Walk will raise money for trails around Flight 93 crash site

Rebecca Kuzar has heard the phone calls. She has listened to the recordings of voices calling from United Flight 93 — after it was hijacked, but before it crashed in an open field in Somerset County on Sept. 11, 2001. She knows the stories.

Now, Ms. Kuzar, an executive assistant with Friends of Flight 93, an organization founded to commemorate and raise awareness of the 40 combined passengers and crew of Flight 93, is helping to organize a walk Sept. 26 to promote new trails around the crash site and continue to raise funds and awareness for the Flight 93 National Memorial.

Friends of Flight 93 have partnered with Leadership Somerset County, a 10-month program available to locals to shape them into community leaders, to make the walk possible. Ms. Kuzar graduated from the program in June.

The two new trails, the Allée Walkway and Western Overlook Trail, will take walkers through the park with the ability to see several views of the memorial.

“Not everyone is an exhibit- or museum-goer,” Ms. Kuzar said, although the memorial will open its new visitors center Sept. 10, featuring exhibits with videos, audio and artifacts that haven’t been released before. “But I want people to come away with the basic information of these people and what they did.”

The trails are just another way to interact with the site, she said.

Leadership Somerset County is in its 13th year, said Ron Aldom, executive director of the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce. It ventures into the realms of community, business and nonprofits and trains professionals to become more effective community leaders.

At the end of the program, students are set up in groups of four or five and take on projects such as rehabilitating playgrounds, fundraising, park creation and more.

This was Ms. Kuzar’s project.

“I look at this as something that will not only be this year but something that will be an ongoing project,” Mr. Aldom said. “In this case, I feel certain they’ve started a project that will stay forever.”

Ms. Kuzar said 37 phone calls were placed from Flight 93 the morning of the crash. The passengers aboard had something that the other four hijacked planes did not have — a 25-minute delay. Through phone calls, the passengers were able to learn about the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon and voted to not sit still.

The passengers fought back, but the hijackers crashed the plane before anyone could take control. It is not known what the plane’s destination was; investigations have pointed toward the U.S. Capitol.

Ms. Kuzar’s leadership group decided to dedicate its project to Flight 93. It chose trails, she said, because that was a way to develop the national memorial and raise awareness for the “heroes” she said died here.

Ms. Kuzar said they hope to get at least 250 walkers Sept. 26. Fundraising will go toward upkeep and maintenance of the trails, which can deteriorate quickly in harsh Pennsylvania winters. They also hope to develop more trails — people think it’s cheap, but it’s not, she said.

The events of Sept. 11 have completely reshaped our world, Ms. Kuzar said.

“It’s a pivotal moment in our history. Flight 93, these people, as a result of their actions, saved lives. As a nation, we need to remember that and respect their final resting place here at Flight 93 National Memorial.”

Registration for the noncompetitive walk is currently open. Participants can register online at Flight 93’s website or manually through filling out an application and mailing it to Walk 93, P.O. Box 911, Shanksville, PA 15560.

Registration is $25 for adults and $12 for youths. Children can walk for free.

“It’s really healing here,” Ms. Kuzar said of the site. “Even though you’re learning about the terrible atrocity that happened to America, when you’re walking these trails, it gives you time to decompress and think about the lessons Age we’ve64, of learned.” Dormont, on Saturday, July 25, 2015, after his courageous battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of Melody L. (Gedeon) Bova for 41 loving years; loving father of David (Maggie), Kelly (Justin) Pusateri, and Megan (Joshua) Williams; brother of Donna, Michael and Paul ( Sandy) Bova; cherished grandfather of Hayli Wagner, Joseph “Joey” and Thomas “Tommy” Bova and Mason Williams; step-grandfather of Ashlie Pusateri; along with many nieces and nephews. Joseph was a retired Scott Twp. Police Officer who served for 29 years. Friends welcome Tuesday 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at (412-563-2800), 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Twp. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday 10 a.m. in St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church, 3040 Pioneer Ave., Pgh., PA 15226. Interment to follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joseph’s name to Make-A-Wish Foundation, Gulf Tower, 37th FL., 707 Grant St., Pgh., PA 15219.

www.slaterfuneral.com

Suddenly on Sunday, July 26, 2015, age 62, of Verona. Loving son of the late Frank Joseph and Ruth Drozdowski; he is survived by his sister, Kathleen Turpin; his niece and nephew, Janet and Dennis Turpin; also survived by many loving family members, friends and his favorite K-9 companion, Benji. Friends will be received Wednesday, July 29, 2015, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the

378 Maryland Ave., Oakmont, PA 15139. A Mass of Christian burial will be held 11:30 a.m., Thursday, July 30, 2015, in St. Joseph Parish, Verona. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at: www.englishfuneralhome.com

Age 66, of Harmony Township, passed away on July 25, 2015, in her home following a long battle with ALS (Lou Gerhig's disease). Born on June 15, 1949, in Sewickley, PA she was the daughter of Don L. and Lillian Sternart Turney. Dawn was an elementary school teacher for Ambridge Area School District for 35 years and will always be remembered for the talent shows she helped to produce at Highland School and the many field trips she organized for her students to cities such as New York and Washington D. C. An active member of Good Samaritan parish, Dawn was a Eucharistic minister, a member of the Good Samaritan Christian Mothers and Ladies Guild and volunteered tirelessly at many parish functions. A loving wife and mother, Dawn is survived by her husband, Daniel and son and daughter-in-law, Drs. Daniel Jr. and Beth of Pittsburgh. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brother, William Turney. Family and friends will be received on Thursday, July 30, 2015, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. in the

833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, PA 15003. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11 a.m. in the Good Samaritan Catholic Church, Ambridge. Private Interment will follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Peters Twp. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ALS Association, Western Pennsylvania Chapter, 416 Lincoln Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15209 in hopes that a cure for the disease that ravaged Dawn will be found. The family would also like to express their thanks to all those who traveled with Dawn along her very difficult journey providing physical and spiritual nourishment, encouragement and care.

Age 81, died Monday, July 20, 2015, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Stanley and Maude Gittins of Moon Township. He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and graduated from Washington & Jefferson College where he was a member of ROTC. He served as a Lieutenant in the Army Intelligence and was discharged as a Captain in the Army Security. In 1962 he married Sue Baldus of Mt. Lebanon and together they raised two children. Howard had a long career in advertising and marketing in the Pittsburgh area, ending as chairman of Della Femina McNamee. In 1992 he became vice president of marketing for the financial firm, Bill Few Associates, until retiring in 1999. Howard was active in the community where he was a member of the Duquesne Club, the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce. He also taught advertising and marketing at the Pittsburgh Graduate School of Business. He served on the boards of the River City Brass Band, the Civic Light Opera and the Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theater. He was a member of the Sewickley Heights Golf Club and the Riverwood Golf Club. Howard is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Sue; son, John Gittins of San Francisco; and daughter, Anne Gittins of Wellington, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Maude Gittins; and his sister, Sally Gittins. A Memorial Mass and reception will be held in Pittsburgh on the morning of October 3, 2015. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.Alz.org.

Age 95, a longtime resident of St. John’s Specialty Care, Mars, formerly of East Vandergrift, died Sunday, July 26, 2015. Born March 6, 1920, in East Vandergrift, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Anna Loni Yacura. Marie grew up with many brothers and sisters in East Vandergrift. She sacrificed for her family at the age of 16 when she went to work in New York sending money back to support her family. A member of the Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in East Vandergrift, she was a member of the Christian Mothers, was an active member with singing groups there and at St. Johns Specialty Care, she enjoyed playing Bingo. Marie also enjoyed watching her son play football in high school and at CMU. An avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan she liked cooking and baking. Survivors include her daughter, Susan (Robert) Kearney of Wexford; a sister, Margaret Buchanan of Kennedy Twp; a brother, John Yacura of Freeport; daughteri n - l a w , A n d r e a H e l m o f Mohrsville, PA; her grandchildren, Kevin and Emily Kearney and Alyssa Buckley; great- grandchildren, Irina Kearney, and Blake and Liam Buckley; along with numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Helhowski in 1969; her son, Richard Helm; a sister, Helen McDonald; three brothers, Charles, Mike and Frank Yacura. Family and friends will be received Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. in the

244 Franklin Avenue, Vandergrift. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday at 10 a.m. in the Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Fr. Michael Sciberras as celebrant. Interment will be in St. Catherine Cemetery, Gilpin. In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorial contributions be sent to St. John’s Specialty Care Center, 500 Wittenberg Way, Mars, PA 16046 or the Catholic Hospice, 6200 Brooktree Road, Wexford, PA 15090.

Age 86, a lifelong resident of Sewickley, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2015, at UPMC Passavant. He was born in Sewickley on July 29, 1928, to the late John A. and LaVerne ( Brunner) Heuler. Beloved husband for 62 years of Ellen (Merriman) Heuler; loving brother of Gerard J. Heuler (Betty) of Ambridge, and the late Martha Solkovy, Catherine Heuler, and Paul Heuler; cherished brotherin-law of Cheryl Heuler of FL, Allen M. Merriman of WV, Grace A. Merriman and Aileen Keith, both of Sewickley; also many loving nieces and nephews. Joe and his brother, Gerard, were third generation owners and bakers of Heuler Bakery until its closing in 1968. Joe was a member of St. James Church, Sewickley American Legion and a 1946 graduate of Sewickley High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Visitation Tuesday, July 28, 2015, 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday 2-4, 6-8 p.m. July 29, 2015, at 702 Beaver St., where a Blessing Service will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2015, at 10 a. m. Officiating will be Father Richard Terdine. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery with full military honors.

Henry Phipps Hoffstot, Jr., died peacefully on June 29, 2015, at his home on Fifth Avenue. As was his wish, he died in the same bedroom where his mother had died nearly half a century ago. He was 97. Mr. Hoffstot was born on Dunmoyle Street in Pittsburgh on November 13, 1917, the second son of Henry Phipps Hoffstot and Marguerite Martin. He attended Misses Bradshaws' School on School House Lane and was graduated from Shady Side Academy in 1935, Harvard College in 1939, and Harvard Law School in 1942. He served in the United States Army from 1942- 1946 as a Second Lieutenant in the Counter Intelligence Corps and was credited with the arrest of Wernher von Braun. He joined Reed, Smith, Shaw & McClay in 1942, where he was Assistant Managing Partner from 1972 to 1983. He remained at the firm for 73 years, going to the office regularly until the end of 2014. In 1947, he married Barbara Snyder Drew, daughter of Mary Snyder and James Byron Drew, Chief Justice of the Commonwea lth of Pennsylvania. They had two children, a daughter, Thayer Drew, and a son, Henry Phipps Hoffstot III, who is married to the former Daryln Upson Todd Brewer. Mr. Hoffstot had five grandchildren, Ian Hoffstot Unterman, Megan Drew, Dominey Drew, Henry Fife Hoffstot, and Maeve Upson Hoffstot. Mr. Hoffstot served on numerous boards, including Carnegie Institute, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Phipps Conservatory, Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, the American Museum in Britain, the Morewood-Shadyside Civic Association, St. Edmund's Academy, the Visiting Nurse Foundation, Family and Children's Services, The Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina, Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, and Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, among many others. He was director of the Pennsgrove Water Supply Company and the