September 18, 2023 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

David Michael Jones, age 71, of Pittsburgh, died on Monday, September 11, 2023. He was born in Pittsburgh on March 13, 1952, and was the son of the late Helen C. Jones, and the husband of the late Kathleen Marie Williams Jones, who died on February 10, 2009. He was very proud to be a 1970 graduate of Westinghouse High School, home of the Bulldogs, where he played football. After graduating, David served in the United States Army. He was employed as a housekeeper for DoubleTree by Hilton in Pittsburgh for over 30 years. He received numerous awards and recognitions from his employer, including Employee of the Year multiple times and was the longest serving employee in his department. David was also an avid Steelers fan.
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September 10, 2023 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

It’s with profound sadness that we share news of the death of Matthew Shields Griesser, age 53. Matt was born in Pittsburgh, PA on May 5, 1970 and died in McKeesport, PA (Elizabeth Township) on September 2, 2023. He is survived by his parents, Garry and Nancy Griesser, his brother Thomas Griesser, and by beloved uncles, aunts, cousins, and countless long-time college and industry friends.
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September 05, 2023 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

Alexander Drozdiak, age 91, of White Oak, PA, died on Monday, September 4, 2023. He was born in Shamokin, PA on October 11, 1931 and was the son of the late Alexander J. and Anna Danchak Drozdiak and the husband of the late Dorothy E. Dolf Drozdiak, who died on November 1, 2012. Alexander earned a bachelor’s degree from General Motors Institute (now Kettering University) and later retired as an engineer for General Motors Fisher Body. He was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish. Alexander enjoyed singing in the choir and cantoring at various churches throughout the area.
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August 30, 2023 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Charlene Adele Marasco, age 82, of Greensburg, PA, formerly of White Oak, PA, died on Monday, August 28, 2023. She was born in Pittsburgh on November 10, 1940 and is the daughter of the late Charles G. and Sarah F. Crosier Bramer. She was the wife of the late Adam Hayes, and wife of the late Felix W. “Phil” Marasco.
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August 23, 2023 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

John Daniel Bokin, age 72, of Liberty Boro, died on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. He was born in McKeesport on January 6, 1951 and is the son of the late David and Lucille Faircloth Bokin, and the husband of the late Julie Jordan Bokin. John proudly served in the United States Marine Corps and later retired as a truck driver for various industries and served as a deacon.
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August 23, 2023 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

Robert “Bob” Conrad Erkel, age 97, of Herminie, formerly of Port Vue, died on Sunday, August 20, 2023. Bob was born on June 3, 1926 on Mt. Washington to the late Elmer P. Erkel and Catherine Naughton Erkel. He was the second oldest and last surviving of 6 children. He was preceded in death by siblings Elmer Jr., Catherine Eileen McClymont, John (Joe), Thomas and Helen Bernice Baird.
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August 14, 2023 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Doris Darlene Williams, age 80, of Glassport, died on Monday, August 14, 2023. She was born in Vindex, Maryland on February 20, 1943 and is the daughter of the late Lloyd and Beatrice Knox Kifer. She was the matriarch of the family, an excellent cook, and enjoyed knitting and crocheting blankets. Doris was a proud member of the United States Marine Corps. She attended the former Lesko Beauty School in McKeesport and then opened her own business in McKeesport, Doris’ Hair Salon which she operated for approximately six years. Doris retired as a custodian from McKeesport Area School District when she was 62 years old after twenty years of service.
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August 11, 2023 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

Henry “Ben” Benton South, age 80, of Elizabeth Twp., died on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. He was born in McKeesport on June 12, 1943 and is the son of the late William and Naomi Niehaus South. Ben proudly served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party in support of the U.S. Army 1st Air Cavalry Division from 1964 to 1968 during the Vietnam War. He was a recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal for his honorable service in the military. He was previously employed by H.B. South Printing and also was the owner of South Software. He retired from McKeesport Area School District as a technology coordinator. He served on the technology board of numerous colleges, universities, and organizations. Ben was a member of St. Patrick's church (Mary, Mother of God Parish). As a member of the Holy Name Society, he held numerous offices and was honored by the Pittsburgh Diocese for his dedicated involvement. Ben showed love to his family and friends by giving his time freely in service as a problem solver and a helping hand. He was a relationship builder; always caring, keeping up with friends, meeting new ones, supporting his family, and giving his grandkids "the best hugs."
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August 09, 2023 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

Gregory Claude Berrier, age 74, of Liberty Boro, died on Monday, August 7, 2023. He was born in McKeesport on December 24, 1948 and is the son of the late LeRoy and Emilenne Berrier. Greg graduated from WyoTech in Blairsville, focusing on automotive repair and bodywork. He was the owner of Gregg’s Autobody for over 40 years.
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July 31, 2023 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

Maxine Stein, age 94, formerly of McKeesport, PA, passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023 at Autumn Care of Statesville, NC. Maxine was born August 20, 1928 in Pittsburgh, PA. She was the daughter of the late Martin Schulherr and Hattie Arnold Schulherr. She graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School in Pittsburgh, PA and was married to the late Alan Stein.
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July 24, 2023 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

Perry Dean “Pirate Pete/Pedro” Ackerman, age 66, of McKeesport, died on Sunday, July 23, 2023. He was born in McKeesport on April 17, 1957 and is the son of the late Carl and Jean McGee Ackerman.
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July 24, 2023 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

Christopher A. Bradley, age 62, of Port Vue, PA, died on Saturday, July 22, 2023. He was born in McKeesport, PA on January 25, 1961 and is the son of Gertrude Breen Bradley of Port Vue, PA and the late George William Bradley, Sr. Christopher proudly served in the United States Airforce during Desert Storm. After his service, he was employed as a painter and later provided health care to his parents.
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July 22, 2023 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Mike Larry Bavolar, age 65, of McKeesport, died on Friday, July 21, 2023. He was born in Pittsburgh on February 16, 1958 and is the son of the late Edward J. and Gloria Simonetta Bavolar. He worked as a self-employed contractor.
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July 21, 2023 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Dan Verdish, age 97, of White Oak, died on Friday, July 21, 2023. He was born in McKeesport on November 27, 1925 and is the son of the late Dan and Margaret Kormos Verdesh, and the husband of the late Virginia Ciolak Verdish. Dan proudly served in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII. After the war, he was employed as an electrician at Kelsey Hays, Firth Stirling, and retired from Westinghouse Electric 36 years ago. He was an avid tennis player who played every day, usually at Renzie Park, as well as in tournaments. He loved reading, walking, traveling, fishing, hunting, and going to his cabin in Marienville. He was a member of the General Smedley D. Butler Post 701 White Oak American Legion, and the Eleventh Ward Club. He was also the former treasurer of the Foreman’s Association at Westinghouse Electric.
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July 20, 2023 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
John “Jay” Michael Pozzuto, age 63, of McKeesport, PA died on Saturday July 15, 2023. He was born in McKeesport on February 16, 1960 and is the son of the late Geraldine “Sis” Pozzuto. John “Jay” Pozzuto may you forever rest in peace. Your laughter and contagious smile will live in our memories forever. Your positive energy brought salvation to many people. Your loyalty and joy were unique and honest. Jay was a devoted father and family man that would give you the shirt off his back if needed. He enjoyed watching sports, listening to music, going to concerts, and most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Now we ask that you watch down on us from Heaven because we know you made it, and we know you will always answer our calls in time of need. The kindness of your soul touched many lives, and you will be sadly missed by many. May you rest in peace in Rock and Roll Heaven.
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