Minerd.com Biography of Earl and Mary (Minerd) Eicher of Pittsburgh, PA

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Mary (Minerd) Eicher
(1895-1979)

Mary (Minerd) Eicher was born on Aug. 30, 1895 in Dunbar, Fayette County, PA, the daughter of James and Emma (Meyers) Minerd Jr. She appears to have been named after a half-sister who had died some 10 years earlier.

Even though her father was still alive, Mary at age eight was sent to the Uniontown Soldiers’ Orphans’ School. Later, she was transferred to the Soldiers’ Orphans’ Industrial School at Scotland, Franklin County, PA.

Soldiers’ Orphans’ School, Scotland, PA

When Mary was age 14, it was clear to her that her father was dying. One day, as she was washing clothes, he drew her near and kissed her. She was so blinded by her tears that she could hardly continue her work. He finally passed away on Memorial Day 1909, then known as Decoration Day. For many years afterward, on Memorial Day, Mary would weep thinking about him.

On Valentine's Day 1917, at the age of 21, Mary was united in holy matrimony with 21-year-old Earl Stanley Eicher (1895-1980). He was a native of Westmoreland County, PA, and their wedding license was obtained in the county.

The couple produced a family of six children – Dorothy Tascher, Donald E. Eicher Sr., Marion A. Srogi Andeits, William James Eicher Sr., Eugene Eicher and Rose Menke.

The Eichers first lived in Connellsville, Fayette County, where Earl worked as an electrician in a glass factory and also for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. After he suffered through some serious railroad accidents, Mary insisted that he quit.

Circa 1919, the Eichers moved to Pittsburgh, where they resided for decades at 1952 Greenleaf Street. Earl found employment as a machinist and welder at Jones & Laughlin Steel Company on the city's South Side. The Eichers stayed in Pittsburgh for the rest of their lives.

Earl Eicher's workplace, the massive J&L South Side Works

Earl held a membership in the Penn Justice Lodge of the Masons, while Mary enjoyed playing bingo.

The couple was thrust into the limelight in December 1940. Mary returned home one evening from from a bingo party and found Earl in the embrace of their 20-year-old maid. Both Earl and the girl faced morals charges in court, and Mary filed for divorce, all as reported in the Pittsburgh Press.

Evidence suggests that the couple reconciled and remained together for the balance of their lives.

Mary spent her final year living above her daughter Marion's bar in the city's West End. Her grandson Michael Eugene Eicher helped provide her with care. She passed away in Pittsburgh on Aug. 20, 1979.

Earl lived less than a year afterward, and died in Pittsburgh on Sept. 17, 1980. His obituary was printed in the Press.

~ Daughter Dorothy (Eicher) Tascher ~

Daughter Dorothy Eicher (1917-1991) was born on July 22, 1917 in Connellsville, Fayette County.

She is believed to have been married to or in a relationship with Joseph "Joe" Donaghue. In 1948, they produced a daughter, Sharon (Eicher) Nagle Gillespie Chronister.

Dorothy also was in a relationship at some point with (?) Cooley.

At the age of 32, on June 10, 1950, she was united in wedlock with 55-year-old widower August G. Tascher (July 8, 1894- ? ), a painter who had been born in Germany. He was the son of Joseph and Gertrude (Enger) Tascher. Pittsburgh alderman Frank R. Bruno performed the nuptials. August's first wife, Susan Woods Tascher, had died on April 14, 1950.

In all, Dorothy was the mother of three children -- Sharon Nagle Gillespie, Kenneth Cooley and Robert Tascher.

Dorothy found any discussion of family history unpleasant.

August passed into eternity in Pittsburgh June 1976 as he was nearing his 81st birthday.

Dorothy lived for another 15 years. She died on Sept. 30, 1991. A death notice was published in the Pittsburgh Press which noted that she was survived by two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Son Kenneth Cooley ( ? - ? ) never married.

Son Robert Tascher ( ? - ? ) never married.

Sharon and Francis Chronister

Daughter Sharon Lee Eicher (1948-2009) was born on Aug. 1, 1948 in Pittsburgh. Her first husband was (?) Nagel ( ? - ? ). He is said to have been a Vietnam War veteran who was exposed to Agent Orange. Sharon also was in a relationship with Dennis Waters ( ? - ? ), and together they produced a daughter, Kathy Lynn, but raised under the name "Nagel" and married under the name "Barry." Sharon was married circa 1991 to (?) Gillespie ( ? - ? ). With Matthew Cavanaugh ( ? - ? ), she bore a son, Shane Cavanaugh. Circa 1999, she wed again to Francis L. Chronister (Oct. 17, 1942-2007), a native of Johnstown, Cambria County, PA and the son of Ralph and Alberta (Box) Chronister. Francis brought two offspring into the marriage, Frank Chronister and Christine Furman. The Chronisters raised two of their granddaughters and adopted them as their own, with the birth parents' rights terminated in Juvenile Court of Allegheny County in 1999/2000 -- Megan Lee Chronister and Ashley Marie Lee Chronister. Sharon earned a living for many years as a custodian with the Deer Lakes School District. Francis, a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, earned a living as a truck driver for the Teamsters Union, and held a membership in the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. In about 2004, the couple relocated to Lower Burrell, Westmoreland County, PA. Francis belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Lower Burrell and the Owls Nest of Russellton, PA. He also liked to collect trains, wood with wood, listen to oldies music, shoot pool and sing karaoke. Francis passed away at home on Sept. 1, 2007. Intement was in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, with Rev. Kenneth Foust preaching the funeral sermon. Sadly, as a patient in Good Samaritan Hospice Unit at Concordia, Cabot, Sharon died on her 61st birthday on Aug. 1, 2009. The Valley News Dispatch published an obituary. Her remains were lowered into eternal repose in the National Alleghenies cemetery.

Granddaughter Kathy Lynn Nagel ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She was married multiple times in addition to other relationships. She first was joined in marriage with Earl Wayne Lee ( ? - ? ) and had a relationship with Edward L. Macasek in which children were born. Later she wedded (?) Barry ( ? - ? ) and possibly Oliver Laird Depoe ( ? - ? ) and finally Robert Reese ( ? - ? ). She is said to have been the mother of nine -- Jesse (?), Kara, Natasha Lyn Nagel (born 1987), Hope Lyn (Nagel) Emph (born 1990), Ashley Marie Lee Chronister (born 1991), Megan Autumn Lee Chronister (born 1993), Bailey Lyn Lee (born 1995) and twins Matthew David Macasek and Michael Andrew Macasek (born 1998). In legal action in the Juvenile Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas in Allegheny County over the span of 1998-2000, Kathy's parental rights to her seven youngest children were terminated. Daughters Ashley and Megan were legally adopted circa 2000 and raised by Kathy's parents and took their surname "Chronister." Daughter Hope, was adopted by William and Lori Michele (Rice) Emph of Virginia. The Reeses' home in 2007 was in Poland, Mahoning County, OH. Sadly, daughter Hope suffered from bipolar and schizophrenia disorders and took her own life in Mt. Jackson, VA on June 21, 2020.

Grandson Shane Cavanaugh married Cheryl and has lived in Aliquippa, Beaver County, PA.

~ Son Donald E. Eicher Sr. ~

Son Donald E. Eicher Sr. (1922-2000) was born on Oct. 22, 1922.

In young manhood he worked in Pittsburgh as a machine operator.

At the age of 19, on April 8, 1942, he married 21-year-old Marcella E. Fairbanks (Aug. 15, 1921- ? ). She was the daughter of William and Gertrude (Delphy) Fairbanks and at the time lived at 209 Charne Street in Pittsburgh. The nuptials were performed by alderman William Timmons. Because both groom and bride were underage, their parents had to sign their consents.

The Eichers' three children were Donna Rae Graham, Donald Eicher and Marsha Carol Grzeszczak.

Marcella held a membership in St. James Catholic Church.

The couple separated, with Donald suing for divorce in December 1945. They appear to have reconciled, as at least two children were born later. But their marriage continued to be troubled. Donald moved to Michigan, while Marcella dwelled in Arlington Heights Housing Project in Pittsburgh.

Marcella was arrested in March 1953 when she left her three young children in the care of a teenage babysitter "while she attended an all-night party," reported the Pittsburgh Press.She and her divorced sister Marie Rankin spent the night at the home of their brother James Fairbanks, with related coverage and Marcella's photograph published in the Pittsburgh Sun Telegraph. The youngsters were sent to the Juvenile Court's Detention Home.

The couple eventually divorced. Donald wedded again to Esther M. Lindquist (1923-1985), daughter of Elizabeth Tooker. She brought at least one daughter to the union, Eileen Marie "Pinky" Skaggs. Several other children were of this family, among them Joann Sandstrom, Linda Moss and Elaine Brisson.

Donald and Esther resided in Livonia, Wayne County, a suburb of Detroit.

Sadly, Esther passed away at the age of 61 on Jan. 19, 1985. The Pittsburgh Press carried an obituary.

Donald lived on as a widower for five-and-a-half years and made a home ni Marshall, Calhoun County. Death swept him away n Aug. 30, 2000.

Former wife Marcella made her residence in Stoneboro and Harrisville, PA. She died at the age of 73 on Dec. 17, 1994. An obituary was printed in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. A funeral mass was held in St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church in Forestville, PA, followed by interment in St. Anthony's Cemetery.

Daughter Donna Rae Eicher ( ? -living) married Tony Graham ( ? - ? ). Together they bore three children -- John Graham, Donna Rae Farris and Kimberly Lynn Graham. Circa 1994, Donna was in Harrisville, PA.

Daughter Marsha Carol Eicher ( ? - ? ) was united in wedlock. She wedded (?) Grzeszczak ( ? - ? ). Marsha Carol relocated to California and was the mother of Frank. By 1994, she was in Farmington Hills, MI.

Son Donald E. Eicher Jr. ( ? - ? ) dwelled in Grove City, PA. He is said to have had no family.

Stepdaughter Eileen Marie "Pinky" Lindquist ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She was united in matrimony with (?) Skaggs ( ? - ? ). She was the mother of Christina.

~ Daughter Marion A. (Eicher) Srogi Andeits ~

Daughter Marion A. Eicher (1919-2010) was born on Sept. 4, 1919 in Connellsville, Fayette County.

She was twice married. Her first spouse was Bernard E. Srogi (Sept. 26, 1908- ? ), the son of Polish immigrants Martin and Frances (Driwinga) Srogi of Pittsburgh. Officiating the wedding, held on Sept. 16, 1939, was Rev. S. Znijewski of Guardian Angels Church in the West End. Bernard was employed as a cleaner at the time of marriage.

One son was born to the first marriage, Bernard M. Srogi.

Marion sued for divorce in October 1943, as reported in the Pittsburgh Press.

She later wed James Andeits ( ? - ? ).

They were the parents of one son of their own, James "Jimmy" Andeits Jr.

The Andeitses dwelled in the West End of Pittsburgh.

Marion at one time worked for a chewing gum factory and once said that she was fascinated by watching machinery in operation. Bearing the nickname "Mom," she was best known as owner and operator for three decades of the West End Cafe on South Main Street. She sold the business in 1989 but continued working there until about 1999. She was quoted in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in September 2000 about one of the cafe's regular customers who was mentally troubled and homeless and allegedly killed a young boy.

At the age of 90, Marion passed away on June 17, 2010. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published an obituary.

Son Bernard M. Srogi (1940-2023) was born on March 28, 1940. In young manhood he joined the U.S. Army and trained as a paratrooper. Later, he earned a living performing appliance repairs. He appears to have been married thrice. His first wife was Georgann ( ? - ? ). They were the parents of Karen Barton, Bernard M. Srogi Jr. and Debra Srogi. The couple divorced in September 1973. On Oct. 19, 1973, he wed his second bride, Paulette I. (Chesney) Mackewich (1946- ? ), daughter of Joseph and Mary (Webb) Chesney. The nuptials were performed by justice of the peace Mary Louise Boyd. Bernard's address in the early 1970s was 408 South Main Street. In time, circa 1977, Bernard was joined in wedlock with Sandra ( ? - ? ). Their union endured for 45 years until cleaved apart by death. Sandra was employed at the Federal Building in Pittsburgh. They made their dwelling-place in Elliott, a small, hilly neighborhood in the city's West End. Bernard enjoyed history. In September 1996, the Srogis generously opened their home for a visit from the founder of this website. Sadly, Bernard surrendered to the angel of death at the age of 82 on March 3, 2023. Interment of the remains was in Chartiers Cemetery.

Granddaughter Karen Srogi (1963-2018) was born on June 18, 1963 in Pittsburgh. She married Greg Barton ( ? - ? ). They were the parents of Cassidy Barton, Brittany Paxton and Forrest Barton. The couple made a home in the Elliott section of Pittsburgh. Sadly, at the age of 55, Karen passed away without warning on July 15, 2018.

Grandson Bernard M. Srogi Jr. (1964-2002) was born in about 1964. He appears to have been a lifelong bachelor. At one time he was a cook at the Pittsburgh Athletic Club. Grief blanketed the family when he was spirited away by death at the age of 38 on Nov. 24, 2002. An obituary was published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Granddaughter Debra Srogi ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She entered into marriage with Marc Panaia ( ? - ? ) and bore a daughter, Anais Panaia.

Son James Andeits Jr. (1946- ? ) was born in Dec. 1946. He did not marry but was in a long-term relationship with Lonna Lee McCloskey ( ? -2007), daughter of John and Ethel McCloskey. James made a home in Imperial and Pittsburgh, PA, and Lonna Lee in Green Tree. The pair were the parents of Kathleen Andeits, Cherie Lynn Andeits and Jimmy John Andeits. In January 1976, during the height of the Pittsburgh Steelers' streak of four Super Bowl wins, he was quoted in the Pittsburgh Press, defending the team's kicker Roy Gerela in a fraudulent legal claim brought by a fan. James bought and sold a number of business properties over the years in Pittsburgh. During the early 1990s, he owned the Bottom's Up Club, an adult spot on Route 51. The bar was in the news in July 1994 when Pittsburgh City Councilman Joseph M. Cusick was arrested in the parking lot for public intoxication and assaulting a police officer, virtually ending Cusick's political career. James subsequently sold the business. Lonna Lee died at the age of 57 on July 29, 2007. Her obituary was printed in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Granddaughter Kathleen Andeits ( ? - ? )

Granddaughter Cherie Lynn Andeits ( ? - ? )

Grandson Jimmy John Andeits ( ? - ? )was born in (?). As a young man, he attended the University of Pittsburgh and earned a living with Maronda Homes as a sales representative. Circa September 2006, he was united in wedlock with Rebecca "Becky" Weber ( ? - ? ), daughter of Robert Weber of Bethel Park. Rebecca was a Pitt alumna who held a bachelor of science in nursing. At the time of marriage, she was employed with Vasomedical Inc. as a clinical nurse specialist. News of their engagement was printed in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

~ Son William James Eicher Sr. ~

Son William James Eicher Sr. ( ? -1997) was born in July (?).

Circa 1953, he was joined together in the bonds of matrimony with Marie Frances Scharick ( ? -2013).

Marie brought a young daughter to the union, Mary Jane Hooper.

Their known brood of children were Theresa Marie Eicher, William James Eicher Jr., Michael Eugene Eicher and Mark Allen Eicher.

William passed away on Oct. 16, 1997.

The widowed Marie outlived him by 15 years. She died on Jan. 16, 2013. She was pictured in an obituary in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. She was survived by 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Daughter Mary Jane Eicher (1953- ? ) was born in 1953. She was very young when her mother married, and was adopted by William Eicher Mary Jane married Wayne Hooper ( ? - ? ). The couple produced three offspring -- Christopher Wayne Hooper, Kelly Lynn Schmidt and Matthew Bryan Hooper. The pair eventually divorced. Mary Jane has made her residence in the Sheridan neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

Grandson Christopher Wayne Hooper (1974-living) was born in 1974. He wed Staci. They have lived in North Fayette Township.

Granddaughter Kelly Lynn Hooper (1979-living) was born in 1979. She was united in matrimony with Brad Schmidt. Their only daughter is Samantha Marie Schmidt. The Schmidts have dwelled in Robinson Township near Pittsburgh.

Grandson Matthew Bryan Hooper (1987-living) was born in 1987. He married Katie. They are the parents of two offspring and make a home in West Virginia.

Daughter Theresa Marie Eicher (1955-living) was born in 1955. She has been married multiple times and has borne 10 children. Four of the offspring were given up for adoption. Circa 2022, she was in McKeesport.

Son William James Eicher Jr. (1959-2020) was born on March 8, 1959 in Pittsburgh. He tied the knot with (?). They were the parents of Traci Eicher. The couple eventually divorced. William made his residence in Pittsburgh's West End. He succumbed to the angel of death at the age of 60 on Jan. 5, 2020. His obituary appeared in TribLive.com, the online edition of the Greensburg Tribune-Review.

Granddaughter Traci Eicher ( ? -living) is the mother of William "Billy" Kerston.

Son Michael Eugene Eicher (1963 -living) was born on May 22, 1963. On July 29, 2017, at the age of 55, he was joined in wedlock with Louis James "Lou" Pasquarelli (April 4, 1959-2018), his companion of 20 years, and the son of Harry and Frances Pasquarelli. The couple resided in the Pittsburgh suburb of Penn Hills. Louis earned a living for three decades with Whistler Construction. They also owned Salone Michale in Penn Hills and enjoyed being part of the community fabric. Said the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Louis was "known for his affable humor [and] love of life" as well as "his unfaltering generosity and ability to make anyone feel at ease... It wasn't uncommon to find Lou inside the salon or the nearby parking lot chatting with customers and assisting regulars to their car doors." Sadly, Louis was disgnosed with incurable multiple myeloma cancer. He received treatment at the renowned Hillman Cancer Institute. A day before his first wedding anniversary, on July 28, 2018, he surrendered to the angel of death. Pastor Laurie Lesoon officiated the funeral service, with an obituary appearing in the Post-Gazette. Michael graciously has provided content for this biography.

Son Mark Allen Eicher (1965-living) was born on Christmas Day 1965. He entered into marriage with Laurie ( ? -living). The pair together bore two daughters -- Samantha Eicher and Joey Lynn Eicher. They have dwelled in Pitcairn, PA.

~ Son Eugene Eicher ~

Son Eugene Eicher ( ? - ? ) was born on June 15, (?).

As with his older brother Donald, Eugene relocated to Michigan and was there in the late 1990s.

He was united in holy wedlock with Ann ( ? - ? ).

The couple bore three offspring -- Eugene Eicher, Susanna Yager and Emily Shaw.

Son Eugene Eicher ( ? - ? ) was joined in marriage twice and had two children to both.

Daughter Susanna Eicher ( ? - ? ) married (?) Yager. Their offspring are Heather Yager, Pamela Yager, Suzette Yager and Michael Yager.

Daughter Emily Eicher ( ? - ? ) wedded (?) Shaw ( ? - ? ). The couple produced three children -- Courtney Shaw, Brittany Shaw and Andrew Shaw.

~ Daughter Roselma "Rose" (Eicher) Menke ~

Daughter Roselma L. "Rose" Eicher (1934?-2009) was born in about 1934.

She was joined in holy matrimony with (?) Miller ( ? - ? ) and Harvey H. Menke ( ? -2013).

She bore two offspring -- Donald Miller and Susan Menke.

Harvey supported the family through his work for Weinman Pump Supply Company. He was a member of the Hardhead Club in Emlenton, PA.

Rose resided for many years in Crafton Heights near Pittsburgh. She graciously spoke with the founder of this website in April 1996 and provided valuable information and stories.

Sadly, she succumbed to death at the age of 75 on June 1, 2009. A death notice was published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Harvey endured as a widower for four years. He passed into eternity at the age of 83 on June 22, 2013. Interment of the remains was in Chartiers Cemetery.

Son Donald Miller ( ? - ? ) was married to Louellen ( ? - ? ). He was the father of Roxanne Schroyer, John Menke and Christy Franchek.

Granddaughter Roxanne Menke wedded David Schroyer. Circa 1996, they had one son, Alex Schroyer.

Grandson John Menke married Pamela. They were the parents of Amber Menke and at least one other.

Granddaughter Christy Menke was joined in marriage circa July 1996 with George Franchek.

Daughter Susan A. Menke ( ? - ? ) worked as a registered nurse at Allegheny General Hospital in 1996.