February 08, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Mary Ellen Benson, 76, of Monroeville, beloved daughter of Carl O. Benson and Mary Ellen (Powers) Benson, both deceased. Survived by brother Carl Joseph Benson and sister Christine E. (Benson) Imgrund, nieces Alane (Benson) Goldberg and Jessica (Benson) Smith and nephews James C. Imgrund and Steven C. Imgrund. Mary Ellen graduated from Penn State University in 1970, and the University of Pittsburgh in 1987 with a master’s degree in library science. She worked in various librarian capacities in her career and spent many years doing so at the Allegheny County Community College, Boyce Campus, where she was head librarian when she retired in 2016. Mary Ellen enjoyed helping the students at the school make the most of the library in their studies and continued working part-time in that capacity after her retirement. Mary Ellen was an exceptional and prolific knitter, often making beautifully knitted gifts for her family and friends, and she volunteered in her retirement making knitted items for those in need. Mary Ellen will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the McKeesport Carnegie Library to honor Mary Ellen’s love of both books and libraries. A service will be held on Saturday February 22 from 2 to 4PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 1638 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131. (412) 672-6322 Troy J. Gilbert, Director. Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
February 07, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Hartley Charles King, 91, a prominent local entrepreneur and restaurateur, passed away comfortably at his home in Elizabeth Township on Friday, January 31, 2025. Born in McKeesport, Pa. in 1933, Hartley was the son of the late Howard and Thelma (Dreiling) King and brother of the late Wayne H. King of White Oak and Melbourne Beach, Fla. A 1951 graduate of McKeesport High School, Hartley proudly attended Lehigh University, where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, earning a B.S. in Business Administration in 1956. He then served in the U.S. Army as Specialist Fourth Class in the 557th Engineer Company (LE) stationed in Fort Lewis, Wash., before returning home to work in sales at King and Keeney, Inc., an oil distributorship co-founded by his father.
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February 05, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Karen Louise Kurka, 59, of McKeesport, passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. She was born on May 30, 1965 and was the daughter of the late Robert L. Sr. and Sarah Jane (Dietrich) Kurka. She was a U.S. Army Veteran and worked as a Loan Specialist for BNY Mellon. Karen loved cats and watching Law and Order SVU.
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February 04, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Michael Anthony Trovato, 39, of Liberty Boro, passed away Monday, February 3, 2025 at home. He was born October 23, 1985 in Pittsburgh and was the son of the late Daniel Salvatore and Michele Marie (Chiaverini) Trovato. Michael was the proprietor of the former Trovato Construction and had more recently worked for The Catholic Cemetery Association of Pittsburgh. Michael was known to many as a hard worker, and an excellent wood worker who made furniture that his family will cherish for years to come. He will be greatly missed.
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February 01, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Donald Ray Smith, 77, of Elizabeth Township, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 31, 2025. He was born on March 1, 1947 in McKeesport and was the son of the late Jack Elroy and Evelyn Pearl Smith. Donald was a mechanic by trade and worked for many years at Schumann's Front End. He spent time building cars with his sons, he especially enjoyed muscle cars and American Motors. He also enjoyed drag racing these cars. He was an all around handyman that could fix anything. Donald was also known to play the Harmonica with his Gospel and Blue Grass band, The Wash House Band, as well as playing with his friend, Jim Relja. He lived his life exactly the way he wanted to.
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January 31, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Bruce M. Brinkos, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on January 30, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on June 6, 1942, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, to John and Anna (Davis) Brinkos, Bruce lived a life defined by faith, hard work, dedication, and an unshakable loyalty to those whom he loved.
A standout athlete, Bruce earned a four-year scholarship for football at the University of Miami in Florida, where he earned All-American honors as a guard and linebacker. His dominance on the field began in high school, where he was also named an All-American. He played with grit, intelligence, and heart—traits that carried into every aspect of his life.
Bruce was a man who knew the value of an honest day’s work. He spent his career dedicated to his community, working as a teacher and assistant football coach in the McKeesport Area School District, as a Yard Master for the Union Railroad, and ultimately as a Foreman on the Pennsylvania Turnpike for 20 years. He was beloved by the men who worked with him—respected not just for his leadership but for the fairness, humor, and quiet strength he brought to the job every day.
Beyond his career, Bruce was deeply committed to public service. He served as a Board Member for the McKeesport Area School District for 16 years, striving to improve education and provide opportunities for local students. He was also active in local politics in Allegheny County for many years, believing in the power of civic engagement to make a difference in people’s lives. His faith was central to his life, and he was an active member of St. Angela Merici Roman Catholic Church, where he served as an usher and with his wife as an instructor for baptism and marriage preparation. His service to the Community and Church was a reflection of his deep gratitude for the opportunities he had been given and his desire to help others achieve their greatest potential.
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January 31, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Betty Mitchell, age 99, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 23, 2025 in the home she shared in Pittsburgh with her daughter and son-in-law, Tina and John Stare. She was born Betty Marie Kline on February 12, 1925 in Langdondale, PA to Charles Wesley Kline and Mary Kushto Kline. She was a graduate of Broad Top High School. She married Reid Joshua Mitchell on July 27, 1945 in Baltimore, MD where she worked for Social Security. Throughout their marriage they lived in Trenton, NJ; Alexandria, VA; Monroe, CT; and lastly Harrisburg, PA. They were married for 50 years until Reid’s passing in April of 1996. She was also preceded in death by her parents; 4 siblings: Theda, Willard, Loretta and Bill; and her daughter-in-law, Carol. She is survived by her four children: Karen (Bud) Fini of Wilmington, DE; Reid (Cindi) of Griswold, CT; Tina (John) Stare of Elizabeth Township, PA; and Brad (Carol) of Carlisle, PA. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Karen’s children, Lisa and Joe; Reid’s children, Gabriel, Jeffrey and Melissa; and Tina’s children, Ryan, Evan and Shannon. She also had 12 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Betty had the most generous and loving heart and touched many lives with her sweet presence and beautiful smile. She loved all of her family dearly and they were the joy of her life.
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January 28, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Ronald William Kinlough, 76, of McKeesport passed away Monday, January 27, 2025. He was born January 5, 1949 in McKeesport to the late Donald Kinlough and the late Jean (Andrew) Hileman. Ron served in the Army from 1968 -1972. While serving, he taught himself 5 different languages, extremely fluent in Russian, and was a Voice Interceptor. He obtained the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Expert M-14 & M-16 Marksmanship badges. Ron is survived by many cousins. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his step-father, Irvin "Ed" Hileman. There is no visitation. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
January 27, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Geraldine Morris, 94, of Elizabeth, passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at home. She was born on July 26, 1930 in McKeesport and was the daughter of the late Herbert Guthrie and Edith Guthrie (Easley) Carrick. She was the loving wife of the late Hallet Leroy "Bricky" Morris, Jr., who passed away on October 18, 2011. Geraldine was a 1949 graduate of Clairton High School and a 1976 graduate from the Allegheny Beauty Academy. She was an avid church attendee of the Elizabeth United Methodist Church. She loved cooking and spending time with her family, especially all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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January 27, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Maureen E. Klein, 81, of Port Vue passed away Sunday, January 26, 2025. She was born June 21, 1943 in McKeesport to the late Frank Makar Sr., and the late Helen (Ressel) Makar. Maureen was the wife to the late Norman Steck and the late Larry Klein. There is no visitation. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. Private Entombment will take place at McKeesport-Versailles Cemetery. Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
January 27, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Catherine D. Meyers, 92, of Elizabeth Township, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2025. She was born September 17, 1932 in Derry Township and was the daughter of the late Roy and Frances (Ehli) Miller. She was the wife of the late David L. Meyers who passed away February 2, 2017. Catherine was a very happy person and her contagious smile always lit up the room. She is survived by her daughter, Susan "Sue-Z" Webster (Steve Dolezal) of West Mifflin, son, William "Bill" (Sandy) Meyers of Forward Township, grandchildren, Glenn Webster, (Brandi Lawson), William "Bill" (Justine) Meyers, Ryan (Danielle) Meyers, and Kelsey Meyers (Landen Dorofrio), great-grandchildren, Holden Webster, Kendall Meyers, and Blake Meyers, sister-in-law, Rosemary Panuccio, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son David Roy Meyers who passed away September 10, 1974 and brothers, Roy Miller and Emmett "Paul" Miller. Friends are welcome Wednesday, January 29, 2025 from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. Service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday at 1:30 pm. The Rev. Vincent P. Velas will be officiating. Private interment will follow at the Mount Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth Township. Special thanks to Grandview Estates for the exceptional care given to our mother. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grandview Estates, 1151 Scenery Drive, Elizabeth, PA 15037. Condolences may be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
January 23, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Kenneth Maynard Wriston, 86, of Elizabeth Township, passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2025. He was born in Fayetteville, WV on February 1, 1938 to the late Glenna Wriston. Also, the husband of the late Geraldine (Atkins) Wriston, they were married almost 60 years before her passing in 2018. An Army Veteran, Ken served from 1956-1958, during peace time. He was awarded the Sharpshooter Expert Rifle Medal. One memory that he has shared was that he served alongside Elvis Presley, still carrying a small keepsake to share. After he was discharged, he worked many jobs through the years, but mainly as a truck driver. Before retiring, he worked for the McKeesport School District as a warehouse truck driver, delivering supplies to the schools. He had two passions in life - driving, and old school country music. He was born in West Virgina, but family had moved down the coast to Florida and eventually back up here to Pennsylvania where him & his wife followed. He is survived by his daughters, Geraldine "Geri" Haines of Erie, and Barbara "Barb" Dittman of Greenock; grandsons, Henry Dittman, Jr. of North Huntingdon, and Kevin Haines of Erie; a sister, Donna Treet of DeFuniak Springs, FL.; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his mom and wife, Ken is preceded in death by his siblings, Frank, John Adam, Fred, Arlene, and Francis. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412)751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. Inurnment will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies at a later date. Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
January 20, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Patsy Ruth (Smith) McGinn, 94, originally from McKeesport, passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025 after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was born on Janury 14, 1931 in McKeesport and was the daughter of the late John and Hazel (Rollason) Smith. She was the wife of the late James W. McGinn. She was a long time resident of Liberty Borough where she raised her family. Patsy had worked as a nursing assistant in the operating room of McKeesport Hospital, but her most important career was as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. In her free time, Patsy enjoyed planting flowers, bowling and spending time with her many friends when she was a member of the Elizabeth Township Seniors. She also loved watching the Pirates and Steelers.
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January 16, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Janice J. Beatty, 82, of Elizabeth Township, passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2025. She was born April 4, 1942 in Elizabeth and was the daughter of the late Harold and Virginia (Wolfe) Abercrombie. Janice was a member of The Round Hill Presbyterian Church and The Eastern Star NO. 316. She loved genealogy and enjoyed studying and finding ancestry for her family and also members of The Daughters of The American Revolution. She was a lover of horses, she had owned several through her life and they held a special place in her heart. She will be greatly missed.
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January 15, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Emerson "Moose" Dainty, 65, of Elizabeth Township, passed away at home on Monday, January 13, 2025. He was born February 21, 1959 in McKeesport and was the son of the late Richard G. Dainty, Sr., and the late Sandra Lee (Betz) Dainty. Moose was a 1978 graduate of McKeesport High School and worked for Peter J. Caruso for many years as a truck driver. He was dependable, fun, generous and kind to everyone he knew. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. Lovingly known as "Pops" to his grandchildren, he is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Kathleen D. (Leyland) Dainty, sons, William (Sara) Wesley, Justin (Whitney) Wesley, and Timothy (Amanda) Dainty, grandchildren, Blaine, Eleanor, Leland, and Emersyn Rose, sisters, Beverly Ritchey and Dalynn Dainty, brother, Richard G. (Lois) Dainty, Jr., nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Lynda Dainty and brother-in-law, George Ritchey. There is no visitation. A celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date at the Coulter Fire Hall. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. Condolences may be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com