January 26, 2022 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Johann N. Franciscus, 83, of White Oak, passed away Sunday, January 23, 2022. She was born October 26, 1938 in Pittsburgh and was the daughter of the late Thomas and Catherine (Johnson) Spratt. She was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish - St. Michael's and was a part of Christian Mothers, Lifespan, and Red Hats. She worked for McDonald's as a crew member where she retired from in 1997. On June 14, 1958, Johann married the love of her life, James J. Franciscus, Sr.
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January 25, 2022 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Edward G. Faulk, 94, of Elizabeth Township, peacefully passed on Saturday, January 22, 2022. He was born March 6, 1927, in Yukon, PA and was the son of John and Louise (McKasky) Faulk. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Trudy (Rozinsky) Faulk. Ed leaves two sons: Gregory, and wife, Rebecca (Miller) Faulk, of Ligonier, and Karl, and his wife, Jeannie (Grace) Faulk, of Bradenton, Florida. He also leaves his sister, Teresa Vukmanic, of Washington, PA. As well as being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, Ed was a gifted and passionate musician and teacher. He taught in the McKeesport Area School District for many years and also shared his passion with others giving private music lessons. He provided entertainment for weddings, dances, and parties throughout southwestern Pennsylvania playing piano in the Del-Ray Quartet and the Frankie Carole Band. Ed shared many happy memories from his childhood including working in the family grocery store, taking accordion lessons, and competitively racing pigeons throughout the Tri State Area.
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January 25, 2022 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Robert "Bob" C. Hamilton, 88, of North Versailles, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 23, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Rose Hamilton, and his siblings, William and Orville (Bud), and sister Faye Urick. He was born on October 20, 1933, in McKeesport. Graduating from Duquesne High School, he started work at US Steel at age 18 as a draftsman. Bob worked there for 35 years, eventually becoming head Supervisor of Engineering. From 1956-58 he served in the Army, becoming a Sergeant 1st class. Bob married Ardith Marilyn Brant in July of 1956, and shortly thereafter they moved to Germany. After returning to the States, they settled in Elizabeth, giving birth to Kevin, and four years later, Brenda. Their children were their pride and joy. While working for US Steel, (1951-1986), Bob simultaneously earned a Carnegie Mellon mechanical engineering degree, doing so in night school, and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. After early retirement, Bob did consulting work both nationally and internationally, moving with Ardith to Alabama, then Texas, before returning to Pittsburgh. Bob was a great problem solver, whether finishing their home’s basement, building a Heath kit TV (with his son), or drafting the correct sizes for steel pipes. He enjoyed bowling, watching the Steelers and the Penguins, golf, Bridge, and later in life, cross-stitch and jigsaw puzzles. He spent countless hours on cross-stitching, including 6 Thomas Kincaide pictures for each of his grandchildren as wedding gifts. Starting in 1971, the family attended then joined the First Evangelical Free Church in McKeesport. Bob helped with the youth, was on the Board, and served on the building committee. Additionally, he and Ardith hosted hundreds of international (mostly Asian) students in their home starting in 2006, for almost a decade, as part of PRISM (Pittsburgh International student ministry). In 2015, he and Ardith moved to Point Pleasant, a retirement community where he helped with the exercise class, made name plates for residents’ walkers, and enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles. He was known for his keen mind, great sense of humor, tenacity, and friendliness.
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January 24, 2022 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Edna Mae Rook, 89, of Buena Vista, passed away Sunday, January 23, 2022. She was born June 15, 1932 in Frank and was the daughter of the late Christ and Annie Elizabeth (Thompson) Winkelvoss. She is survived by her husband, Robert Rook, daughter, Krisann (Thomas) Kitas of Glassport, son, David Robert (Denise) Rook of Versailles, sisters, Ruth Smith of Delmont and Martha Jean Bird of Cranberry, grandchildren, Chris (Heather) Kitas, Steven (Melissa Detman) Kitas, Lindsay Elizabeth Rook and Amy Marie Rook, great-grandchildren, Krolyn, Blake and Briley, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Edward Winkelvoss, and sisters, Helen Billick, Rosella Faust and Sylvia Sebest. Friends are welcome Tuesday, January 25, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 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, January 26, 2022 at 10 am. The Rev. Paul Walter will officiate. Interment will follow in the Mount Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth Township. Condolences may be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
January 21, 2022 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Joseph Rymarowicz, Jr., 72 of Glassport, passed away Thursday, January 20, 2022. He was born February 14, 1949 in McKeesport and was the son of the late Joseph J. and Mary Jane (Yandrlic) Rymarowicz. Joe served in the Army during the Vietnam War and was a part of the 1098th Transportation Company. Afterwards, he worked for Mercury Printing Company as a Printer. He attended First Evangelical Free Church for the past 40 years. Over those 40 years, he was a Cook for their Teen Ministries retreats, Men's retreats, and for any of the special breakfasts that the church hosted. After retirement, Joe became a part time delivery driver for Breitinger's Flower Shop and would help the church with any maintenance work that was needed.
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January 19, 2022 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Beth Ann Ludwig, 62, of North Versailles, formerly of North Huntingdon and Elizabeth Township, passed away at home on Friday, January 14, 2022. She was born May 16, 1959 in McKeesport and was the daughter of the late Henry John and Margaret Ann (Budai) Dubsik. Beth is survived by her sister-in-law, Laurie (Gary) Householder of Greenock, brother-in-law, James Everley of Lafayette, IN., cousin, Thaddeus (Cheryl) Kaczlowski of Elizabeth Township, nieces, Mary Everley of Brownsburg, IN, Michelle (Jarrod) Taylor of Denton, TX, and Kali Yuhas of North Huntingdon, great-nieces, a great-nephew, and her lifelong dear friend, Peggy (Tom) Zebrak of Liberty Borough. She was preceded in death by her companion, Tom Allison.
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January 18, 2022 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Lois A. Davis, 88, of Elizabeth Township, passed away, Monday, January 17, 2022. She was born February 19, 1933 in Elizabeth Township and was the daughter of the late Henry and Bertha (Summerville) Bashforth. She was the wife of the late Duane Clyde Davis who passed away September 3, 2015. They were married for 62 years. Lois was a Charter member of Central Highlands Community United Methodist Church, Elizabeth Township and was also a member of the Eastern Star. She is survived by her daughters, Lois (James) Leggett of Forward Township and Diane Mitchem of Bridgeport, WV, daughter-in-law, Carol Davis of Raleigh, NC, grandchildren, Jill (Richard) Stoner, Lisa (Ian) Gayman, Rachel (Tony)Nichols, Danielle Smith, and Wesley Mitchem, great-grandchildren, Joey and Maggie Stoner, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son Brian Davis, sister, Virginia Hammett and brother, Russell Bashforth.
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January 13, 2022 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Denise Elaine Patton, 67, of Greenock, passed away Wednesday, January 12, 2022. She was born January 31, 1954 in McKeesport and was the daughter of the late Ralph Clayton and Adella Agnes (Wasczak) Kitchen. Denise was a faithful member and Secretary of the Journey by Grace Church in Rostraver. She is survived by her husband, Alan Elliott Patton; daughters Kristen (Dave Brautigam) Patton and Karianne (Timothy) Bilsky; brothers, Ralph (Pauline), Tim (Linda) and DeLee Kitchen; grandchildren, Silas and Titus Bilsky; and many nieces and nephews.
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January 11, 2022 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
John Robert Rudd, 65, of White Oak, passed away unexpectedly, on Friday, January 7, 2022. He was born July 1, 1956 in McKeesport and was the son of the late John H. "Jack" Rudd, Jr. and Irene (Takacs) Rudd. John was a 1974 graduate of McKeesport High School and received his Bachelors degree from Duquesne University in 1979, where he majored in Political Science and Sociology. He attended Sampson's Mills Presbyterian Church, in White Oak. John had an excellent sales background. He owned and operated the USA Insurance Advisors Group, Inc., and was also once an independent contract pilot for Arnold Palmer. John was a 3rd degree Master Mason in the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania. He was also a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Past-Master and Chairman of the Board of the Executive Board of Directors of The Duquesne-McKeesport Masonic Lodge #731, Grand Lodge Office of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Free and Accepted Masons and Knight Templar of Pittsburgh Commandery # 1. John also received the following awards, The Master Craftsman Award and The Order of DeMolay Award. While in the boy scouts, he received the Eagle Scout Award, The Order of the Arrow and The God and Country Award. He is survived by cousins, Richard, David, Sharon, Douglas, Drew and Denise, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many friends. Friends are welcome on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 1638 Lincoln Way, White Oak (412) 672-6322 Troy J. Gilbert, Director. Masonic service will be held at 7:30 pm. Private Inurnment will be at Mount Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Condolences may be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
January 09, 2022 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Patricia E. Cimba, 63, of McKeesport, passed away Saturday, January 8, 2022 peacefully at her son's home in Elizabeth Township. She was born May 29, 1958 in McKeesport and was the daughter of the late Harry and Rosaline (Carter) Drye. She was the wife of the late Gerald Lee Cimba, Sr., who passed away October 17, 2020. Patricia had worked for the former Green Valley Cleaners.
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January 07, 2022 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Sean Richard Zera, 53, of McKeesport, passed away peacefully in his sleep Sunday, January 2, 2022. He was born August 17, 1968 in Buffalo, NY and was the son of the late Kenneth Richard and Sandra Rose (Montalbano) Zera. He was raised in McKeesport, PA and graduated in 1987. After high school, Sean began his career with Potts Plastering. Artie, a long time friend, is the one who opened Sean's world to something he loved, the art of plastering. He then moved on to becoming a laborer, which led to an apprenticeship and then a journeyman for the PLaster's Union Local #31 with Ram Acoustical Inc.
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January 07, 2022 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Bernice Lucille "Lu" Koon, 93, of Port Vue, passed away Monday, January 3, 2022. She was born August 23, 1928 in Apollo and was the daughter of the late Charles and Mildred (Armstrong) Edwards. She was the wife of the late Gordon Eynon Koon who passed away March 26, 2010. She was a member of Port Vue United Methodist Church and the FOD Women's Club there.
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January 06, 2022 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Kathleen Ann Trafalis, 56, of Elizabeth, passed away Wednesday, January 5, 2022. She was born August 12, 1965 in New Rochelle, NY and was the daughter of the late Ronald and Noreen (Stragand) McEvoy. Kathleen was a long time member of St. Joachim & Anne Parish - St. Michaels Church. Kathleen was a wonderful wife and took great care of her family. She is survived by her husband Charles "Chuck" V. Trafalis, daughter, Amy Noreen Trafalis and her boyfriend Josh Niebrzydowski, mother-in-law, Nancy Trafalis, brother, Timothy McEvoy, of Elizabeth, sister-in-law, Linda McEvoy, of Elizabeth, nephew, Ronald McEvoy, best friend, Aiko Kunf, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Kathleen is preceded in death by her brothers, Jamie and Ronald McEvoy. There is no visitation. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. 6028 Smithfield Street, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
January 05, 2022 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Mary Louise Cappello, 59, of Liberty Boro, passed away Saturday, January 1, 2022. She was born May 11, 1962 in Philadelphia and was the daughter of the late Frederick William and Margaret (Duffy) Voigt. Mary has touched countless hearts over the course of her life. All that know and love her would agree that she was the most selfless, genuine and caring person. She was the type of person that always let you know that it was more than okay to just be yourself. Mary has taught us all what it means to love with your whole heart and soul. May we carry that love in our hearts, and continue to share it with others, as she did.
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January 05, 2022 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Arthur William (Butch) Balogh, 75, of Elizabeth Township, formerly of Liberty Borough, passed away from this life on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at home after a lengthy illness. Arthur was born March 12, 1946 in McKeesport and was raised in Liberty Borough. He was the son of the late Arthur and Elizabeth (Halavacs) Balogh. He attended the Free Hungarian Reformed Church of McKeesport with Daniel Borsy; religious leader. Arthur was known as honorable steadfast, self confident, dependable and faithful to family and friends alike. He was much beloved by all of those who knew him. He was an avid and brilliant radio enthusiast as he built many radios and Tesla coils, start to finish. He was also a collector of antique radios and equipment, repairing many thought to be unsalvageable.
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