Mineman Around the World - In Memoriam

John Louis Frey

MNC John Louis FREY, 77, of Tampa, Florida, passed away Sunday, August 15, 2010. John was born July 19, 1933 in the Phillippines and was married to Lilia Libunao.

He was a retired Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy and served in the Korean War in the E.O.D. His last duty station was on the USS Midway (CV-41). He was awarded the Naval Reserve Meritorious service medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Commendation medal w/ combat V, Good Conduct award (Five Awards) and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

e was a Master Diver, carpenter, fisherman, boatsman, gun and antique sword collector. John was preceded in death by his mother, Angeline Esther Frey and father, Frank E. Frey.

He is survived by his wife, Lilia Libunao Frey; children, John L. Frey and wife, Rhonda; Catherine L. Neal and Janice Frey-Leet and husband, Larry; grandchildren, Amy Hedges Jinks, Lucas Seidman, Greg Frey, Corey Neal, Anna Neal and Sean Frey; sister, Fran Bishop and husband, Clyde. Services are to be held at Temple Terrace Ward. Donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans. His obituary page can be found at: http://floridamortuary.net/services.asp?page=odetail&id=3363 Those choosing to leave a message of tribute and condolence may do so at: http://floridamortuary.net/guestbookentry.asp?page=guestbook

Leonard Carvell

Entered into eternal rest on the morning of August 19, 2010 , Leonard Carvell, widow of Doris Lee Carvell. Residence, Goose Creek SC. The relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral services on Sunday August 2010 at 11:00 O'clock A.M. at Carolina Memorial Funeral Home. Entombment will follow at Carolina Memorial Park. Friends may call from the hours of 5 :00 to 7:00 PM at Carolina Memorial Funeral Home.

Leonard was born September 30, 1926 in Hughes Mine, WV the son to the late Frank Carvell and Mary Spino Carvell. Mr. Carvell had been a mineman in the Navy achieving the rank of Chief with 30 years service. He also worked for 20 years with the Naval Base Police in Civil Service. Leonard was an avid Mountaineer fan and loved bowling in bowling leagues for many years.

He was predeceased by his wife Doris Reffitt Carvell, survivors include his daughters Michelle McCall of Moncks Corner, SC, Robin Lunsford of Moncks Corner, SC and Joyce Hogue of Goose Creek, SC a son, Michael L. Carvell of Goose Creek SC, sisters Elizabeth Christenson of University Park, FL , Esther Carroll of Lancaster, NY, Angela Watson of Bridgeport, WV and brothers John Carvell of Murphysboro, IL, Richard Carvell of St. Albans, WV and Joe Carvell of Yorktown,VA , 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Leonard's son, Michael is listed as the occupant of the home at 124 Salina Lane, Goose Creek, SC 29445-4813. Phone (843) 797-3524 (lately disconnected-sorry)

I can't offer an opinion on belated condolences but I'm sure that Michael would be pleased to know that his father's shipmates care enough to offer condolences.

Douglas Scott “Doug” Harriman

Douglas Scott "Doug" Harriman, age 46, a resident of Strasburg passed away, Thursday, September 9, 2010, at his residence. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 AM Monday, September 13, 2010 at Fellowship Bible Church, Winchester with Pastor John Morrison officiating. Burial will follow in Lebanon Church Cemetery.
He was born on September 19, 1963 in Norfolk, VA a son of Andrea Crabill Harriman and the late Robert B. Harriman, Sr. He was a 1982 graduate of Strasburg High School and was a U.S. Navy Veteran. He was a member of Fellowship Bible Church in Winchester. He was an Explosive Engineer & Blaster and was employed by Winchester Building Supply. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert B. Harriman, Sr.
Survivors include his loving wife of 26 years, Faith T. Harriman of Strasburg; his children, Dustin M. Harriman and girlfriend Kymberli B. Dixon of El Paso, TX, and Heather N. Harriman Moreland and husband, Michael A. Moreland of Strasburg; his grandchildren, Landon M. Moreland, Tyler R. Harriman, Taylor F. Moreland, and Braxton K. Harriman; His Mother, Andrea Crabill Harriman of Lebanon Church; his maternal grandmother, Mildred H. Crabill; Brothers David S. Harriman and wife, Dorothy H. Harriman, and their children, Hallie and Rachel, Robert B. Harriman, Jr. and wife Shannon B. Harriman, and their children, Robert, Connell, Gavin, and Nilah.
Pallbearers will be Scott Brown, Richard "Dick" Wilson, Russell Stickley, Brad Bockey, CR Wotring, Sam Earle, Scott Wallen, and Darby Price.
The family will receive friends at Stover Funeral Home on Sunday evening from 6-8 pm. "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me shall live even though he dies, John 11:25"
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Doug to Fellowship Bible Church, 3217 Middle Road, Winchester, VA 22602 or Blue Ridge Hospice 333 W. Cork St., Winchester, VA 22601
To sign the guestbook and submit condolences to the family please go to www.stoverfuneralhome.com Stover Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Strasburg is serving the Harriman family.

Don C. Risk

Don C. Risk, 73, passed away September 1, 2010, after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Muncie, Indiana, to Donald and Reigna Risk. Don joined the Navy at 17 and enjoyed an adventuresome 20 years before retiring. He was a Mineman, served in Vietnam and a decorated diver in the Sealab program setting the World Record for the deepest dive of 1,025 feet. He was later chosen as a diver for "special projects" that were very instrumental to the security of the United States in helping to end the Cold War. He was awarded several medals, the most significant being the Legion of Merit and the Navy Commendation. He is survived by his loving wife Frances, sons Victor and Don Jr., daughters Kim, Reigna and Kris, 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, siblings Kay, Jill, Jim and Wendy, and many friends. Services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, October 18th, at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. [Published in San Diego Union-Tribune on October 17, 2010]

Sabre A. Patterson

Former mineman, Ron Patterson MN2, recently suffered the loss of his daughter in a tragic motorcycle accident.

The details read: Sabre A. Patterson, 19, of 103 Hazen Ave., Ellport passed away Saturday September 25, 2010 at 1:30 am as a result of a motorcycle accident. Sabre was born on December 17, 1990 in Okinawa Japan to Ron Patterson, Jr. and Hope Wood Gebhardt. She was a member of the Lincoln High School Class of 2009, and attended the Savannah United Methodist Church in Shenango Twp., Pennsylvania. Also, Sabre had been working at the Save-A-Lot grocery store in Franklin Twp. as a cashier. Sabre is survived by her mother and step father Hope Wood Gebhardt and Ken Gebhardt of Ellport, her father Ron Patterson, Jr. of Beaver Falls, one brother Dustin Patterson and his fience Amanda Spignesi, one sister Shannon Patterson and her fience Brett Evans, a half sister Nicole Lynn & Tony Taylor of Ellwood City, a nephew Josh Smith, a niece Emma Callahan, her maternal grandmother Hilda Wood and her companion Tom Tocyloski of Ellwood City, her paternal grandparents Ron & Judy Patterson, Sr. of Beaver Falls, her step grandparents Kenneth & Elaine Gebhardt of Ellport, several aunts & uncle, and numerous cousins.Sabre was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather Carl Wood.Visitation will be held on Monday from 11:00 am until the time of services at 1:00 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home, Inc..Services will be held on Monday the 27th at 1:00 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home, Inc. with Rev. Mark Goswick officiating. Internment will follow at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery. The funeral home web site is at: http://www.eternalhonors.com/i.php?id=612

Messages of condolence may be sent to her father, Ron Patterson, at punkinpud2001@yahoo.com

Robert W. "Willie" Wilson

Robert W. Wilson
September 1, 1935 - October 20, 2010

During our 2010 AOM reunion, Robert “Willie” Wilson was elected to lead AOM as our new President. He was proud of the opportunity to take the helm from President Bob Hart and our membership looked forward to Willie’s enthusiastic leadership.

An unexpected tragedy occurred several days later, taking his life and leaving his wife Betty in critical condition. The local newspaper reports:

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ, October 21, 2010. Police have identified the two people involved in a fatal one-vehicle crash on Wednesday as a married couple from the Port Monmouth section of Middletown.
Robert Wilson, 75, died after the crash at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, according to Chief Jerry Vasto. His wife, Elizabeth, 73, was flown to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where she remained listed in critical condition today, Vasto said.
At about 12:31 p.m., Robert Wilson was driving a van with his wife in the front passenger seat, heading east on Route 36, when he crashed into a tree, according to Vasto.
An investigation is still ongoing and an autopsy on Robert Wilson is scheduled for later today, Vasto said.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to call Patrolman Brian Phair at 732-291-1212.
[By Renee Ernst, Staff Writer, Asbury Park Press • October 21, 2010--http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201010211053/NEWS/101021041

His obituary reads:

Robert W. Wilson, of Port Monmouth and Port Orange, Florida, was called home, Octoher 20th in an automobile accident. "Bob" spent his childhood in Illinois and Iowa and settled in New Jersey after marrying Betty. He was a devoted husband, father, and "Pop Pop." Bob served with honor in the US Navy for 20 years. He was part of the "Brown Water Navy" during the Vietnam War and was awarded multiple Bronze Stars with Valor and Purple Hearts. Bob was personally cited, and his team highlighted, in the book River Rats by author Ralph Christopher.After retiring from the Navy, Bob held several positions in sales and operations management at UPS. He enjoyed many hobbies, including boating, shooting and fishing, but his favorite enjoyment was simple conversation with his many friends. He knew no acquaintances or former friends, only "friends for life."He gave of his time, his help and his means generously and with passion. He actively supported the NJ Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Association of Minemen, the American Legion, and was formerly a sustaining member of the NJ Naval Museum. He quietly supported friends and family in times of need. He is survived by his wife Betty, of 52 years (nee Topolewski); his son Chet Wilson and companion Dawn Ziffer of Middletown; his daughter, Dee Williams and husband Jerry Williams of Connecticut; a brother David Harper of Iowa, and sisters, Janet Tegtmeier of Iowa, Nancy Hammond of Michigan and Mary Lynn Ponce of Florida; grandsons, Bryan, Damon and wife Geni, and Bailey; his granddaughter, Jordan; great-grandchildren Kayla, Bryen and Xsenia ; and his "grand-pal" Shane. Surviving in-laws and extended family members can be counted among the very many friends who will miss him. Family will be accepting friends on Monday 2-4 and 7-9PM at the Jacqueline M. Ryan Home for Funerals 233 Carr Ave, Keansburg. On Tuesday there will be a mass held at St. Anns Church, Keansburg at 10:15AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, St. Jude's Research Hospital, American Cancer Society or US Navy Minemen Scholarship Fund, letters of condolences can be sent to http://www.jacquelinemryanfh.com/obituary.php

Guest book entries may be made at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/app/obituary.aspx?n=robert-w-wilson&pid=146172577

As a Vietnam vet and "River Rat," Willie wrote the following poem:

HE RUNS THE RIVER NIGHT AND DAY,
UPON HIS HEAD A BLACK BERET.
COMBING WATERS FILLED WITH DEATH,
KNOWING FEAR WITH EVERY BREATH.
FIGHTING FOR A CAUSE THAT’S RIGHT,
A CHANCE OF NOT LIVING THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT.
SAILORS OF A DIFFERENT BREED,
TRAINED TO FIGHT, BORN TO LEAD.
FIGHTING BOATS WITH HULLS OF GREEN,
THE VERY BEST YOU’VE EVER SEEN.
WE STANDS’ UP STRAIGHT WITH HEAD HELD HIGH,
WILL ALWAYS LOOK YOU IN THE EYE.
SO MY FRIENDS WHEN I’VE GONE TO REST,
LAY A BLACK BERET UPON MY CHEST.

MNC Robert “Willie” Wilson
River Division 592/ RPG-56
(Courtesy of Ralph Christopher)
http://pbrproject.org/index.html

Charles J. "Chuck" Chavka

Charles J. "Chuck" Chavka, of Hermitage, PA passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 3, 2010, at John XXIII Home, Hermitage. He was 87. Chuck was born Oct. 5, 1923, in Farrell, a son of Peter and Anna Vasic Chavka. A lifelong area resident, he graduated from Farrell High School in 1941. He retired as a millwright in 1983 from the former Sharon Steel Corporation's Farrell plant after 42 years of service. Most recently, he worked as a bank currier for First National Bank of Hermitage from 1990 until June 2010. Chuck was an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Hermitage, and the former St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Farrell, where he was involved in many church activities and offices. Chuck was an accomplished golfer, enjoyed bowling in numerous area leagues, and was an avid gardener and woodworker. A decorated veteran of the United States Navy, he served during World War II in the Pacific Theater of operations as a gunnersmate and a mineman. He was a lifetime member of both VFW Post 5286, Farrell, and American Legion Post 299, Sharon, and was a former member of e American Legion Post 160, Farrell. He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Dorothy Cashier, whom he married on May 3, 1947. He leaves his two daughters, Barbara M. Keller, of Winter Haven, Fla., and Nancy S. Chavka, of Pleasant Gap; His two sons, Charles Chavka Jr. and his wife, Jane, of Hickory, N.C., and Richard D. Chavka and his wife, Oliviya, of South Kent, Conn.; nine grandchildren; and a brother, Fred "Mick" Chavka, of Hartford, Ohio. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sophie Kolar; and a brother, Anthony Chavka. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Charles J. Chavka to John XXIII Home, 2250 Shenango Valley Freeway, Hermitage, PA 16148. In keeping with Mr. Chavka's request, there will be no visitation at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to his family by visiting www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com. A memorial service was held Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2010, in the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 5130 E. State St., Hermitage, with the Rev. Dennis Blauser officiating. Inurnment was at Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage, PA. [Published in Centre Daily Times on December 12, 2010] Read more: