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Townsend Bernard M Funeral Home, 220 S Main Street, Masontown, PA (2026)

03/28/2026

Sandra Lee Dils

Sandra Lee Dils, long-time resident of Masontown, died on March 28, at Beechwood Court Lafayette Manor where she lived for the past seven years. She was born on November 8, 1934, the daughter of Robert Nicholson Dils and Edna Leona Wilson Dils. She was a 1953 graduate of Point Marion High School and a 1956 graduate of Uniontown Hospital School of Nursing where she began her 43-year career as a registered nurse. She received a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1968 from California University.

After graduation she nursed at the Miner’s Hospital in Beckley, West Virginia before returning to the area and beginning 34 years of service at Carmichael’s Clinic. She retired from the Clinic in December of 1999.

She became a member of the Masontown Brethren Church in 1980, where she remained a devoted and devout servant until her death. She was a Sunday school teacher, member of the choir, and Mission Class. She was active with the prayer chain and was a loving and generous friend to her church family. She served on many committees and in various capacities including Deaconess.

Her community involvement included volunteer work at Friendship Hill National Historic Site, and she served as President of the Friendship Hill Association for several years. She also served as a member of the Masontown Cemetery Association.

Left to cherish her memory are her cousins: James Dils, (Brenda) Latrobe, PA, Ronald Dils (Rita) Greensboro, PA, Barry Kerr (Donna) Greenacres, FL, Rudy Kerr (Caroline) Mt. Airy, MD, and Diane Watson, Point Marion, and many friends in the area. The family wishes to thank the staff at Beechwood Court, and Amedisys Hospice Care for their love and support of Sandy.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, April 1 from 2:00 to 4:00 and from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Bernard M. Townsend Funeral Home, 220 S. Main St., Masontown and on Thursday April 2 at the Masontown Brethren Church on 110 West Church Ave., from 10:00 until the 11:00 AM the hour of service. Interment will be in Church Hill Cemetery in McClellandtown, PA immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Masontown Brethren Church, 110 W. Church Ave, Masontown, PA 15461

03/19/2026

Lillian Paulette Seaman

Lillian Paulette Seaman, 70, of Ronco, unexpectedly passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
She was born on January 30, 1956, in Waynesburg, PA to Daniel and Leona (Kelly) Gallan.
Paulette was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, whose kindness and love touched everyone she met. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, connecting to friends and family through Facebook, playing games on her iPad and computer.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years, John Seaman; sons, Craig (Susie) Seaman; Jeff (Michelle) Seaman, grandchildren, Morgan (Josh) Lampenfield, Maura, Brayden, Lilah and Lucas Seaman, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was a loving sister to her siblings, Mike and his wife Kris of Masontown, Sharon of Connellsville, Daniel of Masontown, Tracey and Ron of Masontown, Linda of Uniontown, Mary of Carmichaels and Michelle and Ron of Ronco.
Lillian was preceded in death by her mother, Leona (Kelly) Gallan; father, Daniel Gallan.
Family and friends will be received on Saturday March 21,2026 from 11 AM to 1PM the hour of service with Rev. Innocent Orduah officiating, Interment will follow in Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery .
Services are under the direction of the Bernard M. Townsend Funeral Home Masontown PA.

02/19/2026

Gladys “Sandy” Franks
Sandy Franks, 91, of Elizabeth, passed away February 17, 2026, at Lafayette Manor in Uniontown, PA. Born in Masontown, PA on August 9, 1934, she was a daughter of the late Glenn and Rosella Rockwell.
Sandy was a loving mother and wife who was always there for her family and friends. She supported her husband as the proprietors of the Connellsville Super Dollar. Sandy was very active and enjoyed her time with friends in the Highlander Ladies bowling league and several golf leagues including the Wednesday Wonders which she helped to organize. She also enjoyed meeting with her friends for monthly cards and Pokeno games. Sandy was a 55-year member of Central Highlands Community Methodist Church where she was a member of the United Methodist Women and a volunteer for Elizabeth Forward Meals on Wheels.
Sandy could often be found in her favorite place, the golf course, where she enjoyed afternoons with her husband. Together they enjoyed traveling up and down the East Coast searching for good weather and the next golf course to experience.
She was predeceased by her parents and her high school sweetheart husband of 58 years, Leonard Franks: her sisters Glenna Rockwell, Elizabeth Jackson, and Mary Leidecker; and her brother Jack Rockwell.
She is survived by her son, Leonard “Lenny” Franks, of Uniontown, PA, daughter, Cindy Spizarny (Steve) of Erie, PA, her grandchildren, Joshua and Megan Spizarny of Erie, and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made, in Sandy’s name, to Elizabeth Forward Meals on Wheels, 100 Timothy Drive, Elizabeth, PA 15037.
Friends may call on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 11:00am until the time of service at 1:00pm at Gilbert’s Funeral Home, 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, PA 15135. Burial will follow at Churchill Cemetery in McClellandtown. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Bernard M. Townsend Funeral Home, Masontown, PA.
The family would like to thank the loving and caring staff of Lafayette Manor Skilled Care home for the kindness they showed their mother during her stay.

02/06/2026

Michael J. Tawney 1948-2026
Michael James Tawney Sr., 77, of Masontown Pa, died at his home surrounded by his loving family on February 5, 2026.
He was born in Southfork, Pennsylvania on October 27, 1948 to the late Harold & Margaret Tawney. Michael attended Cobb and All Saints School in Masontown Pa. before graduating from Albert Gallatin H.S. Mike enjoyed fishing with his brother, gold mining, and traveling. He joined the United States Army on April 30, 1968 where he received orders to Vietnam and served as a Unit Supply Specialist. During his tour, Mike received the Army National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Overseas Service Bars, (the bars indicate the Theater of operations including Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia for at least 12 months), The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, The Good Conduct Medal for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity, and The Vietnam Gallantry Cross. After an Honorable discharge, Mike had a long career as a steel worker at Irvin Works Steel Mill.
Michael was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Marlene Tawney, and Brother, Harold P Tawney Jr.
Michael is survived by Son, Michael J Tawney Jr. and his wife Melissa; 2 grandkids, Ian and Madison Tawney, Daughter Michele C Warnick and her husband Robby; sisters Cathy Buncic, and husband John, Cindy Broadwater, and husband Robert; Sister in-laws Debbie Smodic, Dolly Fisher, and Cheryl Tawney, and brother-in-law Pete Radosevich.
Family and friends will be received at the Bernard M Townsend Funeral home located at 220 S Main Street, Masontown Pa., Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 1-3, and 6-8 and Sunday February 8, 2026, from 10am to 11am. The hour of service will be held by Pastor Robert L. Warnick III officiating.
Interment will follow in the Presbyterian Church Cemetery in McClellandtown Pa. (Church Hill Cemetery) where the Masontown VFW & American Legion will accord military rites.

10/14/2025

With tears mixed with joy, we announce that on October 11, 2025 at the age of 68, Carl David Wheeler entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior.

Carl lived a life that was passionate and was a faithful servant of the Lord.

Carl was born and raised in Masontown, PA, worked at his studio “Highland Photography”, taught Sunday School, led his Bible Study class, played bass guitar in his Christian band, all the while sending the message of God's love, kindness, forgiveness and redemption, everything being inspired by his faith.

Carl touched the lives of everyone who had the honor of knowing him. His warmth, his belief in his Lord and Savior, and his generous spirit will be remembered forever. He held an unwavering faith in God which he shared with those who surrounded him.

In Matthew, Chapter 5, vs.4 it states: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted”.

Carl was the son of Frank and Mildred Wheeler, who proceeded him in death; his Grandmother,
Anna Rodeheaver is also deceased.
He is survived by his wife Carole Schaum Wheeler with whom he recently celebrated his 48th wedding anniversary. Also, his sister Joann Sandruck and her husband Robert from Bluffton, S.C. His sister-in-law Marilyn Schaum Bilpuh and husband Joseph of Point Marion, sisters-in-law Renalda Schaum and Jackie Schaum, aunts Jean Netchi Fiani and Virginia Netchi and many dear nieces and nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be at the Carmichaels Methodist Church 104 West South Street Carmichaels Pa on Friday 10/17/25 from 4 to 8 pm. and from10 to 11 am Saturday morning 10/18/25 when a Celebration of Life begins at 11:00 am with Pastor Andrew Gump officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Bernard M. Townsend Funeral Home 220 South Main Street Masontown, PA
“Please Note” there will be no visitation at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either the Carmichaels Methodist Church or to Samaritans Purse.

09/08/2025

Dorcas Lorraine Upole, 87, of McClellandtown, died Sunday September 7 at Mt. Macrina Manor in Uniontown with her family by her side. She was born March 28, 1938, in Fairchance, Pa. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick Grimm and Dorcas (Harn) Grimm, her husband Frank Upole, and her son Mark Upole. Surviving are daughter-in-law, Jenny (Mark) Upole; daughter, Mandi (Scott) Cerullo; son, Marty (Christina) Upole; son, Mike (Leslie) Upole; son, Mickey (Kelley) Upole; and daughter, Mindy Graham; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister Shirley (Francis) Hutson and a brother Frederick (Kathy) Grimm, Jr., and several nieces and nephews.

Dorcas was a 1956 graduate of German Twp High School. She enjoyed spending time with her friends “The Posse”. She had an unwavering faith in God and was ready to go home. She loved her six children whom she referred to as her “M & M’s”

Family and friends will be received from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10, and on Thursday September 11 from10 to 11 a.m. the hour of service in the BERNARD M. TOWNSEND FUNERAL HOME, 220 S. Main St., Masontown, Pa., with Sandy Townsend officiating. Interment will follow at the Church Hill Cemetery in McClellandtown.

05/24/2025

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of William (Bill) Henry Riffle Jr in the late evening of May 18, 2025, at the age of 72.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents William and Evelyn (Parker) Riffle and his wife Patricia (Snyder) Riffle.

He is survived by his sister Bonny (Dale) Seese along with their son and Bill's nephew Justin Seese; his daughter Marisa (Eric) Springer, and son Craig (Amanda) Riffle. Bill had three grandsons that he loved with his whole heart - Kaden and Easton Springer and Nolan Riffle, all of whom referred to him as "Bull".

Bill spent his time retired from Kennametal doing all the things he loved - hunting, cutting grass, planting and caring for his garden, and being outside. Bill's favorite thing of all was spending time with his grandsons, which he did most weekends.

In honoring Bill's wishes, the family has decided to not have a service at this time.

04/29/2025

A hot cup of coffee, lively polkas, Hallmark movies, and mowing the grass, along with her four sons, and ten grandchildren—these were the joys that marked the full and blessed life of Pauline Ann Diamond.
Pauline Ann Diamond, lovingly known as Polly Ann to her friends, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, April 28, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was 84 years old.
Born Pauline Ann Brajdic on March 19, 1941, to Frank and Eva Brajdic, Polly was one of 13 children. She is survived by her twin sister Roseann Miller, her older sister Betty Lou Vensko, and brothers Tommy and Richie Brajdic.
While she was PollyAnn to friends; to her family and to many who passed through the family farm, she was simply "Grandma"— a title she wore with immense pride and joy. Her kitchen table was a place of welcome for all who entered her home, a reflection of her deep kindness and generous heart.
Polly Ann grew up a city girl in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, but her life took a different turn when she married a hardworking farmer, Alvin Diamond of Smithfield, on August 11, 1962. They shared a devoted marriage of 58 years until Alvin’s passing in 2020.
Though she began life in the city, Polly was a tomboy at heart, a fact made clear by her deep love for farm life. She never cared much for dresses, preferring instead the work boots and tasks that came with helping run the farm—feeding calves, driving tractors, and especially mowing the grass, a chore she truly loved.
Her mornings often started with baking pies before heading to the barn for chores, always back home by noon to have a hot meal ready for her family.
Her greatest treasures in life were her four sons—until her grandchildren arrived and gave her even more reasons to smile. Polly leaves behind her sons and their wives: Louie (Gail), Paul (Beverly), Joe (BettyLynn), and Douglas (Acela); along with her cherished ten grandchildren: Rachel, Jesse, Luke, Katie, Emily (Jeff), Trudy, Alexandra, Felisha, Zacharias, and Hope. Her family continues to grow, as she also looked forward to welcoming a new great-grandson very soon.
We would like to give a very special thanks to the hospice nurses and aids who gave Polly such loving care, and to Linda Diamond for supporting us as we cared for grandma at home.
Thank you to Wendy Baker “the troublemaker” for caring for grandma every day. You brought such kindness and joy into her life. You helped her to smile every day, and we will be forever grateful to you for the loving care you gave to her.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Polly's life during visitation on Thursday, May 1, at the Bernard Townsend Funeral Home in Masontown, Pennsylvania, from 2:00–4:00 PM and 6:00–8:00 PM. An additional visitation will be held Friday May 2, from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at Fairview Church of the Brethren 1022 Fairview Hill Rd, Masontown, PA

02/16/2025

Ruth (Rue) Marie Opel Momeyer of Masontown, Pa. passed away peacefully with her family at her side, on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Rue was born August 4, 1927 to Carrie (Wiley) and Daniel Opel in Lamberton, Pa. She was predeceased by her husband Carl Momeyer, Son Carl Jr., Siblings. Margaret Opel, Mildred (Mil) Livingston, Kenneth Opel, Betty (Bet) Townsend, Robert Opel, Rev. Carl (Bout) Opel, Charles (Son) Opel, Rita O'Brien, Richard Opel and Ronald Opel. Rue married her childhood friend, Carl Momeyer in 1948 and had 4 beloved children. She is survived by her children Carrie Lou Nutter of Masontown PA, Danny Gene (Sherry) Momeyer, and Darlene Rizo. Grandchildren Neil, Keith, Ryan, Lonnie, Melanie, Amber, Chris and Nathan, 13 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren, all of California. Sibling Danny (Kathleen) Opel of Uniontown PA.
Rue was a woman of unwavering faith in Jesus, and shared her deep relationship with God to her family and friends. She loved going to church and would dress up for church each Sunday, then enjoy a day of rest. During the week, she would frequently be heard singing old hymns while doing chores. She emanated her sense of contentment and stability. Her faith gave her courage to move in 1962 from her hometown, Lambert PA to Sacramento, California. There she had her youngest child Carl, and continued to raise her family. Rue mustered her courage and rose to meet challenges. She held onto her faith and was always willing to lend a hand to someone in need. Rue wanted nothing more than to have a close and loving family. She was deeply inspired by her mother, whom she often regarded as a saint. Rue was a kind and generous person who would give you the coat off of her back and feed you until you were full, whether she knew you or not. Rue had strong values regarding education, cleanliness "next to godliness", and a sense of modesty juxtaposed with a sense of fashion. She loved baking and cooking. She would put at least a four course meal on the table each evening, which was made with love and served family style. She loved to sew, crochet, embroider and even learned to shoot a gun, take it apart and put it back together. She had an interesting character and was fun to be with. May she rest in peace with our Lord, Jesus. She will be missed, held with love and cherished in memories. Friends and family may be received at the Bernard M Townsend Funeral Home 220 South Main St Masontown On February 18, 2025 from 3pm to 6 pm the hour of service.

11/18/2024

Virginia "Jeanie" (Deusenberry) Radosevich, 73, of Surry, VA, formerly of Masontown, PA died Thursday, November 14, 2024 at home. It was in Masontown that she met and married her high school sweetheart. Jeanie would share the next 50 years with Pete, raising two sons and seeing the world as a Navy Wife. She was a strong and loving mother and wife, and truly enjoyed her family and making new friends wherever she went.. Jeanie especially enjoyed traveling to Scotland and Ireland, as well as her two years of living on Guam. Although her health later limited her travels, her love of reading carried her to other far-away places with new adventures. Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband Pete, and sons Eric and wife Cammy, and Stephen and husband Matt. She also leaves behind four cherished grandsons and four much-loved great grandchildren, all of whom will miss her terribly.

10/26/2024

David L. Skiles, a dedicated Marine veteran and beloved member of the community, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2024, at the age of 78 surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 14, 1946, in McClellandtown, PA, Dave enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 19. He served honorably during the Vietnam War, where he earned several commendations for his bravery and leadership. After his service of 23 years, he returned home to raise his family. Dave was known for his deep sense of duty, unwavering willingness to help others, and strong moral values and faith. He was a mentor to many, sharing his experiences and wisdom with younger generations. Dave is survived by his loving wife, Debra; three children, David, John and Carlus (JoAnn Laurita); and “plus one” Patty Pennington (Bobby), and grandchildren Emily and Peyton, whom he adored. He is also survived by his brother Carlus (Carol), mother-in-law Peg T***s, nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends. Dave is preceded in death by his Mother & Father, John A. Sr. & Deborah L. Skiles, sisters Sylvia (Skiles) Ragan, Catherine (Skiles) Sholtis (Bob), and brother Jack (Joann). A celebration of Dave’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, from 2pm-6pm at the Bernard M. Townsend Funeral Home, 220 S. Main St., Masontown, PA 15461 with services immediately following. The Masontown VFW & American Legion will accord military rites at 6 PM followed by a service with Pastor Virginia Eberhart officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in the form of your choosing, be made to the Presbyterian Church Community Kitchen at 102 W Church Ave, Masontown, PA, 15461. Dave’s legacy of service and love will forever be remembered by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

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