36th General Convention - William Penn Life

In Memoriam
ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2007, the 36th General Convention honored the memory of those distinguished members who had
passed away since the last convention with a special memorial service. Among our deceased members were many who
at one time or another were builders of the Association, people whose dedication, loyalty and hard work made the WPA
a leader in the fraternal benefit system and the American Hungarian community.
Whether these individuals served on the national or branch level, in the Home Office or in the field, it was only fitting
that their names be noted in the records of the 36th General Convention, and that the delegates recognize and pay tribute
to their valuable contributions.
The memorial service was conducted by Vice Chairman of the Board E. E. (Al) Vargo. The Rev. Joseph G. Bodnar of
Branch 19 New Brunswick, N.J., offered reflections and paid tribute to the fraternal spirit of those being honored. His
wife Evelyn Bodnar and pianist Arlene Miller of Branch 725 Springfield, Mass., performed a moving renditon of the
traditional hymn, “How Great Thou Art.” The service also included a powerful and beautiful rendition of “Amazing
Grace,” played on the bagpipes by Lt. Michael Scott (pictured) of the Pittsburgh Police Department.
Among those honored during the service were:
Michael J. Hrabar, former chairman of the Board, who had served as a member of the Board of
Directors from 1987 to 1995, and as chairman from 1995 until June 1999. Prior to his service on
the Board, he was a member of the National Auditing Committee from 1971 to 1987 and was
a leader at Branch 16 Perth Amboy, N.J., for many years.
William C. Kohut, who served as a member of the Board of Directors from 1971
to 1987 and as a member of the National Auditing Committee from 1947 to
1971. He was a major contributor to the Association’s Scholarship Foundation
and one of the people most responsible for the acquisition and early development
of Penn Scenic View.
Joseph J. Miller., retired supreme president of the Catholic Knights of St.
George, who served in that office from 1971 to 1982.
Paul Molocko, Sr., retired member of the Board of Directors, who served on the
Board from 1979 to 1983.
Ernest J. Mozer, Sr., retired member of the National Auditing Committee who
served on the committee from 1991 to 2003 and as coordinator for Branch 51
Passaic, N.J., for many years.
John Sabo, retired national president, who served in that office from 1984 to 1986. Prior
to that, he served as a member of the Board of Directors from 1971 to 1984 and as national
controller of the Verhovay Aid Association and the WPA from 1943 to 1969.
Joseph B. Sinicrope, retired national treasurer of the Catholic Knights of St. George.
HOME OFFICE EMPLOYEE: Donna M. Griffin, FIC, life underwriter and supervisor
of the New Business Department from 2003 until her death in April 2007. She became
part of the WPA family in 1983 when the Association merged with the former Catholic
Knights of St. George, for whom she was employed since 1978.
ILLUSTRIOUS MEMBER: Alexander J. Horvath, Branch 132 South Bend, IN.
FORMER BRANCH OFFICERS AND COORDINATORS: Alexander J. Goydan, Branch
226 McKeesport, PA; John (Jack) Lippert, Branch 705 Mayville, WI; Alexander Nanai,
Branch 1 Bridgeport, CT; Frank A. Peterfy, Branch 129 Columbus, OH; Sandra J. Zsemko,
Branch 226 McKeesport, PA.
RETIRED HOME OFFICE EMPLOYEES: Mary E. Devlin; Nancy L. Irwin; Joan Kelemen;
and Irma Kozma.
We honor the memory of all departed members of our great fraternal society. May the
blessing of Almighty God be with them and their loved ones. May they rest in peace.
William Penn Life, Special Convention Edition, December 2007