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AIRLINE TERRORISM: Settlement touches local family
The loss and pain intensify during the times reserved for the celebration of family and friends.
The wedding. The school reunion. The get-together.
This is the paradox attached to the Gorgacz family.
On Dec. 21, the 20th anniversary of the explosion of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, will be observed.
The 270 families of the bombing victims each received $8 million in compensation from the Libyan government in November 2003.
President Bush signed legislation last week that permits the state department to settle the remaining lawsuits, which provides the families with an additional $2 million apiece. The agreement also includes awards to the victims of the 1986 Berlin disco bombing in which three were killed and 229 were wounded.
Both events have been tied to the government of Col. Moammar Gadhafi. As a result of the agreement, Libya will receive immunity from future claims.
Ann Gorgacz, 76, and daughters Loretta Gorgacz, 42, and Linda Gorgacz Gordon, 38, perished in the Lockerbie bombing. At the time, Ann Gorgacz and daughter, Loretta, had visited Linda Gordon, who lived in London. The three were returning to New Castle for the holidays. Ann and Loretta Gorgacz had lived on East Wallace Avenue.
Ann Gorgacz’ only surviving child, Barbara Richardson of California, declined to be interviewed.
“They still struggle with it,” said cousin Diana Tervo, who lives in Neshannock Township.
Tervo is the daughter of Aggie DeBlasio Chabak and the late Michael Chabak, who was Ann Gorgacz’ brother.
“Time has gone on. It’s something you never forget.”
Tervo and her family attended the wedding of Richardson’s daughter in May. Richardson returned to New Castle for her 1963 high school class’ 45th reunion.
“She never really talked about it much,” Tervo said of the disaster.
“Now, she’s more open. It’s a little less painful.”
Ann Gorgacz was one of eight children in the Chabak family. The youngest, Dorothy, survives.
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Photo Gallery: City park hosts prayer event
About 50 people attended a midday service yesterday as part of the National Day of Prayer. The event, sponsored by the Greater New Castle Christian Ministerial Fellowship, took place at Riverview Park.
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Story, Video, Survey: Instructor, students look to restore Cascade Park
We’ve heard all about its heyday. The question is: does Cascade Park have a future? That’s what public relations research students at Westminster College have been working toward as part of a service learning project.
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GARY CHURCH: Black-eyed peas? Good luck with that!
Don’t you hate it when you find out something you had believed in your whole life wasn’t true? I hate to burst your bubble, but all of you who ate pork and sauerkraut for New Year’s for good luck — you ate the wrong thing.
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SHOWCASE: Stars of Tomorrow returns to playhouse
Tomorrow marks the return of a New Castle tradition that grows bigger each year. The New Castle Playhouse will host its 14th annual Stars of Tomorrow show. This yearly extravaganza has been presented since 1997 by the New Castle Playhouse.
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STEPPING DOWN: Neshannock Township solicitor Richard Harper resigns
Neshannock Township solicitor Richard Harper has resigned. Harper’s letter of resignation was received Tuesday at the township building. He has been the solicitor there since 1988. Ed Stevens, supervisor chairman, confirmed the resignation Wednesday.
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THE COURTS: Mother of ex-district attorney sues county
The mother of the former district attorney, who worked in his office, is suing the county commissioners, claiming they denied her right to an early retirement under an incentive offered last year to all Lawrence County courthouse employees who were between 62 and 65.
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SWEARING IN: City council has a new look
New Castle City Council has a new president. MaryAnne Gavrile, one of three new council members sworn into office last night, was elected by a unanimous vote.
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PHOTOS, STORY: Steelers win finale, but fail to reach playoffs
Pittsburgh holds off Miami in thriller, but Baltimore's win over Oakland a few hours later sends the Steelers home to await next season.
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TOP DOG: Police department’s newest K-9 reports for duty
Two alpha males compete to be the top dog. It’s been that way since New Castle police officer Terry Dolquist met his new partner, Chico. However, when it comes to drug detection and tracking bad guys, Chico is the man.
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Photo Gallery: City park hosts prayer event
