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Flora Lucille Cortese

March 19, 2022 |

By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Flora Lucille Cortese, 93, of North Huntingdon, passed away Tuesday, March 15, 2022. She was born August 28, 1928 in New Stanton, a daughter of the late John and Josephine (Ross) Cortese and was also preceded in death by her brothers Donald, John, Philip, Samuel, Charles, and Matthew Cortese; her nephews and niece Calvin Cortese, Shawn Murphy, Frank Wolfe, and Janice Frye. Flora was a baseball fanatic, animal lover, and she enjoyed reading the Smithsonian and National Geographic magazines.

Flora is survived by nieces and nephews Philip (Cindy) Cortese, Joyce (Jeff) Wright, Michael (Debbie) Cortese, Johnny Chris Cortese, Robbie Cortese, Patrick (Wendy) Cortese, Valerie Pierce, Veronica (David) Tomko, and Shannon (Keith) Bartholomai; sister in-law La Verne Demorest Cortese, best friend Gina Glagola, also great nieces and nephews and cousins.

 
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Bernice A. Howard

March 12, 2022 |

By William Snyder Funeral Home | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Bernice A. Howard, 97, of East McKeesport, died Tuesday March 8, 2022. She was born April 9, 1924 in East Conemaugh, a daughter of the late George and Annie (Waligora) Strzalka. She was a member of the former First United Methodist Church, East McKeesport and a life member of the auxiliary of the United Volunteer Fire Department, East McKeesport. She loved gardening and taking care of her family and was a member of the Moose Lodge No. 86, Wilmerding. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband Robert P. Howard Jr.

 
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William C. Corrie

March 08, 2022 |

By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

William C. Corrie, 71, of North Huntingdon, passed away on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. He was born October 29, 1950 in Pittsburgh, a son of the late James and Margaret A. (Clark) Corrie. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by an infant sister Janet Corrie and a brother James Corrie. Bill was a Marine Corps. Vietnam War Veteran, and was a retired law enforcement officer with 31 years of service for the North Huntingdon Township Police Department. He was a member of First United Presbyterian Church, Irwin, and was a lifetime member of VFW Post #781, Irwin. Bill was a passionate hunter that loved being at hunting camp, He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, trying new cuisines, watching games shows, and working on house projects.

 
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Bernard J. Dobransky Sr.

February 24, 2022 |

By William Snyder Funeral Home | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Bernard J. Dobransky Sr., 84, of Irwin, died Saturday February 19, 2022. He was born November 25, 1937 in McKeesport, a son of the late John and Anna (Gacey) Dobransky and was also preceded in death by a brother Elmer Dobransky. Bernie was a retired employee of Westinghouse Electric Corp., West Mifflin, with 40 years’ service. He was a member of St. Edward Catholic Church, Herminie, and an Army veteran.

Bernie was an avid golfer and bowler and was a member of a traveling bowling league. He was a huge Pittsburgh Pens and Steelers fan and was a coach and president of the former West Hempfield Recreational Association. He loved spending time with this family on the annual family vacation.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years Mary Ann (Stoken) Dobransky; his children Bernard J. (Diane) Dobransky Jr. of Greensburg and Carol (Gary) Bendik of Gibsonia; his grandchildren Melissa Dobransky and Scott (Lauren) Dobransky; great grandchildren Mia, Abel, Robert, and Ryder; and other special family members, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

 
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Charlotte (Matthews) Massaro

February 24, 2022 |

By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Charlotte (Matthews) Massaro, 92, of Monroeville, formerly of North Versailles, passed away on Thursday, February 17, 2022. She was born June 1, 1929 in Braddock a daughter of the late Frank and Cecelia (George) Matthews. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Joseph S. Massaro, brothers Fred , John, and Charles Matthews, a sister Mary Turner, and her son Ronald J. Massaro. She was member of Mary Mother of God Parish, St. Robert Bellarmine Church, East McKeesport, and prior to retirement she worked as a waitress at the Plaza Restaurant, Forest Hills for over 30 years. She enjoyed cooking, baking, and ceramic crafts.

 
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John Spindler Cooper

February 18, 2022 |

By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

John Spindler Cooper, 87, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2022, surrounded by his family in Columbia, SC, formerly of Irwin.

He was born July 31, 1934 in McKeesport, PA, a son of the late James and Dorothy Cooper and was preceded in death by brothers James Cooper, Jerry Cooper, and beloved wife, Shirley Cooper.

He is survived by his children David and Sarah Cooper, Bruce and Katherine Cooper, John and Carol Pascutti, and Patty Liverance, along with 16 grandchildren and their 11 spouses and 20 great-grandchildren. His exemplary life was marked by wisdom, hard work, and devotion to family.

In every facet of life, he was committed to improving the lives of the people around him as a mentor and friend. John and Shirley were married in 1956 in Pittsburgh and their love story spanned 61 years while living in Pennsylvania, California, Indiana, Georgia, and South Carolina. With a degree in Civil Engineering from Penn State, John worked 23 years for U.S. Steel followed by 30 years with Portec Rail, Inc. where he rose to lead as CEO. He found his work to be rewarding as he enjoyed contributing to the building of America’s bridges, skyscrapers, and railways.

An extraordinary father and grandfather, John filled the years with joyful events brimming with music, laughter, sports, and enjoying the marvels of God’s creation. John and Shirley were a dynamic pair whose life verse was Philippians 4:6-7, promising that a life marked by gratitude and full trust in Christ is one also marked by peace and contentment. John modeled that confidence in such a consistent and effortless way that he has left a strong and lasting legacy.

 
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Mary Ann Palmer

January 20, 2022 |

By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Mary Ann Palmer, 60, of North Huntingdon, formerly of North Versailles, died Wednesday January 5, 2022 at home. She was born June 2, 1961 in McKeesport the daughter of the late Thomas J. Sr. and Mary J. (Giovanicci) Palmer. She was a 42 year employee of Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, West Mifflin. She was a member of the Norwin Community Group and a supporter of White Oak Animal Safe Haven. She loved dogs and enjoyed gardening and camping. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her brother Thomas J. Palmer Jr. She is survived by her niece and nephews Deborah Patane of Tampa, FL, Thomas J Palmer of West Jefferson, NC, and David J. Palmer of Irwin, also great nieces and nephews, a great great nephew, cousins, and many friends.

 
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Dennis Brown Scherff

January 20, 2022 |

By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Dennis Brown Scherff, 91, of North Huntingdon, died Thursday January 23, 2022. He was born April 5, 1930 in North Huntingdon Township, a son of the late Florian E. and Anna M. (Daily) Scherff. Dennis graduated from North Huntingdon High School, Class of 1948 and served as a Sergeant in the Army from 1948 to 1953. Upon returning from the military he worked at Westinghouse Airbrake Company in Wilmerding as a systems analyst from 1953 until his retirement in 1993. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and time spent at camp in Potter County. He loved to garden and taking care of the family orchards and strawberry field. As a child he loved to hunt pheasant and once even shot an albino pheasant. He enjoyed all sports and played softball as a child. You could always find him watching Pittsburgh sports especially his favorite team the Pittsburgh Penguins.

 
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Rebecca “Becky” M. (Gerardi) Swenson

January 20, 2022 |

By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Rebecca “Becky” M. (Gerardi) Swenson, age 58, passed away at home surrounded by her family on Saturday, January 15, 2022. She was born April 21, 1963 in Pittsburgh, the daughter of William “Bill” and Marjorie Gerardi. Becky focusing on raising her family and had a passion for following her sons involvements in the bands at Norwin and Pitt, then worked a number of places including being a clerk at the Holiday Inn Express in North Huntingdon. She is preceded in death by her daughter Elizabeth Marie Swenson. She is survived by her husband of over 24 years Robert J. Swenson; sons Robert S. Titus of Uniontown, Robert (Fiancé Jaclyn) Swenson of Irwin, Nicholas Swenson of Irwin and Tyler Swenson of Irwin; brothers William Gerardi of Apollo and Christopher Gerardi of Apollo; and her dog Max.

 
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Lorraine H. (Pack) Heidler

January 05, 2022 |

By William Snyder Funeral Home | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Lorraine H. (Pack) Heidler, 93, of North Huntingdon, passed away Tuesday, January 4, 2022. She was born October 13, 1928 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Cornelius J. and Oliva (Seubert) Pack. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Clarence R. Heidler Jr., her brother Robert Pack, her sisters Dorothy Rimlinger and Barbara Kuttler, and nephews Bill Kane and Chuck DiPrimio. Lorraine was an active member of Immaculate Conception Church, Irwin, where she was a member of the Christian Mother Guild. She worked as a clerk for Pennsylvania Railroad, New York Central, and retired in 1992 from Conrail.

 
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Carl Miles Shirey

January 05, 2022 |

By William Snyder Funeral Home | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Carl Miles Shirey, 84, of North Huntingdon peacefully went to meet his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. His final days on this earth were spent surrounded by his family. We are sure he is being greeted in Heaven with open arms and more love than we can imagine. He was born on December 10, 1937 in Mayport, the loving son of the late Katherine (Gruver) and Oren Shirey.

He was married for 61 years to Elaine (West) Shirey, who preceded him in death on February 11, 2017. Carl is also preceded in death by his sister, Ruby Dinger of Punxsutawney. Carl was a devoted follower of Christ. He shared his God-given gifts of helpfulness, and attention to detail with many churches throughout the North Huntingdon area.

One of his many sayings being, “You need to take care of God’s House.” His construction talents were impeccable. You cannot look at the Pittsburgh skyline without seeing Carl’s masterful work in the views. He was employed at Local Carpenters Union 230 for 60 years. Carl’s family and friends will remember him as a devoted partner and loving caregiver to his wife Elaine, and a man who loved his family, and friends with a true servant’s heart.

He was a member of the New Hope Presbyterian Church in North Huntingdon and was active with the Men’s Prayer Fellowship in the community. He was also a member of the Shidle Lodge 601 F&AM in Irwin.

 
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Diane (Mack) Brentzel

January 05, 2022 |

By William Snyder Funeral Home | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Diane (Mack) Brentzel, 74, of North Huntingdon, died Monday January 3, 2022. She was born January 25, 1947 in Greensburg, a daughter of the late Dean and Frances (Allshouse) Mack and was also preceded in death by a sister Sandy Gabey. Diane was a graduate of Norwin High School, class of 1964, where she was head cheerleader, president of student council, and homecoming queen. She received her bachelor’s degree from Seton Hill College and was a retired first grade teacher for the Norwin School District. She was a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Irwin, where she was a former Sunday school teacher and was a member of the funeral choir. She was also a former longtime member of the Board of Directors of the Norwin Public Library. She was happy with the simple things of life. She enjoyed gardening and working around the house and loved her dogs. She loved and was very proud of her family and enjoyed family vacations at Dewey Beach, Delaware. Diane is survived by her husband of 55 years, Ronald P. Brentzel; her children Jennifer (Chad) Morgan of North Huntingdon, Aaron P. (Tammy) Brentzel of Ardara, and Brian M. (Janelle) Brentzel of North Huntingdon; her grandchildren Darian, Maddy, Tristan, Addison, Gracie, Aubrey, Noraa, Ainsley, and Brayden; her great granddaughter Donna Jane “DJ”; a sister Marsha (David) Goberish of Memphis, TN; brother-in-law Rick Gabey of SC; also nieces and nephews.

 
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Irene M. (Mellon) Young

January 05, 2022 |

By William Snyder Funeral Home | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Irene M. (Mellon) Young, age 92, of North Versailles, passed away Wednesday, December 29, 2021. She was born September 8, 1929 in East McKeesport, a daughter of the late Frank and Mable Mellon. Irene was a lifetime member of the Linway United Presbyterian Church in North Versailles, where she served as a Deacon, an Elder and was active in numerous ministries over the years. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and served as an Advisory Board Member for the East McKeesport Assembly of Rainbow Girls. Irene was proud of her Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Maryville College in Tennessee, and went on to work in the accounting department of Koppers in Pittsburgh before focusing on raising her family. Irene loved camping in Sigel and spending time with her grandchildren.

 
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Paul A. Flanyak

January 05, 2022 |

By William Snyder Funeral Home | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Paul A. Flanyak, 68, of Latrobe, passed away Monday, December 27, 2021. He was born December 21, 1953 in McKeesport, a son of the late Peter and Rose (Ehrenfeld) Flanyak and was also preceded in death by his brother Perry Flanyak. Paul worked in the auto body industry his entire life. He had a passion for motorcycles, cars, and sarcastic humor. He was a member of A.B.A.T.E. of Pennsylvania and Murrysville Alliance Church. He is survived by his daughter Jennifer (Ryan) Sisko of Cape Coral, Florida, and his granddaughters Nora and Lily. Arrangements were in charge of William Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., 521 Main Street, Irwin, 724-863-1200. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com

 


Debra A. (Curry) Kemerer

December 24, 2021 |

By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Debra A. (Curry) Kemerer, 68, of Manor, died Wednesday December 22, 2021. She was born October 31, 1953 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Ralph Leroy Curry Jr. and Charlotte Jean (Lehmer) Curry Hawkey and was also preceded in death by her step father Bud Hawkey. She loved spending time with her husband at Cooper’s Lake Campground in Slippery Rock and enjoyed boating and fishing. She is survived by her husband of 41 years Jeffrey A. Kemerer; her sisters Darla (Tom) Magill of Penn, Carol (Randy) Hawkey of New Alexandria, and Dyana (James) Vance of Somerset; also nieces and nephews and her pet cat Ginger.

 
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