In Memoriam
It is with sadness that we recognize the passing of the following members of the Fayette County Bar.
Charles "Chuck" Christopher Gentile, 79, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2026, with his family by his side.
Born in Salem, Ohio on June 15, 1947, he was the son of the late Christopher and Mary Gentile. Chuck pursued a passion for justice and education, earning his law degree from the University of Toledo in June 1973. He went on to establish a long and distinguished legal career, practicing law in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, where he earned the deep respect of colleagues, clients, and the community alike for his intellect, integrity, and dedication to the law.
Outside of the courtroom, Chuck was an avid hunter and an exceptional marksman. He was incredibly proud of the National Sharp Shooting marksmanship awards he earned throughout his life, reflecting his discipline and sharp focus.
He was a faithful member of Saint Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church in Farmington, Pa.
Chuck was married to the love of his life, the late Stephanie Berlinsky Gentile, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, William and Anna Berlinsky, and brother-in-law, Fred Chipps. Together, Chuck and Stephanie built a life centered on family, devotion, and shared love.
His legacy continues through his family. He is survived by his two sons, Christopher Gentile of Ohiopyle and Stephen Gentile of Point Marion. He is also survived by his six cherished grandchildren: Breonna, Landon, Elle Quinn, Stephen, Stephanie, and Giovonni.
Additionally, Chuck is survived by his sister-in-law, Beverly Berlinsky Chipps; his nephew, Fred Chipps; his beloved dog, Jack; and several cousins and close friends too numerous to mention.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Hillside Manor and Amedisys Hospice Care of Uniontown for the compassionate care and support provided to Chuck and his family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Dean C. Whitmarsh Funeral Home, 134 W. Church Street, Fairchance, PA 15436 for visitation on Monday, August 31, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. when a Blessing Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. A Memorial Dinner will follow the service. Private Family Interment in Visitation Cemetery, Elliottsville, Pa.
A memorial service will be scheduled before the Court of Common Pleas of Fayette County at a later date.
John Perrott born April 28, 1952 died at home on August 12, 2026, with his family by his side, after a miserable illness.. He is intensely missed.
Born in New York City he moved back to Moon Township PA as a child with his parents to live near extended family. John attended Howe Military School in Howe Indiana where he played baseball, football, and wrote for the paper, graduating in 1970.
He went on to Ohio University and graduated with a degree in English, planning to be a teacher. He met Gwen, his future wife in 1979 when returned to OU for the teaching certificate It was an impulsive, dynamic and permanent love. They married within a year. From there they moved back to Pittsburgh briefly, and now having a young family John decided to go to law school. He chose Vermont Law School, a new school with many non-traditional students of which he was one, being 30 when he began. After graduating in 1985 he passed the BAR in Pennsylvania. He took the first job offered and the theory was it would be two years in Morgantown and move on. They overstayed by 38 more. Both sides both the family were instrumental in helping them begin a life in Morgantown.
John practiced law in PA for 4O years- a short time as a public defender, but the career that fit him well was as an attorney for Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid Society in Uniontown PA. John was a believer and practitioner of fairness, justice, and kindness. He was a fierce and dedicated advocate for those with the least leverage. He could be counted on to speak his mind. He grew into Uniontown and Legal Aid-walking miles at lunch with coworker John- in his ‘Indiana Jones’ hat(gift from his father-in-law), ponytail streaming.
John and Gwen shared 47 years together. They had spirited debates and were obliviously unconventional. Had they the option, they would have spent many more years together.
John was a lover of all animals. He had an affinity and knack for making them all his friends. His first pet
Was JEP, an English springer spaniel. But he also had many cats and even an owl. An occasional snake or frog.
He spent many vacations going to Delaware, Emerald Isle, Lake Chautauqua, and Staunton Virginia looking for wildlife- especially birds.
In 1990 his father in law ‘forced’ him to take the first family beach vacation. He was concerned that time off would mean he would fall behind with work. But once there he was a convert. The Emerald Isle NC trip with the family each year at the beach was his favorite time of year-the stars at night, the sound of the ocean, swimming in the waves and a few beers also- with those he loved best.
John loved listening to music, live and otherwise, watching plays, becoming a birdwatcher, and having a good meal. His special connection with cats, earned him the nickname of “Cat Wizard” amongst his children and their friends. He is survived also by dozens of beloved cats, 3 of his own (Fuji, Spock, and Mama) and 15 of his children’s, plus one very special dog, Scallion.
While at the yearly beach vacation, his family often called him the sea otter, as he liked to spend large portions of the day floating on his back-whiskers above the waves. At Christmas, he was the Ghost of Christmas Present.
His booming “courtroom voice” and laugh will echo in the memories of all those who knew him. His children will miss his phone calls, which always began with, “Bryn/Sage/Max, This is your Father” despite the advent of caller ID. He was never one to censor books, movies or music for his kids. Daughter Bryn remembers watching Alien with him at a tender age. He valued the open mind. Max and John talked and argued about sports and John and Sage shared a keen interest in parsing politics. He expected them to ‘make their case’.
His wife will miss her favorite combatant and travel companion and the voice that went straight to her heart.
In addition to his blood family, John spent his law career with his work family at Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid Society and the Uniontown legal community. They made a second home for him and he delighted in his friendships there. He believed that he and they were honestly engaged in ‘the good fight’.
John met his martial arts community family in WV when he moved to Morgantown. In whose company he spent decades enjoying the fellowship of kindred spirits, careful study, and practice. And with whom he remained close through his illness. His Chi Lin tattoo honors this part of his life. His work and martial arts families supported him through his illness, just as friends ought to.
He is predeceased by his parents, Edgar Perrott and Eleanor Springer Perrott, his father-in-law, Nicholas Dinos, brother-in-law Chris Dinos, and sister-in-law, Janet Morgan.
John is survived by his three children, Bryn, Sage, and Max Perrott, his wife Gwen(Dinos) Perrott, his mother-in-law Lillian Dinos, and his nephews and niece.
He was very proud of his kid’s arts lives and followed all closely. No lawyers in that bunch.
His very special favorite correspondent was Bette, Gwen’s godmother and aunt. She texted and sent cards and called all through his illness. Her compassion and humor tickled him. She always made him chuckle.
He loved Steeler football-with his ‘worrisome washrag’ as a stand-in for the ‘terrible towel’, and a lot of ‘courtroom voice’ heard during games. Music- live and otherwise,-using his old beat-up headphones and iPad. He introduced an appreciation of and poetry Shakespeare plays to Gwen. Gwen read Treasure Island to him aloud while he was in the hospital-their last literary adventure. Holidays with family and spirited debate with same were a requirement. It was always so loud when the family convened. He was the lead off for the singing of happy birthday in the family.
It’s a much duller world without John. 74 years is no age for a man whose life force spilled out of him at every moment.
No obituary or summary is adequate to sum up a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to ACLU or cat rescue of your choice.
Susan E. Ritz Harper, 67, of Ruffs Dale, PA, passed away Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Forbes Hospital in Monroeville, PA. She was born December 14, 1958 in Greensburg, PA. Daughter of Barbara Ann (Radziwon) Ritz and the late Peter P. Ritz. She graduated from Greensburg Central Catholic High School with the Class of 1977. She went on to earn her undergraduate degree from Penn State, followed by both her graduate and Juris Doctorate degrees in Law from the University of Pittsburgh. She was a lifetime member of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Yukon, PA. Susan worked and retired as a defense attorney after over 40 years of dedication. She was the first female chief public defender in Fayette County. She began her career as a legal aid attorney partner with Cupp and Ritz before opening her own private practice, while also serving part-time as a conflicts attorney and part-time as an attorney with the Fayette County public defender’s office before becoming the first female chief public defender. Susan enjoyed spoiling her dogs, cross stitching and decorating for all the holidays, especially Halloween. She enjoyed vacationing, Jimmy Buffet concerts, watching NCIS and detective true crime shows along with listening to Fleetwood Mac, Gordon Lightfoot and 70’s and 80’s music. She is preceded in death by father, Peter P. Ritz and sister-in-law’s, Mary Gwen Harper and Jeanne Murphy; mother-in-law, Emma Jean Rozantz and father-in-law, Harold B. Harper. She is survived by her mother, Barbara Ann Ritz; loving husband of 36 years, Donald B. Harper of Ruffs Dale; daughter, Dr. Julia (Alex) Delenko of Norwalk, CT; brothers, Timothy (Kathy) Ritz of New Castle and Thomas Ritz of Delmont, and brother-in-law, David Harper of FL
William J. Worthington, 85, of Centerville, went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 19, 2025 in his home. A son of the late Robert N. and Twyla Shannon Worthington, he was born in Fallowfield Township on March 17, 1940.
A resident of Centerville for the past 20 years, William previously lived in Waianae, Hawaii and Buffalo, NY. He was a member of the Christian Church of Charleroi and the Joe Walker Chapter of the Air Force Association. He was an attorney in private practice in Buffalo, Honolulu, and Brownsville. William enjoyed scuba diving and loved airplanes even flying a few.
Survivors include his wife, Karen Reece Worthington, five daughters, Pamela Worthington-Lash of Dothan, AL, Amanda Worthington-McDade of Hobbs, NM, Darlene (Richard) Van Marter of Liverpool, NY, Amy (Thomas) Zizzi of Waianae, HI, and Wendy (Gary) Benzee of Elma, NY, a step-daughter, Keri (Brian, Jr.) Comp of Bradenville, two sons, Daniel Worthington of Centerville and Ronald (Tram) Wangelin of Seattle, WA, two stepsons, Patrick M. (Melissa) Truax Sr. of Dravosburg and Travis R. (Katlyn) Truax of Dawson, twelve grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Raymond, and two brothers, Robert and Mike Worthington.
Charles W. Watson died on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at his home in Connellsville, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Wilbert A. Watson and Mary A. (Johnston) Watson, both of Dunbar, who predeceased him. Chuck graduated from Dunbar Township High School in 1965, where he played football, ran track, and participated in the school play. Chuck received a BS degree in Accounting (cum laude) from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1969. Chuck spent 13 months in Vietnam as a sergeant with the 101st Airborne Division during 1969 and 1970. He received several Army awards including a Bronze Star for Service and special letter of accommodation from the Division Command Sergeant Major. He received his Juris Doctor degree from the Dickinson School of Law in 1974. At Dickinson, he was a member of the Dickinson Law Review and received scholarships for two of his three years of law school. Chuck received his law license in 1974 and practiced law in Fayette County for 46 years until his health failed. When he ended his law career in 2020, he was the managing partner of Watson Mundorff, a Connellsville law firm. Chuck was a member of the American College of Trust and Estate Council, a past president of the Fayette County Bar Association, and a former member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Board of
Governors. Chuck was involved with several community organizations during his legal career. He was a former member of the Boards of Directors of Fay-West Visiting Nurses, Connellsville State Hospital, Uniontown Hospital, Penn State Fayette and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. He served terms as president of the boards of Fay-West Visiting Nurses, and Uniontown Hospital. Chuck was a member of King Solomon’s #346 and Royal Arch Chapter #283 of the Masons. He was also a member of the Connellsville VFW Post 21 and American Legion Post 301. Chuck loved the outdoors. He participated in snow and water skiing, boating, scuba diving, bicycling, fishing, backpacking, motorcycling and distance running. He completed the Pittsburgh Marathon three times and a bicycling century, all after the age of 45. He and his wife earned diver master and master diving certificates. Chuck was predeceased by his parents, and by his wife of over 50 years, Florence Anna (Ann) Watson. He is survived by his sons David (Ann) Watson, and Aaron (Marisol) Watson both of Pittsburgh, his sister Wanita (Wendy) Siko of Morgantown, W. VA., his grandchildren Vincent Watson and Rose Watson and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Chuck was a member of Albright United Methodist Church, So. Connellsville.
Wayne H. Port, 76, of Tampa, Fla., originally of Uniontown, passed away Monday, June 26, 2023. Born in Pittsburgh, Wayne spent the majority of his life in Uniontown, graduating from Uniontown High School in 1964 before attending Penn State University, where he graduated with a degree in accounting in 1968.
From there he went to law school at the University of Pittsburgh, earning his law degree in 1971.
After law school, Wayne returned to Uniontown, where he passed the bar exam and began his legal career with the firm of Ray, Buck, Margolis, Mahoney and John. He became a partner in the firm in 1983 and remained practicing until his retirement in 2017. He was a member of the Fayette County Bar Association for over 50 years. Wayne's love for his alma mater, Penn State cannot be understated. He became involved with Penn State Fayette - the local Penn State campus, serving as their chairman of the advisory board for over 15 years as well as an adjunct professor of business law
Wayne dedicated his life to service, serving in multiple roles at Tree of Life Synagogue in Uniontown and was involved with B'nai B'rith for many years. He also was a longtime Rotarian, youth soccer coach and an avid golfer..
Wayne is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 53 years, Nancy Bransdorf Port of Tampa; a daughter, Amy (Joshua) Reiter and granddaughters, Rachel and Samantha of Millburn, N.J.; a son, Louis (Lauren) Port and grandchildren, Brennan, Connor and Emelie of Odessa, Fla.; a brother, Richard (Lucy) Port of Highland Park, Ill.; and a sister, Barbara (Myron) Kaufman of Monroeville.
George Leon Hallal was born on January 16, 1930 in Brownsville, PA to Fadell “Fiddle” and Pearl Mitchell Hallal. He served as an altar boy and one of the first choir members at his grandfather’s parish, St. Ellien Syrian Orthodox Church, in Brownsville, across the street from which he lived for most of his life. He also worked at his father’s business, Fiddle’s Confectionery, as a teenager and young adult.
George graduated from Brownsville High School and earned his Bachelor degree in business administration from Pennsylvania State University. He eventually earned his Master degree in business from the University of Pittsburgh and a Juris Doctor from Duquesne University. In between his degrees, George served his country in the Korean War as a translator of Russian language after studying at the Defense Language Institute in California. Upon returning home, he worked at Gimbels department store in Pittsburgh. George later became a partner in Webster Hallal Law Firm and was a prominent attorney in Western Pennsylvania until his retirement. He also served on the board of Brownsville General Hospital for many years.
As a lifelong Pittsburgh sports fan, George regularly attended football and baseball games and enjoyed them--depending on the season. A generous man, he frequently invited family and friends to attend games with him, or he simply gave them the tickets. The most famous example of George’s generosity involved the 1960 World Series and the Pirates. He promised his younger sister and brother that they could go to the seventh and final game in Pittsburgh, which was unlikely to happen against the heavily favored Yankees. Unexpectedly, Marlene and Joe witnessed the most famous home run in World Series history and a Pirates’ championship. Their older brother could not have been happier for them.
George enjoyed regular rounds of golf at Uniontown Country Club and became a wonderful cook and historian of his family’s Syrian heritage. In 1999, he took the trip of a lifetime with his sister and brother to the Middle East to explore his ancestral homeland. During his time in Syria, where his father was born, George met distant relatives near his father’s village, an experience he would always cherish.
George was preceded in death by his parents and his sister and brother-in-law, Regina and Michael Sieg. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Marlene and Al Mamary of Norman, OK, his brother and sister-in-law, Dr. F. Joseph and Dr. Janice Hallal of McLean, VA, and six nephews and nieces: Rich Sieg of Pittsburgh, PA, Saundra Irvine (Russ) of Toledo, OH, Alexandra Nassief (Mark) of Santa Clarita, CA, Greg Mamary of Norman, OK, Matthew Hallal (Jen) of San Geronimo, CA, and Sara Hallal Friend (Ned) of Seattle, WA. George is also survived by his dear friend of many years, Nancy Byron of Belle Vernon, PA, and her children, Jamie Byron (Alyssa) of Belle Vernon, PA and Melissa Echard (Charlie) of Mardela Springs, MD, as well as Nancy's grandchildren.
Davina D. Burd, age 47, of Scottdale passed away Sunday, March 20, 2022 at Forbes Regional Hospital Monroeville. Davina was born June 8, 1974 in Uniontown the daughter of Thomas and Ruth Ann Fencil Burd. Davina was a 1992 graduate of the Mt. Carmel Christian School, Bob Jones University and the Oklahoma City University School of Law. She was a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the Fayette County Bar Association where she served as a board member.
In addition to her parents, Davina is survived by, a sister, Kristina Cossell (Chris) of Connellsville, brothers, Thomas Burd and fiance' Sarah Burbage and her daughter, Charlee of FL, Tyler Burd (Megan) of St. Clairsville, OH; nieces, Aubrey Burd and Abigail Cossell, nephews, Zachary, Jonathon and Nicholas Cossell and Peyton Burd; her aunt Beverly Fencil and uncle Raymond Fencil and wife Valerie; also numerous cousins and extended family.
Arthur P. Tonozzi, age 78, of Uniontown, PA, passed away Thursday, December 17, 2020 in the Uniontown Hospital. He was born October 27, 1942 in Star Junction, PA, son of the late Primo Tonozzi and Mary Trevisanutto Tonozzi.
Art graduated from Frazier High School with the class of 1960 then received a degree in Education from California State Teachers College in 1960. He taught history at Mount Pleasant High School for a short period followed by Law School at West Virginia University where he graduated in 1968 with a Juris Doctorate. Art represented the United Mine Workers of America for several years along with servicing his community in his private practice until retirement. He was a faithful member of St. Therese de Lisieux Roman Catholic Church of Uniontown, Sons of Italy Lodge #231 of Uniontown, the Uniontown Country Club, and the PA and Fayette Bar Associations. Art was an avid golfer, enjoyed reading, boating and spending time with his family.
Left to cherish Art’s memory are his loving wife of fifty-two years, Joyce Celaschi Tonozzi; three children, Paula Barry and husband Tim of Morgantown, WV, Thomas Tonozzi and wife Allyson of Hudson, OH and Todd Tonozzi of Uniontown; four grandchildren, Christopher and Nicholas Barry and Camryn and Cade Tonozzi; and a brother, Ronald Tonozzi of Walnut Cove, NC.
Fred C. Adams Sr., 95, of Uniontown, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2020. He was born in Phillipi, West Virginia. Fred grew up in the Brownsville area and was a graduate of Redstone High School, Class of 1942. He served with the United States Navy during World War II. Judge Adams graduated from California State Teachers College with a Bachelor's in Education and Duquesne University Law School.
Fred Adams was a practicing attorney in Uniontown from 1957 through 2019, which included being a partner in the firm of Coldren Adams and, most recently, in partnership with his grandson, Jason Adams, at Adams & Adams.
Judge Adams served on the bench in the Court of Common Pleas of Fayette County from 1975 through 1986. He is remembered by his colleagues as being a remarkable man “of deep integrity, who was kind, polite and studious but who always commanded respect,” as well as for his dedication to his family and the law.
Judge Adams is survived by his wife, Catherine, son Fred C. Adams Jr., his grandchildren, Jason Adams, Joel Adams and Melanie Leaseburg, and eight great-grandchildren.
The Fayette County Bar Association will hold a memorial service before the Court for Judge Fred C. Adams, Sr. at the Fayette County Courthouse in Courtroom No. 1 on Thursday, September 3, 2020, at noon.
Herbert Margolis, 92, formerly of Uniontown, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2020, in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Herb grew up in Masontown, and graduated from Masontown High School, Class of 1945. He was a World War II veteran having served in the United States Navy. He received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Pittsburgh.
Mr. Margolis practiced law in Fayette County for more than 60 years, most recently with the firm of Margolis, George & Port. Throughout his years of practice, he was a solicitor for various authorities, municipalities and school districts, including the Uniontown Area School District and Fayette County Redevelopment Authority. Herb was respected by his peers as being “knowledgeable, hardworking and highly ethical.”
He was an avid Pitt fan and enjoyed golfing with friends. Herb’s highest priority was his love for his family and the pride he had for his children and grandchildren. Herb is survived by his wife of 67 years, Barbara; sons Jim, Gary and Tom and daughter, Sara, and six grandchildren.