Organized Crime and the Murder of an Eighty Four Businessman

Observer-Reporter March 13, 1985

 A dilapidated bar at the crossroads of routes 519 and 136 in Washington County is a somber reminder of a murder that rattled the Eighty Four community in 1985.

March 11 started out like any other day for 46-year-old Robert Dickinson of Chartiers Township, a well-respected businessman who owned Eighty Four Packing and was a former business partner of Pittsburgh Steelers offensive guard Jon Kolb. After work, he stopped by the Somerset Inn, not far from his office, to enjoy drinks with his friends. Before the evening’s end, he was lying dead in the parking lot with a gunshot wound to the head.

A clerk and customers at a nearby gas station heard the gunshots at around 10 p.m. and it wasn’t long before they realized that someone across the street had been shot. Soon, the state police arrived to tape off the crime scene and start their criminal investigation. I was a state trooper on highway patrol, so I wasn’t dispatched to the scene that night. It was initially thought that Dickinson had been mistaken for someone else and that the intended target was his friend and drinking buddy, who was an off duty, undercover state trooper. This theory was debunked and the case was eventually placed on the back burner where it remained unsolved.  

Observer-Reporter March 13, 1985

Eight years later, after being promoted to the role of state police investigator, this case was given to me as part of the agency’s protocol to have “fresh eyes” look at the cold cases. The Dickinson murder ended up being one of the most interesting cases I would work on.

My first task as the lead investigator was to crack open the case files to study the report and familiarize myself with the facts. It turned out that Dickinson left the bar and was shot in the parking lot by someone wielding a high-powered rifle. There were no witnesses and by the time I got the case the trail had gone cold. I tracked down some of the folks that were interviewed during the initial investigation and these interviews, along with the information from other investigative resources, brought the names of two new suspects to the surface. The thread that connected them to this crime was the fact that they had used the same methods to commit similar crimes. With several people on my radar, I headed to Steubenville, Ohio, where I was able to interview some local residents and investigators from the local police department.

Observer-Reporter photo Sept. 27, 1997

Most of the people I interviewed were willing to talk, but they feared for their own safety and didn’t want to be named publicly in the investigation. One of the more interesting people I talked to was George Franklin Ely Jr., a known career criminal, who was serving a life sentence for a similar crime. As the story unfolded, I discovered that Ely and John Dino Martin, formerly of Steubenville and Brooke County, WV, along with Franklin Tesack of Weirton, WV, had been arrested and convicted of breaking into a home and shooting two people (killing one and injuring another) in Hancock County, WV on Sept. 26, 1985, just six months after the Dickinson homicide. All were sentenced to life without parole. Ely was convicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, and was serving a life sentence in a federal correctional facility in Lewisburg, PA. While Marin, one of his co-conspirators in the Hancock County case, was also in federal custody under a protection program after testifying in a federal racketeering trial against Paul “No Legs” Hankish of Wheeling, WV. At the time, Hankish was the head of a crime ring that had a stronghold in Washington County.

Federal marshals escort John Dino Martin to a hearing at the Washington County Courthouse
 in January 1998.

My initial focus was on Martin, and I spent many hours contacting various federal agencies to set up an interview. Once we had the green light, Crime Supervisor Sgt. James Altman and I headed to a top secret and secure location in Minnesota where we were given a limited amount of time to meet with Martin.  

Prior to the interview, Martin was transferred to Minnesota from another facility, but I was not told which one. Upon our arrival, we were taken to a sterile room where we waited for Martin. When he arrived, I noticed that he was very neat and meticulous, with a slight build. Even though he had cold, dark eyes, and a reputation and tendency for criminal behavior, I was surprised that he was suspected of many homicides and associated crimes. It was apparent that Martin, a high school honor graduate, was intelligent. In addition to holding his own during the interview, he was smart enough to know that cooperating with the federal authorities in high- profile organized crime investigations, would provide him with certain perks, liberties, and a better life behind bars. His personality and engaging demeanor made him the type of person, who under different circumstances, would have been invited into someone’s home. Afterall, anyone who encountered him would be shocked to learn that he was a cold-blooded killer, who had reportedly done “work” for an organized crime group in the Wheeling/Steubenville area. 

During what I would describe as a five-hour “casual conversation” with Martin, I was able to piece together some of the missing pieces in the Dickinson homicide case. Martin said he and Ely were hit men who were paid to commit the crime. Unfortunately, Martin, a street wise and extremely cagey man, wouldn’t reveal who paid them or why; saving this information for future negotiations. Martin was willing to talk all day, but I knew I had gotten all of the pertinent information that he was willing to share, so I gathered my stuff and ended the interview. 

On the return trip, Sgt. Altman and I decided to interview Ely, so a couple of weeks later we traveled 225 miles to the federal prison in Lewisburg, PA. It was obvious that he wasn’t as dynamic as Martin, the leader of the duo who called the shots. After about three hours, Ely confirmed most of the information we had received from Martin. 

When we returned to Washington, I reviewed all of the physical evidence and interviews and compared the statements of Martin and Ely. I concluded that prior to the Dickinson murder, both Martin and Ely made the trip from Wheeling to Eighty Four several times to case the area and locate his residence and business. During these visits they were able to watch his movements, study his habits, and see which vehicles he drove. Once they had a plan, they made a final trip to Eighty Four and followed Dickinson from his meat packing plant to the Somerset Inn, where they waited in the parking lot. Eventually, Dickinson left the bar and walked over to his truck to unlock the driver’s side door. That’s when Ely drove up to Dickinson’s truck, stopping long enough for Martin to get out of the vehicle and fire a high-powered rifle. A bullet, which had been fired at close range, struck Dickinson in the head, killing him instantly. Martin hurried back to the get-away car and Ely drove west on Route 136 toward Washington.

On Nov. 22, 1996, I traveled back to the Lewisburg Federal Correctional Facility, this time with Trooper John D. Liggett, to serve the arrest warrant on Ely. He was given his constitutional rights, and we headed back to Washington County with Trooper Liggett driving while I sat in the backseat with our prisoner. Ely, who had been eating prison food for years, mentioned that he would really like something from McDonalds. So, Liggett pulled up to a drive-through and we placed his order. Ely talked freely as he enjoyed a Quarter Pounder, fries and a chocolate milkshake. We escorted him to the scene of the crime, where he explained what he remembered and pointed out the location of the shooting. He was later arraigned and lodged in the Washington County Jail.

An arrest warrant was also issued for Martin, but because of his federal protection status, the request had to go through a complex process with the U.S. Attorney’s office. When he was finally brought back to Washington County for his arraignment in January of 1998, the security was tight and the 47-year-old Martin was heavily guarded by federal marshals.  

On Sept. 26, 1997, 51-year-old Ely, who was paid $1,000 by Martin to drive to Eighty Four, pleaded guilty to criminal conspiracy and criminal homicide. He was sentenced to 5-10 years for the first charge and sentenced to life for the homicide charge. It was reported in the Observer-Reporter in September of 1997, that part of Ely’s plea agreement was for him to testify against Martin. If he failed to do so, District Attorney John Pettit said the agreement would be revoked and he would stand trial, facing a death penalty conviction for first degree murder.

Martin pleaded guilty on July 29, 2003, to criminal conspiracy to commit homicide and received 5-10 years in prison. As far as I know, Ely and Martin are both still alive and serving out their life sentences behind prison walls. Unfortunately, Ely and Martin have never revealed why they were hired to shoot Dickinson and who ordered the hit. It is information they will likely take to the grave.

Somerset Inn: Friendly Neighborhood Tavern or Nuisance Bar?

Time has taken a toll on the Somerset Inn, which was the scene of the Robert Dickinson murder in March of 1985. For many years since, it has been vacant and rundown, with its parking lot overgrown with weeds. The building at the crossroads of routes 136 and 519 in Eighty Four earned the reputation of being a nuisance bar after it was the scene of two murders in the same year. 

Shortly after the Dickinson murder, in December of 1985, Drayton Brown Sphar, 38, of Washington, was found stabbed to death in his car in the parking lot. Thomas Jeffrey Gorby, 27, of Eighty Four was convicted of first degree murder and was originally sentenced to death. He was eventually granted another trial, and his sentence was reduced to third-degree murder. Gorby died of liver cancer at SCI-Fayette on March 23, 2022 at the age of 63. 

Observer-Reporter August 27, 1971

Observer-Reporter December 30, 1972

 

Although the events of 1985 put the Eighty Four crossroads on the map, in 1971, 86-year-old Myrtle Amos was murdered in a house nearby. Mrs. Amos, the wife of the late Washington County Commissioner Earl Amos, was killed by her housekeeper Violet Marie Williams, 50, of Eighty Four. Williams was accused of killing Mrs. Amos and storing her body in a freezer. Her burned body was discovered weeks later in a heap of trash in West Finley Township. Williams was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. A record of Mrs. Williams’ death couldn’t be located, but she would have been over 100 years old by now and it is likely she died in prison.

Trooper Larry Maggi

Larry Maggi is a retired trooper with the Pennsylvania State Police, a former Washington County Sheriff, and a member of the Washington County Board of Commissioners, serving over 209,000 constituents in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Larry Maggi

larry.maggi@washcopa.gov

 

 

The Shocking 1978 Mob Hit at a Canton Township Gymnastics Studio

 

Observer-Reporter, Washington, PA, April 28, 1978

The Morning Herald, Uniontown, PA, Nov. 16, 1949

Melvin Pike of Uniontown met his match at the end of a shot gun while his 11-year-old daughter looked on in a Canton Township gymnastics studio. When names like Snooky, Codfish, and No Legs surfaced 13 years later, it was clear that the case had all the markings of a mob hit.

On April 19, 1978, a hooded assailant walked into a gymnastics studio on Jefferson Avenue and fired three shotgun blasts of double-ought buckshot at Pike, a long-reputed mobster from Uniontown, Fayette County. Pike’s young daughter watched as her gravely injured father was transported to Washington Hospital, where he died several hours later. It was reported at the time that Pike adored his daughter and drove her to Washington a few times a week for private gymnastic lessons.

Melvin Pike being escorted to a court hearing. The Evening Herald, Uniontown, PA, Dec. 17, 1949

Although I was a state trooper in 1978, I didn’t get involved with the Pike case until 1991, while serving as the troop’s criminal and unsolved homicide investigator.

In Pennsylvania, the state police never close an unsolved murder or “cold case” as they are called today. The state police policy is to have a fresh set of eyes look at the evidence after a certain period of time. Although forensic techniques have always been an important tool to solve cases, I always found it helpful to develop a network of informants to help me gather new information or clues. That’s what helped me shed some light on the Pike case.

This meant I would have to interview informants with connections to the organized crime, because at the time of Pike’s death, Washington County was a hotbed of illegal activity controlled by criminal forces in Pittsburgh, Wheeling and Uniontown. The kingpins from these towns controlled the illegal gambling, drugs, and prostitution that plagued our community.

 

Gerald "Snooky" Walls, Indiana Gazette, Indiana, PA Feb. 13, 1997

I decide to start by reinterviewing Gerald “Snooky” Walls, a mob informant from Uniontown. Snooky was a likable and personal individual, whose demeanor defied the two murder convictions in his long criminal record. You would have never guessed that in 1967 he had killed a young Marine on a street corner in Uniontown, was convicted of 2^nd degree murder, and sentenced to 10 to 20 years in prison. Or that in 1995, he punched a Fayette County man in the face, causing him to fall to the ground, where he struck his head on the pavement. The man died in the Brownsville Hospital and Walls fled to Florida to escape arrest. He was apprehended nearly a year later and pleaded no contest to an involuntary manslaughter charge.

For some reason, Snooky was always willing to talk and provide information on cold cases. As we sat down for a long interview, I had to keep in mind that while a character like Snooky can be reliable, his interview needed to be kept in the proper perspective.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette June 25, 2000

Paul "No Legs" Hankish, Instagram, Criminal Underworld Compilation, January 17, 2025

During this interview, Snooky claimed that Robert “Codfish” Bricker of Pittsburgh was the shooter in the Pike slaying. His exact words were, and I quote, “Pike was whacked on orders from Wheeling, West Virginia” by mob kingpin Paul “No Legs” Hankish. The mobster, who earned his nickname when he lost his legs in a car bombing, allegedly ordered the hit on Pike because he suspected he was encroaching on his Fayette County drug operations.

Once I had information from Snooky, I turned my attention to Codfish himself, who was being held at the State Correctional Institution in Somerset County, where he was serving several life sentences for other murder convictions. Codfish, a good-looking and well-groomed man with neatly trimmed hair had striking, cold grey eyes that appeared to be sizing up the situation when he entered the room. I had a notebook in hand, because although his attorney didn’t approve of any recordings of the conversation, I was permitted to take notes.

I believe Codfish was honest in his answers and gave an accurate description of what occurred. He described how he had “worked for various people in the Pittsburgh and Wheeling area” and that the orders to “take care of Melvin Pike from Uniontown who was sticking his nose where it shouldn’t be” came from Wheeling.

Codfish followed Pike for several weeks, learning about his habits and the places he frequented. This is how he knew that Pike would be taking his daughter to gymnastics class in Washington. So, on Wednesday, April 19, 1978, he parked his car at a nearby dairy bar on Jefferson Avenue and waited.

After Pike and his young daughter walked into the gym, Codfish, who was wearing a mask and a long coat, said he walked into the gym carrying a 12-gage shot gun and fired three times into the body of Pike.

The fact that the killing occurred in the presence of Pike’s daughter was hard to fathom, so I asked if it concerned him that children and other bystanders could have been injured.

“I made sure they were out of the way when I shot him, besides I was close enough, I couldn’t miss,” Codfish said, adding that after he shot Pike he calmly walked back to his car and threw the mask and shotgun in the trunk. He bought an ice cream cone at the dairy bar and walked back to the gym to check things out. When the first wave of police and first responders arrived to secure the scene, there was enough activity that he went unnoticed. Eventually, he slowly walked back to his car and left the area.

He assured me that he wasn’t concerned about being seen or identified, because no one was around at the time of the shooting, and he had parked in a location that was hidden from view. He made sure to leave before the State Police investigators arrived at the scene.

Codfish, who seemed rather calm and cool when discussing the murder, did not know Pike well and didn’t show any remorse for his actions. I attempted to interview other convicted associates of Bricker’s, but the requests were denied. It was around 1995 when I discussed the case with the Washington County Attorney’s office. Because Bricker was already serving several life sentences, and had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, it was decided that a prosecution would not be made. Codfish died of cancer on June 24, 2000, in Pittsburgh.

The story of Bricker’s death that ran in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette mentioned that he was allegedly involved with five murders with in an 18-month period. The first was the murder of Pike. The same article states that Snooky testified at Bricker’s racketeering trial that he (Bricker) was paid to kill Pike. Bricker was never charged.

Cases like this marked the end of the organized crime era we knew, a narrative glorified by mob movies such as The Godfather and Goodfellas. The bosses of these groups were no longer grooming people to take over and it appeared their grip was fading. Most of the bosses were dying in prison and there was no one to fill their shoes. Although we still have organized crime, it’s headed by different types of organizations and locally there are outlaw motorcycle groups that have filled some of the criminal void. On a larger scale, the technology used by organizations worldwide has had an impact on the way crimes are now committed, with the focus on computer scams, bitcoin payments, and on-line extortion. Last year I witnessed this firsthand as a Washington County Commissioner when the county’s computer system was taken over by a criminal element.

Today, law enforcement still deals with organized crime, but like the element they are fighting, their tools have become more sophisticated and are geared toward a national and worldwide arena.

 

Trooper Larry Maggi

Larry Maggi is a retired trooper with the Pennsylvania State Police, a former Washington County Sheriff, and a member of the Washington County Board of Commissioners, serving over 209,000 constituents in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Larry Maggi's 2026 Fish Fry List

Fish Fry volunteers at St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Bentleyville in 2025

The kitchen crew at the Holy Trinity National Catholic Church Fish Fry in Washington in 2025

It’s the time of year when volunteers start preparing for a very popular Southwestern Pennsylvania tradition: the Lenten fish fry.

My wife, Mary Jeanne, and I love a good fish fry, and we look forward to having lunch or dinner at the churches, fire departments, and local clubs throughout the area.

Fish Fries are popular in our area because we have a strong Catholic population that observes a Lenten fast that prohibits eating meat on Fridays. As a result, locals fill the void with fried fish sandwiches, baked fish, pierogies, haluski, French fries, desserts and other traditional items. Many organizations host fish fries to raise the funds needed to balance their annual budgets. It’s a lot of work to pull off a fish fry and we commend the volunteers who do it every year.

Visiting the St. Katharine Drexel Parish Fish Fry in Bentleyville with Mary Jeanne in 2025

Last year my office published a list of Washington County volunteer fish fries and it turned out to be quite popular. This year, I will be sharing my list with the Washington Observer-Reporter so that we can help these organizations get the word out. Finding a good, local fish fry is very important business, and the folks of Washington County take it very seriously!

The following list includes volunteer organizations and churches, but not local restaurants. If we missed a volunteer fish fry, please email me at maggil@co.washington.pa.us or call 724-228-6736 to provide all the necessary information.

All Saints Fish Fry, 601 W. McMurray Road, Canonsburg, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, February 20; dine in, take out; 724-745-5205; www.allsaintscbg.org

American Legion Post 902, 124 W. Pike Street, Houston, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday during Lent. 724-745-3257.

Avella Volunteer Fire Department, 1560 Avella Road, Avella, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays during Lent; 724-587-5870

California Volunteer Fire Department, 1000 Wood Street, California, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent; 724-938-9283.

Church of the Covenant, 267 E. Beau Street, Washington, 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 20 and Friday, March 27, eat in or take out, 724-222-0190.

Ellsworth Sportsmen's Club, 20 10 Mile Lane, Scenery Hill, from 5 to 9 p.m. every Friday during Lent. No phone orders. All take-out orders must be placed in person.

Fallowfield Township Volunteer Fire Department, 1660 Route 481, Charleroi, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent. Deliveries limited and based on staffing and may not be available; 724-483-8005.

Hanover Volunteer Fire Department, 9 Starck Drive, Burgettstown, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent; eat in or take out, local deliveries available. Fax: 724-729-7260 and call 724-729-3929 to confirm the has been received.

Holy Trinity National Catholic Church, 605 Hewitt Avenue, Washington, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Fridays through March 27, no service on Ash Wednesday or Good Friday; eat in or take out, call 724-225-3401 for local deliveries to businesses, $60 minimum order. https://holytrinitywashingtonpa.org/2020/10/fish-fry-2023/

Lone Pine Volunteer Fire Department, 328 Weaver Run Road, Washington, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every Friday during Lent. Dine-in, take out or delivery; $50 minimum for deliveries, 724-267-4040.

Marianna Volunteer Fire Department, 84 Broad Street, Marianna, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent; 724-267-3112.

Midway Volunteer Fire Department, 99 Saint John Street, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Good Friday, April 3; Eat in or Take Out; call 724-796-3141 to place your order.

Monongahela Elks, 444-446 Jackson Street, Monongahela,11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday; and from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Friday during Lent. Eat in or Takeout 724-258-3370.

Mt. Pleasant Township Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, 106 Main Street, Hickory, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every Friday during Lent; call 724-356-2579 for takeout orders.

Muse Italian Club, 283 Muse-Bishop Road, Muse, every Friday year-round from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; 724-745-7280 or 724-745-9878. Cash only.

Richeyville Volunteer Fire Company, 14 Firehall Road, Richeyville, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent; take-out available, free deliveries ($25 orders and up); Fax orders to 724-632-3273, please call 724-632-6390 to confirm your order.

Saint Andrew the Apostle, Donora Social Hall, 1 Park Manor Road, Donora, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ash Wednesday and Fridays during Lent, except for Good Friday. Drive-thru with curbside pickup and deliveries from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a minimum order of $25 per location; To order call 724-379-7559 or visit www.saintandrewmidmon.org

Saint Isidore the Farmer Parish: https://stisidorethefarmer.org

• Saint Alphonsus Hall, 219 West Lincoln Avenue, McDonald, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ash Wednesday and Friday, February 20, 2026; dine-in and take-out available, no pre-orders.
• Our Lady of Lourdes Hall, 1111 Main Street, Burgettstown, Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent except for Good Friday, 4 to 7 p.m. Take out options starting at 2 p.m.; call 724-947-5076.

Saint James Parish & JFK School, Immaculate Conception Church Hall, 119 West Chestnut Street, Washington, from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent except for Good Friday. Dine in or take out. Order can be placed by calling from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 724-222-9737. https://catholicpartnerparishes.org

Saint John XXIII Parish: www.john23.org

• Saint Francis of Assisi Church, Finley Hall, 3609 Washington Avenue, Finleyville, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ash Wednesday only, no pre-orders or curbside delivery.
• Saint Benedict the Abbot Church, Pope Benedict Activity Center, 120 Abington Drive, McMurray, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 4 to 7 p.m. every Friday during Lent except for Good Friday; pre-orders for lunch only; no curbside.

Saint Katharine Drexel Parish, Drexel Hall, 208 Abromaitis Street, Bentleyville, from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent except Good Friday.  Eat in, takeout orders start at 10 a.m., or curbside pickup by calling 724-209-1370 ext. 424; https://catholicpartnerparishes.org

Saint Oscar Romero: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ash Wednesday and every Friday though Lent except Good Friday. Use this link to order for both locations: https://romeroparishfishfry.square.site

• Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Banquet Hall, 300 Pike Street, Meadowlands; Dine-in, take-out, curbside.  
• St. Patrick Church Cafeteria, 317 West Pike Street, Canonsburg; takeout and curbside only. 724-416-3873.

Stockdale Volunteer Fire Department, 316 Railroad Street, Stockdale, 3 to 7 p.m. Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent; Eat in, take out, and delivery with a $30 minimum; last order taken at 6:30 p.m. or while supplies last; 724-938-3300; www.stockdalevfd.com

Upper Ten Mile Presbyterian Church, 25 Church St, Prosperity, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Friday during Lent; dine-in available or call the Fish Line between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. for curbside pickup at 724-222-0454.

VFW Post 191, 539 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ash Wednesday and every Friday throughout the year. Cash or Card, ATM also on the premises; 724-873-9298.

VFW Post 764, 460 Valley Brook Road, McMurray, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch, 4 to 8 p.m. for dinner, Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent; call 724-941-2005.

VFW Post 8308, 446 Georgetown Road, Lawrence, 4 to 8 p.m. Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent. Cash only, ATM on premises; 724-941-6440.

Victory Hill Social Center, 25 Jones Lane, Monongahela, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ash Wednesday; 4 to 7 p.m. on Fridays (February 20-March 27); and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Good Friday; 724-258-4882. 

Washington Elks Lodge, 138 E. Maiden Street, Washington; 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays during Lent; dine in, take out; for take out call 724-222-0776; last order taken at 7:45 p.m.

Western Area Career & Technology Center’s Take Out Fish Fry, 688 Western Avenue, Canonsburg; Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent when school is in session, call 724-746-2890 ext. 131 or 137 to place orders. All orders must be placed by 2 p.m. and picked up by 2:30 p.m.

Enjoying lunch at the Holy Trinity Catholic National Church Fish Fry in 2025

Larry Maggi

Washington County Commissioner

maggil@co.washington.pa.us 

Funeral for Unclaimed Veterans Provides Closure for Long Lost Brother

 

Photo by Marodi Media

“It is time to thank these men for their service and it’s reassuring to know they will rest in peace in this beautiful and tranquil National Cemetery.”

-          Larry Maggi, describing the December 2023 funeral service for three unclaimed veterans

The Thompson-Marodi Funeral Home hearse at the
 National Cemetery of the Alleghenies on December 27, 2023. Photo by Marodi Media

It was a cold December day when a silver hearse escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders of Pennsylvania pulled into the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies carrying the unclaimed urns of three local veterans.

The details of this memorable funeral from 2023 resurfaced Tuesday when my office received a call from Patrick Reynolds, a brother of one of the veterans.

“I’m calling about the funeral service you had for my brother Joseph E. Calhoun,” Reynolds said. “I just found out five months ago that he passed away.”

Reynolds of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, explained that he had lost touch with his half brother years ago and was shocked when he found a newspaper article that explained that he had died on December 14, 2021, at the age of 65. Calhoun, who served in the U.S. Marine Corp, was indigent and estranged, so when the county coroner couldn’t locate his family, his cremated remains were placed in the Washington Country crypt at Washington Cemetery.

Fortunately, Calhoun’s story didn’t end there and as a former Marine, a Washington County Commissioner, and a member of the American Legion, I was in the position to help when Miles Glotfelty called in August of 2023, asking for assistance in providing a military burial for Calhoun and two other veterans in the county crypt. The two other veterans were Aubrey Dallas Higginbotham, who died in 1995 and was a World War II veteran who served as a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Forces; and his brother Louis Higginbotham, who died in 2001 and was a U.S. Army World War II veteran.  For the next four months, Glotfelty and I worked with the coroner’s office, the local courts, and the cemetery to have the interments approved. Tim Marodi of the Thompson-Marodi Funeral Home, Inc. in Bentleyville, donated a hearse for transportation to the cemetery; obtained American flags for the ceremony; and purchased personalized urns for their remains.

An honorable salute for Aubrey Dallas Higginbotham, Joseph Francis Calhoun,
 and Louis E. Higginbotham. Photo by Marodi Media

Glotfelty, military retired from Lone Pine, explained that the process started in March of 2023, when Lou Snodgrass of Washington told him that Calhoun, his good friend, was entitled to a military burial in at the national cemetery.

On December 27, 2023, after a lot of paperwork and planning, a service was held at the national cemetery for these three men who served our country well. Although Reynolds wishes he could have attended his brother’s funeral, he was happy to learn that military details representing the U.S. Air Forces, U.S. Army, and the U.S. Marine Corps participated in the service which was attended by families, friends, and several other military organizations and included a 21-gun salute. Snodgrass, who is now 94 years old, was presented with Calhoun’s flag at the funeral, has now offered to give it to the family. The flag will eventually be given to Calhoun’s son.

A member of the U.S. Marine Corps presents the flag of Joseph Francis Calhoun
 to his good friend Lou Snodgrass. Photo by Marodi Media 

Reynolds, who is a retired Sgt. Major with the U.S. Army, is impressed with all the work that was done on behalf of his brother.

“I was talking to my sister, and we are really appreciate all the work that the Commissioner, Mr. Glotfelty, Mr. Snodgrass, and Mr. Marodi did to make sure that my brothers remains were handled properly,” he said. “It’s overwhelming.”

Miles Glotfelty, myself & Tim Marodi after the funeral service at the national cemetery. Photo by Marodi Media

Glotfelty said on Wednesday that he is very happy with the way this story has turned out.

“It’s wonderful that we were able to make contact with Joe’s brother and get the flag back to his son,” he said.

To read more about this military funeral, click on this link to the Observer-Reporter’s story: https://www.observer-reporter.com/news/local-news/2023/dec/28/veterans-who-went-unclaimed-find-final-rest-at-national-cemetery-of-the-alleghenies/

Talking to a a fellow veteran after the funeral service. Photo by Marodi Media

The graves of Joseph Calhoun, Louise E. Higginbotham, and Aubrey Dallas Higginbotham photographed at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies on January 15, 2026.


Larry Maggi is a retired trooper with Pennsylvania State Police, a former Washington County Sheriff, and a member of the Washington County Board of Commissioners, serving over 209,000 constituents in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Goodbye, Washington Mall...

 

An excavator on standby Friday to begin demolition at the Washington Mall. 

Locals gathered in South Strabane on Friday to say goodbye to the Washington Mall and usher in a new plan for this prime real estate along Interstate 70.

The plan is to build a warehouse club and other retail businesses on the 40-acre site, but I can't help but recall Washington Mall's glory days. I know a lot of my readers feel the same way, because I received a lot of positive feedback in February when I wrote about the plans to demolish the old mall property. So, today, as we say Goodbye to the mall that once stood proud, I'd like to revisit my February article and take one more look at the memories we all share.

 

Thanks,

Larry

Larry Maggi speaking at the ceremony on Friday.

Washington Mall: Big Plans & Big Memories

February 20, 2025

Washington County Commissioner Larry Maggi looks at the old J.C. Penny entrance to the Washington Mall on February 20, 2025.

As a Washington County Commissioner, I’m pleased to announce that there are big plans for the old Washington Mall property.

The mall, which opened to the public on October 17, 1968, was a wonderful asset to our county for decades. But in recent years the mall hit hard times, formally closed in 2014, and has sat mostly abandoned at the intersection of Interstates 79 and 70 ever since. As Washington County grew and prospered, this former shopping destination proved to be a waste of prime real estate.   

We announced yesterday (2/20/2025) that federal stimulus funds through the county’s blight mitigation program are earmarked to raze portions of the building to make way for new development. This process took decades to negotiate and has been a long time in coming. Now, I look forward to seeing new businesses in this area.

It was a big deal when the $6 million mall opened 56 years ago on a 40-acre tract of land. It was the perfect place to meet with friends and neighbors as they strolled the halls and shopped.

On the day of the grand opening, it was such big news and our local newspaper the Washington Observer-Reporter sent photographers to snap the amazing photos I’ve included with this story. These pictures are proof that the Washington Mall was the place to be.

Observer-Reporter photo of the ribbon cutting on October 17, 1968

I remember eating hot dogs at Shorty’s, grabbing a famous stromboli at Pizza Boy, and enjoying a chocolate peanut butter ice cream cone, which was my favorite of the 31 flavors at Baskin-Robbins. For special occasions, our family went to the old 21^st Amendment Restaurant and Lounge for great food.

Observer-Reporter Photo October 17, 1968

In November of 1972, I took my wife to the theater for a first date to see a re-showing of the 1965 movie Dr. Zhivago. When our daughter Bronwyn came along, we took her to the mall to sit on Santa’s lap, and I would sneak over to do “Santa Shopping” at Toys ‘R Us.

I also remember taking my state police uniforms to Imperial Cleaners to have them dry cleaned. Then, when I was promoted to my new assignment as a criminal investigator, I went to the J.C. Penney store to buy new suits and sport coats.

Observer-Reporter photo October 17, 1968

When I left the state police barracks after my shift, I would often get prescriptions filled at Thrift Drugs, pick up items at G. C. Murphy Co., and grab a gallon of milk at Giant Eagle. Of course, I'd also get a treat at Best Yet Donuts, which was located in the middle of the mall.

Observer-Reporter photo October 17, 1968

Observer-Reporter photo October 17, 1968

But one of my favorite places to visit was National Record Mart, where I could spend hours flipping through records to add to  my collection. I’m really dating myself now, but I remember going to this store to buy a Creedence Clearwater Revival album, or as we  called the band - CCR.

The February 20, 2025 story in the Washington Observer-Reporter stated that only two tenants remain on the property: Grand China Buffet and Harbor Freight. It’s not certain if these establishments will remain once portions of the mall are razed. It was also reported earlier this month that a recreational vehicle dealer plans to set up shop at the site of the former Toys ‘R Us and Giant Eagle locations.

Although I have many fond memories of the old Washington Mall and I’m sad that it suffered a tragic fate, my hope is that it sees brighter days, is a beacon of local commerce, and that it is once again a destination for our residents and those who travel through Washington County. It’s progress like this that makes me proud to be a Washington County Commissioner. 

Observer-Reporter photo October 17, 1968

Observer-Reporter photo October 17, 1968

The Trinity High School Band performed at the grand opening of the
Washington Mall on October 17, 1968. Observer-Reporter photo.

Commissioner Maggi with the Washington Mall in the background.

Larry Maggi
maggil@co.washington.pa.us

Larry Maggi is a Washington County Commissioner, serving over 209,000 constituents in Southwestern Pennsylvania. For information, please visit https://www.washingtoncopa.gov/larry-maggi

You can be a Winner at the Washington County Fair

 

Everyone knows you can win a ribbon at the Washington County Fair for cows, sheep, and pigs, but did you know that the tomato from your garden, your famous apple pie, or your homemade quilt could be winners as well? Yes, this could be the year that you earn bragging rights that will last a lifetime.

If you do a little planning, I’m almost certain you could find something to enter in the fair. Afterall, the hall exhibit categories are extensive and include hay and grain, vegetables, fruits and nuts, home and dairy products, floral exhibits, needlework, art and photography, crafts, group exhibits, homemade wine and beer, major contests, bees and honey, antique farm machinery, entertainment, and essays. There are special competitions that include the Homemade Chocolate Cake Contest, the 33^rd Annual Blue Ribbon Apple Pie Contest, the Angel Food Cake Contest, and the 4^th Annual Crock Pot Contest.

When you look at the Washington County Fair Exhibitor's Guide you will see that within all departments mentioned, there are sections of various sub-categories. For example, in Department 12 for hay and grain there is a grain and seed crop section where you can enter ears of corn, stalks of corn, sunflowers, oats, wheat, winter barley, sunflower seeds, corn seeds, soybeans, soybean sheaf with bean, rye, winter rye, speltz, and speltz sheaf. There are also sections that focus on hay, silage, straw, and baskets. If you look at Department 18 for needlecrafts in Section 4 for rugs, there are categories for braided, crocheted, hook, latch hooked, woven, knitted, miniature rug, novelty fabric, and rugs for special needs. Anyone under the age of 19 can enter the Open Youth competition categories for vegetables, food, floral exhibits, annuals, perennials, foliage plants, sewing and fabric crafts, needlework, art, crafts, and the PA Preferred Junior Baking Contest for cookies, brownies, and bars. (I think I got them all.)

The competition is free and open to people of all ages who live in the state of Pennsylvania. When you click on the exhibitor’s guide link, you will find all the details, categories and rules. To enter the competition(s), just fill out a form online or print it and drop it in the mail so that everything is registered by July 11, 2025.

Once you have your entries pre-registered, you will have until the week of the fair to get things ready. All hall exhibits are to be dropped off at the fairgrounds on between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 7 or between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Friday, August 8. At drop off you will be greeted by fair workers who will point you in the direction of the judging table.  Please note: all entries must be pre-registered, no baked goods will be received on Thursday, and all special baking contest entries will be received on Saturday, Augusts 9 at the times indicated in the exhibitor’s guide.

The judging, which is closed to the public, will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 8. At this time, ribbons will be award to various levels, with the best in each category winning a nice, big Blue Ribbon for first place and the best of the best in each category winning a Best of Show Rosette.

All items must remain at the fairgrounds for the week so that your friends and neighbors can see just how talented you are. Entries will be released to the owners, who must show their entry ticket as proof of ownership, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 17.

The Washington County Fair has been a part of our community since October of 1798 (that’s 227 years) and this old-fashioned competition is about as pure and wholesome as it gets. There’s nothing fancy about the process, so if you want to know the results you won’t find them online or published in the newspaper. Instead, you will have to drive over to the fairgrounds and check out the competition yourself. While you are there, you can enjoy some great food, entertainment, carnival rides, and visit the farm animals. Oh, and if you see a ribbon on the extra-large pumpkin you grew, you will be entitled to a little bit of prize money…so, keep an eye out for that check!

The Washington County Fair will be held from August 9-16, 2025, at the fairgrounds at 2151 North Main Street, Washington. For more information about the fair, visit: https://washingtonfair.org/

 

Larry Maggi

maggil@co.washington.pa.us