Gary Burda
Duquesne


Gary Burda, 61, of Duquesne, passed into his eternal life, surrounded by his loving family and dear friends, at his home on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008, after a prolonged illness. He graduated from Duquesne High School, where he was a stellar football and baseball player, which resulted in his being an awarded a scholarship to Eastern Kentucky State College. Gary entered the Navy, where he was an honor guard on the USS Constitution for a year. He then entered the Navy Corps School and served his country in Vietnam as a Navy corpsman on Med Evac helicopters and the hospital ship USS Okinawa. Gary was a paramedic board member of Duquesne Emergency Medical Service, an AHA instructor, a friend, a humanitarian and a mentor to countless EMS providers. In addition to his service there, he also was a paramedic in West Mifflin and McKeesport and at Sandcastle Water Park through Central Ambulance Service. He predated the Duquesne EMS, beginning with membership in the Duquesne Auxiliary Police in 1971 and continuing throughout the Duquesne Ambulance Corps years until the EMS was established in 1984. He remained a life member until his death. Gary retired from Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic after 22 years of service, entered into recovery at age 33 and had 28 years of sobriety. He touched and sponsored so many lives, and his giving back was what was so freely given to him. Gary coached for the Duquesne Baseball Association and was a James LaVelle Basketball coach and should be remembered for his keen wit, personality, gentle touch and caring heart. He was a friend to all and a mentor to many. He is survived by his best friend and cherished wife of 37 years, Rosemarie Fagan Burda; the pride of his life, children Dana Marie Burda, of Homestead, and Joshua Burda, at home; mother-in-law, Rose Fagan; brothers-in-law Ed (Patty) Fagan, of Duquesne, and John Fagan and Glenn, of Clearfield; niece and goddaughter, Sherry (Tony) Pinneri; nephew Ed Fagan and Rachel; great-nieces and -nephews, Cody, Luke and Madison Rose Fagan and Jordan Pinneri, and stepfather, Ray Simeral. Also survived by aunts, uncles and numerous cousins. He was predeceased by his mother, Alice Simeral, and father, Walter Burda. Special thanks to caregivers Glenn and Tammy Pratt, Debra Cope and Lindsey Marshall, hospice nurse Carol Peterson and social workers Candy Pulaski and Rae Hodge. Visitation from 2 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday at MALOY-SCHLEIFER FUNERAL HOME INC., 915 Kennedy Ave., Duquesne, 412-466-3300. Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Saturday in Holy Name Church, Duquesne. Burial with military honors in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ the Light of the World Parish, 32 S. First St., Duquesne, PA 15110 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Sign Gary Burda's online guestbook now.

Afentul, Fred


AFENTUL Fred Afentul 59, St. George, Ga. passed away February 7, 2008. The Canton, Ohio native had lived in Jax. 25 yrs. before moving to St. George, Ga. He was the owner of the Keg of Nails of Jax. Survivors are: His wife: Kay Afentul, His Father and Mother: George S. and Henrietta Afentul. 5 Daughters: Susan Sikes (Jim), Gina Afentul (Jerry), Annette Toalston (Chuck), Joyce Afentul (Pete) and Michelle Fourmont (Pat). 3 Sons: Scott Siebald (Megan), Chuck Stone (Mary) and Jimmy Stone (Donna). 2 Sisters: Henrietta Walters (Jim) and Betty Camp (Mike). 2 Brothers: George P. Afentul (Jan) and Steven Afentul (Loretta). 19 Grandchildren, 4 Great Grandchildren and Numerous Nieces and Nephews. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at the First United Methodist Church of Callahan with Pastor Eddie Keene officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the ALS Association for Lou Gehrig's Disease. Arrs. by Corey- Kerlin Funeral Home, 1426 Rowe Avenue. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

Lafras Steyn: Beloved professor of medicine
Published:Feb 16, 2008

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RESPECTED: Lafras Steyn, who inspired a depth of affection that is rare in academia


Lafras Steyn, who has died in Cape Town at the age of 56, was a brilliant, hugely respected and much-loved professor at the University of Cape Town medical school.






He was professor of medical microbiology and head of the department of clinical laboratory sciences and of the school of biomedical sciences, and was instrumental in the formation of the National Health Laboratory Service.

Steyn, an early and ardent champion of transformation in what is now called the faculty of health sciences at UCT, was the son of former National Party Cabinet minister Marais Steyn.

Lafras Steyn made it his business to encourage black students to go into medical research, and his commitment was more than just vocal. If he identified a promising student from a poor area, for example, he would move heaven and earth to ensure there were no financial impediments to that student taking up a career in academia.

He supervised 13 doctoral, six Master of Science and three Master of Medicine students, a number of them from disadvantaged backgrounds.

In Steyn’s lectures and laboratories there were no second-class citizens. He had the knack of making all students feel important. Unlike many in the cut-throat world of scientific research, he never promoted himself nor did something so that he would get the credit. For him it was all about his students.

Steyn had a quick wit . When somebody once referred to skeletons in the family closet, he responded immediately that he was “rattled”.

He didn’t have a stuck-up or superior bone in his body and could laugh at himself with the best of them.

His students responded accordingly, showing him a depth of affection and respect that is rare in the academic world. His memorial service was packed with former students as well as colleagues.

Steyn was born in Johannesburg on September 5 1951. Although his parents spoke Afrikaans to each other, they spoke English to the children because they didn’t want them to be drawn into Afrikaner nationalism.

Steyn was sent to King Edward School in Houghton, where he became head prefect. He went to Stellenbosch University where he obtained BSc and MB ChB degrees. Being a Matie he was also an enthusiastic rugby player. His coach was Danie Craven, who kicked him out of the team because he attended his sister’s wedding instead of playing a match.

He left Stellenbosch for UCT, where he obtained an honours degree and PhD in medicine, winning the Bronte Stewart Research Prize for the best PhD thesis of his year. His main area of research was tuberculosis and in particular the response of mycobacterium tuberculosis to various stress factors, including heat and cold shock. He also made a considerable contribution to the knowledge of the molecular basis of antibiotic resistance. He published numerous articles in respected scientific journals and books.

Steyn was diagnosed with motor neuron disease three years ago. He informed those close to him that he had a thousand days left to live and intended using each one in ways that were meaningful.

And so, while he continued lecturing and conducting tutorials and seminars until December last year, sometimes almost literally dragging himself along the corridors, he also read as many of the great literary classics as he could.

He accepted his physical deterioration with grace and self-deprecating humour.

Steyn is survived by his partner Clare Jeffrey and three children. — Chris Barron

http://www.thetimes.co.za:80/PrintEd...aspx?id=707636

James A. Cipriano
Monday, February 18, 2008 2:36 PM EST




Human resource consultant

CRANBURY — James A. Cipriano, 54, died Friday at home. He was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) in January 2007 and had the most progressive form. He was 54.

Born in Hazleton, Pa. he and his wife lived in Philadelphia, Tampa, Fla., Chicago before moving to Cranbury 23 years ago.

Jim began his career as an auditor working for Price Waterhouse in Philadelphia. He held multiple positions at Price Waterhouse and Coopers and Lybrand, including international human resource management, traveling to over 30 countries.

He later began a human resource consulting business of his own. He helped companies of varying size with recruiting, training and management development. He also gave numerous motivational and inspirational speeches to various groups and organizations.
He was honored as New Jersey Volunteer of the Year in 2000 by First Concern Inc. for his role as a family and children’s services mentor and operational advisor.

He taught multiple grades of confraternity of Christian doctrine at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church in Broomall, Pa. and St. Anthony of Padua’s Church in Hightstown.

He attended Mother of Grace Grade School and Hazleton High School and graduated from Villanova University.

He is survived by his wife, Pamela Damato Cipriano, whom he married in 1975; parents Anthony and Margaret Cipriano of Hazleton, Pa.; brother Ronald Cipriano of Florida; daughters and sons-in-law Ashley and William Rue of Montgomery, Krista and Jeffery Stefanisko of Hamilton and Jamie Cipriano and fiancé Robert Davison of Cranbury; son Anthony N. Cipriano of Cranbury; and grandchildren Ciprianna N. Rue and Tyler J. Stefanisko.

The funeral will be 8:45 a.m. Tuesday at Mather-Hodge Funeral Home 40 Vandeventer Ave., Princeton.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Tuesday at Queenship of Mary Church, 19 Dey Road, Plainsboro.

Calling hours are 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

There will also be a visitation 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Fierro Funeral Home, 26 West Second St., Hazleton, Pa.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Joan Dancy and People with ALS (PALS) Support Group care of Riverview Medical Center, Riverview Terrace Building, 2nd Floor Front Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701, www.joandancyandpals.com/mission

“Stem Cell Man” Leaves A Legacy of Inspiration
Written by James Straub
Thursday, February 21, 2008

SURRY — The self-appointed “Stem Cell Man,” Jerry Kaufman died at his home on Feb. 13 after a valiant and aggressive battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease.

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Jerry Kaufman delivers inspiring words last June after receiving the Nancy Gentile Award from the Hancock County Children’s Council for his advocacy on behalf of children.While his friends marked his passing with sadness, those who knew him best also celebrated his larger-than-life existence and his legacy of inspiration.

“I haven’t lost anything, I only gained,” said Josh Torrance, executive director of the Woodlawn Museum. “He’s going to continue to be an inspiration to us all.”

Kaufman was 59 when he died.

In October 2006, doctors suspected he was suffering from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), a motor neuron disease that causes degeneration throughout the brain and spinal cord.

They confirmed the diagnosis in late November.

Kaufman would go to great lengths to combat the disease, including traveling to Belize in Central America for treatment at a center that specializes in stem cell research.

He started stemcellman.com, a Web site that provides personal accounts of his experience, as well as information on ALS and stem cell research.

Despite losing the use of speech and of his left hand, losing 30 percent of his body weight and being confined to a wheelchair, Kaufman continued to share his generous zest for life.

“His mantra was ‘always think positively — we will have reason to always celebrate and enjoy life,’” Torrance said.

A motivational speaker by profession, Kaufman is remembered for motivating those he met.

“His most significant contribution was that he demonstrated the value of a positive attitude,” said Ellsworth Rotarian Mark Remick. “Anyone who worked with him could see the energy behind his positive outlook. It was powerful and contagious.”

Torrance describes Kaufman as an “incredible teacher and sharer of knowledge, a person with incredible amounts of enthusiasm.”

“He was a teacher in the way he lived his life,” Torrance said. “Even through that horrible disease, he was a tremendous inspiration.”

Others agree.

“He was a pioneer and a teacher to the end,” said Peter Farragher, CEO of the Down East Family YMCA. “When the chips were down, he showed the true meaning of teaching and inspiration.”

Kaufman had started the fitness committee at the Y and developed the program to new heights, Farragher said.

A daily user of the fitness room in good health, Kaufman inspired awe when he returned to the fitness room after his treatment in Belize.

“After he went to Belize, what an unbelievable inspiration,” said Farragher. “He was an unbelievable ambassador, an incredible greeter of people. His outlook and positive vibe was contagious. His spirit filled the fitness room when he came in.”

Though Kaufman is credited with leading fund-raising efforts for the YMCA, Woodlawn Museum, Rotary Club and numerous other organizations in Hancock County, he is remembered most for inspiring a love of life in others.

“The ripple effect of his life will go on for generations,” said Torrance.

He leaves his wife of 40 years, Jacqui, and two grown sons.

See Jerry Kauffman's obituary...

http://ellsworthmaine.com/site/index...2956&Itemid=31

Schwulst (Eckhart), Cynthia A.


Cindy A. Schwulst (Eckhart), 43, Waukesha, lost her courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) on Friday, Feb. 22, 2008. She was born on Aug. 25, 1964, in New London, Wis., the daughter of David L. and Karen J. (Hutchison) Eckhart. While attending Ripon High School, she competed at the state level in track and field. Cindy was united in marriage to Timothy W. Schwulst in 1999. She was a certified volunteer firefighter in Big Flats, Wis., and was also employed at PMC Plastics in Eagle for eight years. She had a great love of the outdoors, which included hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling with her husband, and spending weekends in St. Germain. She was a huge Green Bay Packers fan, and enjoyed collecting Packers memorabilia.


Cindy will be sadly missed by her husband, Tim, Waukesha; her mother, Karen Eckhart, Hancock, Wis.; her brothers and sisters, Deborah E. (Peter) Scavotto, Falmouth, Mass.; Barbara J. (Joseph) Flatt, Appleton, Wis.; David J. (Becky) Eckhart, Nekoosa, Wis.; Martin J. Eckhart, Minneapolis, Minn.; and Amanda J. Eckhart, Kaukauna, Wis. She is further survived by five nieces and nephews, Patric, Madison, Allie, Jedediah, and Victoria; mother-in-law, Karen J. Schwulst, Waukesha, Wis.; and sister-in-law, Connie (Jeff) Whittaker, Milwaukee.


She is preceded in death by her father, David Eckhart, in 1988.


Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008, from 4 to 7 p.m. Vigil Service at Randle-Dable Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Ave., Waukesha, WI. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008, at 10 a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 2400 W. State Hwy 59, Waukesha, WI. Burial will follow at Prairie Home Cemetery in Waukesha.


Memorials may be made in Cindy's name to ALS Association, Wisconsin Chapter, 2505 N. 124th St., Brookfield, WI 53005.


For further information, please call Randle-Dable Funeral, Cremation and Preplanning Services at 262-547-4035, or go to www.waukesha funerals.com for directions or to leave an on-line tribute.

Tribute: Gerry Turianski faced ALS with faith, good humor


Terry Groh
Guest essayist


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(February 26, 2008) — Gerry Turianski and I were good friends dating back to high school. Gerry was born and raised in Irondequoit and lived there until he moved to central Florida in the late 1970s.

Gerry passed away on April 29, 2006, after a valiant four-year battle against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease).

Gerry was a teacher in the DeSoto, Fla., penal system for many years. Just as he was nearing retirement, he started having muscle weakness. After many tests came the grim diagnosis of ALS.

However, during his illness, I never heard Gerry complain or ask, "Why me?" I would call him often during his illness and I often found that he cheered me up more than I could believe! He was always upbeat right to the end of his life. The way he faced this illness with humor, faith and always good thoughts was something I doubt I could have done. He battled to the end with the strong support of his wife, Marie.

The final time I talked to him, I said, "Baseball season is starting. Look forward to that." He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. However, sadly Gerry passed away on April 29, 2006, and that October, guess who won the World Series? The Cardinals! Whoever said life is fair?

Rest in peace, Gerry. You taught me what strength and courage are.


http://www.democratandchronicle.com/...8/1039/OPINION

Lifesaving chronicler Barry Galton dies
Posted Fri Feb 29, 2008 1:50pm AEDT


Gold Coast author and journalist Barry Galton has died from motor neurone disease.

The 72-year-old was diagnosed with the disease by a neurologist yesterday and was due to go into hospital today.

The married father of three won national media awards for books on the history of the surf lifesaving movement.

His widow Moyra says her husband had not been well for a number of years.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2...29/2176423.htm

Kept 'em laughing
Known for humor, longtime Hogan AD Sarna dies at 77
By RYAN GARNER/Times-Herald sports writer
Article Launched: 03/01/2008 08:04:29 AM PST

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Sarna: First scholarship athlete from South River High in New Jersey Remembered for his boundless compassion and a fantastic sense of humor, longtime Hogan High coach and athletic director Ed Sarna passed away Wednesday at the age of 77.

"He was a dedicated family man, teacher and coach," said Ken Sarna, the youngest of Ed's five sons. "His legacy was the compassion he showed for others. He was a very good influence to a lot of people, especially to his boys."

The youngest of nine children, Sarna was born to Polish immigrants in South River, N.J., in 1930. He became very resourceful early in life as the family relied on hunting and trapping to help make ends meet.

Sarna excelled in sports as a teenager, and was the first athlete from South River High to receive a full-ride scholarship, accepting an invitation to play football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish under coach Frank Leahy.

Joe Theissman was the second South River athlete to receive a full-ride scholarship, attending Notre Dame himself years later. When Sarna's wife, Joan, passed away in 2001 he received a letter from Theissman telling him how much he had admired him growing up for all he did and all the records he set at South River.

Sarna also took up boxing at Notre Dame, and after graduation he served in the Marine Corps.


He trained and coached several boxers including Terry Downs, a British fighter who went on to become the European Middleweight champion and eventually was ranked No. 3 in the world.
Service in the Marine Corps also allowed Sarna to meet Joan, who happened to be the daughter of his commanding officer. The officer needed someone to escort his daughter to the debutante ball, and the responsibility fell to Sarna.

"They hit it off immediately," Ken said of his parents. "She was 19 when they got married and he was 26, but on their first date he was telling her how they were going to get married and watch Jackie Gleason together."

Vallejo was Joan's hometown, and the couple moved here to start a family. Sarna began his career as an elementary school teacher before moving on to a position at Hogan in 1965. He coached baseball, football and track before taking on the role of athletic director in 1974, a job he held until 1990.

"I have to say I was pretty blessed to be around the man," said current Hogan athletic director John Baptista, who played and coached under Sarna. "I first met him in 1968 when I transferred in as a three-sport athlete. He gave me a big hug and told me, 'We need good chuckers in here.'

"Over the holidays I saw him and told him, 'Coach I'm looking through the TV Guide and can't find which bowl game Notre Dame is playing in.' He told me, 'Oh Johnny, they're not playing well this year, they're playing in the toilet bowl. They're playing in the crapper.' We're going to be a few laughs short since he's off this Earth."

The entire Sarna family was involved in Hogan athletics. Ken recalled working the concession stands during games and cleaning up Corbus Field on Saturday mornings. His wife, Lisa, was working the concession stand during a Hogan-Vallejo basketball game in 1987 when she went into labor. Sarna enlisted some students to fill in at the stand so they could make it to the hospital.

Sarna also loved the outdoors, and several weekends were spent camping, fishing and hunting.

"That was the one true time I had my dad to myself. It was a good time just to sit and talk about his life growing up and what I was going through," said Dan Sarna, who recalled fond memories hunting with his father. "We went pheasant hunting and we made a bet every year who could get the first pheasant. The bet was five bucks, and he was a better shot than me but I was quicker. Well, one time I got a pheasant just as it was coming out of bushes and it looked like a pillow full of feathers exploding right in front of him. 'Danny what was that?' he asked me, and I told him 'That was five dollars.' "

Known for his legendary sense of humor, Sarna always enjoyed making others laugh and was always pulling off pranks with his family and students.

"When we went out fishing we always bet who could catch the most pounds of fish," Dan said. "He always got seasick. He'd get seasick in the bathtub. But we'd be in the boat and he'd always get upwind of me and he'd throw up over the side of the boat because he always knew we would get sick.

"He'd just keep fishing, throwing up and fishing, and he'd never drop his pole. We'd always get sick and quit, so he would always win and then give us a hard time for getting sick and quitting."

Sarna also kept his coaches on their toes while serving as athletic director. It was Baptista's first year coaching the Hogan baseball team in 1982, and the team had qualified for the playoffs. Teams were required to provide their own baseballs, and Baptista picked up a dozen balls from Sarna's office.

He claimed he didn't look at the balls immediately, but the box felt funny so he eventually decided to take a look inside. The balls were wrapped in tissue paper, and while it was normally supposed to be white the wrapping was discolored. Unwrapping the balls, Baptista found that the leather had been eaten away by rats and the box was filled with droppings.

"I returned to his office and asked him what kind of balls he was giving me and we both hit the floor laughing," Baptista said. "Sarna said, 'What kind of program are they going to think we're running here?' "

Sarna had battled Lou Gehrig's disease for the last several years, but never lost his keen sense of humor.

"Lou Gehrig was his hero growing up, which was kind of ironic, but he always had a great sense of humor through the entire thing," Ken said. "When we found out about Lou Gehrig's disease we asked him about it and I remember him saying 'Well, if you're gonna go you might as well go first class all the way."

That was Ed Sarna, first class all the way.

- E-mail Ryan Garner at rgarner@thnewsnet.com

TAMPA - Hillsborough County State Attorney Mark Ober's mother, who had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, died Saturday.

Court administrator Mike Bridenback sent an e-mail to county judges today informing them of Maridale "Dale" Ober's death.

For the past year, Dale Ober lived in her son's home. She was hospitalized a few weeks ago.

Ober, 83, was born in Wantage, England. She moved to Tampa in 1962 and worked for years as a bridal consultant at Maas Bros. in University Mall.

Mike Benito, a local lawyer who worked with Mark Ober when they both were assistant state attorneys, said he will remember Dale Ober as a pleasant and nice woman who always was friendly.

"I'm glad Mark was there to help her," Benito said.

In addition to Mark Ober, she is survived by a daughter, Susan of Brandon, and son, Patrick of North Carolina; brother, Mike Goddard of Utah, and sister, Mavis De La Hunt of Arizona; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Services will be private.

A Web site for the Mayo Clinic states that ALS is a neurological disease that attacks nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles. The disease progressively affects the muscles needed to move, eat, speak and breathe.

Doctors have not pinpointed the cause of ALS, and treatment often is limited to relieving symptoms as the disease progresses, the Mayo Clinic states. Patients diagnosed with ALS typically die of respiratory problems within three to five years, according to the clinic.

ALS also is known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The Hall of Fame baseball player died of the disease in 1941. Astrophysicist Stephen Hawking has ALS.