January 12, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
Richard James Henry IV, 75 of Fort Wayne passed away December 23, 2024. He was born August 22, 1949 in Akron, Ohio to parents Richard James Henry III and Dorothy Mae (Baker) Henry. Richard lived most of his life in McKeesport, Pennsylvania and Clearwater, Florida. He recently moved to Fort Wayne to be closer to his family.
Richard worked for many years as a Certified Nursing Assistant. He enjoyed collecting antiques, dancing and going to the beach.
Richard is survived by his children Richard James Henry V, Christopher (Ernestine) Henry, Leah (Victor) Francisco, Robin Henry and Ashley Schulze. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his brothers William (Dayle) Henry, Darryl (Kathy) Henry and Kevin (Mary) Henry. His sisters Linda Christian and Audrey (Kenneth) Hamlin also preceded him in death. Private services.
Family request memorial donations be made in Richard's name to The American Heart Association.
Arrangements by Midwest Funeral Home, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
January 12, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
Karen Ruth Salsgiver Long of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania died peaceably at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, Pennsylvania on January 7, 2025 with her husband at her bedside. Karen was born July 6, 1941 in Gilpin Twp. (Leechburg, Pennsylvania) to the late Neill and Jean Rausch Salsgiver. She graduated from Leechburg High School in 1959. She married the love of her life William (Bill) Long January 2, 1981 in the Old Stone Church in Monroeville recently celebrating 44 years of marriage.
Together they owned and operated B & K Ceramics and Ambassador Cards and Gifts in North Versailles, Pennsylvania before moving to State College. Karen retired in 2004 after 20 plus years in the Acquisitions Department of the Pattee Paterno Library at Penn State University. Then after retirement, worked at Barbara’s (now Christine’s) Hallmark in State College for 6 years. Everyone knew Karen by her unique laugh.
Karen was of Presbyterian faith belonging to Sampson Mills Church in White Oak Borough where she loved singing in the choir. When her children were young, she was a Girl Scout Leader and Cub Scout Den Mother in White Oak. She was secretary for the Glen at Paradise Hills North Condo Owners Association in Bellefonte. She was an avid reader, doing all kinds of arts, crafts, and puzzles. She enjoyed going to Silver Sneakers and playing Mahjong with her girlfriends. She loved dancing with her husband and enjoyed all sports especially Penn State athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers and Penguins.
In addition to her husband she is survived by her children, Tammy (Gregg) Purinton of Pittsburgh and Mark (Debbie deceased) Newman of North Versailles. Also surviving are 4 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Also surviving are her mother-in-law Virginia Riazzi Long of White Oak, brother-in-law Kenny Long and Eugene Ferraccio with many nieces and nephews. In addition to her late parents, she was predeceased by her sister Kathleen Ferraccio of North Versailles.
Per Karen’s wishes there will be no services. Final arrangements will be made by Haky Georgiana Centre County Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Bellefonte Food Bank c/o Faith Centre, 131 South Allegheny Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823
An online guestbook may be signed and condolences left for the family at www.hakygeorgianafh.com.
December 28, 2024 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
The finite and exact nature of the word cannot describe the life of Denise Donahoe Ellis, who the Lord blessed the world with on July 29, 1961, and called home on December 19, 2024, to join her father, mother, sister, brother, and countless other loved ones that will be thrilled to see her again.
Denise was the epitome of tenacity, kindness, love, patience, understanding, selflessness, and humor; traits that were unwavering through seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
In her personal life as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, aunt, exercise junkie, chef, pharmacist, servant of the Lord, and social butterfly, Denise always made sure that she was taking care of herself first, others equally, and those that needed care as her own. She did the Lord’s work in every facet of her life and was the epitome of lead by example.
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December 19, 2024 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
John Thomas Domingo, aged 77, of San Antonio, TX, passed into the loving arms of our Lord on December 9, 2024. Born February 2, 1947, to John F. and Margaret R. (Fichera) Domingo of McKeesport, he was the first of five children. A graduate of Serra Catholic High School, John served his country in the U.S. Navy with Assault Craft Unit 1 for three tours of duty during the Vietnam conflict on riverboats. During his service he married his neighbor and high school sweetheart, Christine Zambo, and that union produced 2 daughters. After serving, John was employed by Delta Airlines for thirty-three years.
Pre-deceased by his first wife Christine, and his sister Patricia (survived by Eugene) Tognarine, John is survived by his wife Valerie, daughters Deanna (Scott) Hoelscher and Beth (Jorge) Merendon, son-in-heart Rocky Hernandez, 6 grandchildren, 11 step-grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and siblings Nancy Quinn, Joseph (Tonya) Domingo, and Marie (Annette James) Domingo.
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September 23, 2024 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
Born on September 29, 1927 in Elwood, Indiana. She was the daughter of the late Floyd L. and Clevie A. Lackey Jeffries. While most recently she resided in Kennedy Township, she lived over 70 years in Glassport. She passed away on September 19, just 10 days shy of her 97th birthday.
She is survived by her son, Alan E. Kuffner (Diane) and daughters, Mary Jane Kuffner Hirt (Bruce G. Betty, deceased) and Nancy Thomas (Robert), grandson, Alan P. Kuffner, long-time family friend, Cathleen Gialloreto and many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her husband of 55 years, Alan E. Kuffner, Sr. and daughter, Lynn Anne Kuffner; and siblings Jack L. Jeffries, William H. Jeffries, Robert Jeffries and JoAnn Geruschat.
Mary was a proud and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. And, she was always willing to help others whether at the church food bank or McKeesport pre-school with Fran, her kids’ PTA, March of Dimes fund-raising events, the Home for Crippled Children (now Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh) or visiting shut-ins with June.
In her later years, she volunteered at a church pizza kitchen, enjoyed watching Pitt basketball and football, the Pirates and Steelers and crocheted dozens of colorful winter hats for local kids. Sincere appreciation to the staff and residents at Concordia at Wexford for the care and kindness extended to Mary over the last 7 weeks.
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August 27, 2024 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
Deborah Marie Simak, age 71 of North Oakland, Pittsburgh, passed away on July 28, 2024. She was born June 18,1953 in Glassport, Pa. She was preceded in death by parents Richard and Vincentina Simak, brother Ricky Simak, and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Simak, Mr. Joseph Como, and memorably Lil Como. She is survived by her beloved son Zachary Holtzman, brother and sister-in-law Jim and Theresa Simak of Jacksonville Florida and their adult children Christina, Elizabeth and Andrew, daughter-in-law Danielle Lewis, many cousins particularly Nancy Como, Patty, Paula and Judy Minydzak, and some very great friends she held close to her heart. She often expressed her gratefulness for the blessings in her life, but her greatest joy were her grandchildren Lilly, Lia and Zack Holtzman with whom she was always so happy and of whom she was always so proud. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with Bachelor and Master degrees in Nursing and ended a successful career as Director of Quality Improvement in the medical school at the University of Pittsburgh. She enjoyed Pittsburgh’s museums, parks and cultural events, especially musicals, classical music, art exhibits, Phipps flower shows, and mystery books; she was a lector at St Paul Cathedral, a kayaker, and a fan of silver sneakers and playing chess, and the #1 supporter of her grand-kids’ athletic and educational endeavors.
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August 19, 2024 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
Paul Rito Ceresa, of North Versailles, peacefully passed on Satuday, July 27, 2024, the eve of his 96th birthday, with his loving family at his side. He was the devoted husband of the late Teresa (Zamosky) Ceresa. Loving father of Paul D. (Mylah Rakoff) Ceresa, James (Kim) Ceresa, Sharon “Shari” Smith, and Chris (Michele) Ceresa. He was known as “Poppies” to everyone, particularly, Paul Jeremy Ceresa, Brittany (Chuck) Coley, Daniel Rakoff, Ivy (Jason) Karlin, Adrian (Andrew) Miller, David Ceresa, Lindsay (JR) Pusey, Michael (Lisa Kornick) Smith, Rachel (Ben) Eaton, Christopher Ceresa, and Elainna Ceresa. He is also survived by 8 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and friends.
Paul was a proud U.S. Army Veteran who served his country during the Korean War. He was a beautiful artisan stone mason and electronics technician. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Wilmerding Moose, and Sub Alpine. Paul was truly dedicated to his family and left a lasting legacy of love.
Arrangements were in care of Alfieri Funeral Home, Inc., 201 Marguerite Ave, Wilmerding, Pa 15148, 412-824-4332. Please visit us at www.alfierifuneralhome.com for online condolences.
August 05, 2024 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
Vera Smider Polak, age 91, formerly of McKeesport, passed away suddenly on Friday, May 3, 2024, at her home in North Las Vegas, Nevada. For those wishing to pay their respects, a memorial mass will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 10:00 am in the chapel at the mausoleum on the campus of St. Vincent College 300 Fraser Purchase Road Latrobe, PA 15650-2690. Following the mass, inurnment will take place.
In addition to her parents, Vera was preceded in death by her husband, Ron, brother, George, and sister-in-law, Carol.
Vera is survived by her daughter, Karen; brother-in-law, John Polak; and sister-in-law, Cynthia Smider. She leaves many friends and family members behind who will miss her greatly, as well as four cats (Toby, Ripley, Bailey, and Bruno) who adored her, and miss her very much.
July 22, 2024 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
Garlene Nesmith, 75, died July 16, 2024. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. July 26, 2024, at Macedonia Baptist Church, 17 Cochran St., Duquesne, PA, where a funeral service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. July 27. Interment with follow at Jefferson Memorial Park, 401 Curry Hollow Road, Pleasant Hills. Arrangements in care of Tunie Funeral Home.
July 09, 2024 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
James Ray Stevens, 84, of Sun City Center, Florida, passed away on June 25, 2024.
Born August 2, 1939 in Clairton, PA son of the late James and Louise Stevens. Jim who was a proud Navy Veteran, lived a very fulfilling life. Friends and family knew Jim best for his ability and enthusiasm to fix, repair and improve any and everything. It stemmed from his time in the service paired with a successful career journey working for both US Steel and General Motors.
Jim will be remembered by his favorite hobbies, especially RVing and traveling with his wife Ruth (Cochenour) Stevens. Jim spent much of his time on his prized passion of golf. He was well respected in tournament play and had recorded one ace (hole-in-one) in his career. Jim was a proud member of several fraternal organizations including, Freemasons (33rd degree) and a dedicated Elks Lodge Member.
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June 26, 2024 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
Florence (Kelmeckis) Matta, 89, of White Oak, formerly of Duquesne, passed peacefully on June 24, 2024. The most important thing to Florence was spending time loving her family, and she now leaves her family on earth to be welcomed in heaven by her late husband George Matta, daughter Jodie Dillinger, son George Matta II, daughter-in-law, Rona (Stein) Matta, and granddaughter, Devin Matta.
Florence is survived by her son, Gary Matta and wife Larissa Rathway Matta, son-in-law George Dillinger and wife Cindy (Pazehoski) Dillinger, daughter-in-law, Cathy Matta, and 11 grandchildren; Bradley and Gretchen Matta, Logan and Keith Haselhoff, Brittany and Darin Kowalski, Tyler and Liz Dillinger, Langley and Tyler Shope, and Austin Matta, and 11 great-grandchildren; Nolan, Kash, Hagen, Miles, Bannon, Oakleigh, Kinley, Tyson, Warren, Greta and Tatum. Florence is also survived by her brother Edward Kelmeckis and wife, Geraldine, along with nieces and nephews and beloved friends.
In between family vacations, attending grandchildren’s sporting and school events, and great grandchildren’s baptisms, birthdays, and parties, Florence was a member of the Duquesne Women’s Club, Pennsylvania State Democratic Committee, Democratic Committee of White Oak, and Secretary of Branch 38 of the First Catholic Slovak Union, and treasured the personal friendships made through the First Catholic Slovak Union.
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June 07, 2024 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
David Wayne Fennessy, 70, of Monroeville, PA, passed at home, surrounded by family on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. David attended Duquesne University before beginning a journalism career that spanned more than 40 years. He first worked at The News-Dispatch in Jeannette before spending a majority of his time with The Daily News in McKeesport. His roles included sportswriter, editor, and page designer, with his sports writing making him a minor celebrity in the Mon Valley.
David was a man of deep faith and an active member of Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish/Saint Bernadette Church, serving as a money counter, lector, parish council member, and youth group leader. He was a co-leader for many high school retreats and mission trips to Kentucky, and more recently was a men’s group member and Emmaus Retreat Leader. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4925, 4th degree, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians – Division 17. David, perhaps best known as Fenn, was a collector of music, T-shirts, and hats.
He was an inspiration to many, especially in recent years, as he quietly endured the many challenges life presented.
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May 21, 2024 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
The Rev. John David Else, known affectionately to friends and family as David, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2024, at the age of 91, in Pittsburgh. Born on March 4, 1933, in Mt. Lebanon, David's early years were marked by a spirited zest for life and a deep sense of purpose which would define his many years.
A proud graduate of Penn State, David's quest for knowledge and his desire to serve others led him to attend seminary at Nashotah House for two years, where he cultivated his vocation to help and guide others. His faith-filled life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to his spiritual calling. His first church was at St. George in Waynesburg followed by several years at St. Thomas in Canonsburg. David also served in various roles at the Church of the Advent, Jeannette; St. John's, Donora; Trinity Cathedral; and St. Stephen's, McKeesport.
After his time in the ministry, David felt called to a different path, one that would allow him to support those struggling with addiction.
In his most notable professional achievement, David founded the Center for Spirituality in 12 Step Recovery, a beacon of hope for countless individuals seeking guidance and support through a 12-step program. His vision for the Center was rooted in compassion, understanding, and the unwavering belief that every person deserves a chance at redemption and a fulfilling life. He was on the opening staff and a therapist at Gateway Rehabilitation Center, and Mon Yough Rehabilitation in McKeesport, helping both of these programs get started in the early 1970's.
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May 18, 2024 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
Wayne Ludwick, a resident of North Myrtle Beach, SC since 2014 and former longtime resident of Elizabeth Twp., PA, passed away peacefully at McLeod Seacoast Medical Center in Little River on Sunday morning, March 24, 2024. He was 86 years old.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Patricia Ann (Kushner), and his devoted sons, Eric (Nancy) Ludwick of Elizabeth Twp. and Brian Ludwick of Miami, FL. He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter through his grandchildren, Steven Springer, Jason (Ale) Springer, Justin Springer, Jenna Ludwick, and Ethan “EJ" Ludwick, nieces, nephews, and many friends who were touched by his kindness and generosity.
Born in Buena Vista, PA on November 11, 1937, Wayne was the son of the late Clyde R. and Evelyn (Brown) Ludwick. In addition to his parents and siblings Russell, Carol and Robert, he was preceded in death by his daughter and son-in-law, the late Lynda (Gary) Springer of Elizabeth Twp. PA.
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April 22, 2024 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
Michelle A. Rizzi, 43, of Dover, Pennsylvania, passed peacefully Thursday, April 18, after a swift, fierce battle with gastric cancer.
Michelle is survived by her loving wife, Amanda Rizzi, and their 4-year-old daughter, Emma. She also leaves behind an extended family of near-lifelong best friends who became her sisters, complete with nieces and nephews, in the Pittsburgh area.
Loyalty and dedication can’t begin to describe Michelle’s perspective on family life. She enjoyed every moment as a parent and she devoted her life to Amanda and Emma. As she approached the unimaginable, Michelle did not waver in her fight to stay here with those she loved … before heading back to the Milky Way. The only thing she died mad about was the ending of Game of Thrones.
Before settling down to build a life with Amanda, Michelle always met her quota. She was the world’s best road-trip companion. She loved being behind the wheel for sing-along drives, dealing with irrational women, and putting Old Bay seasoning on absolutely everything. And she always believed the Ravens were the better team.
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