Community Corner

Spaghetti Dinner to Benefit Families of Murdered Evans City Man and Butler County Woman

Sharon Gaurrich succumbed to cancer shortly after her son, Bob Gaurrich, was shot to death at his garage just outside Evans City in January. Sonja Kummer was killed later that month in a murder-suicide. A fundraiser now is taking place to help their fam

January was a rough month for Carey Checkan’s friends and loved ones.

On January 11, Checkan’s friend in Forward Township just outside Evans City. 

“He was loving, caring and outgoing,” Checkan said of Gaurrich, who died of a single gunshot wound to the chest. “He would never say no to anybody. He would find a way to get it done for you or help you out.”

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The murder is still under investigation by state police. No arrests have been made.

Less than two weeks after Gaurrich’s death, his mother, Sharon Gaurrich, died following a four-year battle with cancer, Checkan said.

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Checkan, who owns was devastated. The Gaurrichs were like family to her, she said.

“The Guarrichs have been part of my family for 36 years,” she said. “Bobby and I actually grew up together and he and my brother were best friends.”

Another tragic event took place just a few days later, Checkan said.

Sonja Kummer, the mother of Checkan’s son’s best friend, was killed in a murder-suicide in Center Township.  According to state police, Dean Clawson shot 45-year-old Kummer Jan. 26 before turning the gun on himself.

The couple apparently had been arguing before the shootings and it appeared Kummer was packing her things to leave the home, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported.

Their deaths were ruled a murder-suicide by the Butler County Coroner's Office, the Trib reported.

“It was a big shock,” Checkan said.

Along with her son, Keith Walsh, Jr., Checkan now is hoping to raise money to benefit the families of the Guarrichs and Kummer, including help for the funeral expenses.

A spaghetti dinner to benefit the families

Tickets to the event cost $7 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. There also will a Chinese Auction, music and desert at the dinner. Dine in or pickup are both available.

So far, Checkan said a number of people have donated items for the auction. Tickets to the dinner are available prior to the event and can bought by calling Lori Bassetti at 724-674-1267.

Are you planning to attend the dinner? Is there a memory of Bob Gaurrich or Sonja Kummer you’d like to share? Tell us in the comment section below.

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