The Baltimore Sun from Baltimore, Maryland • 7

SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1989 THE SUN co7A OBITUARIES LEGISLATURE 'GO Reversed vote revives death penalty bill who want to attack the death penal By Jerry Bembry Annapolis Bureau of The Sun ANNAPOLIS In what the committee chairman described as the completion of unfinished business, the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee voted 6-5 yesterday In favor of a bill that would forbid the execution of mentally retarded people. The action reversed a vote by the same committee a week ago to kill the bill. Sen. Walter M. Baker, D-Cecil.

the committee chairman, had been criticized after last week's vote was taken with two of the bill's supporters absent, and after he denied a request by a late-arriving committee Senate panel OKs wetlands initiative Peabody panel eyes Advance' to meet deficit By Patricia Meisol A panel of citizens weighing options -for the financially strapped PeabSdy Conservatory says it will ask the state to pick up the school's $3.2 million projected deficit this year, when Johns Hopkins University is to begin phasing out its subsidies. The money was described as "an advance" on the state's separate aid tottopklns by the panel's chairman, WQdv. A. Melvin Steinberg. He said he is asking lawmakers to give the money now on the premise that if a lottgerm solution for the Peabody cannot be found by next spring, the money could be recouped by cutting to Hopkins by the same amount.

"ithe Peabody estimates that it nW(te an additional $40 million in endowments to be self-sufficient. Most of the panel's discussions wjjtftjn a closed session, based on an" opinion from the state attorney gerYral office that the group appointed by Gov. William Donald Schaefer is not a public body under Maryland law. "Ill the closed session, the panel took up a report by a state budget alyst that compared the fiscal affairs to those of music schools around the country. Afterward, the panel voted to ask Hopkins and the Peabody to hire an outside consultant to evaluate the c6rtrvatory from an artistic and financial perspective.

The goal of the outside report, which Peabody Director Robert Pierce said he supported. Is to find ways to "significantly reduce the cost of the Peabody while stiff maintaining artistic and academic excellence." yesterday. Mr. Steinberg said the panel is considering asking the state to buy the Peabody's art crifreMion. art, now displayed at museums 'in Baltimore, is worth about "'It Is owned by the Peabody Institute of the City of Baltimore, a corporation separate from the Peabody Conservatory and whose trustees include Hopkins President Steven Mutter.

Mildred P. Charlton Did volunteer work Services for Mildred P. Charltoni' who did volunteer work, will be held at 1 1 a.m. today at the Charlton funeral establishment, 2007 Eastern Ave. Mrs.

Charlton, who was 88. died Wednesday of heart failure at the home of a grandson on Eastern Ave-; nue. A longtime resident of Guilford and later the Virginia Tower Apart-1 ments in Towson, she set up a li-1 brary at the apartments and was secretary of a Bible study class-there. Earlier, Mrs. Charlton volun" teered to edit a newsletter at the old Public Health Service Hospital chaired a Red Cross committee oper ating a canteen for servicemen during World War II.

The former Mildred Pierson was-born in Baltimore and was a part of. the 1914 "human flag" at ForC McHenry. She graduated from Western High School in 1918 and helped op erate her father's contracting business as a young woman. II A charter member of the Bou-' Tem-Sci Club, she also belonged to the Yak-Rem-Peh Court of the Ladies Oriental Shrine and played the cymbals in its band for 40 years. Her husband, John L.

Charlton, retired Blue Cross official, died in 1966. Mrs. Charlton is survived by son. Dr. John L.

Charlton Jr. of Baltimore; and two grandsons. Roy A. Nelsen Retired police sergeant Services for Roy A. Nelsen, a retired Baltimore County police ser-j geant, will be held at 9 a.m.

today at the Duda-Ruck funeral establishment. 7922 Wise Ave. in Dundalk. Mr. Nelsen, who was 60 and lived on Queensway in Dundalk, died Wednesday at Francis Scott Key Medical Center after a long illness.

He retired in 1976 as a sergeant at the Dundalk Police Station and, had worked at the Towson, Edge-mere and Garrison stations during) his 20 years on the force. Mr. Nelsen was also a marksman who won the Chiefs Trophy and other shooting awards. A native of Norwalk, he came to the Baltimore area while; serving In the Marine Corps during the Korean War. He was a member of the Association of Baltimore County Retired Po-, lice, the Fraternal Order of Police the International Police Association and the Law Officers' Association of Baltimore County.

An amateur radio operator who used the call letters WB3DCH. he also belonged to the Baltimore Ama teur Radio Club and the American Radio Relay League. Mr. Nelsen is survived by his wife, the former Lillie Bankard; two daughters, Caryl A. Fletcher and Barbara A.

Nelsen. both of Baltimore; a son, Scott A. Nelsen of Baltl-, more; a brother, Irving A. Nelson of Monroe, and five By Jerry Bembry Annapolis Bureau of The Sun ANNAPOLIS The Schaefer administration's major environmental initiative advanced yesterday with a Senate committee's approval of a bill designed to preserve the state's disappearing swamps and freshwater wetlands. The Economic and Environmental Affairs Committee passed, by a 9-0 vote, a slightly amended version of the non-tidal wetlands bill a version that Is apparently satisfactory to the administration and committee members.

"We are pleased with the amendments and the work the committee did," said Jane Nishida. an assistant legislative officer for the Schaefer administration. "A lot of the new language is just a matter of clarification." The bill would establish state controls on the so-called "non-tidal" wetlands that, according to state estimates, are disappearing in Maryland at a rate of 1 ,600 acres a year. There are an estimated 275.000 House approves measure to prohibit spousal rape C. S.

Liberto dies; owned Mel's Produce A Mass of Christian burial for Carmello S. Liberto, a retired produce stall owner in Lexington Market will be offered at 10 a.m. today at Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church. 18310 Middletown Road in Parkton. Mr.

Liberto, who was 75 and moved from Pikesville to Cockeys-ville in 1979, died Monday at the Good Samaritan Hospital after an abdominal blood vessel burst while he was recovering from a stroke. Known as Mel, Mr. Liberto operated Mel's Produce at the market from 1930 until he retired in 1984. Mr. Liberto was one of the original owners operating a stall when new buildings were opened after the market's destruction in a 1949 fire.

In a 1976 renovation of the west building of the market, Mr. Liberto's picture was Included in an historic mural. Before starting his business, the Baltimore native worked outside at a produce stall owned by his father. During World War he worked as a riveter for the Glenn L. Martin Co.

His wife of 37 years, the former Concetta Serio, died in 1979. He is survived by a daughter, Patricia L. Anton of Parkton: five sisters. Rose Cimino of Randallstown, Mary Cascio of Catonsville, and Katie Prestianni, Grace Cimbolo and Lucie DiMartino, all of Baltimore: three granddaughters: and four great-granddaughters. Georgette Buscemi Served community Services for Georgette R.

Buscemi. who was active in her community, will be held at 10 a.m. today at the First Church of God. 4801 Sipple Ave. Mrs.

Buscemi, who was 59 and lived on Greenhill Avenue, died Tuesday at the Washington Hospital Center of a heart attack after surgery. She was a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Square Deal Democratic Club, the Gardenville Lodge of the Women of the Moose and the Christian Women's Club at the First Church of God. The former Georgette R. Wiechert was a native of Baltimore and was educated at St. Anthony's School.

She was fond of bowling, swimming, traveling and doing craft work. Her husband, Frank Buscemi, is a retired maintenance electrician for the Bethlehem Steel Corp. at Sparrows Point. In addition to her husband, Mrs, Buscemi is survived by two daughters, Deborah A. Potter of Joppa and Michele G.

Belzner of Joppatowne; two sons. Frank C. Buscemi of East-point and Ronald M. Buscemi of Edgemere; a brother, Adrian Wiechert of Baltimore; four sisters, Doris Thurfield of West Melbourne, Mae Greig of Glen Burnie and Kath-erine Brown and Evelyn Underwood, both of Baltimore; and seven grandchildren. S.

A. Ustasiewski Active in politics A Mass of Christian burial for Stanley A. Ustasiewski, a retired Baltimore municipal employee who was long active in politics, will be offered at 9 a.m. today at Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, 400 S. Chester St.

Mr. Ustasiewski, who was 78, died Tuesday of heart failure at his home on East Pratt Street. He retired 18 years ago as a supervisor in the bridge division of the Public Works Department, where he had worked for 38 years. Born in Baltimore, he attended Mount St. Joseph High School.

He was a member of the Polish Heritage Association, the Polish Home Club and the Hickory Demo cratic Club. Despite losing a primary race for a seat in the House of Delegates as a young man, Mr. Ustasiewski remained active as a campaigner for many politicians. He is survived by two sisters, So phie Wiedeck of Baltimore and Laura Sczepkowski of Catonsville; a brother, Walter Ustaszewskl of Baltimore: and many nieces and neph ews. TS5 Hill Jh 'l member.

Sen. Margaret C. Schwein-haut, D-Montgomery, that the vote be reconsidered. "We voted last week for an unfavorable and it was tied there was never a vote for a favorable report." Mr. Baker said.

"When we do that and it's tied, someone usually moves for a favorable vote, which no one did. If it's tied then, it's dead. "Yesterday's vote was a mere finishing of a vote that was never finished," he said. Before allowing the full committee to consider the measure, Mr. Baker took the opportunity to speak out against the bill, which had been passed last year by the full Senate.

35-7. "I think it's a sad thing for people Today in Annapolis 9 a.m. Executive-Legislative Committee to examine off-track betting holds public hearing, Joint Hearing Room, Legislative Services Building. 10 a.m. House Judiciary Committee holds voting session, Room 120, House Office Building.

There are 38 days remaining in the General Assembly session. acres of non-tidal wetlands left in the state. One main change in the bill is to have the Department of Natural Resources work In cooperation with the U.S. Army to develop a non-tidal wetlands permit application process. Other amendments clarify regulated activities, decrease the penalties that follow a second conviction from a maximum of two years in prison to six months, and spell out how the funds in the Non-tidal Wet- than once of violating child pornography laws to a fine of up to $50,000 and 20 years in prison.

All of those measures now go to the Senate. In committee action, the Ways and Means Committee sent to the full House a bill that would cut settlement costs for home buyers by about $25 by raising an exemption from state transfer taxes. Delegate Michael Glsriel, D-Baltimore County, a co-sponsor, said that change coupled with changes enacted In the past two years could lower settlement costs by a cumulative 1 50. Meanwhile, the Environmental Matters Committee approved legislation that would prohibit smoking in hospitals, unless permitted in designated areas that "are considered safe and provide non-smoking patients protection from tobacco smoke." In an acute care hospital, an attending physician could authorize smoking as part of the care of a patient as long as it is done in writing. The Associated Press contributed to this article.

IN THE STATE County was Identified by authorities as the man who robbed a Baltimore County bank yesterday apparently the third time he has held up the same branch office. The FBI said Charles Wilson Chester. 47, a former Washington insurance salesman, is believed responsible for 13 bank robberies since his disappearance after the stabbing death of his wife at their Largo home June 8, 1987. Baltimore County police said Mr. Chester is a suspect in five robberies there, including three holdups of the Baltimore County Savings Bank branch in the 700 block of North Rolling Road, one at about 9:35 a.m.

yesterday, another on Jan. 12, and the third on Nov. 28, 1987. Police said the robber yesterday displayed a large black handgun and fled with an undisclosed amount of money in his briefcase. Mr.

Chester has been charged in a Prince George's County arrest warrant with the murder of his wife. Aster Belaynek Chester, 33, and in a federal bank robbery warrant with ty to do it with this bill," Mr. Baker said. With protections in the law. they can't be prosecuted for the death penalty now." Sen.

Norman R. Stone D-Bal-timore County, agreed with Senator Baker, describing the bill as "an issue for the abolishment of the death penalty." Ms. Schweinhaut disagreed. "Just as the bill several years ago forbade the death penalty for people under 16, this bill reaches into a very narrow area of concern," Ms. Schweinhaut said.

"The time has come when the state legislature should speak in clear tones that we are not about putting mentally retarded people to death." land Compensation Fund should be used. The changes, in part, were the result of amendments offered by proponents of the measure during a hearing on Feb. 14. The committee was told by lawyers and lobbyists of developers that the bill contained too many technical problems, resulting In a broad definition of wetlands that would affect more than the estimated 275,000 acres that were intended by the bill. The Senate hearing attracted several opponents who supported House Speaker R.

Clayton Mitchell call for an 18-month study of the issue before any legislation Is enacted. Mr. Mitchell, D-Kent, has expressed concerns that the measure might limit economic development In some of the poorest areas of the state mainly in the Eastern Shore where much of the non-tidal wetlands exist. "The main opposition of the bill has dissipated," with the amendments, said Sen. Gerald W.

Wine-grad, D-Anne Arundel. "We've answered their concerns." House approves $39 million plan for tax relief Annapolis Bureau of The Sun ANNAPOLIS The House of Delegates voted 131-2 yesterday for the legislative leadership's $39 million tax-relief plan, which is opposed by Gov. William Donald Schaefer. The action came one day after all 47 members of the Senate voted for the plan, which removes some poor families frdtn the tax rolls, helps low-income and elderly renters and returns about $7.50 apiece to all Marylanders. Delegates Nancy K.

Kopp and Judith C. Toth, both Democrats from Montgomery County, cast the dissenting votes. "When we still have wards of the state living on $9 a day, who can't support themselves." Ms. Kopp said, "I don't believe it the $7.50 refund is in the long-term public interest." House Speaker R. Clayton Mitchell D-Kent, one of the architects of the plan, congratulated his colleagues for voting to return a portion of the state's $400 million surplus to taxpayers, despite the objections of the governor.

the Baltimore County Savings Bank holdup on Jan. 12. U.S. DISTRICT COURT Ex-housing official asks advance to fund appeal Arthur G. Strissel the former Annapolis Housing Authority director, has asked the federal judge in his bribery case to order the government to advance him money he needs to appeal his conviction.

Strissel, who was convicted Nov. 22 of 1 0 counts of bribery, racketeering and wire fraud and is scheduled to begin serving his 10-year sentence March 13, also has asked U.S. District Court Judge John R. Hargrove to give him a two-week extension to put his personal affairs in order, his attorney. Andrew Graham, said this week.

Mr. Graham said Strissel, 41, cannot pay for his appeal and has asked that he not be required to pay his $45,000 fine until his appeals are exhausted. The requests were made In motions filed recently in federal court in Baltimore. Judge Hargrove has not ruled on the motions, Mr. Graham said.

From Staff and Wire Reports Schaefer makes news official: Massinga to go By; Eileen Canzian full 24 hours after the news bfrgan racing through the Annapolis grapevine. Gov. William Donald Schaefer made it official late yesterday morning: He had received and accepted a letter of resignation.from hishuman resources secretary, RuUvMassinga. In a brief statement released by hjs press office, Mr. Schaefer said he had received a three-page, handwritten fetter from Ms.

Massinga saying shgWouId be leaving the Department of Human Resources March 31 for a Job with the Casey Family Pro-grtiW, a private foundation based In Seattle. for naming a successor WW not announced, though It was expected that Carolyn Colvin, a deputy secretary of the department, would be named acting secretary while a search is conducted. Massinga, who headed the department for six years, had confirmed through her press secretary Thursday night that she planned to accept an offer to head the Casey program, which operates specialized fositefc homes for 750 children in a dojceri states. She could not be reached for com ment yesterday. "Ms.

Massinffa. 49. was the first woman to hold a Cabinet post frt. Maryland. She was made head of the department a sprawling agency that oversees welfare programs, foster care, child-abuse investigations and child-support collections by then-Gov.

Harry Hyghes in 1982 and retained by Governor Schaefer. During her tenure, the Depart- Iment of Human Resources began an nnovative welfare-to-work program Baltimore that was later copied nd expanded by other states, as well as a highly regarded system of rbp-ln centers aimed at helping fen parents provide better care. In his written statement yester- ayVMr. Schaefer praised the outgo- secretary. Kuth has worked pith- great care and concern for the needy and clearly understood at the focus of government is to f-lp people.

I am pleased that she SI II continue that good work and ish her luck." he said. Annapolis Bureau of The Sun ANNAPOLIS In a busy day of voting in the General Assembly yesterday, the House of Delegates dealt with bills involving spousal rape, victims' rights, child pornography, house settlement costs and smoking in hospitals. In floor action, the full House unanimously approved a bill that would allow a woman to file rape charges against her husband if he uses violence in the sexual act and the two had been separated at least six months or had a written separation agreement. Delegates also voted 125-3 in favor of a measure extending from one to three years the time in which a victim of battery may file a civil suit against the assailant. Another bill, approved 126-2, would make it easier for crime victims to stay in the courtroom during prosecution of their cases once they have testified against their accused assailants.

Another bill approved unanimously by the House would increase penalties for anyone convicted more DORCHESTER COUNTY Change of venue denied tor teen murder trial A request to move the trial of a 15-year-old Cambridge girl charged in the stabbing death of another teen-ager has been denied by a Dor chester County Circuit Court Judge. Judge Donald F. Johnson denied on Thursday the motion on behalf of Towanda T. Jones, charged with first-degree murder in the death of Tawanda Batson, 17. of Federals- burg.

Police say Ms. Jones stabbed Ms. Batson last October in a dispute over a man. Harry Sadoff, a public defender representing Ms. Jones, argued that pretrial publicity in the small East ern Shore town of Cambridge would prevent a fair trial.

State Attorney Hugh Carter Vinson said the defense attorney had not proved prejudicial coverage. Ms. Jones pleaded not guilty Dy reason of insanity in December. BALTIMORE COUNTY Murder suspect linked to 3 robberies at bank A fugitive charged with the 1987 murder of his wife In Prince George's John H. O'Neill Dental technician i A Mass of Christian burial for John H.

O'Neill, a retired owner of a dental laboratory who was interested in Irish affairs, will be offered at 10 a.m. today at St. Bartholomew's Roman Catholic Church in Manr Chester. Mr. O'Neill.

77. who was a Baltir more native and lived in Upperco, died Wednesday of cancer at Carroll County General Hospital. The certified dental technician retired in 1982 as owner of Creative Dental Laboratories in Baltimore, which he started in 1 952 after working since the age of 1 4 at Castle Derv tal Laboratories in Baltimore. He was a member of the Dental Guild and the Ancient Order of Hibernians and was active in the Ulster Project, which pairs Catholic and Protestant Irish teen-agers and brings them to stay with families in the United States. Mr.

O'Neill is survived by his wife, the former Catherine M. Fox; a son, John O'Neill of Arnold: a daughter, Theresa O'Neill of Baltimore; two brothers, James and Barclay O'Neill, both of Baltimore: six grandchildren; and five Death notices on Page 4C. WASHINGTON, D.C? Sunday, March 19 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rosecrofi Racewav, Ft.

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