February 06, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Barbara A. Sanderson, age 73, of Elizabeth, formerly of McKeesport, died February 4, 2023, with her family by her side, at AHN Jefferson Hospital. Born April 4, 1949, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Bernard and Elizabeth (Fleming) Thomas and the wife of Wayne A. Sanderson.
Barb retired from Forbes Regional Hospital of Monroeville, where she was a Lab Technician. She was a member of Saints Joachim and Anne Parish of Elizabeth. Barb was a volunteer at Kane Regional Hospital of McKeesport for many years. She truly enjoyed sharing her time with the patients. Barb was an animal lover as well, leaving behind her loyal dogs Zeus and Cash. She enjoyed shopping and always looked forward to spending time with her grandchildren, especially on their lunch dates.
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February 06, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Virginia E. Pavel, age 88, of McKeesport, died February 5, 2023, at UPMC East. Born December 9, 1934, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Helen (Winkler) Wiater and wife of the late George A. Pavel.
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February 02, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Charles R. "Bob" Johnston, age 95, of White Oak, died at home on January 30, 2023. Born December 22, 1927, in North Versailles, he was the son of the late Merrian and Mary (Morgan) Johnston and husband of the late Phyllis (Ryan) Johnston. Bob was a member of McKeesport Gospel Hall, and his faith was a mainstay of his life. He was a retiree of Innovative Carbide Inc. in Irwin and was an electrician at the former U.S. Steel National Tube Works. Bob served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
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January 30, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Karen Jean Penn, age 63, of White Oak, died on January 26, 2023. Born September 21, 1959, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Larry and Irene (Fleming) Reitz.
Karen was a member of the Glassport Assembly of God. She liked cooking her famous pot pies and baking. Karen enjoyed watching any sport especially cheering on the Pittsburgh teams. She was an animal lover and had a dog, Casper, a cat, Missy, and a rabbit.
Karen is survived by her children, Mandy (Matthew) Wagner and Martin Penn III; grandchildren, Jordan and Alexander Wagner; siblings, Irene (Daniel) Brieck, Cindy Palmer, and Raymond Reitz; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
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January 28, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Monique “Mo” Hill Marwani, age 48, of Hagerstown, MD, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 20, 2022. Born February 9, 1974, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of a devoted father, Russell Walton Hill of Hagerstown, MD, and a loving mother, Cathryn A. (Keith H.) Buchanan Stevenson of McKeesport.
Mo was a model, fashion designer, and bridal consultant, amongst many other things, throughout her remarkable life. She brought beauty and grace to this world and shared that with everyone she knew. Her career started as early as pre-school at Grady Day School of Squirrel Hill, where she was picked to do a commercial for PNC Bank at four years old. She then attended Mineda Elementary School for kindergarten through 6 grade. During that time, she participated in music, went to ballet and tap dance school, and was also a Brownie in Buena Vista, PA. She then moved on to Elizabeth Forward High School, where she participated in music, volleyball, and track and field.
During her Junior year, she was a candidate for Black Ms. Teenage Pageant and placed in the top 15. She was also active in the Ms. Uniontown Pageant and won 1st place for Ms. Sportswear and took the crown for Ms. Uniontown.
Mo then received a modeling contract with American Eagle Magazine. During the summer of her Junior year, she was invited to the Welcome Home parade for the famous Football Hall of Fame Joe Montana, the quarterback for the San Francisco 49 er's and Kansas City Chiefs. In her senior year, she was also a Black Ms. Teenage Pageant contestant and placed runner-up! She Graduated Class of 1992 from Elizabeth Forward High School.
After high school, she was called back to be a Preliminary-Judge for the Black Ms. Teenage Pageant. Mo then moved to Harrisburg and worked for the State Department, where she worked for PHEAA Education Assistance Agency. She also attended the Philadelphia College of Textile and Science for Fashion and Design, where she participated in cheerleading, soccer, and choir. Mo also modeled for Marriot Bridal shows and participated in Swimsuit Magazine. After designing school, she worked at Bettina's Clothing Shop in Bethesda, MD, for experience and became an entrepreneur in woman's fashion and opened her own shop, "Your Private Closet."
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January 27, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Violet R. Ghrist, age 85, of Glassport, died on January 22, 2023, at Allegheny General Hospital. Born January 14, 1938, in Canonsburg, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Ida May (Holmes) Hyson and wife of the late William J. Ghrist.
Violet dedicated her life to taking care of her family and home. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints, Pleasant Hills Ward. Violet enjoyed reading, cooking, and watching her shows on National Geographic Wild and movies about Emma and Joseph Smith, founders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved her family and dogs, Princess, Zella, Prince, and Ivory.
Violet is survived by her children, George (Sandy) Ghrist, Cindy (Brian) Sycz, Penny Ghrist, Edward (Ada) Ghrist, and Dana Ghrist; grandchildren, Eddie Jr. Ghrist, Nicole Ghrist, Tabby Oliverio, Tara Oliverio, Melissa Ghrist, Mikey Needham, and Leigh (Richard) Chatkin; great-grandchildren, Taliyah Andreoli, Trinity Hill, Michael Young, Candence Chatkin, Kinsey Chatkin, and William Needham.
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January 27, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Alan R. Ochap, age 72, of McKeesport, died on January 25, 2023, at home. Born January 18, 1951, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Albert and Grace (Prutz) Ochap and the husband of Carla Ochap.
Alan retired from Stringert Inc. as a union roofer. He was a member of the United Union of Roofers and Allied Workers Local #37. Alan was a hardworking man. Most of all, he enjoyed spoiling his grandkids.
In addition to his wife, Carla, he is survived by his children, Johanna (Dan ) Kessler, Wendy (Floyd) Gault, and Chris Ochap; grandchildren, Floyd (Taylor) Gault III and Emily Gault; great-granddaughter, Adelaide Gault; siblings, Joseph (Dorothy) Ochap, Debra Oakes and Eva (Bonnie) Ochap; and many nieces and nephews.
Alan was also preceded in death by his son, Mark Ochap.
Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Thursday, February 2, 2023, from 5 p.m. until funeral service at 7 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.
Condolences and memories may be shared at. www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
Supervisor, Charles Danforth
January 16, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Michael Bodzer Jr., age 68, of Glassport, died January 14, 2023, at The Grove in Irwin. Born June 8, 1954, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Michael and Dolores (Ura) Bodzer Sr.
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January 13, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Robert L. Becker, age 36, of Avalon, died December 27, 2022, at Allegheny General Hospital. Born December 18, 1986, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Edward and Cheryl (Bentley) Becker. Bobby was an active member of the Open Bible Tree of Life Church. He loved to help others and was studying for his discipleship. Bobby loved music and being around his family and also his Avalon family.
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January 13, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Nick R. Coban, age 64, of McKeesport, died January 12, 2023, at home. Born October 12, 1958, in McKeesport, he was the son of Eleanor (Holden) Coban and the late Nicholas Coban. Nick was a local DJ known as DJ Top Cat and played at the Sons of Italy in Glassport, the Viking Lounge, Sahara Club, and Cal's Cantina. Nick also worked in food service management for many years with Eat'n Park and the Big Boy restaurants. Nick enjoyed camping with family at Scotty Land and was a huge Steelers fan. In addition to his mother, Nick is also survived by children, Amanda (Matt) Coban, Nicholas (Christine) Coban, Anthony Coban, Christian Datel, and Blaise (Brianna) Datel; grandchildren, Logan, Luka, Emma, and Ellie; sister, Janice (Jim) Coban. Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Saturday, January 21, 2023, from noon until the memorial service at 2 p.m. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com. Charles Danforth, Supervisor
January 06, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Helen M. Burkhardt, age 91, of Port Vue, died on January 5, 2023, at St. Clair Hospital. Born February 18, 1931, in Warren, PA. She was the daughter of the late Robert and Sarah (Bowser) Best and wife of the late Edward A. Kiesell and Raymond Burkhardt. Helen worked for Stouffer's Restaurant, Eat'n Park, Rendulic Meat Packing in her early years and as a caregiver later in life. She and her husband Ray ran Kiesell Soup Kitchen and Chapel in McKeesport for over 35 years. Helen would feed the homeless, have Christmas parties, pass out clothing and teach the Word of God. Serving the underprivileged held a special place in her heart, and her selflessness and kindness were a true example to all who knew her. Above all, Helen was a Woman of God and, as a minister, was known as Sister Helen.
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January 06, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Kenneth L. Ferree, age 56, of McKeesport, died on January 3, 2023. Born March 19, 1966, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Lawrence and LaVerne (Harff) Ferree and the husband of Julie (Weakland) Ferree for over 25 years.
Ken was a retired, self-employed general contractor. He was a member and President of the McKeesport Sportsmen's Association. Ken enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson, caring for his fleet of cars, and spending time at his Mountain Pines Campground of Champion, PA. His greatest joy was telling a joke and sharing a laugh with family and friends.
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December 27, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Russell L. Matesig, age 66, of McKeesport, died December 14, 2022, at UPMC McKeesport Hospital. Born December 12, 1956, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Russell and Lorraine (Kundman) Matesig and husband of 40 years to the late Ethelda E. Brownsfield. Russell retired from the Maintenance Department with the City of McKeesport. His skills with repairs were not limited to work. At home, he was known as "Mr. Fix It," always helping family and friends. He was a lifelong Steelers fan and enjoyed having a beer and watching the games. Russell is survived by a son, James (Timara) Brownfield; siblings, Linda Matesig, Gary (Lillie) Matesig, and Wayne (Clara) Matesig; nephews, Wayne Jr., Mark, and Jimmy Matesig. In addition to his parents and wife, Russell was also preceded in death by brothers Keith and Frank Matesig. Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Thursday, December 29, 2022, from 10 a.m. until the memorial service at noon. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com. Charles Danforth, Supervisor
December 21, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Sheila I. Hairston, age 63 of McKeesport, died December 10, 2022, at UPMC McKeesport. Born November 5, 1959, in Clairton, she was the daughter of the late Calvin Lee and Mary Jane (White) Hairston.
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December 20, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Nancy Jo Hawthorne, age 68, of Chillicothe, Ohio, died December 17, 2022. Born August 9, 1954, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late John and Loretta (Baker) Pomycala and the wife of James L. Hawthorne.
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