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.


Britton Watts Jr

September 24, 2023 |

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

Britton Watts Jr., 88 of North Huntingdon passed away September 24, 2023 at Canterbury Place in Pittsburgh.  He was born February 19, 1935 in McKeesport, son of the late Britton and Jean Stauffer Watts.  Britton retired from US Steel Mon Valley Works with 36 years of service. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church and enjoyed hunting and piloting his airplane.  He is survived by his wife Mary Belle Ewart Watts and his son Alan Watts.  Services are private.  Arrangements by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Robert James "EZ" Etherington

September 21, 2023 |

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

Robert James "EZ" Etherington, 76, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, September 21, 2023. He was born June 4, 1947 in Swissvale, Pa., a son of the late Robert Etherington and Mary "Sally" (McMichael) Etherington Siarto. Prior to his retirement, Bob was a meter reader for Allegheny Power and a veteran of the US Army having served during Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and gardening. Bob was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins and Pirates fan. He loved spending time with his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Konner Robert Piper and brother, James Etherington. He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy (Alexander) Etherington; son, David and his wife, Trisha; daughters, Cheryl Piper and her husband, Stephen, Julie Michalski and her husband, Jason; brother, William (Pamela) Etherington; sisters, Carol McBroom, Joanne Martin (Dick); sister-in-law, Judy Etherington; grandchildren, Kody, Kole (Jaylene) and Kennedy Piper, Jadeyn and Josey Michalski, Aleecia and Chase Etherington. Friends will be received Monday 2-6 p.m. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. Interment will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to his family , 11346 Seminole Drive, North Huntingdon, Pa 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Lois "Marcelle" Gebhardt Shepherd LaBuda

September 20, 2023 |

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

Lois "Marcelle" Gebhardt Shepherd LaBuda

Marcelle went to be with our Lord on the evening of Thursday, September 14th, 2023 at her residence in Venice Florida. She was surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on January 4th, 1936 as one of eight daughters to the late Carl and Evelyn (Downing) Gebhardt in McKeesport, PA.  Marcelle was a former tax collector for Coulter, PA in the early 1960's. She obtained her Nursing Degree in 1975, and worked for Westmoreland Hospital, Venice Hospital Florida, Dr. Edward Freeman, and Tampico Nursing Home, also of Florida, caring for thousands of patients before retiring in 1997.  Marcelle enjoyed music, singing, playing bass and classical guitar, piano, and composing songs. She was part of a duo band called Marcelle with Art. She was "our rock star" playing bass guitar and singing while Art played the melody. The band performed in many restaurants in North Huntingdon, Greensburg and Mount Pleasant area.  Marcelle attended St. Marks Church in Venice Florida and Monroe Street Methodist in Toledo Ohio.  Her hobbies included genealogy research, playing bridge and tinkering with repair projects around the home. She was so talented, she could putty and spray paint your car!  She founded and taught the Coulter Cowgirls Baton Twirling Team in 1960. Along with Flo Mazur, they would sew every uniform and banner for the team. She also was a baton and colorguard instructor for the Circleville Green Berets and Park Terrace Pussycats in the 70's.  

Later in life, she became a world traveler and enjoyed dancing, especially polka. She loved visiting Europe and Poland so much, she visited Poland on three different occasions.  She was preceded in death by her late husband, Chester Labuda and her sons, Raymond and Joseph Shepherd, daughter-in-law Geraldine Shepherd, and her ex-husband Raymond Shepherd. She joins her sisters Dorothy Miller, Edna Gebhardt, Audrey Neal, Maragaret Pifferetti, and Thelma McNeal. She is also preceded in death by her great-grandson Frankie Angel Rivera.  Marcelle is survived by her two lovely sisters, Eileen Korinko of North Huntingdon and Kathy Boyle of White Oak, PA. As well as her daughters Michelle Skarzynski (David) of North Huntingdon, Stella Minkel (Barry), Stephanie Shepherd of White Oak, and Jean Shepherd (Todd Vandergaag) of Venice, Florida.  Also her grandchildren Julie McCarthy (Paul), Daniel Minkel (Abraham), Elaina Minkel (Enrique Rivera), Sean Brooks, Allison Minkel (Sean Grivna), Ryan Brooks, (Sarah), Dalane Vandergaag, Todd Vandergaag Jr. (Gabrielle), and Grace Skarzynski; and great-grandchildren Ronan, Maeve, and Tomás McCarthy, Emery Ann Carroll, Valerie and Ophelia Vandergaag, and Serenity Hope Brooks.  She has many beautiful nieces and nephews.  Entombment will be handled by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home at a later date.  

The family will be having a "CELEBRATION of LIFE" on Friday, September 29th, 2023 at THE LITTLE COULTERVILLE CHAPEL in COULTER PA from 1 pm to 4 pm located at 959 Tourman Street, Coulter PA 15028

In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation in Marcelle's name to The Bigley Family Cemetery Fund c/o JoAnn Shepherd, 401 Woodall Ave, North Huntingdon PA 15642

 


Cindy Yvonne Hess

September 19, 2023 |

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

Cindy Yvonne Hess, 66, of North Huntingdon, passed away Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital.  She was born July 3, 1957 in Braddock, a daughter of Edith "Bonnie" (Eddy) Wilson and the late Lloyd Wilson.  Prior to her retirement, Cindy was a floral designer for Shackelford's & Maxwell's Florist and later worked as a waitress for Drew's Restaurant.  She was a graduate of Scott High School Class of '75.  She enjoyed trips to the beach, especially Long Beach Island, NJ, surrounding herself with flowers and drinking coffee and her two Maine coon cats. Her favorite things were visiting lighthouses, butterflies and hummingbirds.  She is survived by her husband, Dennis J. Hess; sons, Eric Hess and his wife, Linda, Derek L. Hess and his fiancee, Kelly; brother, Lloyd D. Wilson (Debbie); sisters, Jennifer Skaris (Robert), Angela Connelly (Richard); grandchildren, Lily and Adelina Hess; and several nieces and nephews.  Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Thursday at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  A funeral service will take place on Friday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Charles D. Dorsey

September 18, 2023 |

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

Charles D. Dorsey, 84, of North Huntingdon passed away Monday, September 18, 2023.  He was born November 16, 1938 in North Irwin, a son of the late Ossie and Myrtle (Franz) Dorsey.  Prior to his retirement, Charles worked as a shipper for AMI Doduco and was an avid pilot.  He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Denise (Petty) Dorsey.  Services are private.  Memorials may be made to White Oak Safe Haven Animal Shelter in memory of Charles.  Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Terry Chamberlain

September 16, 2023 |

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

Terry Chamberlain, 67, of Connellsville, formerly of Level Green passed away Friday, September 15, 2023 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.  He was born May 13, 1956 in Braddock, a son of the late Emil and Bernadette (Gadagno) Chamberlain.  Prior to his retirement, Terry worked for the street department for the City of Trafford.  He enjoyed fishing, golfing and watching war movies.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James.   He is survived by his wife, Judy (Varsafsky) Chamberlain; sons, David (Erin), Steven (Stephanie), Christopher (Tina); daughter, Elizabeth (Robert); brothers, Richard (Joanne), Michael, Randy and Ronnie; sister, Amy Borling; grandchildren, Cassandra, Austin, Taylor, Gracie, Gavin, Ellie, Demi; and great-granddaughter, Carter.  There will be no visitation.  Memorials may be made to the Chamberlain Family, 315 North Arch Street, Apartment 1010, Connellsville, PA  15425.  Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Antonio Balestreri

September 15, 2023 |

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

Antonio Balestreri, 97, of Pittsburgh, passed away Thursday, September 14, 2023 at Forbes Regional Hospital.  He was born June 22, 1926 in Buffalo, NY, a son of the late Salvatore and Giovanna Balestreri.  Prior to his retirement, Antonio was a firefighter for the City of Pittsburgh and a veteran of the US Navy having served during WWII.  He was an all-around handyman who enjoyed woodworking, hunting and going to the beach.  He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Bernadine (Perella) Balestreri; sons, Anthony M. Balestreri and Daniel J. Balestreri and his wife, Kristen; grandchildren, Dominic (Ashley) and Mario.  There will be no visitation.  Private interment in Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh.  Memorials may be made to The Wounded Warriors Project in memory of Antonio.   Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Florence L. Anderson

September 14, 2023 |

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

Florence L. Anderson, 73, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, September 14, 2023 at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital. She was born January 3, 1950 in Monroeville, a daughter of the late Wendell E. and Eunice (Hoak) Hager. Prior to her retirement, Florence was a data entry clerk for MSA. She enjoyed gardening, sewing and camping. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Anderson. She is survived by her son, Victor Anderson and his wife, Julia; brothers, Charlie (Stephanie) Hager, Don (Linda) Hager; grandchildren, Aubrey, Deklyn, Bo and Zoe. Services are private. Arrangements by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Bernard M. Oriss

September 14, 2023 |

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

Bernard M. Oriss, 89, of North Huntingdon, passed away Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at Forbes Regional Hospital.  He was born March 26, 1934 in North Braddock, a son of the late Michael and Marie (Takosky) Oriss.  Prior to his retirement, Bernie was a school teacher for Woodland Hills School District where he taught Social Studies and History.  During the summers, he coordinated school picnics for Kennywood Park for 39 years and was awarded twice for P.S.E.A. Teacher of the Year at Swissvale High School/Woodland Hills.   He was a veteran of the US Air Force having served during the Korean War and a member of St. Agnes Parish.  He was the coach and athletic director for Scott High School, North Braddock, assistant coach of golf and was inducted into the East Boro Hall of Fame for Basketball and Baseball.  Bernie enjoyed golfing, gardening and attending events for his grandchildren.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James Oriss. He is survived by his loving wife, Rosalie Oriss; son, Timothy Oriss and his wife, Carol; daughter, Karen Oravitz and her husband, Ken; grandchildren, Nicholas (Sabrina) Oriss and Andrew Oriss, Natalie and Bradley Oravitz; sister-in-law, Lois Oriss; and nieces, Lisa (Troy) Sands and Amy (Jonathan) Oriss.  Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Sunday at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday at 10 a.m. in St. Agnes Church.  Interment will be private in Grandview Cemetery.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Gary Kenneth Patterson

September 11, 2023 |

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

Gary Kenneth Patterson, 87, of Irwin passed away Monday, September 11, 2023 at Hempfield Manor, Greensburg. He was born October 25, 1935 in Ardara, a son of the late Charles and Margaret (Confer) Patterson. Prior to his retirement, Gary was a high voltage lab technician for Westinghouse and was a veteran of the US Navy having served during the Korean War on the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA 31). After retirement Gary continued working as a pastor in Confluence and Butler. He enjoyed golfing and loved playing and watching basketball and playing pool. Gary coached NCAA boys basketball and volunteered for the Norwin Youth Commission. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Russell, Raymond, and Edwin; and sisters, Elaine and Linda. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Phyllis (Wagner) Patterson; daughters, Pamela Williams and her husband, David, Debra Hoover and her husband, Lester; sister, Cheryl Lenhart; grandchildren, Matthew (Sarah) Davis, Hannah Williams, Haley (Joshua) Porter; and great-granddaughter, Allyssa Sue Davis. There will be no visitation.  Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Jeffrey Harnett

September 11, 2023 |

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

Jeffrey Harnett, 70, of North Huntingdon formerly of Hadley, passed away Saturday, September 9, 2023. He was born November 25, 1952 in Greenville, PA, a son of James Harnett and the late Nancy (McManigle) Harnett. Prior to his retirement Jeff was a cytotechnologist for University Health Center of Cleveland and a veteran of the US Army having served during the Vietnam Era. He enjoyed hunting, grain farming, truck and tractor pulling, visiting wineries and traveling. In addition to his father, Jeff is survived by his companion, Deborah Daerr Ackerman; son, Chad Harnett (Sarah Walsh); brother, Jim Harnett (Paula); sister, Melissa Ustik (Gary); grandchildren, Riley and Nolan; niece, Andrea Harnett (John). Also survived by Dale and Tarah Ackerman, Bill and Veronica Daerr, Robert and Diana Daerr, and Constance Daerr. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 11 a.m. at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642.  An additional memorial service will be held at a later date in Sheakleyville, PA.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to All But Furgotten Animal Rescue or your favorite animal rescue shelter. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Dorothy Passaro

September 10, 2023 |

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

It is with great sadness, but also great joy that we announce the passing of our mother, Dorothy Passaro, into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Dorothy, 86, was born on June 24, 1937 in Jeannette to Wilda and Ralph Volk. Dorothy was a graduate of Jeannette Sr. High School and a lifetime member of Jeannette Assembly of God Church.  She enjoyed eating her favorite foods such as steak, chocolate, all sweets and ice cream.  She liked flowers, her favorite color was pink and she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was  preceded in death by her husband, Richard E. Passaro, sisters, Ruth, Phyllis, Wilda, and brothers, Donald, James and Larry. She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Herold (Michael); sons, Richard D. Passaro and Scott Passaro (Angela); sister, Gladys; grandchildren, Christopher Passaro, Jonathan Passaro, Michael Forish (Brittney), Rachel Passaro, Brittany Passaro; and great-grandchildren, Michael Henry and Evelyn.  Family and friends will be received from 2-6 p.m. on Tuesday at the James W Shirley Funeral Home,  176 Clay Pike in North Huntingdon.  A funeral service will follow at 6 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.    Interment will be private.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Ada Marie Prines

September 07, 2023 |

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

Baby girl Ada Marie Prines, daughter of Joshua and Brea (Bolden) Prines, was given her Angel wings on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. In addition to her parents, Ada is survived by her big brother, Leo; maternal grandparents, Brett and Kelly Bolden; pateranl grandparents, Frank and Leslie Prines; maternal great-grandparents, Michael and Virginia Moritz; paternal great-grandmother, Bonnie Gesinski; aunts, Blair Hoffer and her husband, Nathan, Lindsay (Ben Douglas) and Carly Prines; and uncles, Shaun and Jordan Prines. Services are private. Brea and Josh would like everyone to let their children know how much they love them every day. Donations may be made to the March of Dimes or Pittsburgh Bereavement Doulas in memory of Ada Marie. Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
 


John "Jack" F. Thieme

September 01, 2023 |

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

John "Jack" F. Thieme, 61, of North Huntingdon died Thursday, August 31, 2023 at UPMC East. He was born September 24, 1961 in McKeesport, a son of the late Ferdinand F. and Ida (Sailor) Thieme. Jack was the owner of Thieme Heating and Air Conditioning. He was a member of the Christ United Methodist Church and a graduate of Norwin High School Class of 1979. He loved his Alaskan Malamutes. He is survived by his sister, Deborah L. Thieme and numerous cousins. Friends will be received on Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday at 10 a.m in the funeral home chapel. Interment to follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pet Friends, Inc., P.O. Box 484, Irwin, PA  15642.   www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Ray Allen "Skeets" Shawley

August 30, 2023 |

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

Ray Allen "Skeets" Shawley Jr., 73, of Latrobe formerly of North Huntingdon, passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at Excela Health Latrobe Hospital.  He was born January 11, 1950 in Latrobe, a son of the late Ray A. and Harriet (Moore) Shawley.  Prior to his retirement, Ray was a tool and die supervisor for GM Fisher Body Plant.  He enjoyed traveling, golfing, cooking and feeding people, a good Manhattan and cigar and loved spending time with his family.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Wiles "Bud" Shawley; sisters, Marion Uncapher, JoAnn Plummer and Sara Shawley.  He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Sylvia Lynne Lancy Shawley; daughter, Tracy Dolence (Harry); sisters, Lois Moon (Richard), Lenita Lenhart (Roger), Valera “Tootie” Uncapher (Eugene), Susan Henry (Leo); mother-in-law, Rosa Lee Lancy; grandchildren, Alycia Shawley, Hunter Dolence; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Shawley, Lee Anne Hrebik (Michael); and numerous niece and nephews.  Friends will be received on Thursday from 2-8 p.m. at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  A funeral service will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com