Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • Page 31

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2000 6-9 LOCAL NEWS: COURTS U.S. attorney, Polk doctor pleads guilty to endangerment By Patrick Hernan FRANKLIN, Pa. A physician pleaded guilty in Venango County Common Pleas Court yesterday to two counts of reckless endangerment for his role in the 1996 and 1997 deaths of two mentally retarded patients of the Polk Center. Cesar Miranda immediately blasted prosecutors who had just struck a deal with him, saying the case against him by the office of state Attorney General Mike Fisher was "politically motivated" and that nurses who were supposed to monitor the patients failed to do so but weren't charged. Fisher's office said Miranda had it all wrong.

"We had a duty to investigate and look at the evidence, and the evidence led to these charges," said spokesman Sean Connolly. "The fact Dr. Miranda has pleaded guilty shows that he has acknowledged culpability." By striking a deal, Miranda avoided a sentence of up to nine years in prison and ended a criminal case that had dogged him for 15 months. In return for his plea, Fisher's office dropped a more serious count of involuntary manslaughter filed in one of the deaths. Miranda was sentenced by Judge H.

William White to two years' probation, 100 hours of community service and a $700 fine. Miranda, 69, of Butler, also agreed not to practice medicine again, but for all intents and purposes his career already had ended. In October, the state Board of Medicine suspended his license, ruling he had acted with "reckless indifference" toward the Polk patients. Miranda insisted yesterday that "the system" was to blame for the deaths. In a fiery statement released through his attorney, John DiSalle, Miranda said nurses were at fault for "breaching their duties to provide vital information," and that Fisher's relentless prosecution of him had exhausted him emotionally and financially.

Connolly said that was nonsense. "We had two patients who died," he said. But Miranda contended systematic mismanagement of Polk by the state Department of Public Welfare led to the deaths." Jay Pagni, a Welfare Department spokesman, i declined to comment on Miranda's assertions, except to say the agency had "every confidence we are providing top-notch medical care Polk." Miranda was charged in the July death of Deborah Carnes, age and hometown unknown, and the March 7, 1997, death of Eugene Rozgonyi, 62, of Vandergrift. Prosecutors said Miranda failed to treat Carnes after being told she had turned blue and had no blood pressure, instead ordering her to Polk's X-ray station. She died there from an abdominal disorder.

Rozgonyi, prosecutors said, died because Miranda failed to order him to a hospital after learning he was suffering from hypothermia and that his body temperature had plunged to 82 degrees. Miranda's conviction marks the first win uvthe Polk cases for Fisher's office. Four physicians have been cleared of all charges. tin David Byers, 54, of Waldron, is thesole Polk physician against whom charges remain. His trial is set for Aug.

7. i3 PatrKkHenimisafree-rKewntef ban to criminals. Under federal law, convicted felons cannot possess firearms. According to local police and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Dickerson bought 10 handguns from three gun shops in 1997 and 1998 and resold them to Keople he knew weren't allowed to ave them. One of the guns, a 9 mm that Dickerson bought at Braverman Arms Co.

in Wilkinsburg, was used in the 1997 murder of Curtis Heflin in Perm Hills. In 1998, the same gun was used in a home invasion case in Wilkinsburg. Dickerson admitted to ATF Special Agent Jeff Haggerty that he was the man to see in Homewood for anyone who wanted a gun. When Dickerson bought two semiautomatics within a week at Braverman Arms, the manager got suspicious and called the ATF. Dickerson was typical of straw purchasers in that he was not a career criminal but he tried to intimidate witnesses, Litman said.

At the last trial, two Homewood men testified that they bought guns from Dickerson. They initially refused to come back to court for the new trial because they said Dicker-son and his friends had threatened them. Based on the reports of threats, the U.S. attorney's office asked U.S. District Judge Donetta Ambrose last week to revoke Dickerson's bond.

Dickerson denied threatening the witnesses. Ambrose refused to revoke the bond but told Dickerson to stay away from the witnesses. After the verdict she allowed him to remain free under the same condition until his sentencing. No date was set. Jury clears Versailles man in death of former friend By Jim McKinnon Post-Gazette Staff Writer Dennis Nicholson's mother said her son still was getting over the fact that he had killed his childhood friend, but a jury ruled late Friday that Nicholson had acted in self-defense.

"He's still having a rough time with it," Martha Nicholson said. "He spent several weeks in the psych unit at the jail." Nicholson, 27, and Gary Shearer, 26, of Mc-Keesport, the man he had been charged with killing, had known each other for more than 20 years. They met at Sunday school in McKeesport. Nicholson also is the common-law husband of tually led to a confrontation between Graff and some of the Pagans, and Nicholson came. to the aid of Graff before the couples went to NichoIsM's residence.

Foreman said Nicholson later answered a knock at his door. He was confronted by. Gary Shearer and two other men wielding baseball bats. Nicholson retrieved a knife from his kitcjien and a brief but fierce fight ensued. Duringthe struggle, he was struck on the head and, his suffered a blow to his upper chest.

Nicholson later told police that he belieyeq.jfiat he had stabbed Shearer once. An autopsy report showed that Shearer had been stabbed twe, with both punctures penetrating his right lun Shearer's sister, Tracy. He lives with her and their 2-year-old son, Dennis III, in Versailles. By September of last year, however, both men had new friends. Shearer had gravitated toward the Pagans motorcycle gang but wasn't a member, said Robert Foreman, Nicholson's defense attorney.

On Sept. 1, Nicholson and his wife were out with friends James Graff of Homestead and Lori King, who was the estranged wife of one of the Pagans. The two couples barhopped around the Mon Valley until they happened on one frequented by members of the Pagans. Foreman and Deputy District Attorney Edward Borkowski said that King's presence even OBITUARIES in rare role, wins gun case ByTorstenOve Post-Gazette Staff Writer U.S. Attorney Harry Litman, who says his office has no higher priority than to get illegal guns off the "streets of Western Pennsylvania, underscored the point in a rare Courtroom appearance.

c- In a case Litman personally prosecuted, a federal court jury yester-" day found Ben Dickerson, 29, of Homewood guilty of illegal gun traf-. Ticking for selling 10 handguns to criminals. An earlier trial had ended with a hung jury last month. uiman saia ne nopea tne conviction sends a message to others involved in illicit gun sales, the conduit for the majority of handguns used in crimes. After the first trial, Litman decided to join Assistant U.S.

Attorney Constance Bowden in the prosecution. U.S. attorneys are administrators who almost never appear in court. Litman said he got involved be-cause it was an important prosecution under Operation Target, a federal, state and local program to combat gun violence. Dickerson was among the first suspects indicted as part of Opera-lion Target in December.

Police said Dickerson was a "straw purchaser" someone who buys guns legally and resells them 1 Cont. from Page C-8 RECKNOR CHARLES E. On Sunday, May 21, 2000, Charles E. Recknor; beloved brother of Georgia M. Youngman and the late Robert L.

and John M. Recknor; survived by a niece, Nancy J. Youngman and a nephew, David L. Youngman. Friends received at the McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 5300 Penn Bloomfield on Monday and Tuesday from 2-4 7-9 pm where a Blessing Service will be held on Wednesday at 12:30 pm.

REDLINGER STEPHANIE F. (SUDOMIRSKI) On Thursday, May 18, 2000; wife of the late Joseph J. Redlinger; of Joseph of Scott Twp. and Richard E. Redlinger, of Pleasant Hills; sister of John Sudomirski and the late Mary Rolewicz; also survived by five grandchildren.

Visitation Tues. only 2-9pm at BORON FUNERAL HOME, 1719 Brownsville Road Relatives and friends invited to attend her funeral on Wed. at Mass of Christian Burial in St. Basil Church, at 10am. REED HARRY Of Carnegie, on Sunday, May 21, 2000; beloved husband of Eileen T.

Reed; also survived by nieces and nephews. Family plans no viewing. Service and interment private. Ar-ranagements by LAUGH LIN MEM-OIRAL CHAPEL, INC. RIES ALICE HARTER On Sunday, May 21, 2000, Alice Harter Ries; beloved wife of the late Emil Otto Ries; dear friend of Grace S.

Reese, Kirk J. Johnson Lou Borelli. There will be no visita-- fion. Funeral interment private. "Mrs.

Ries was a former school teacher in Oakmont in the Pittsurgh City Schools. Arrang. by JOHN A. FREYVOGEL SONS, INC. ROBERTS HILDA (MARTIN) 'On Sun.

May 21, 2000 Hilda (Martin) of Library, PA; beloved wife of the late Elmer L. Roberts mother of Elmer L. Roberts Randy Roberts, Dianna (O'Donnell) Siegle, Jeffrey Roberts, Timothy Roberts and Michael Rob-efts and grandson Joshua Roberts and the late son Joseph Roberts; also 13 grandchildren; sister of Lois Martin, Katherine Gray, Arlene Keyster, Elizabeth McCune, Midge Campbell and David Martin; friends received Tuesday 2-4 and 7- 9pm at the GRIFFITH MORTUARY, INC. 5636 Brownsville Road, B'roughton-Curry-South Park Twp where service will be held on Wednesday at 11am. ROWE EARL J.

On Sunday, May 21, 2000, of Swissvale, husband of the late Lois Ullum Rowe; loving father of Joan Stuchul and her husband Carl of Penn Hills and Tom Rowe and his wife Donna of Penn Hills; grandfather of Thomas Jennifer Lynn and Kimberly; brother of Bernice Saville, Richard Rowe, Amy Weaver and the late Bill Rowe. friends received 7-9 pm Monday and 2-4 79 pm Tuesday at the THOMAS L. NIED FUNERAL HOME, INC. 7441 Washington Swissvale. Prayers will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday at 9 pm.

WEISS MARGARET A. (ZOTTER) 1 On Sunday, May 21, 2000, of McCandless Twp. Beloved wifebf the late Milton G. Weiss; mothef David Weiss of Mountain HomeJ sister of John Zotter of and the late Fritz; grandtnofhe'fjbf Brian, Eric, and Scott; beloved dltfit of Diane Bauer of McCandiess. Family will received friends WecR'7-9 and Thurs.

2-9 pm at the SCHELLHAAS FUNERAL HOME, INC. 388 Center Avenue (between RosJwp. Police Station West ViewRark Shopping Center). Mass of 'kprisfiqn Burial in St. Alexis Churcf) at 10 am.

If desired, memoes may be made to Nursing Home, 9399 Babcek Allison Park, PA ni WILLS CAROL ANN After a brief illness, May 21, 2000, of Baldwin, forierfaa Sister of St. Francis; lovingcaewk-er of her twin sister, Carol niece of Irene Robert and Richard Simony; auntof Mark Guidotti of Scottsdale, AZ Friends received at the JOHN F. SLATER FUNERAL HOME, INC.r,42;91 Brownsville Road, Brentwood, Monday and Tuesday from Funeral Prayer on Wed. morning at 9:15. Mass of Christian Burial jrvt.

Wendelin Church at 10 am. If desired family suggests contributions to Family Hospice, 250 Mt. Lebanon Castle Shannon, PA. 15234. ZVARYCH IRENE After many months 'of suffering, shortly after midnight on Sunday, May 21, 2000, Irene Zvarych of Sctftt Twp, age 75, peacefully breattied her last and went to be'with'fhe Lord.

Beloved wife of mother of Adrian Zvdrydlvof St. Petersburg, FL and Christine Cammarata of Scott Twp; grandmother of Matt and Natalie Cammarata and Tina Marie Zvaryfei. Friends received at VLADIMIR $. CORBA FUNERAL HOME, 300'E. Main Carnegie Monday 7-9 jito and Tuesday 2-4 7-9 pm: Funl Mass Wednesday 10 am at' Holy Trinity Ukr.

Catholic Church in Carnegie. Parastas Tuesday 7:30 pm. 003 In Memoriam CERMINARA MADK I AUGUST 14, 1977 MAY 23, 1997 A special life has passed from $jjr never from our hearts. The world has lost a warm loving person who made people smile, your life was short, but you left CORE footprints in our hearts and we will never be the same. We love 8 miss you very Your family.

cJ Jd od KOVANIS -oi MARTHA May 23, 1998 r-i oo Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her family. services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Jefferson Memorial Park. Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. TOOLE MARGARET LOUISE nee NASOR) On Friday, May 19, was called peacefully to her rest.

Formerly of Crafton Plaza, Pittsburgh, PA, but recently residing in Emerson, NJ, she was the wife of the late Paul; beloved mother of James E. and his wife Elizabeth of Allendale, NJ, stepmother to Patricia Bursick of Turtle Creek, PA and the late Geral-dine Abrams; and grandmother to Jason, Kevin and Katie Toole. She was also the step-grandmother to Bruce and Richard Abrams, Mark Bursick III and Melissa Hoffman. She was a member of Nativity Church of Crafton; a long time employee of Harrison-Shields Trucking Company, Pittsburgh; and retired from Universal Auto Radiator, Pittsburgh. A memorial service followed by brunch will be held on Saturday, June 3, at at Nativity Church, 33 Alice Crafton, PA.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Emerson Convalescent Center, 100 Kinderkamack Emerson, 07630, for the continuation of the craft program which Louise loved dearly. TURAK HELEN "REDHEAD" Of Chalfant, age 77, on Saturday, May 20, 2000. She was a retired employee of Westinghouse Printing Plant, Trafford; sister of Sophie Be-stic, of North Huntingdon, Tillie Palerino, of Chalfant, Virginia Mance, of Turtle Creek, "Babe" Mil-ko, of East also many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Mon. Tues.

2-4 7-9pm at the PATRICK T. LANIGAN FUNERAL HOME, 700 Linden Avenue At Cable, East (412-824-8800). Mass of Christian Burial in St. Maurice Church, Wed. at 10 AM.

WALSH PHILIP J. On Monday, May 22, 2000, age 61 of Bethel Park; husband of Dianne Walsh; father of Ralph, Barbara James, Kelly, Philip and Gary Walsh; stepfather of Mark Torpey, Christine Krivoski and Kurt Torpey; also survived by fourteen grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were private. The family respectfully suggests memorial contributions to American Respiratory Alliance, 201 Smith Cranberry Professional Park, Cranberry PA 16066. Arrangements by THOMAS M.

SMITH FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, Blawnox. WEIDER ROBERT W. On May 21, 2000, of Shaler Twp. Member of SPEBSQSA; husband of Ruth father of Linda M. Killm-eyer, Robert R.

Weider, Janice M. Bumeaugh Thomas J. Weider; brother of Joseph A. Weider; 11 grandchildren. Visitation 7-9 pm 2-4 8 7-9 pm.

NEELY'S 2208 Mt. Royal Glenshaw Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 am, St Ursula Church. SCATAMACCHIO ANGELO D. Age 74, of Hillsville, PA, a native of on Sunday, May 21, 2000, husband of the late Mary Pezzulo; son of the late Angelo Florence Manifranco Scatamacchio; father of Mariann Logozzo of Lowellville, OH; brother of Lena Scatamacchio, Helen Doughty and Eleanor Miller, all of Seaford, DE; three grandchildren. Retired employee of Gennaro Pavers of Hillsville.

Visitation Tues. 4-8PM at the ED DON DeCARBO NORTHSIDE FUNERAL HOME, 3000 Wilmington New Castle. Mass Wed. 1 0 30AM at St. Lawrence Church, Hillsville.

SCHERER ELVA L. Of Ross Twp, on Sunday, May 21, 2000; sister of the late Mildred Hoffman, John Scherer, Estella Bauer, Hilda Casey, Fred Scherer and Wil-bert Scherer; also survived by nieces nephews. Friends received Tues. 2-9 pm at the SCHELLHAAS FUNERAL HOME, INC. 388 Center Avenue (between Ross Twp.

Police Station West View Park Shopping Center). Service Wed. at 1pm. SCHIMONSKY BETTY JEAN 75, of Ambridge, died Monday, May 22, 2000 in her home after an extended illness. Born February 26, 1925 in Carmichaels, PA.

Daughter of the late Charles Flowers and Ida Fowler Flowers. She is survived by her husband, Charles Schimonsky; son, Jeffery Mark Schimonsky and wife, Pat of Harmony Twp; 3 daughters, Ronda Johnson and her husband, Ronald of Forest Hills, Terry Lee Mudrick and her husband, Greg of Harmony Twp and Susie Eichler of Dallas, TX; also survived by 7 grandchildren and sister, Mildred Smith of Ambridge. She was preceded in death by her son, Charles Mait-land Schimonsky and a brother, Edwin Flowers. Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2000 at 11am in the United Presbyterian Church of Ambridge, 9th Maple-wood Ambridge, PA 15003. Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the United Presbyterian Church of Ambridge where she was a long time member. Arrangements by the JOHN SYKA FUNERAL HOME, INC. 833 Kennedy Ambridge, PA 15003. SCHORIES ANNA GLUCKMAN Age 93, of Brackenridge, formerly of Troy Hill; Died Sunday May 21, 2000. Wife of the late Willy Schories; Sister of the late Ella Knoblock, Margaret Tharp William Gluck-man; Survived by nieces nephews.

Friends are invited Tuesday 2-4 7-9 PM to OSCAR MILLER FUNERAL HOME, Troy Hill. Funeral Mass Wednesday 10 AM at Most Holy Name Church. SEGALL FRANK On Tuesday, May 16, 2000, in La-guna Hills, CA, Frank Segall, 85, formerly of Pittsburgh, beloved husband of Florence Solomon Segall; father of Susan, Linda, Deborah; brother of the late Nathan Segall, Sarah Marcus, Jeannette Gerson, Rae Gordon, and Rose Edelstein and friend of so many. Memorial service to be held May 28. Call 412-521-5105 for location time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jewish War Veterans Post 299. SHERIDAN LOUISE PATRICIA On Sunday, May 21, 2000 at the age of 83, God called one of his Angels, Louise Patricia Sheridan. Louise was the wife of the late Roy P. Sheridan. She was the sister of the late Patrick Notaro.

She is survived by her sister Peggy Giampa brother-in-law Emil. At the time of her death she was surrounded by her loving family, daughters, Dorothy Tomassi Nanette Cristiano, son-in-law Vince Cristiano. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Cindy Joyce, Suzanne Anghe-loni, Robin Gardner, Kim Cristiano Dean Cristiano, her 10 greatgrandchildren one great-great grandson. Louise will always be remembered by her friends neighbors for her love of cooking her hospitality. Her greatest joy was her family the sharing of traditions which she emparted to her children grandchildren.

She was always there to lend a gentle hand in the rearing of her grandchildren, who are her legacy. Louise was truly one of God's Angels put here on earth, her family rejoices that she was called to his side, where she belongs. She will always be in our hearts and minds and in our celebration of life. We love you Gram. Friends received 2-4 7-9 pm Tuesday at BRUSCO-NAPIER FUNERAL HOME, LTD.

Broadway Shiras Aves. Beechview. Mass Wednesday at 10:00 am in St Pam-philus Church. Family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions toClelian Heights or the American Diabetes Assn. SILVERMAN RUTH YOUNG OF RUTH YOUNG IN SHADYS- IDE on Saturday, May beloved wife of the late Henry Silverman; beloved mother of Gloria S.

(Dr. Sanford Gelb; sister of Jack Young of Miami, Fl; loving grandmother of Louis Gelb, Steven and Lisa Gelb, Philip and Kris Gelb and Melissa Gelb; great grandmother of Tyler, Coltin, Connor, Devin and Sierra Gelb; also survived by two devoted caregivers Kathy and Nancy. Services at RALPH SCHUGAR CHAPEL, INC. 5509 Centre Shadyside on Tuesday at 1 PM. Visitation 1 hour prior to service (12-1 PM).

Interment Beth Shalom Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Children's School for the Blind, 201 North Bellefield Ave. Pgh. PA 15213 or Make A Wish, 555 Grant Ste. 425, Pgh.

PA 15219. SIMPSON Leonard G. On Monday, May 22,. 2000, Leonard, 52, of Crescent formerly of Oakdale; beloved husband of Diane Simpson; father of Christina, Lenny and Joseph Simpson; son of Virginia and the late John R. Simpson; brother of Kathryn S.

Kon, Nancy S. Bell and John R. Simpson, also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the THOMAS-LITTLE FUNERAL SERVICE, INC. 5000 No-blestown Road, Oakdale from 7-9 Tuesday 2-9 Wednesday.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick R.C. Church at 10:00 am. Thursday with the Rev. Fr.

William Schwartz officiating. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. SMART MARGARET I. (DYER) On Monday, May 22, 2000, Margaret I. (Dyer) Smart of Washington, PA, former Elizabeth resident; wife of the late Howard W.

Smart; mother of Jack H. and Charles H. Smart; also five grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Friends received in the PAUL E. BEKAVAC FUNERAL HOME, 221 Second Street, Elizabeth 412-384-4344 on Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 pm.

Funeral service Thursday, May 25, at 11 :30 am in funeral home chapel. Memorial contributions to Elizabeth Wesleyan Church, Elizabeth, PA 15037. SNYDER GEORGE H. On Sunday, May 21, 2000, George H. Snyder, age 52, of Penn Hills; beloved husband of Frances (Galardi) Snyder; dear father of Benjamin R.

Snyder; beloved son of Zoe (Thompson) Snyder and the late James R. Snyder; dear brother of James, Betty, and Beverly. Friends are welcome at the MCDERMOTT FUNERAL HOME, 334 Forest Grove Kennedy Twp. (Family owned operated since 1886) Wednesday 9 am until time of Mass of Christian Burial in St. Malachy Church at 11 am.

SPREHA GERTRUDE A. (BRANNON) Of Castle Shannon, on Sunday May 21, 2000; beloved wife of the late Frank E. Spreha; loving mother of Jean S. Mortimore, Edward F. Janet Bett; sister of Flo Kalchtha-ler, Sally Kozik, Ray, Don, Dr.

Daniel, and Rev. Robert Brannon, also the late William Jack Brannon 8. Helen Swoager; also survived by seven grandchildren. Friends will be received at LAUGHLIN MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 1008 Castle Shannon Blvd. on Tuesday, 7-9 pm Wednesday 2-4 7-9 pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday 10:00 am, St Anne's Church, Castle Shannon. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. The family desires memorials be made to Frank E. Spreha Scholarship Fund, co American Legion Post 490, 1008 Castle Shannon PA 15234. STUPARITZ JOSEPHINE A.

Of Penn Hills, on Sunday, May 21, 2000; wife of the late Joseph Stu-paritz; sister of Parmey Wright, Mary Shork, Rose Campana, Nancy Hilley, Elizabeth Yallum, Rocco Yallum and the late Joseph and George Yallum; also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Friends received WILLIAM F. GROSS FUNERAL HOME, 11735 Frankstown Road (at Rodi Road) Penn Hills Tuesday and Wednesday, 2-4 7-9. Funeral Thursday, Mass of Christian Burial in St. Bartholomew Church, TEASLEY SEABON D.

SR, Age 88 of Beltzhoover, on May 22, 2000; husband of the late Lula Mae (Hall) Teasley; father of Seabon D. Teasley Grace T.Joseph, Doris T. Edwards and Linda M. Teasley; brother of Alice Gary and Mitch Teasley; also survived by four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and special friends, Mr. Pope Doris Ingram.

Visitation will be from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Thursday at the JEFFERSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 301 Curry Hollow Pleasant Hills, where 1.