Avella resident was Zappi Oil driver. 

Charles Kenneth Armstrong, 61, of Avella, died Wednesday, November 30, 2005.

He was born May 31, 1944, in Washington, a son of Harriet Mabel Riggle Armstrong of Washington and the late John Paul Armstrong.

Mr. Armstrong was a tractor-trailer driver for Zappi Oil Co.

He was Presbyterian and a member of Taylorstown American Legion Post 907, where he played on the dartball team for more than 25 years.

Mr. Armstrong enjoyed deer hunting,

He was a 1962 graduate of McGuffey High School and served in the U.S. Army in Aberdeen, Md., during the Vietnam War.

On January 19, 1968, he married Betty Jean Blayney, who survives.

Also surviving are a son, Robert Paul and wife Stacey Armstrong of Washington; a brother, John W. and wife Arlene McCracken of Claysville; a sister, Irene and husband Robert Hodgson of Washington; and two grandchildren, James Kenneth Milligan and Robert Gregg Milligan.

Deceased are a daughter, Melissa A. Milligan; four brothers, Donald, Corwin and William Harry Armstrong and Willis (Pete) McCracken; and two sisters, Helen Glendenning and Jeannine Harps.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., the time of service, Saturday, December 3, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Interment will follow in Washington Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded at graveside by James R. Hunt American Legion Post of Claysville.

Diana J. “ Dee “ Dyson, 55, of Washington, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 6, 2005, in the Donnell House following a seven year illness. She was born in Washington on September 19, 1949, a daughter of the late Stanley Kazarick and Eleanor Zulkos Kazarick of Washington. She was a graduate of Washington High School and was a Pentecostal Christian. Mrs. Dyson had once worked at Bon-Ton at the Franklin Mall. She later worked as a child sitter at Meadows Racquet Club. Most recently, until her health prevented it, she watched Lauren, Megan, and Rae Lynn Simpson in her home. These children became like grandchildren to her. On August 22, 1970, she married Paul Howard Dyson, who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Christee Dawn ( Jonathan ) Thomas of Washington, and Kelley Dee Dyson, at home; a brother, Stanley ( Donna ) Kazarick of Washington; Two sisters, Patty ( John ) Maceyko, of Washington, and Kathy ( George ) Kubovcik of North Myrtle Beach, NC; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends of Diana J. “ Dee “ Dyson, 55, of Washington, who went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 6, 2005, will be received on Monday, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm, in the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held on Tuesday, August 9, 2005, at 10:00 am, Pastor Michael Downey officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request is for donations to be made to: American Cancer Society, 357 East Maiden Street, Washington, PA 15301.

Washington homemaker.

Dolores Luella Bird Dawes of Washington died Tuesday, October 11, 2005, in Washington Hospital, following a five-year ilness She was born in Washington, a daughter of Peter Orin and Frances Fisher Bird. Mrs. Dawes was a homemaker who enjoyed bingo and spending time with her family and grandchildren. She always was helping others, regardless of personal cost. She was Roman Catholic. On December 12, 1981, she married George W. Dawes, who survives. Also surviving are a son, William L. (Juanita) Lindley of Aleppo; two daughters, Kathy (Dan) Hull of Greensboro and Janet (Jim) Medlen of Washington; a brother, Robert L. (Debbie) Bird of Canonsburg; a sister, Joyce St. Vincent of Washington; two grandchildren, Crystal Rivera and William B. Lindley; three foster grandchildren, Tracy, Demitri and Carlisle; six adopted grandchildren, Robert, Eric, Douglas, Eric, Darnell and Tony; and two great-grandchildren, Anthony and Preston Rivera. Deceased are a daughter, Pamela Lindley, who died in infancy; a brother, Arthur Bird; and two sisters, Virginia Ireland and Eleanor Durilla.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no public visitation. Services will be held at the convenience of the family. William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, is in charge of arrangements. No flowers, please.

Husband, father, oral surgeon, community leader.

Andrew Stephen Balta, D.M.D., a well-known oral surgeon in the Washington area, died Sunday, August 14, 2005, in UPMC-Shadyside hospital, Pittsburgh, after a brief illness. He was 67. He was born January 19, 1938, in Duquesne, a son of Andrew and Margaret Balta. Dr. Balta graduated from Duquesne High School and University of Pittsburgh, where he received his undergraduate and graduate degrees. He did his postgraduate study at the University of Pittsburgh from 1963-1964 and his postdoctoral study in anesthesia and basic sciences at University of Pittsburgh from 1968-69. Dr. Balta was an oral and maxillofacial surgery resident at Henry Ford Hospital and staff oral and maxillofacial surgeon at the hospital until 1972. He was in private practice in oral and maxillofacial surgery in Washington, was on active staff at Washington Hospital and Canonsburg Hospital and courtesy staff at Allegheny General Hospital and Greene County Memorial Hospital, and a consultant at Kade Nursing Home and earlier at Skilled Nursing Care Facility of Canonsburg Hospital from 1983 to 1990. Dr. Balta was chief oral forensic examiner and deputy corner of Washington County from 1983 to 1991; director of Washington-Greene County Dental Society, 1974-86; and director of Dental Medicine Alumni Association of University of Pittsburgh, 1983-85. His associations and club memberships included diplomate of American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, diplomate and fellow of International Congress of Oral Implantologists, fellow of American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, International College of Dentists and Pierre Fauchard Academy; founding member of Fred A. Henny Dentistry and Oral Surgery Society; charter member of Henry Ford Hospital Medical Association; and member of International Society of Cosmetic Laser Surgeons, Chalmers J. Lyons Academy of Oral Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, Great Lakes Society, Pennsylvania Society and Western Pennsylvania Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, 1971-91. He received Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honorary, 1968; Owens Fellow, University of Pittsburgh, 1967-69; National Institutes of Health Research Fellow, Microbiology Department, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, 1966-68; Master Award, American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 1993; Scholar Award, American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 1994; and Distinguished Service Award, United Way of Central Washington, 1977. His past positions and activities included being a member of Russian Room Committee, University of Pittsburgh, 1969-70; director, Washington-Greene County Dental Society, 1970-86; president, Dental Society of Western Pennsylvania, 1982; Cancer Detection Founding Chairman (breast and pap), United Way of Central Washington Health-O-Rama, 1980; board of directors, American Cancer Society, Pennsylvania Division, 1978-80; president, Washington County Unit, American Cancer Society, 1980-82; parish council, Immaculate Conception Church, Washington, 1980-84; United Way of Central Washington County, second vice president, 1980-82, first vice president, 1982-84, executive committee, 1982-86, board of directors, 1976-86, and president and chief volunteer officer, 1985-87; director of United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, 1983-86, and president, chief volunteer officer and chairman of the board, 1987-90. Among his many accomplishments at Washington Hospital in surgical applications were first use of Joe Holl Morris bi-phasic extra-skeletal pin fixation, rigid internal fixation and mandibular orthopedic staple implant; first application, TMJ arthroscopy and TMJ laser arthroscopic surgery; first in Weber Ferguson approach hemi-maxillectomy, bilateral Abbe (lip) flap reconstruction for extensive lip cancer, sliding block lip reconstruction, total mandibulectomy with immediate reconstruction with mandibular bone plant, hemi-mandibulectomy, inferior cervical approach with immediate reconstruction with hip and rib graft and mandifular bone plate; and first use of compression osteosynthesis. He was a member of Pittsburgh Press Club, Rotary Club of Washington, National Rifle Association, United Steelworkers of America Duquesne local, 1956-58. He held many jobs as a young adult. From 1962 to 1963, Dr. Balta was a research assistant to Dr. Herbert Mansmann of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh; metallurgical observer at Homestead Works of U.S. Steel Corp. in the summers of 1964 and 1963 laborer in open hearth at Homestead Works; worked in the general offices of traffic department of U.S. Steel Corp. 1958-62; and was a laborer in the City of Duquesne water department in 1955. He was a Eucharistic minister at Immaculate Conception Church since 1985, served on parish council and was founding co-chairman in January 1989 of Save Immaculate Conception High School coalition. Dr. Balta was a member of Washington County Republican Party, was listed in Marquis Who’s Who in America in the 50th-56th editions, and won the 1999 and 2000 Washington County Beautification Award for his office. He enjoyed oil painting, fly tying, fly fishing and hunting. He spent considerable time conducting community affairs, but withdrew upon the death of his son, Andrew Brian Balta, who died in a car accident in 1988 at the age of 17.

On December 30, 1961, he married JoAnn DiRemigio, who survives.

Also surviving are a son, Stephen Adam Balta of Philadelphia; and two brothers, Edward and Ronald Balta, both of North Huntingdon.

Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 18, in Immaculate Conception Church, Washington, with the Rev. William Feeney, pastor, as celebrant. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Citizens Library, 55 South College Street, Washington, PA 15301.

Florence Margaret Provenzano Dasta, of Phoenix, Arizona, formerly of Washington, died Sunday, January 2, 2005, in Scottsdale, Arizona. She was born in Manifold, a daughter of Paul and Olga Valentino Provenzano. Mrs. Dasta was a graduate of Washington High School and a member of St. Hilary Roman Catholic Church. She was a member of the Christian Mothers, and The Business and Professional Women. She was a Court Reporter/Public Stenographer in Washington County. On June 1, 1937, she married James Dasta, who died on June 6, 1992. Surviving are two sons, Paul Dasta of Washington, and Steve Dasta of Dallas, Texas; three daughters, Regina Felton of Tempe, Arizona, Connie Verno of Phoenix, Arizona, and Frances Amanati of Scottsdale, Arizona; thirteen grandchildren, Leslie Dreier, Christopher, Greg, and Jeff Dasta, Dr. Anita Marra, Timothy Felton, Stacey Lykins, Beth Felton, Jennifer Dasta, Dennis and Adam Verno, Ryan and Dena Amanati; and seventeen great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death are two sisters, Frances and Josephine; a brother, Charles; and two grandsons, James Felton and Michael Dasta. 

Friends of Florence Margaret Provenzano Dasta, of Phoenix, Arizona, formerly of Washington, who died Sunday, January 2, 2005, will be received on Friday, January 7, 2005, in the chapel at Immaculate Conception Church Cemetery, where a blessing servicve will be held at 12:00 noon. Entombment will follow in the St. James Mausoleum. The family requests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Former Washington Restaurant, W&J College employee.

Leora Ann Headley, 60, of Washington, died at 2:15 p.m. Saturday April 2, 2005, in Presbyterian Senior Care, Washington. She had been ill since February 14. She was born August 31, 1944, in Washington, a daughter of Freda Smith Headley of Washington and the late Charles Robert Headley. She had been employed by Washington Restaurant, Washington & Jefferson College and Four Seasons Camping Resort. Surviving are two sons, Louis and Deanna Onopiuk of Washington and Thomas Onopiuk, both of Washington; a daughter, Jeanette and Timothy Edward Kerns of Wheeling R.D.5, W.Va.; a brother, Charles Robert Headley of Washington; four sister, Julie White of Washington, Debbie Holmes of Washington, Betty Nester of Breezewood and Freda Ruth Kinter of Crestline, Ohio; and five grandchildren, Autumn Onopiuk and Melissa, Timothy, Ethan and Christina Kerns.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no public visitations or services. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family in Washington Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington.

Marilyn Jean DeWitt, 74, of Washington, died Thursday, September 1, 2005, in Donnell House, Washington. She had been in declining health. She was born November 4, 1930, in Washington, a daughter of Charles and Nettie Nickenson Watters. Mrs. DeWitt was a 1948 graduate of Trinity High School. She was employed as a nurse’s aide at Washington Manor and then at Locust Manor in Washington. Mrs. DeWitt was a member of Calvary Temple in Washington. She was an avid bingo player. On April 17, 1950, she married Daniel J. DeWitt, who died March 6, 2000. Surviving are three sons, Rod (Rebecca) DeWitt of Washington, Todd DeWitt of Pittsburgh and Brad (Jesse Yvonne) DeWitt of Lockahatchee, Fla.; a brother, Harry Watters of Sarasota, Fla.; three sisters, Betty Muhleman of Lancaster, Dolores Eakin of Oakley, Calif., and Mona Lou Henry of Washington; six grandchildren, Christian, Jaclyn, Jocelyn, Jenna, Raeanna and Casey DeWitt; and a great-grandchild, Taylor DeWitt. Deceased are a daughter, Nettie DeWitt; four sisters, Ruth Riggs, Corine Yaros, Martha Hull and Virginia Abriel; and two brothers, Charles Jr. and Robert Watters.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, September 5, with the Rev. David Harner officiating. Burial will be in Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cemetery, Glyde.

Mary Milano Malone, 85, of Washington, died Sunday, February 27, 2005, in the Donnell House following a lingering illness. She was born on May 9, 1919, in Keystone, West Virginia, a daughter of Raffaele and Phillippa Valuzzo Milano. She had once worked briefly at Washington & Jefferson College and later at Kress Box and Hazel Atlas # 2 as an inspector. Mary always smiled with hope in her heart. Surviving are two brothers, Angelo Milano of Sewickly and Fred Milano of Hopewell; two nieces, Elizabeth and Angela Milano, both of Sewickly. Preceding her in death are two brothers, Pete and Benny Malone.

Friends of Mary Milano Malone, 85, of Washington, who died Sunday, February 27, 2005, will be received on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm in the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 1, 2005, at 10:00 am in Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Rev. William Feeney celebrant. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray.