March 24, 2026 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Dannette Thir, 59, of North Versailles passed away peacefully on March 7th, 2026. Dannette was born February 7th, 1967. Leaving behind a family forever shaped by her kindness, warmth, and unwavering devotion, she was the heart of the family, a loving mother, grandmother, and friend who had a remarkable gift for bringing people together. Her home was always open, her table always welcoming, and family gatherings were made special simply because she was there.
She found joy in the simple, beautiful moments of life. She loved tending to her garden, where flowers bloomed under her care and hummingbirds gathered as if they knew they were welcome. The summer evenings, sitting outside by the fire and watching fireworks burst across the sky, a sight that never failed to fill her with joy. She also loved her time volunteering at Angora Gardens.
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March 24, 2026 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Barbara A. Johns, 85, of North Versailles, died Thursday, March 19, 2026. She was born July 2, 1940 in Braddock, a daughter of the late Richard and Blanche (Wilks) Heuer. She was a member of Living Hope Church, a member of North Braddock Volunteer Fire Department #3, Ladies Auxiliary, and was an avid bowler. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband William Johns, a daughter Janine Downey, and a granddaughter Carrie Yelenic. She is survived by her daughters Stacie Johns and Karen Little; her son-in-law Thomas Downey; her granddaughter Erica Rice; great grandchildren Thomas Randall, Alyssa Rice, Ashley Rice, and Madison Rice; and a brother Richard Hever. At Barbara’s request there will be no viewing. A private graveside service with interment will be in Lebanon Church Cemetery. The Forgie-Snyder Funeral Home, East McKeesport, is handling arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Barbara A. Johns please visit our Sympathy Store.
March 24, 2026 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Howard J. Pence, 70, of Irwin, died Thursday, March 19, 2026. He was born August 11, 1955 in McKeesport, son of the late Charles M. and Lois (Beatty) Pence. Howard was owner of a precision sheet metal fabrication, First Rate Metal Fabrication and formerly Excel Metal Fabrication. He enjoyed traveling and RVing with his wife and had visited 46 states. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son Justin Jacob Pence and his brother Charles Sisler. He is survived by his wife Linda L. Pence; his children Lindsay Erin Pence (Matthew Bornak) and Garrett Charles Pence (Kasey); his grandchildren Bardan Bornak, and Penelope, Oliver, and Sullivan Pence; his siblings Jack Sisler (Wara) Linda Baum (Ray), Darice Jackson (James), Charlene Shakoske (Chris), and James Pence (Linda); also numerous nieces and nephews. At Howard’s request there will be no viewing.
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March 12, 2026 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Dannette Thir, 59, of North Versailles passed away peacefully on March 7th, 2026. Dannette was born February 7th, 1967. Leaving behind a family forever shaped by her kindness, warmth, and unwavering devotion, she was the heart of the family, a loving mother, grandmother, and friend who had a remarkable gift for bringing people together.
Her home was always open, her table always welcoming, and family gatherings were made special simply because she was there. She found joy in the simple, beautiful moments of life. She loved tending to her garden, where flowers bloomed under her care and hummingbirds gathered as if they knew they were welcome.
The summer evenings, sitting outside by the fire and watching fireworks burst across the sky, a sight that never failed to fill her with joy. She also loved her time volunteering at Angora Gardens.
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March 09, 2026 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Dorothy L. (Szekely) Heaps, 87, of North Huntingdon, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. She was born November 10, 1938 in Pitcairn, a daughter of the late Andrew and Lavina (Smith) Szekely and was also preceded in death by her husband James L. Heaps, brothers and sisters Gerald Szekely, Paul Szekely, Alice “Honey” Bainey, Judy Glasser, and Russell Szekely. Dorothy was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, North Huntingdon. She was a loving mother and grandmother, who also treasured her pets, and over the years enjoyed many trips together with her late husband to the Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas. She is survived by her children Randolph J. (Tammy) Heaps, Richard A. (Barbara) Heaps, Linda Lee Sich, and Renée Louise Swarm, grandchildren, great grandchildren, her brother Daniel Szekely ; also nieces and nephews. Funeral services are private and are being handled by William Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., 521 Main Street, Irwin, 724-863-1200. Those wishing can contribute to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, http://stjude.org . For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com .
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dorothy L. (Szekely) Heaps please visit our Sympathy Store.
March 09, 2026 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Annamarie (Foldvary) Tyburski, 74, of North Huntingdon, died Sunday, February 22, 2026. She was born March 20, 1951 in Braddock, a daughter of the late Vincent S. and Elvira (Lux) Foldvary and was also preceded in death by her husband Michael J. Tyburski and a sister Julia E. Russo. She is survived by her sister Eva Mediate; nephew and niece Matthew Mediate and Michelle Parfitt; and two great nieces. At Annamarie’s request there will be no viewing. A blessing service was held and interment was next to her husband at Good Shepherd Cemetery, Monroeville. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Annamarie (Foldvary) Tyburski please visit our Sympathy Store.
March 01, 2026 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Gale Sybil “Honey” Lemack, of Greensburg, formerly of North Huntingdon, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2026.
Gale is survived by her husband, Steve Lemack Jr.; her daughters, Karen Walch (William) and Susan L. Spivey (Beau); and grandchildren — Brenden Walch, Abigail Walch (Jared Grim), and Quinn Singley.
In keeping with Gale’s wishes, there will be no viewing or services.
For online condolences, please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gale Sybil "Honey" Lemack please visit our Sympathy Store.
February 16, 2026 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Charles F. Pecar, 80, of Arden Court of Jefferson Hills, formerly of East McKeesport, died Friday, February 13, 2026. He was born April 11, 1945 in McKeesport, the son of the late Frank and Ann (Duhan) Pecar and was also preceded in death by his wife of 46 years Jo A. (Voyce) Pecar and his sister Barbara Ann Pavlic. Chuck served in the U.S. Coast Guard and retired as a lock & dam operator for the Army Corps of Engineers. When not working, Chuck enjoyed traveling to all 49 states, eating great food with his wife, riding his Harley, and spending time with his grandkids. He loved fishing, golfing, and spent many years on his boat with his family. He was proud of his Croatian heritage and was a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union. Chuck loved music, playing his records, and was known to sing and dance on any occasion. He is survived by his daughter Kimberly Amatucci (William) and Janeen Garancsi (Michael); the mother of his children Darlene Lofgren; six grandchildren Nicholas Amatucci (Sammie), Christina Amatucci (Seamus), Gina Amatucci, Michael Gray (Mallory), Michael Garancsi Jr., and Vinny Garancsi (Kalyn); his great grandson Charley Amatucci; and nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, February 15, at the Forgie-Snyder Funeral Home, 1032 Broadway, East McKeesport, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, February 16. He will be laid to rest next to his wife at Good Shepherd Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a contribution can be made to Arden Courts 380 Wray Large Rd. Jefferson Hills, PA 15025. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.
February 10, 2026 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Cynthia A. Campana, 74, of White Oak, died Saturday, February 7, 2026. She was born April 13, 1951 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Donald and Janet (Shoemaker) Zack. Cindy was a light in this world, someone whose warmth, kindness, and genuine happiness made everyone around her feel a little better just by being near her. She had a gift for joy, and she shared it freely.
Cynthia graduated from the McKeesport Hospital School of Nursing and was a registered nurse beginning her career at Magee Hospital and working most of her career at Forbes Hospital in Monroeville. As a labor and delivery nurse, Cindy found her true calling in helping bring new life into the world. Few careers could have suited her better. She was calm, comforting, and caring while supporting families during one of the most meaningful moments of their lives. Countless parents and babies entered the world under her gentle care, and her impact will continue through generations.
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February 10, 2026 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Ronald H. Palarino Sr., 84, of North Huntingdon died Sunday February 8, 2026, at Redstone Highlands, North Huntingdon. He was born March 21, 1941 in Wilkinsburg, a son of the late Samuel and Irene (Jungo) Palarino. Prior to retirement Ron owned and operated Palarino’s Car Wash, North Huntingdon and has also worked at Precise Metals & Plastics, North Versailles and Classic Industries, Latrobe.
He was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, North Huntingdon. He loved to golf and enjoyed playing poker with his buddies who knew him as “The Silver Fox”. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his wife Penelope L. “Penny” (Anson) Palarino and a great granddaughter Camilla Claire Ledgerwod.
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February 03, 2026 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Loretta Crawford, 85, of McKeesport, died Tuesday, January 20, 2026 in Riverside Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, McKeesport. She was born August 7, 1940 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late James and Florence (Pucci) Godine and was also preceded in death by her sister Carole Jabbour. She is survived by her husband Roy J. Crawford; her children Kelly Crawford and Roy J. Crawford Jr. and his wife Suni, and a grandson James R. Crawford. At Loretta’s request there will be no viewing. The William Snyder Funeral Home, Irwin, is handling arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Loretta Crawford please visit our Sympathy Store.
January 07, 2026 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Karen L. Jordanhazy, 69, of Irwin, died Friday, January 2, 2026, at UPMC Montefiore Hospital. She was born November 14, 1956 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Robert E. and Helen L. (Popeck) Jordanhazy and was also preceded in death by her partner in love and life, Bill Zahratka, brothers Alan, Keith, and Bruce Jordanhazy and brother-in-law Charlie McCauley. She is survived by her sister Lori McCauley, nieces and nephews, Sarah Jordanhazy, Martin (Emily) Jordanhazy and Ryan (Katie) Jordanhazy, Jordan (BethAnn) McCauley, Kate (Kyle) McCauley, and Emily (Jared) Sherman, her best friend forever Gloria and dear friend Joyce. She is also survived by great nieces and nephews and cousins. She was a member of the Hungarian Reformed Church, McKeesport. Karen was simply herself and you accepted her as that. Karen was your friend for life who loved fiercely and was loved in return, not for being perfect, but for being authentically herself. From jigsaw puzzles, decorating cakes for her nieces and nephews, her love of Mountain Dew and Wise potato chips, Karen was a true I Love Lucy enthusiast and owned every episode. All of you that knew her love of Seinfeld also knew Karen for her sarcasm and witty personality that always left you laughing. Karen loved the Wizard of Oz and knew every word. Karen was deeply blessed by a family whose hearts knew no boundaries. To have met any of them was to become a lifelong friend and cherished member of their extended family. All arrangements are private. The William Snyder Funeral Home, Irwin, is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Karen L. Jordanhazy please visit our Sympathy Store.
December 24, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Joseph A. Santora, 79, of McKeesport, passed away on Friday, December 5, 2025. He was born August 13, 1946 in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Anthony and Mathelia (Guy) Santora, in addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Mary (Holsinger) Santora, son T.J. Santora, and grandson Brian Santora. He loved music and enjoyed playing guitar. His other hobbies included coin and stamp collecting. Joseph is survived by his daughter Ann Santora Bartko (Ken Bartko); grandchildren Hailey Bartko (Seth Stetar), Casey Bartko, and Aubrey Bartko; great granddaughter Ilah Stetar; sister and brothers Casandra Benzel, Leonard “Lenny” (Kathy) Santora, Ross Santora; also many nieces and nephews. Services are private, and are being handled by William Snyder Funeral Home, Inc. , 521 Main Street, Irwin, 724-863-1200. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com (http://www.snyderfuneralservices.com/).
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joseph A. Santora please visit our Sympathy Store.
December 24, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
James P. Blake, Sr., 87, of North Irwin, formerly of Finleyville, died Friday, December 19, 2025. He was born April 5, 1938 in McKeesport, a son of the late William and Pearl (Wyant) Blake and was also preceded in death by his first wife Bonnie (Forbes) Blake, his second wife Daisey (Kemp) Blake, and brothers William and Gary Blake. Jim was a 1955 graduate of McKeesport High School, was a Vietnam veteran who served 22 years in the Army. He then retired as field operations manager for Icee Co., Bridgeville. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 212, Donora and the White Oak Rod & Gun Club. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and rode with the American Legion Riders in Monroeville, Charleroi, and Donora and also with the Patriot Guard.
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December 24, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Lois (Bittinger) Karaffa, 92, of North Huntingdon, died Tuesday, December 23, 2025. She was born May 21, 1933 in South Greensburg, the daughter of the late Ervin and Ethel G. (Smith) Bittinger and was also preceded in death by her husband Andrew B. Karaffa and a brother James Bittinger. She was a retired operator for Bell Telephone and a member of First Presbyterian Church, Irwin. She is survived by her daughters Susan (Karaffa) Lobur and her husband Daniel of Monroeville and Amy Karaffa of North Huntingdon; and her granddaughter Kaitlyn Karaffa. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, December 26, at the William Snyder Funeral Home, 521 Main St., Irwin, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 27. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Lois (Bittinger) Karaffa please visit our Sympathy Store.