Gaye S. Byard
December 15, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Gaye S. Byard, age 90, of Dravosburg, died December 13, 2022, at Kane Community Living Center in McKeesport. Born September 9, 1932, in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Arthur "Bud" MacArthur and the late Evelyn (McDowell) Foster and was the wife of the late Charles A. Byard, Jr.
Gaye worked as a waitress at the former Norwin Diner. She was a member of the Dravosburg United Methodist Church. She was passionate about reading, especially mystery novels. Gaye loved sailing with her husband on their pontoon boat on Lake Arthur in Zelienople. She also enjoyed going on long drives through the mountains when the leaves changed with the girls and finding new places to stop for dinner.
Margaret R. "Peg" Mellott, age 95, of Liberty Boro, passed away on December 4, 2022, at UPMC Mercy Hospital. Born on May 13, 1927, in Glassport, she was the daughter of the late John and Stella (Makoski) Murray and the wife of the late Ken Mellott for 56 years.
Patricia A. Zosack, age 87, of Greenock, died November 29, 2022, at Arrowood at Southwestern. Born November 22, 1935, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Clara (Inks) Henry and wife of the late Vincent Zosack. Patricia was a proud resident of Greenock for over 50 years. She was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish, and the Elizabeth Township Seniors. Patricia was an avid Steelers fan, and her favorite player was Troy Polamalu. She enjoyed trips to the casinos and had a friend who was always ready to go with her. She will be remembered for her outgoing personality and always up for having a good time.
William R. Francis, age 78, of McKeesport, died November 27, 2022, at home. Born December 3, 1943, in Charleston, SC, he was the son of the late Oliver L. Sr. and Queen (Rivers) Francis and Life Partner of Donna Knight. William retired from the Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory and opened his own business, Francis INSight Market, on Locust Street in McKeesport. William served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was a Golden Glove Champion and also boxed while in the Army. He enjoyed testing his luck with scratch-off tickets, and many knew him from around McKeesport from gathering and scrapping materials. William was a member of the St. Paul AME Church in McKeesport and the Prince Hall Masonic Temple.
Trina Ronyse Shears, 72 years old of East Liberty, PA, departed this life on November 20, 2022 at UPMC Shadyside Hospital. She was born April 18, 1950 to the late Henrietta Hughes Robertson and Willie “Squeaker” Robertson.
Carol L. "Gaga" Klimko, age 57, of McKeesport, died November 19, 2022, at UPMC McKeesport. Born October 22, 1965, in North Braddock, she was the daughter of the late William "Willie" and Audrey (McCue) Feryak.
Raymond C. Pomycala, age 90, of North Huntingdon, died November 21, 2022, at UPMC McKeesport Hospital. Born December 15, 1931, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Carl and Mary (Busch) Pomycala and the husband of Helen (Homolak) Pomycala. Raymond worked for over 40 years with G.C. Murphy in their warehouse. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. You could always find Raymond playing cards at any family function or gathering with friends. He also enjoyed going to casinos and met his wife Helen on a bus trip to Atlantic City.
Diane L. Zepp, age 73, of Port Vue, died November 8, 2022, at AHN Jefferson Hospital. Born May 25, 1949, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Charlotte (Hobby) Lape and wife of Charles R. Zepp and the late John Robert Stetar. Diane enjoyed crocheting afghans, and she would share them with her family. Diane and Charlie had many memorable trips in their trailer together, camping at the Keystone Korners Kampground. Just recently, Diane took a trip to the Outer Banks with her family and cherished the memories made on vacation. 
James “Jim” Russell Brewer, 82, of McKeesport, PA passed away on Wednesday, June 29, 2022. Jim was born in Pittsburgh, the youngest of three sons born to Ralph and Marguerite (Brown) Brewer. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1963, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. Jim will be remembered for his good spirits, easygoing approach to life, and entrepreneurial interests and endeavors. He was a proud McKeesport resident for several decades and loved his community greatly.
Elaine M. Danscak, age 77, of Liberty Boro, died November 4, 2022, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. Born September 28, 1945, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Emma (Bates) Weller and the wife of Joe Danscak.
Richard J. Harrison, Sr., age 80, of McKeesport, died October 29, 2022, at Jefferson Hills Rehabilitation and Wellness Center. Born December 25, 1941, in Liberty Borough, he was the son of the late James and Emma (Bellas) Harrison and is survived by Susan Griffiths, who he has been with for 21 years. Rich worked for U.S. Steel National Tube Works for eleven years, as a limo driver for the airport for eleven years, and bus driver for PA Coach Lines for fifteen years. Rich served in the Army and was stationed at Fort Ord in California. Rich spent time outdoors camping and fishing in his younger years, and he was always a good cook. He was known for always coming up with some new concoction of a recipe, but was most known for his BBQ baked beans. In addition to Susan, he is also survived by children, Carla (Mark) Peaco and Richard Jr. (Cynthia) Harrison; Susan's children, William (Cindy) Griffiths, Lisa (Steve Dobrick) Griffiths, and Kristen (Marc) Morgan; grandchildren, John Harrison, Brandon Harrison, Robert Wahrenberger, Tyler Harrison, Angelica Peaco, Marc Morgan, Madison Morgan, William Griffiths, Lukas Morgan, Steven Dobrick, and Matthew Dobrick.
Andrew M. "Junior" Murin, age 66, of West Mifflin, died October 23, 2022, at AHN Jefferson Hospital. Born August 11, 1956, in Clairton, he was the son of the late Andrew Murin. Andrew was a South Wilmerding Social Club member and enjoyed riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles. He was a proud father and cherished special meals with his daughters and coaching his son's basketball teams when they were young.
Adalgisa Pillera, age 93, of McKeesport, died October 23, 2022, at Grandview Estates of Elizabeth. Born August 5, 1929, in Italy, she was the daughter of the late Giuseppe and Giuseppina (Ricciotti) Alfonsi and the wife of the late Giuseppe Pillera. Adalgisa retired from Feig's Bakery, where she worked as a baker and decorator. She was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish, St. Patrick Church, and was also a Christian Mother. Adalgisa spent time outside tending to her garden and always enjoyed a good espresso with dessert. She was the oldest of seven siblings and always looked out for her younger brothers and sisters. When she was fourteen, she moved to Rome on her own to work as a maid and send the money she made back to the family.
