemetery.
Kale, Kay
80, was born in Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania and died May 8, 2018. She attended Myers High School where she met her future husband, Edward Kale. They were married 57 years. She earned a Bachelors' Degree in Fine Art and Masters' Degrees in Art and Art History from Penn State University. She later received her degree in Education from IUP.
She worked for many years as an Art teacher in the Central Cambria School District, and touched the lives of many local students. She was active in the community as the President of the Board of Appalachian Youth Services. She was a long-standing member of the Alpha Delta Kappa teachers' sorority, and the local Red Hats group. Kay is survived by her three children, Kate Wolf and husband Eric Wolf of Ebensburg, Nancy Kale and husband Scott Afton of Vermont, and Christopher Kale of Amsterdam. She is also survived by her sister Nancy Noonan and brother Pat Noonan and wife Betsy (daughters Erin and Kelly). Kay's spirit and social nature fostered connections with family, extended family, friends, and community over her life time. She was so loved and will be deeply missed. Her family would like to extend special thanks to the care staff at the Lutheran Home (ALSM) in Hollidaysburg for their kind and loving care over this past year. At Kay's request there will be no viewing or funeral.
Helen Thorne
Helen (Leerberg) Totzke Thorne, 92, of Laughlintown, passed away peacefully Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018. She was preceded by her husbands, Donald Totzke and John Thorne, her kindergarten classmates, in Edgewood. The daughter of Nis and Helga Leerberg and sister of Jim Leerberg (deceased) and Eileen Krabbe (deceased), was an award winning artist and gardener who loved teaching, traveling and dedicating her time to church and charitable causes. A graduate of Carnegie Tech, Helen embraced opportunities to learn through the arts by teaching and taking classes into her 90s. Her cheerful countenance and boundless energy was an inspiration to many. Helen is survived by three daughters and their spouses, Karen and Mark Schecter, Pamela and Barry Ronan and Susan and Sean O'Rourke, and beloved grandchildren, Jessica Jackson (Terrell deceased), David Schecter, Dane Morris, Lauren Ronan, Kaleigh O'Rourke, Kyle O'Rourke and great grandson, Matthew Ronan Jackson. She was also blessed through her second marriage with additional family, John S. Thorne, Barbara Thorne (Edward Weiler) and Richard Thorne (Nancy), and their children, Alison Sebens (Alex Schuster) and Charles Sebens, Ellen and Heidi Thorne.
A celebration of Helen's life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, in the Epiphany Anglican Fellowship, Bethlen Community, Ligonier.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Ligonier Valley Library to support life-long learning.
Patricia Bartis
83, Geistown, passed away January 6, 2019 at Laurel Wood Care Center. Born September 9, 1935 in Johnstown, daughter of the late John H. and Rozella (Hartland) Higgins. Preceded in death by husband, Martin K. Bartis; brother in law, Anthony Bartis; and sister in law, Martha J. Bartis. Survived by loving brother in law, Joseph married to Connie Bartis; nephew, Michael Bartis; nieces, Barbara and Mary Elizabeth Bartis, and Melanie married to Clay Westbrook; grand-nephews, Damien, Clayton and Jacob Bartis, and Joseph Westbrook; grand-nieces, Abigail Bartis and Mia Westbrook. She was active in the Allied Artists, Community Arts Center and a member of Park Avenue United Methodist Church. Family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, January 7, at KENNEDY'S 219 Ohio Street Johnstown. Friends received from 10:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 8th, at the funeral home with her Pastor, Rev. Len Findley, officiating. Private interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Kathleen Kase-Burk
a local artist and retired art teacher, passed away
in her Ebensburg home on October 9, 2020.
She was born Kathleen Ann Kase in Washington,
D.C.
William R. Kase and Edna (Radzikowski) Kase.
Kathy received a BA in English and MA in Fine Art
from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. While there
she met her husband Michael Burk, who she married
on May 31, 1974. She taught at the Pennsylvania
Governor's School for the Arts, and spent 19 years
as a much loved art teacher at Bishop Carroll High
School in Ebensburg.
Kathy was primarily a still life artist whose work has been shown throughout the country. After retiring from teaching she continued to participate in a variety of art shows, and began working on more abstract geometrical work. Kathy served as President of the Allied Artists of Johnstown, and was a member of the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh. Throughout her career, her works were selected for inclusion in over 300 juried and invitational shows.
JUST- Alvin E. "Al," 72, of Johnstown died
April 20, 2023, at Arbutus Manor.
Born October 31, 1950, in Johnstown. Son of
the late Donald E. and Marie B. (Lookingbill) Just.
Also preceded in death by son Sean "AJ" E. Just.
Survived by beloved daughters Ashley E. (John)
Bennett, Dawn M. (Shawn) Preis and Ericka Just;
grandchildren Jacob, Jonas, Ava, Niya, Lena and
Elliott. Also survived by special friends, Linda Just
and Ricky Fetzer. Al was known as "Pappy Painter"
to Niya, Lena and Elliott and was a certified Bob Ross instructor in his painting career. Al was owner of Sports Center Advertising, an ad agency he owned for over 30 years. He loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, camping, art and eating a good pizza. Al was a 33rd Degree Mason holding many offices during his tenure and receiving numerous honorary membership awards from the fraternity. He was a member of Greater Johnstown Lodge #538, F & AM and Cambria Lodge # 278, F & AM, York Rite Bodies and Scottish Rite, Valley of Altoona and Jaffa Shriners. Al believed the Masonic Order made him a better person. Friends received from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, where Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday with Pastor Steven Vickroy officiating. Private interment, Richland Cemetery.
Charney, Kathleen M., 70, Mineral Point, passed away
after a with her loving husband Jon by her side.
Born July 4, 1953 in Johnstown, daughter of the late
Theodore and Jennie (Grzybicki) Tomkowski. Preceded
in death by sisters, Theodora Tomkowski and Christine
Trevino. Survived by loving and devoted husband
of 51 years, Jonathan M. Charney Sr., Mineral Point;
son, Jonathan M. Charney Jr. married to Tina,
Mt. Bethel, PA; daughter, Marlyse M. Charney married
to Matthew Hamilton, York, PA; grandchildren who
were the Love of her Life, LOVELYN, CARDEN and
CADE; brothers, Thomas Tomkowski married to Katherine; and Larry Tomkowski married to Lynne; mother in law, Elaine Charney; dear friends, Joe Frable, Lynne Musulin, Rosie Unger, Diane Williams and Rhonda Anderson, also by numerous nieces and nephews. Kathleen was an accomplished artist who was a proud member of the Allied Artists of Johnstown where she displayed her beautiful paintings in many shows. She was inquisitive about nature and her surroundings, also enjoyed gardening, cooking and a gifted seamstress. Kathleen was a devout Catholic, life member of St. Anne Catholic Church in Moxham. Family will receive friends Monday, July 24th from 5 to 8 p.m. at Moskal & Kennedy Colonial Funeral Home of Johnstown, where vigil service will be held. Funeral mass will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 25th at St. Anne Catholic Church in Moxham, Fr. Balestino. Committal Grandview Mausoleum. The family would like to extend thanks to the staff at the Hillman Cancer Center, ProMedica Hospice and Dr. Wisniewski for their kind care and compassion given to Kathleen.
Carolyn (Schrader) Vaughn - December 25, 1936 - May 3, 2024
Born on Christmas Day in 1936, she was a gift to the world. She was a teacher, loving mother, and caring spouse. She enriched every life she touched, and unfailingly helped every soul on their journey, without judgment or pressure.
She instilled an appreciation of art in 30 classes of elementary and middle school students at Central Cambria schools between 1968 and 1995. In addition, she taught in Florida, Alabama, and Germany. She earned both her B.S. and M.ED. in Art Education from Indiana University of PA. Her education was enriched with course work at UPJ, PSU, Pgh. Art Institute, IUʼs 08 and 20, as well as Mount Aloysius. She was twice named to Whoʼs Who Among Americaʼs Teachers and nominated for the PA Teacher of the Year award. She was a longtime member of the Alpha Delta Kappa honorary sorority, and the PA State Education Association advisory committee.
She has been exhibiting her drawings and paintings in local and regional shows for thirty five years. Her work is included in the permanent collection of PSERS, Harrisburg and several private collections.
After retirement in 1995 she devoted her time to gardening, feeding songbirds, drawing and painting, and rescuing dogs and cats. She was a tireless volunteer for the Ebensburg Presbyterian Church, Art in Bloom, Allied Artists, and the Cambria County Historical Society.
She is survived by husband of 56 years Bennett Vaughn, sons Christopher Garland (b, 1963) and Benjamin Vaughn (b. 1973); granddaughter Teagan Aiyana Vaughn and grandson Curran Sherman Vaughn. She was preceded in death by parents Paul and Virginia Schrader and Sisters Marjorie (Vatter) and Judy.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Memorial gifts to Alzheimer’s research are recommended by the family. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff of The Villages at Maple Heights for their loving care in this trying time.
