June 05, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Frank G. Helman, of Boothbay Harbor, Maine, died at home Thursday, June 2, with his beloved wife of 32 years, Martha (Peak) Helman, at his side. He was 92 years old.
Born and raised in Irwin, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Frank W. and Esther (Gootee) Helman. An early memory involved watching the construction crew at work on the western terminus of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Frank’s father was co-owner of Irwin’s print shop and editor of the “Republican Standard,” the town’s weekly newspaper. Frank fondly remembered his first job there folding newspapers, and by high school he had transitioned to running the linotype machine. Frank served as editor of both his high school and college newspapers. He graduated from Irwin High School in 1947.
Read More
June 03, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Spencer Dell Hirshberg, Esq., passed in his sleep on May 25, 2022 at the age of 80. Born July 8, 1941, Spencer was the eldest son of Pitt football hero and Carnegie Tech coach Edward J. Hirshberg of McKeesport, and businesswoman Dorothy Dell of Duquesne.
A graduate of Shady Side Academy, Spence captained the 1959 varsity golf team and lettered in football and (allegedly) squash. Ever the cut-up, Spence was inordinately proud of manufacturing a fictitious Shady Side student, “Casper Schnootz,” who achieved passing grades in English and Science until faculty learned that Schnootz didn’t exist – Spencer and friends had been ghost-writing his reports and papers. At Shady Side, Spencer met Christiana McMahan Hoffman, eldest daughter of renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Franklin D. Hoffman and Mrs. Frances Cordes Hoffman.
Set up on a blind date, Spence and Christy spent the rest of their lives together and had a remarkable marriage of nearly 60 years. His father’s athletic reputation clinched Spencer’s admission to Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. However, upon arrival at Dartmouth, the head football coach immediately recognized that Spencer was 5 foot 6 rather than 6 foot 5; likely a purposeful transposition by the senior Hirshberg to pad Spencer’s application. Spencer graduated with honors from Dartmouth, a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and golf team, but not a football star.
Shortly after graduation, Spencer enlisted in the Navy during the Vietnam war. His father, a Marine veteran of the Pacific theater of WWII, advised him that “you’ll be drafted, so join the Navy and they’ll put you on a boat. The Viet Cong doesn’t have much of a fleet.” Spence married Christy in 1965. The young couple welcomed their first daughter, Lindsay, shortly before Spencer shipped off to the Gulf of Tonkin aboard the U.S.S. Arlington.
Read More
June 03, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Vincent Surace, 90, of Hempfield Township, passed away Monday, May 30, 2022 at home. He was born May 2, 1932 in McKeesport, a son of the late Dominick and Anna (Jackson) Surace. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers and a sister Leo “Butch” Yost, Louis Surace, and Cathy Hadad. Vincent was an Army veteran that served during the Korean Conflict, and was a life time member of the American Legion Post 447, Port Vue. He enjoyed sports, skiing, and skydiving. He is survived by his loving wife of over 51 years LuAnn C. (Schiess) Surace, his children Cynthia Surace-Volpe of Greentree, Vincent D. Surace (Alyssa Gibbons) of Apollo, and Louis T. (Emily) Surace of Pleasant Unity, grandchildren Sabrina Volpe, Alena Surace, Isabella Surace, and Dominick Surace, sisters Emily Kroboth of McMurray and Sandy Binlein of Washington, also many nieces and nephews.
Read More
May 26, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Daniel “Dan” Schweitzer, age 56, of Allison Park, passed away unexpectedly on Monday May 23, 2022. He was born April 19, 1966 in McKeesport, a son Marilyn Schweitzer and the late Edwin Schweitzer. He was a past member of Mary Mother of God Parish, formerly St. Robert Bellarmine Church in East McKeesport. He worked in prosthetics for De La Torre Orthotics & Prosthetics located in Blawnox. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his sister Cindy Hernyeni of McKees Rocks, Edward (Leah) Schweitzer of White Oak, Andrew (Michele) Schweitzer of North Huntingdon and John (Melissa) Schweitzer of North Huntingdon; nieces and nephews; and his dog Annie.
Read More
May 02, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
George Michael Perkosky, age 79, of Hampton, passed away on April 27, 2022. Son of George and Veronica (Stitt) Perkosky. Survived by his wife, Mary Ann (Gregory), sons, John (Laura) and Jeff, and grandchildren, Lexy and Owen. Also survived by his sisters, Frances and Mary Lynn and numerous nieces and nephews. Georgie to his sisters and wife, he grew up an East McKeesport kid that provided him with many lifelong friendships. George served in the Army, used the GI bill to help get his degrees from Pitt and spent his career as a counselor for the VA. He was a staunch Democrat, a voracious reader and a wordsmith extraordinaire. He was a long-time coach of his sons’ baseball, wrestling and football teams. George’s family was his world, and we could not have asked for a better husband, father and grandfather. He is missed.
Read More
May 02, 2022 |
By William Snyder Funeral Home | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Dorothy E. (Stone) Burnside, age 89, of Irwin, passed away Tuesday, April 26, 2022. She was born June 5, 1932 in Duquesne, a daughter of the late Chester & Harriet Stone.
She was married to Albert L. Burnside, Jr for over 61 years before his passing. In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by sister Harriet Larson, and brothers Frederick Stone and George Stone. She is survived by her siblings, Adele Mary Stone of Arroyo Grande, CA and Theodore Stone of Belle Vernon, PA and her children Terry Burnside of Lexington Park, MD, Richard (Debi, at rest) Burnside of Santa Maria, CA, and Ruth Ghrist of Lexington Park, MD; grandchildren Christopher Ghrist of Newville, PA , Tara (Stephen) Facini of Hollywood, MD and Heather (Kevin) Thompson of Henderson, NV; along with 4 great grandchildren Jacob Ghrist, and Juliana, Ilena, and Leland Thompson. She was also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and her closest cousin, Becky (Rich) Zahren, who visited regularly and helped with her care over the last years. The family is eternally grateful for their love and support.
Dorothy was a long-time teacher’s assistant with the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit #7 before retiring, but before that, she met her beloved husband, Albert “Bud” working at Sears. She was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Irwin where she participated in the choir and church activities and was also active with the Girl Scouts, Eastern Star and White Shrine. She also volunteered at many local events and as the WIU #7 union president for support personnel for several years.
Read More
May 02, 2022 |
By William Snyder Funeral Home | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Leonard M. Peklansky, 75, of Elizabeth Township, died Sunday April 24, 2022. He was born February 10, 1947, in Pittsburgh, a son of the late John and Ann Peklansky. He was a proud graduate of Slippery Rock College and was a retired employee of West Penn Testing, New Kensington. He enjoyed fishing and time spent with family. He was an animal lover and contributed to many charitable causes.
Read More
April 19, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Daniel T. King, 86, of North Versailles, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 14, 2022 at Golden Heights Personal Care, Penn Township. He was born November 7, 1935 in East McKeesport, a son of the late Daniel and Estelle (Quinn) King and was also preceded in death by a daughter Michelle Weigle. Daniel was a member of Mary Mother of God Parish, and attended St. Robert Bellarmine Church, East McKeesport. Prior to retirement he worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare and volunteered for over 10 years at the North Versailles Public Library. He was a foster parent to many children. Dan enjoyed reading and music. He was sports fan that especially loved watching the Steelers.
Read More
April 03, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Cynthia A. Merritt, age 66, passed away Wednesday, March 30, 2022 after a brave fight with cancer. She was born May, 16, 1955 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a daughter of the late Robert and Augustina Merritt. She dedicated her life to caring for others and worked for over 25 years at Sandin Home Heath in East McKeesport and then for over 5 years at Med Health Services in Monroeville. Everyone that knew her thought she was a “firecracker” and had a stubborn nature, but loved her family and friends. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers Robert and Michael Merritt. She is survived by Don Watt that spent over 40 years together; children Michelle (Francis) Smith of East McKeesport and Richard (Laurie) Burns of East McKeesport; grandchildren Skylar McLeod, Deon Smith, Marisa Smith, Sabryn Burns, Michael Smith, and Seren Burns; great granddaughter Melina McLeod; brother Anthony (Dee Dee) Merritt of Grand Rapids, Michigan; sister Annena Kreller of Irwin; and many nieces and nephews.
Read More
April 03, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
William F. "Chip" Brown, 60, of Murrysville formerly of Level Green, passed away April 1, 2022 at home surrounded by family. He was born October 21, 1961 in Pittsburgh a son of William C. and Darlene J. (Connelly) Brown. Chip worked for ZOLL Life Vest, Pittsburgh. He was a member and post president of The Level Green Lions Club, he enjoyed camping in his R.V. and sitting by the camp fire with his dog Max. He was a classic car lover, his favorite car model was a 1962 Imperial. In addition to his parents, Chip is survived by his loving wife of 37 years Sallianne (Austin) Brown, children Laura E. (Michael) Miller of North Huntingdon, Andrew W. (Lindsey) Brown of East McKeesport, and Katherine (K.J.) Heinritz of North Huntingdon; grandchildren Harper Jean and Rowan Robert Heinritz; brothers Peter (Peggy) Brown of Florida, Douglas (Lori) Brown of North Huntingdon, and Dennis (Kristin) Brown of Level Green; also nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Read More
March 19, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Carmella “Carmel” M. (Moffa) Knight, age 93, of White Oak, passed away Friday, March 18, 2022. She was born October 23, 1928 in McKeesport a daughter of the late Daniel and Louise Moffa.
She was a long time member of Broadway Presbyterian Church in East McKeesport and continued on after it merged with Linway United Presbyterian Church in North Versailles in 2004. She worked for over 16 years at Menzie Dairy in McKeesport where she met her husband. She is survived by her husband of over 59 years William G. Knight; sister Mary Louise Moffa; and nieces and nephews.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
