A free service provided by your local funeral professionals and The Tube City Almanac, your independent, non-profit news source.

McKeesport Area News from Tube City Almanac


Advertising

Finney Funeral Home CREMATION Simple Direct Dignified  1-800-448-9899

This service is supported by donations and advertising. To advertise here, call (412) 614-9659 or email McKeesportObituaries@gmail.com.


James Richie

October 18, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

James (Jim) Richie, 80, formerly of North Huntingdon died October 17, 2023. He was born March 24, 1943 in Coraopolis, Pa, a son of the late Wilbert Richie and Lucille (Ceyrolles) Nelson. Jim was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Jim enjoyed camping, golfing and hunting. Prior to his retirement, he was employed as an electrician by Alcoa. Jim was a veteran of the Vietnam war having served in both Vietnam and Japan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy (Micklo) Richie, two sisters, Barbara Smith and Betty Phillips. He is survived by his children, Stacie Crisp, James Richie (Christine) grandchildren, Helena and Emily Richie and Dalton Crisp. 

Friends will be received from 2-7pm on Sunday October 22nd at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. Mass of Christian Burial Monday, October 23rd at 9:30 a.m. in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.  Interment Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. Flowers can be sent to the funeral home or donations may be made, in his memory, to Wounded Warriors or the American Cancer Society. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
 


Gail Adams

October 17, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Gail Adams, 74, of Beechview, Pittsburgh, passed away Monday, October 16, 2023 at Forbes Regional Hospital. She was born December 23, 1948 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Henry and Leah (Bremer) Adams. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brothers Henry Adams Jr. and Wayne Adams, sisters Judith Peluso, Nancy Weiss, and Geraldine Peluso. She is survived by brothers Robert and Richard Adams and Godchildren Sherry Weiss Mitchell and Darrin Adams. She was blessed with an abundant number of nieces and nephews, all loved her dearly. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 3-7 p.m. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A funeral service will be held Monday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Dale Adams officiating. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Chuck E. Heasley Jr.

October 17, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Chuck E. Heasley Jr., 55, of Irwin passed away Monday, October 16, 2023 at UPMC East. He was born August 27, 1968 in McKeesport, a son of Charles E. Heasley Sr. and the late Shirley (Campbell) Heasley. Chuck worked in the shipping department of Basic Carbide. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, archery, listening to music, watching movies, reading and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and sports teams fan. He is survived by his loving wife, Michelle (Griffith) Heasley; son, Cody Heasley; sister, Cathy Fefolt and her husband, David; sister-in-law, Wendy (Christopher) Savage; brother-in-law, Jeff (Kim) Griffith; niece and nephew, Riley and Ryan Savage; Godchildren, Sam and Shane; and numerous great friends. Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Friday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 10:45 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment to follow in West Newton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in memory of Chuck. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Betty R. Howell

October 16, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Betty R. Howell, 92, of North Huntingdon, peacefully passed away Saturday, October 14, 2023.  She was born December 16, 1930, a daughter of the late Joseph H. and Eleanor Tong Beck, and the wife of the late Thomas E. Howell.  The loving, strong, fun and devoted mother to Thomas E. Howell Jr., Carol (Jack) Moore, Kenneth (Susan) Howell.  Grandmother to Amanda (Tim) Golick, Keith (Stephanie) Howell, Alyssa (Jordan) Panicco and Amber Albaugh; great-grandmother to Meadow, Violet, Savannah, Theodore, Melody; and aunt to many nieces and nephews. Also surviving many cousins.  Betty worked at G.C. Murphy Co. in McKeesport and was a member of the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour.  She enjoyed bowling, golfing, hunting and visiting the casinos.  Betty was fun loving and loved all of her family and many friends. A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  Additional visitation will take place following the service until 11:30 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, 1570 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Kevin M. Ianni

October 14, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Kevin M. Ianni, 65, of Adamsburg, passed away Thursday, October 12, 2023 at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital.  He was born November 22, 1957 in Greensburg, a son of the late Joseph and Bessie (Helzel) Ianni.  Prior to his retirement Kevin was a ceramic machinist for Alcoa and was a member of St. Stephen Byzantine Catholic Church.  He was a graduate of Hempfield Sr. High School Class of '75 and was an avid golfer, enjoyed riding his motorcycle, hunting and listening to Oldies music.  Kevin followed all Pittsburgh Sports teams and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph Jr. and Louis Ianni, and stepfather, Robert Block.  He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Karen (Timko) Ianni; daughters, Kelly Simmons and her husband, Robin, Tina Cunningham and her husband, Eric; grandchildren, Olivia, Isabel, Jack, A.J.; mother-in-law, Eleanor Timko; former wife, Diana Garcia; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  A funeral service will take place on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home.  Interment to follow in Westmoreland Co. Memorial Park.   The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of UPMC East Hospital and UPMC Rehab Center at Norwin for their care and compassion over the past several years.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Stephen Byzantine Church, N. Huntingdon or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Catherine U. Argyle

October 12, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Catherine U. Argyle, age 80 of Trafford died October 12, 2023 in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. She was born December 23, 1942 in McKeesport, Pa., a daughter of the late James and Mary Cardwell Newton. Catherine was a member of the Trafford Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. She was a great mother and grandmother. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Thomas in 2004. She is survived by two daughters, Tierney and Patricia Argyle, two brothers, Kenneth and Gerald Newton, two sisters, Margaret Munsie and Charlotte Newton, two grandchildren, Kaleb and Kyra. There will be no public visitation. Services will be held at a later date. www. shirleyfuneralhome.com.
 


Gloria S. Ballough

October 11, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Gloria Ballough, 89, of North Huntingdon on October 10, 2023 at UPMC East. Born on April 1, 1934 in McKeesport, Gloria was a radiant figure in the lives of many. She was a daughter of the late William and Elizabeth (Demeter) Snyir. 

Her home stood as a testament to her lively spirit, adorned with festive decorations throughout the year, especially her enchanting Christmas houses. Gloria's door was always open, welcoming guests with stuffed cabbages, soups and her famous filled pizelles; turning many visitors into lifelong friends.  Art held a special place in her heart, with a unique wall mural in her home bearing testament to her creativity. After her retirement as an office manager from C.J. Langenfelder, she reveled in shopping trips, hair salon visits, and casino outings. An avid Scrabble enthusiast, Gloria's knack for wordplay was second only to her ability to make friends and hold engaging conversations.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Michael P. Ballough. Gloria's proudest roles were as a dedicated mother to Michelle Harker (Doug) and a doting grandmother to Erik Harker and his wife, Virginia Shields and Keith Harker and his fiancée, Jillian Lascek.

Gloria's zest for life, her boundless love, and infectious enthusiasm will be dearly missed. The Ballough family thanks everyone who shared in Gloria's vibrant journey. Rest in peace, Gloria; your legacy of warmth and joy will continue to inspire.

Friends will be received from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday at 9:30 a.m. in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Interment to follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Eleanor M. Bartels

October 09, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Eleanor M. Bartels, 91, of Claridge,  passed away Saturday October 7, 2023.  Eleanor grew up in McKeesport and lived in North Huntingdon prior to moving to Orlando in 1982.   In 2006 she  moved back to Pennsylvania.  Prior to raising her children she  was employed at Westinghouse Bettis. She also worked for both JCPenney Catalog and in the cafeteria in Norwin School District and then in Orlando.  It was hard work that she sincerely enjoyed and did until her retirement in 2006. Eleanor volunteered at Riddle Memorial Hospital in Media, Pa. for several years, was a  member of the Order of the Eastern Star and loved cruising.   Prior to her husband's death, they enjoyed over 20 cruises together.  She then cruised often with her family and created many happy memories. Eleanor is predeceased in death by her husband of nearly 50 years, Earl C. Bartels, Jr.; her son, Kenneth; and her brother, Leonard Myers. She is survived by her daughter, Leslie Sacks and her son, Eric (Cyndi) Bartels; grandsons, Derek and Mitchell; great granddaughter, Penelope; sisters, Laverne McConnell and Janice McEwan; several nieces and nephews and their families. There will be no services at this time. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike , North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. Donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Condolences may be made through the online website at www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 


Patricia A. (Coan) Parfitt

October 08, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Patricia A. (Coan) Parfitt, 78, of Greensburg formerly of North Huntingdon, passed away Saturday, October 7, 2023 at her home with her family by her side. She was born July 25, 1945 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Clarence Coan and Phyllis Parfitt. Pat was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh majoring in Criminal Justice and attended Law School in San Diego, CA. She owned her own painting company in San Diego and enjoyed spending time with her family, reading and watching TV. She is survived by her daughter, Dawn Pinaroc and her husband, MacArthur; grandson, Joshua Pinaroc and his wife, Katie; sister, Jacque Parfitt; brother, Bruce Parfitt and his wife, Chris; and numerous nephews and cousins. Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 12 noon on Tuesday at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. A funeral service will follow at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in memory of Pat. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Maureen Edna Dunn

October 07, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Maureen Edna Dunn, 67, of North Huntingdon, PA, died October 5, 2023 in her home after a brief illness. She is survived by her fiancé, David Bollinger, her daughter, Nicole (Tim) Dunn Marsh of Alexandria, VA, brothers, David (Beverly) Dunn and Duane Dunn both of North Huntingdon, PA, sister, Marcia (Ralph) Rowley of Charlottesville, VA, aunt, Maureen Donnelly of Arlington, VA and several nieces and nephews. Maureen was predeceased by her beloved mother, JoAnn Dunn, father, Clarence Dunn and brothers, Dennis, Darrel, and Douglas. Born November 15, 1955 in Jeanette, PA, Maureen graduated from Norwin High School in 1973. She was an office manager at Trafford Commerce Center for over 30 years. She loved her swimming pool, making flower arrangements, and decorating her house with birdhouses and bumble bees in the summer, witches for Halloween, and snowmen in the winter. Friends will be received from 4-8 p.m. on Monday at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday in the funeral home chapel with Reverend Ralph Rowley officiating. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Kathleen "Kathy" S. Campbell

October 05, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

, 80, of North Huntingdon, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 with her family by her side. She was born January 31, 1943 in Clairton, a daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Sokpo) Raposky. Kathy was a hairdresser, warehouse manager for E.G. Gabriels and secretary for the family business, E. J. Lowery Fire and Commercial Truck Repair. Kathy was the matriarch of her family. She was a loving mother who devoted her life to her children. She was a member of Transfiguration Anglican Church, Elizabeth, Pa. She enjoyed sewing, ceramics, feeding the squirrels and most importantly spending time with her grandchildren. Kathy was very selfless and touched each person's life whether you met her for one moment or had known her for many years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Michael Raposky. She is survived by her beloved husband of 50 years, Duane E. Campbell; children, James (Terry) Griffiths, Marina (Dan) Blocher, Charles (Elizabeth) Campbell and Tammy Couchenour; brother, Joseph (Nancy) Raposky; sister, Jane Foshee; grandchildren, Kimberly (Joe) Kiraly, Paul (Amanda) Griffiths, Morgan Couchenour, Aidan Blocher, Karsyn Campbell, Ella Blocher and Connor Couchenour; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Tyler, Jayce and soon to be arriving baby Bryce. Friends will be received from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. A funeral service will follow at 6 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. In lieu in flowers, donations may be made to the Transfiguration Anglican Church's Diaper Pantry, 206 S. 3rd Street, Elizabeth, PA 15037. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Ann Louise (Rendulic) Gorzynski

October 02, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Ann Louise (Rendulic) Gorzynski died Saturday, September 30, 2023, surrounded by her family at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, New Jersey. She was 85.

Born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania to the late Stephen P. and Ann D. (Barnish) Rendulic, she was raised in McKeesport and lived in North Huntingdon, PA for 63 years before moving to Tinton Falls, New Jersey in March. She graduated from McKeesport High School in 1955 and McKeesport Hospital School of Nursing in 1958. She later received a Bachelor of Science from California State College of Pennsylvania and master's degrees in Nursing and Education from Pennsylvania State University. She was a registered nurse in the critical care unit of McKeesport Hospital for many years before going to work at Magee Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh until her retirement.

Ann Louise was a communicant of St. Agnes R.C. Church in North Huntingdon for 63 years. She was a member of the church's choir and volunteered at the annual bazaar. She was also a member of the McKeesport School of Nursing Alumni Association.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter Joanne Gorzynski in 1970; and by her sister, Thelma V. Smith in 2022. Surviving are her husband of 64 years, Leonard F. Gorzynski of Tinton Falls, NJ; her son Gary F. Gorzynski and his wife Karen (Selover) Gorzynski of Brick, NJ, formerly of Kendall Park, NJ; three grandchildren – Amanda M. Jago and her husband Ryan J. of Point Pleasant Borough, NJ, Daniel S. Gorzynski of Freehold, NJ and Matthew L. Gorzynski of Hoboken, NJ; and her great grandson – Joseph R. Jago.

Visitation will be 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at Selover Funeral Home, 555 Georges Road, North Brunswick, NJ. Services in Pennsylvania include visitation from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, October 9, 2023 at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 AM Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at St. Agnes Church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in North Versailles. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Agnes Church Music Ministry, 11400 St. Agnes Lane, North Huntingdon, PA 15642.

 


Robert H. Blasko

September 27, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Robert H. Blasko, 91 of North Huntingdon died September 27, 2023 at his home. He was born April 3, 1932 in Bradenville, Pa, a son of the late Andrew and Helen Blasko. Prior to his retirement, he was employed at Elliot Company as a Tool & Die Maker. He was a member of St, Agnes Church where in sang in the choir, He enjoyed woodworking. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers, Thomas, George and Andrew Blasko. He is survived by his wife Marcella Jugan Blasko, son Robert D. Blasko, daughter Debra Mainiero (Richard), and Diane Blasko one grandchild Daniel. Two brothers Charles (Pat) and Byron (Pat) Blasko. Friends will be received on Sunday, October 1, 2023 from 2-6 pm at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A funeral mass will be held on Monday at a time to be announced at St. Agnes Church with interment to follow at South Versailles Cemetery, Coulter. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Marjorie "Marge" R. Gongaware-Samios

September 26, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Marjorie "Marge" Gongaware-Samios, 82, of Irwin, great-grandmother, grandmother, mother and wife, born October 1, 1940 passed away September 2, 2023 in Florida after a lengthy illness of cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Marie Gaskell, and son, Gregory. She is survived by her husband, Nicholas Samios who took good care of her during her illness; children, Lori (Ken) Cipra, Renee (John) Leszczynski, Tom Gongaware and Kristen Gongaware (Rob Droppa). Grandchildren, Carolyn (John) Lindsey, Kenny Cipra, Derek (Amy) Gongaware, Damon Gongaware, Madison (Hunter) Gongaware-Stape, Jaden Gongaware and Hannah (Dustin) Pealstrom; great-grandchild, Landen Whitt.

Marge graduated from Irwin High School and became a homemaker and raising her family. She was Catholic by faith and a former member of Immaculate Conception Church, Irwin. She decided to pursue a career and become a real estate agent for many years until she decided to join her husband Nicholas as owner/operator of Jiffy Print until selling the business and returning to the real estate market as a mortgage broker for many decades before retiring and spending winters in Florida. She loved to read, cook, shop and go boating on occasions. A memorial service will be held Sunday, October 1, 2023 from 1-4 p.m. at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642 with Pastor Glenn Meyers officiating a service at 3:30 p.m.

www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Denise "Dee" R. Parry

September 25, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Denise "Dee" R. Parry, 64, of North Huntingdon, passed away Sunday, September 24, 2023. She was born November 22, 1958 in Carnegie, a daughter of the late John E. Cavey III and Priscilla L. (Bradley) Cavey. Denise was a florist for Gongaware and Parry Florist. She enjoyed gardening, floral design, baking and boating. She is survived by her loving husband of 20 years, Jeff Parry; daughter, Brandi Crissman and her husband, Evan; sons, Daniel Hawk and his wife, Kim, Justin Parry and his wife, Andrea, Zachary Parry and his wife, Dawn; brothers, Dwayne Cavey (Ramona), Scott Cavey (Terrie), grandchildren who she loved dearly, Ayden, Addasyn, Brandi and Marissa. The Parry and Crissman Families would like to thank the nurses and staff of Bethany Hospice and The Village of Penn Wood for their compassionate care of Denise.  Services are private. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of Dee. Arrangements by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com