Gale Mussey
July 23, 1950 - November 18, 2016...For more than 2 years he fought the insidious Lou Gehrig's disease, and it finally caught up with him at age 66. Gale was one of the first Big Dawgs, and we frequently met at the Beaver firehouse for training runs. He was one of those rare people who was always in a great mood and friendship was instantaneous.
July 23, 1950 - November 18, 2016...For more than 2 years he fought the insidious Lou Gehrig's disease, and it finally caught up with him at age 66. Gale was one of the first Big Dawgs, and we frequently met at the Beaver firehouse for training runs. He was one of those rare people who was always in a great mood and friendship was instantaneous.
- We're sure you're still running, maybe with a cold beer in your hand, and wearing your Big Dawg tee-shirt.
- We're missing you already Gale. RIP.
- Below is the obit from Hill & Kunselman Funeral Home.
Gale Joseph Mussey, 66, of Franklin Township, died Friday, November 18, 2016 in the VA Medical Center in Oakland after a courageous fight with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Born July 23, 1950 in New Brighton, he was the son of the late Ethelberta Smith Mussey and Glenn M. Mussey of East Palestine, and the step-son of Beatrice Mussey. He had attended the Concord United Methodist Church, and was a proud member of the Big Beaver Big Dawgs Running Club. He was a loving husband and father with a deep devotion to God and Country. He enjoyed cooking and finishing beer lists at the Backdoor Tavern and was an Eagle Scout. Through this ever happy and fun loving nature he never let a good joke slip by, earning him the nickname ‘Uncle Poison’.
He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He was a Steamfitter for 40 years, joining Local 115 as an apprentice, was a Union trustee for the pension fund with Local 47, and the Union Site Representative at the Beaver Valley Nuclear Plant until he retired as a member of Steamfitters 449 in July of 2012.
In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his sister, Glenna J. Dripps.
In addition to his father and step-mother, he is survived by his wife of 32 years Katherine DeSanzo Mussey, three children, Theresa Master of White Township, Joseph and Annie Mussey of Reston, VA, Kimberly and Jesse Smith of Brentwood, a granddaughter, Callie Master, great-granddaughter, Myla Curry, his brothers and sisters, Guy and Barb Mussey, Gary and Kelly Mussey, Greg and Lynn Mussi, Garth and Joanne Mussey, Gerald and Jocelynn Mussey, Gretchen Wickline, Ginger Geizura, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Hill & Kunselman Funeral Home, www.hillandkunselman.com., 3801 Fourth Ave., College Hill, Beaver Falls, where a service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. with Rev. John Phipps officiating. Interment will be private.
The family would like to thank John Manos ‘brother’ and friend, and Tina Arritt from Personal Touch who became like family and supported him through his disease progression, Ethel Harris from Home Instead who acted as a guardian angel through his final weeks, Three Rivers Hospice, the Veterans Administration and the ALS Association for all of their loving support and care for Gale during his illness. We would also like to thank the many friends who visited and also provided food.
Memorial contributions may be made, if desired, to Habitat for Humanity, 47 Bridge Street, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.
The Veterans Honor Guard will conduct military rites at the funeral home on Wednesday at 10:40 a.m.
Born July 23, 1950 in New Brighton, he was the son of the late Ethelberta Smith Mussey and Glenn M. Mussey of East Palestine, and the step-son of Beatrice Mussey. He had attended the Concord United Methodist Church, and was a proud member of the Big Beaver Big Dawgs Running Club. He was a loving husband and father with a deep devotion to God and Country. He enjoyed cooking and finishing beer lists at the Backdoor Tavern and was an Eagle Scout. Through this ever happy and fun loving nature he never let a good joke slip by, earning him the nickname ‘Uncle Poison’.
He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He was a Steamfitter for 40 years, joining Local 115 as an apprentice, was a Union trustee for the pension fund with Local 47, and the Union Site Representative at the Beaver Valley Nuclear Plant until he retired as a member of Steamfitters 449 in July of 2012.
In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his sister, Glenna J. Dripps.
In addition to his father and step-mother, he is survived by his wife of 32 years Katherine DeSanzo Mussey, three children, Theresa Master of White Township, Joseph and Annie Mussey of Reston, VA, Kimberly and Jesse Smith of Brentwood, a granddaughter, Callie Master, great-granddaughter, Myla Curry, his brothers and sisters, Guy and Barb Mussey, Gary and Kelly Mussey, Greg and Lynn Mussi, Garth and Joanne Mussey, Gerald and Jocelynn Mussey, Gretchen Wickline, Ginger Geizura, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Hill & Kunselman Funeral Home, www.hillandkunselman.com., 3801 Fourth Ave., College Hill, Beaver Falls, where a service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. with Rev. John Phipps officiating. Interment will be private.
The family would like to thank John Manos ‘brother’ and friend, and Tina Arritt from Personal Touch who became like family and supported him through his disease progression, Ethel Harris from Home Instead who acted as a guardian angel through his final weeks, Three Rivers Hospice, the Veterans Administration and the ALS Association for all of their loving support and care for Gale during his illness. We would also like to thank the many friends who visited and also provided food.
Memorial contributions may be made, if desired, to Habitat for Humanity, 47 Bridge Street, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.
The Veterans Honor Guard will conduct military rites at the funeral home on Wednesday at 10:40 a.m.
Kevin “Scott” Brown, 57
Big Dawg, Scott Brown (brother of Big Dawg, Sherree May) was a wonderful runner, had a great personality and even greater character. For sure, he will be missed.
Below is the obituary from the Marshall Funeral home site.
Kevin “Scott” Brown, 57, of Franklin Twp. died Monday, July 11, 2016. He passed at Allegheny General Hospital surrounded by the presence and words of his entire family. He stubbornly fought a battle with cancer for 4 1/2 years, appearing superhuman these past six months.
Born June 10, 1959 in Ellwood City, he was the son of Robert and Marilou Boots Brown of North Sewickley Twp. He was married for 29 years to Terri Garmen Brown as they were married February 14, 1987. She survives.
Scott graduated from Riverside High School in 1977. He began his masonry career as a laborer for Merle Hoover of Ellwood City. He later worked for his brother as a brick layer for many years before starting K. Scott Brown Masonry in 1994. He was a member of the Union Goodwill Community Church. He enjoyed running in local 5K races and playing volleyball with the local church leagues. He was a respected businessman and much adored son, brother, father, and friend. He instilled in his children an ethic to work hard, respect others, and value family.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Terri, survivors include four children, Curtis Brown of FranklinTwp., Nickolas (Aubree) Brown of Charleston, SC, Alexander and Emma Brown, both at home, granddaughter, Abeni Brown of Franklin Twp.; sister, Sherree May of Ellwood City, and a brother, Steven “Craig” Brown of Cranberry Twp.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday July 13 from 6 to 9 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City. Friends will also be received at the funeral home on Thursday from 10 am until the time of the funeral service at 11 am. His pastor, Rev. Eugene McConnell will officiate the service. Interment will follow in the Lillyville Church of God Cemetery.
Big Dawg, Scott Brown (brother of Big Dawg, Sherree May) was a wonderful runner, had a great personality and even greater character. For sure, he will be missed.
Below is the obituary from the Marshall Funeral home site.
Kevin “Scott” Brown, 57, of Franklin Twp. died Monday, July 11, 2016. He passed at Allegheny General Hospital surrounded by the presence and words of his entire family. He stubbornly fought a battle with cancer for 4 1/2 years, appearing superhuman these past six months.
Born June 10, 1959 in Ellwood City, he was the son of Robert and Marilou Boots Brown of North Sewickley Twp. He was married for 29 years to Terri Garmen Brown as they were married February 14, 1987. She survives.
Scott graduated from Riverside High School in 1977. He began his masonry career as a laborer for Merle Hoover of Ellwood City. He later worked for his brother as a brick layer for many years before starting K. Scott Brown Masonry in 1994. He was a member of the Union Goodwill Community Church. He enjoyed running in local 5K races and playing volleyball with the local church leagues. He was a respected businessman and much adored son, brother, father, and friend. He instilled in his children an ethic to work hard, respect others, and value family.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Terri, survivors include four children, Curtis Brown of FranklinTwp., Nickolas (Aubree) Brown of Charleston, SC, Alexander and Emma Brown, both at home, granddaughter, Abeni Brown of Franklin Twp.; sister, Sherree May of Ellwood City, and a brother, Steven “Craig” Brown of Cranberry Twp.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday July 13 from 6 to 9 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City. Friends will also be received at the funeral home on Thursday from 10 am until the time of the funeral service at 11 am. His pastor, Rev. Eugene McConnell will officiate the service. Interment will follow in the Lillyville Church of God Cemetery.
100 Marathons...almost inconceivable, yet it does happen. And on Sunday, May 1st, 2016, our fellow Big Dawg, Bob Walker, hit this milestone in fine fashion by running the Pittsburgh Marathon.
Bob's 71 now but ran his first marathon when he was 39...so that's about 3 a year, every year for 32 years. Starting from Pittsburgh, he'd now be in San Francisco with 41 miles to spare.
Wonderful achievement Bob! Congratulations
Photos by Sherree...many thanks!
100th Marathon Tree Preparation...
A 2016 WINTER RUN WRAP-UP IS ADDED TO A PREVIOUS POST BELOW. NAVIGATE DOWN TO SEE A COUPLE NEW PHOTOS AND THE 2ND NEW MEMBER OF THE YEAR.
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Jim Roser...March 25, 1931 - February 23, 2016
Once again the Dawgs are hit with a departing member as of last Tuesday, February 23rd ...William "Jim" Roser would have been 85 March 25th.
We didn't get to see too much of Jim in recent years, although he did make it to our Big Dawgs Picnic to say hello and hang-out with the other Dawgs.
Jim was a wonderful runner, and a quick check on Athlinks shows he ran a good many marathons, including the
New York City Marathon in October, 1981 with a marvelous time of 3:25:22.
Our condolences go out to his family. Rest in peace Jim.
We didn't get to see too much of Jim in recent years, although he did make it to our Big Dawgs Picnic to say hello and hang-out with the other Dawgs.
Jim was a wonderful runner, and a quick check on Athlinks shows he ran a good many marathons, including the
New York City Marathon in October, 1981 with a marvelous time of 3:25:22.
Our condolences go out to his family. Rest in peace Jim.
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The first NEW MEMBER of the year is
DAVE VALENT of Rochester. He is welcomed at an early winter run in Beaver by Lou, Harry, Dave, and Eugene plus John who is behind the camera and Boone is ??? |
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Photos taken at the last winter run on 2/27 and an earlier run are below. The near total lack of snow at this year's runs is evident. NEW MEMBER BRIAN FIFE from Beaver joined the Dawgs at one of the runs A few weeks earlier, he encountered the group while on his own solo run and ran with us for awhile, coming back the next several weeks. But he missed getting into a group photo so - CATCH YA LATER BRIAN!
September 14, 2015.
More sad news for the Big Dawgs.
Tom Marci was one of the early runners to join the Big Dawgs back in 2009. While I did not know Tom very well, I remember him as a friendly guy who was very happy when he was out running. Our condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.
Below is the article published by the "New Castle News".
Thomas Edward Macri, 56, officer-in-charge for Bessemer Borough, died Sunday in an apparent accident.
Pennsylvania State Police said that the death appears accidental, but an investigation continues.
The former New Castle city police officer appeared to have been cleaning his .40 caliber compact pistol at his home on Gardner Center Road, Shenango Township, when it discharged and struck him in the lower left chest area, police said.
He was discovered shortly afterwards by his girlfriend, who summoned emergency services, police said.
He was taken by ambulance to Jameson Hospital, where he died at 2:17 p.m.
While the investigation did not reveal any signs of foul play or suspicious activity, police said an exam will be done Monday by a forensic pathologist at the Heritage Valley Medical Center in Beaver.
A ruling on the manner of death will be made after it is completed.
Macri also had served with Shenango Township police. That department, on its
Facebook page, posted the following:
"The Shenango Township Police Department would like to extend our condolences for the loss of Lieutenant Thomas Macri. Upon his retirement after 27 years of service with the New Castle Police Department, Lieutenant Macri served with the Shenango Township Police Department. Lieutenant Macri then went on to serve as Officer-in-Charge of the Bessemer Borough Police Department. During his time as a police officer, Tom touched the lives of numerous people. Tom was very aggressive and proactive and one of the best narcotics officers in the history of Lawrence County.
Tom was an avid runner and was known to call the guys on patrol for a ride out in the country, miles from home, so he could run back with new scenery. He often competed in races and was in better shape than most men half his age ...
Lieutenant Thomas Macri will always be remembered. Rest in peace Tom, we have the watch from here."
Pennsylvania State Police said that the death appears accidental, but an investigation continues.
The former New Castle city police officer appeared to have been cleaning his .40 caliber compact pistol at his home on Gardner Center Road, Shenango Township, when it discharged and struck him in the lower left chest area, police said.
He was discovered shortly afterwards by his girlfriend, who summoned emergency services, police said.
He was taken by ambulance to Jameson Hospital, where he died at 2:17 p.m.
While the investigation did not reveal any signs of foul play or suspicious activity, police said an exam will be done Monday by a forensic pathologist at the Heritage Valley Medical Center in Beaver.
A ruling on the manner of death will be made after it is completed.
Macri also had served with Shenango Township police. That department, on its
Facebook page, posted the following:
"The Shenango Township Police Department would like to extend our condolences for the loss of Lieutenant Thomas Macri. Upon his retirement after 27 years of service with the New Castle Police Department, Lieutenant Macri served with the Shenango Township Police Department. Lieutenant Macri then went on to serve as Officer-in-Charge of the Bessemer Borough Police Department. During his time as a police officer, Tom touched the lives of numerous people. Tom was very aggressive and proactive and one of the best narcotics officers in the history of Lawrence County.
Tom was an avid runner and was known to call the guys on patrol for a ride out in the country, miles from home, so he could run back with new scenery. He often competed in races and was in better shape than most men half his age ...
Lieutenant Thomas Macri will always be remembered. Rest in peace Tom, we have the watch from here."
Lou Lodovico: February 28, 1924 - August 20, 2015.
Lou made it to 91 and he did it in style...at least that’s the consensus in the western Pennsylvania running world. Since the initial announcement of his passing on the social network, there has been an outpouring of condolences and recognition that he was a role model and inspiration for so many runners.
He was 60 years old when he first started running at the encouragement of his son Dan. Little did he or Dan know what a remarkable running career was being launched, nor how many like-minded people would be influenced by his achievements.
Just Google “Lou Lodovico Running Records” and you’ll come upon a wealth of information.
For example: USA Track & Field Masters Age Group Runner of the Year 6 times between 1994 and 2011.
Ran at least 8 (probably more) Cherry Blossom 10 milers in Washington DC. At age 75 he ran a 1:12:24 (7:14 pace)
and a record 1:35:10 (9:31 pace) when he was 85.
In the Butler Road Race 5 Miler he set 5 National Age Group Records including a time of 34:11 when he was 73.
That’s a 6:50 pace. And at age 87 he crossed the finish line in 47:20.
Amazing stuff!
Lou was the Chairman and one of the founders of our Big Beaver Big Dawgs running club, which now has over 300 members. And on a personal note...that’s how I first met Lou. We’ve run together on training runs and in many races. We had some great conversations. Role model and a running inspiration...no doubt. But even more than that, he was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word.
Rest in Peace Lou. MORE INFO CAN BE FOUND ON THE CURRENT RACE RESULTS/PHOTOS PAGE.
Tuesday (June 2nd), Sherree captured Lou from the "home" and brought him over for dinner at Applebee's in Chippewa with a few of his Dawg buddies. Lou felt good and was looking good. And the conversation about running and other things was a good change-of-pace over the usual "home" conversation of "...so Lou, how many times did you have to get up for the bathroom last night."
But couldn't convince him to come to a race sometime, even as an observer...but we can keep working on that.
Thanks to Harry for the pictures!
At Mike Johnson's 5K race this morning (May 9 @ 8:00)..."Hey, has anybody seen Sherree? Haven't seen her anyplace...I wonder where she can be??????"
A wild pack of us Dawgs headed over to Shelbys Station Bar and Restaurant in Bridgeville Friday night (May 1st) to enjoy the music of Gary Chabala & Ed Auth...
they show up here the first Friday of every month. Good friends, music and food.
And Sherree took some pictures!
At 91, Lou Lodovico has pretty much hung up his running shoes, so it's not likely we'll be seeing him out on the course any time soon. But what a great running legacy he leaves behind for all of us to enjoy.
His grandson, Shawn Ludovico made a wonderful video, which I'm not able to transfer here, but you can see it at https://vimeo.com/121414532.
Check this out folks...95-year-old set new world record for the 200 meter dash-
http://www.sportingnews.com/sport/story/2015-03-12/charles-eugster-shatters-world-record-for-fastest-200-meter-sprint
Lou Lodovico was 91 on Saturday, (Feb. 28) but we had a little Birthday Bash in Ellwood City Thursday afternoon. Twenty Big Dawgs took off their running shoes and headed over to Nico's for lunch.
Lou isn't running much these days, but when he did run he came away with prizes and race records that remain today and may never be broken.
Happy Birthday Lou!
And thanks to John Antinossi for the pics below, plus 2 from Sherree.
Are you too old to run??? This 91 year old lady from Charlotte never asked the question.
Great story below...thanks to Lou Alaksin and Fitness Magazine.
A bone chilling 7 degrees this morning at our Saturday Run in Beaver and one of our regulars didn't show. Maybe it was the weather? Nobody knows for sure.
In any event, we dedicated this morning's run to Lou Alaksin, and post the picture below in his honor.
It seems fitting to recognize rare achievement when it occurs, and although we are a little late in doing this, we can still focus on November 9, 2014, when Tom Gorka ran the Harrisburg, PA Marathon. But it wasn't just a Marathon for Tom.............................
it was his 100th. Makes you think about 100 of anything, us mere mortals have accomplished.
So...a hearty Congratulations to Tom and since you are still a youngster (63) you have plenty of time for many more Marathons.
Tom is shown below (on the left) in a recent picture with fellow Marathoner & Big Dawg runner, Bob Walker.
With 2014 now behind us, we thought it would be appropriate to bring in the New Year by recognizing what we think is one of the Most Improved Big Dawg runners since becoming a member.
Robyn Stewart became a Big Dawg at Jake Walker's 5K, July 30, 2011 where she ran the race in 31:21.
It must have motivated her because her running has continued with many trail runs, muddy and dirty runs, and long runs, especially with her new friends at MoJo.
She ended 2014 on December 31st at the Silvester 5K in Harmony with a great PR in 24:13...a cool 7 minute plus improvement.
Now she plans to do a 30K Trail run in May. You've come a long way baby!
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ROBYN'S TIMES 2013 2014
BAND ON THE RUN 5K 28:38 27:42 BUTLER 5M 48:01 46:50 ICE CREAM 5K 27:27 26:58 GREAT RACE 10K 59:29 55:22 QUICK CHICK 10K 58:38 53:55 BUFFALO CREEK HALF 2:08:01 1:59:21 PITTSBURGH 10 MILER 1:43:20 1:27:26 CRANBERRY TURKEY TROT 5K 28:29 24:44 VOLANT 5K 30:53 25:48 SILVESTER 5K 32:43 24:13 |
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Hope all you DAWGS had a great Thanksgiving and had a chance to get out and run during this marvelous weather.
FYI...we had a 39# turkey who didn't run fast enough to escape his destiny....
An evening out last Friday with Big Dawg friends at Shelby Station in Bridgeville,
to enjoy the Gary Chabala music.
Here's a little clip to give you the flavor of the musical evening.
Big Dawg Mason Swartz (Bib 139), hits a new PR for an 8K Trail run in 27:04 (pace 5:27) during the Michigan Intercollegiate Association Conference Championship at Calvin Collage in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on November 1st. Mason was 14th out of 28 Calvin Runners and 36th out of 111 Runners from 8 different colleges.
Thanks to John Antinossi for sending over this news about a Big Dawg...
P.S. The news from Hershey was not good - Lott's illness stuck around for another weekend and a constant cough hindered his performance.
Our Big Beaver Big Dawg Web Master has an affinity for posting only pictures of Runners; mainly Big Dawg Runners. While this goes hand-in-hand with the Big Dawg race results, there are other race related pictures that expand on the experience, but don't make the cut...for example:
These are from the Oct. 19th Detroit Half & Full Marathon. The group picture was included...the rest were excluded.
So if you have some race related pictures that won't make the 1st cut, maybe they'll make the 2nd.
Thanks to Big Dawg Sam Swartz for these pics taken with his cell phone during the race.
This isn't exactly a running story, although if he'd run more, he wouldn't have gotten soooo big, and if he'd been a little faster, he might have escaped his destiny:
Big Dawg SAM SWARTZ and tHANKgiving. Big HANK reached 54 pounds in 5 months and afterwards tipped the scale at 39 pounds. Turkey sandwiches for all of 2015!
If you haven't seen this...it's a good one. Not entirely "Marathon" but still funny.
Here's a story I took the liberty of lifting from the friendly pages of Facebook...
I'm sure Fellow Big Dawg Mary Morgan, thought a quiet, relaxing ride on the Amtrak train from Pittsburgh to Chicago for the Chicago Marathon would be a nice break from the tedious drive. Little did she know that right now lots of goods are being moved around by the freight trains and since they own the tracks, they have the right-of-way. The relaxing trip soon turned into a frustrating and anxious ride since the packet pick-up at the Chicago Expo would close at 6 and no exceptions were being made.
To make a long story short, here's what Mary had to say:
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Some of us Senior Dawgs (including not-so-senior Sherree) got together to have a beer in celebration of Big Dawg #11, Bob Walker's 70th birthday. Sherree made up a great 2015 calendar with 12 different Big Dawg pictures for Bob to mark his up-coming races, including his next ninety something, full marathon. He'll have 100 by early 2016 when he runs Pittsburgh...or Berlin, or Rome.
