April 13, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Elmo J. "Jim" Gropelli age 74, of Penn Hills, passed away April 11, 2023, at home surrounded with love after a grueling battle with dementia. Born August 24, 1948, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Elmo and Betty Jane (Brady) Gropelli. He was the adored husband of Pam Gropelli for 18 wonderful years.
Jim grew up in Ross Township, working at his father's and uncle's monument company, and graduated from North Hills High School. He worked for UPS and then started his own business as a gravedigger. His business had become a trusted and reliable company in the Pittsburgh area for 44 years. Jim brightened any room he walked into with his smile and wit, and he always was good for a laugh. In his free time, he loved drag racing (watching or participating in it) and vacationing in the Bahamas with family and friends. Jim loved spending time with his grandkids always.
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April 04, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Marie A. Quezada, age 83, of McKeesport, passed away on April 1, 2023, at home surrounded by her family. Born December 30, 1939, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Helen (Nizinski) Deemer and the wife of the late Salvadore "Chick" Quezada for 33 years.
Marie dedicated her life to taking care of her family. In her early years, she was a nurse's aide for the Palmer House Assisted Living. Marie was a devoted Catholic; she attended church at St Peter's Roman Catholic Church most of her life and became a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish. Her faith meant everything to her.
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April 03, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Raymond J. Kowalski, age 84, of Port Vue, died on April 1, 2023, at Jefferson Hospital. Born September 1, 1938, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Alphonse and Anna (Korap) Kowalski and the husband of Marie (Donchinen) Kowalski.
Raymond retired as a machinist for Carbidie. He served in the United States Air Force. Raymond cherished the time he spent with his wife Marie and supporting their grandchildren's extracurricular activities.
In addition to his wife, he is also survived by children, Don (Kathleen) Kowalski, Maryann (Bob) Goldbaugh, and Donna (Lonnie) Ambrose; grandchildren, Valerie Godfrey, Bailey Wineland, and Meghan Kowalski; great-granddaughter, Kennedy Wineland; sister, Anna Mae Notaro.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by sisters Irene Seibert and Louise Cottom.
Arrangements were entrusted to Willig Funeral Home & Crematory.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com. Supervisor, Charles Danforth
March 31, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Charles L. "Chuck" Ferrington, age 66, of Glassport, died March 26, 2023, at home. Born August 23,1956, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Earl and Donna (Gibson) Ferrington and the husband of Patricia (Aigner) Ferrington for 43 years.
Chuck retired from Martin Marietta Materials in St Antonio, TX, as a Master Maintenance Electrician. He retired as an EM2 in the United States Navy. Chuck was a McKeesport High School graduate of class 1974, and continued his education at Texas A & M University. He was a member of the Liberty Vets Club and enjoyed woodworking, playing online games and was an avid Pittsburgh Penguins fan.
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March 29, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Barbara A. Thomas, age 72, of Port Vue, died March 22, 2023, at home. Born September 15, 1950, in Port Vue, she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Bernice (Byrne) Bronder and the wife of the late Michael Thomas.
Barb dedicated her life to taking care of her son and home. She was a former member of St. Mark Parish. Barb was a strong and selfless woman who was always there for her son.
Barb is survived by her son, Shawn-Colin Thomas, six siblings, and her two cats, Sampson and Sassy.
Arrangements were entrusted to Willig Funeral Home & Crematory.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
Supervisor, Charles Danforth
March 19, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Rita C. Jaso, age 91, of McKeesport, died March 18, 2023, at Corner View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born June 18, 1931, in Penn Hills, she was the daughter of the late Matis and Anna (Tarby) Lepovsky and the wife of the late Julius Jaso.
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March 19, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Darrin "Bear" Bill, age 60, of Liberty Borough, died March 17, 2023, at home. Born January 5, 1963, he was the son of the late Faik and Janice (Grimes) Bill and the husband of Roseanna "Raven" (Fletcher) Bill.
Bear retired from UPS, where he was a truck driver. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and the freedom of riding his motorcycle. Bear had a way with animals and trained many, from bears to squirrels. He also had a passion for taxidermy and tattoos. Bear loved music and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his son, Jared (Patricia) Bill of Pittsburgh; step-sons, Jesse (Danielle) McLaughlin and Justin (Faith) McLaughlin; grandchildren, Jayden, Gwenevere, Kayla, Kirsten, Kylie, and Christian; brothers, Darril (Kim) of Orlando, FL and Darric (Kimberly) Bill of Irwin; also many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, from 4 p.m. until the time of last leave at 8 p.m.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com.
Supervisor, Charles Danforth
March 07, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Norma "Nun" Sutler, age 83, of McKeesport, died March 6, 2023, at Select Specialty Hospital of McKeesport. Born on January 22, 1940, in Glassport, she was the daughter of the late George "Bud" and Anna Marie (Krandall) Harff.
Norma was a devoted mother and friend. She cared for her family and home and was known to many as a neighborhood mom. Norma was a former member of the Croatian Club CFU Lodge 146 of Versailles Borough. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and playing cards with friends.
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March 06, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Henrietta Mary, "Sister" Young, age 79, of McKeesport, died February 26, 2023, at Kane Community Living Center. Born May 30, 1943, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Walter D. and Henrietta (Slim) Ball.
Henrietta dedicated her life to taking care of her home and family. She was a member of the Beacon Light Church of God. Henrietta enjoyed working in her garden, cooking meals for her family, and crocheting. Spending time and playing with her great-grandkids are the moments she cherished.
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March 01, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Burt F. Whoolery, age 70, of Glassport, died on February 26, 2023, in Orlando, FL, surrounded by his family. He was born on September 29, 1952, in McKeesport, PA, and was the son of the late Milton and Antoinette (Bazzone) Whoolery and the husband of Rose (Case) Whoolery.
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February 24, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Keith Bryce, age 66, of McKeesport, died February 17, 2023, at UPMC McKeesport Hospital. Born July 5, 1956, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Lucille Brown.
Keith was a local McKeesport resident, and you could often find him in the downtown area. Everyone that knew him loved his gentle smile and kind demeanor.
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February 22, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Larry Padgett, age 63, of Monroeville, died February 13, 2023, at UPMC East. Born March 31, 1959, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late David Brooks and Ida Ruth Lombardo.
Larry worked in many different positions until his health would no longer permit him to perform. He was a member of Community Life of McKeesport. Larry enjoyed metal detecting and finding coins for his collection, walking, and poking fun at politics. He always believed in family togetherness and will always be remembered for taking and sharing family photos.
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February 17, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
James E. Sivak, age 90, of Port Vue, died February 15, 2023, at Forbes Regional Hospital. Born December 9, 1932, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Michael C. and Mary (Butkovsky) Sivak, and the loving husband of Patricia (Marcinko) Sivak.
James was a former US Steel Duquesne Works employee retiring from the general services department as a hot metal expeditor. He was a member of St. Eugene Catholic Church, Saints Joachim and Anne Parish, and a former member of St. Stephen Catholic Church. He was also elected to a number of terms as the recording secretary of Local #2466 Salary Union. James worked later as a security guard for the Richard Mellon Scaife Foundation in Pittsburgh. He was a former member of Archer Hill Bowling League, St. Stephen/St. Pius dart-ball team, and a volunteer for many years with the Duquesne Community Food Bank and Port Vue/St. Mark Food Bank. James enjoyed cheering on and watching his favorite Pittsburgh sports teams, Pirates, Penguins, and especially his favorite, Steelers; he was a season ticket holder for many years. He was a member of SOAR, loved playing cards and watching old cowboy movies. James was a United States Army veteran serving during the Korean War.
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February 12, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Kathleen M. O'Connor, age 67, of White Oak, died February 10, 2023, at UPMC East. Born January 18, 1956, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Pauline (Ehrhardt) O'Connor.
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February 11, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Jan "Mae" Wunderley Gobel, age 67, of Liberty Borough, died February 9, 2023, at Canterbury Place. Born October 5, 1955, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Norma (Hillegass) Wunderley and the wife of Richard J. Gobel.
Jan worked as a dedicated nurse for 47 years at UPMC McKeesport. She was a former member of Liberty Presbyterian Church and the Liberty Borough Ambulance Service. Jan received the UPMC's Award for Commitment and Excellence in Service (ACES) and the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses both in 2013. One of her favorite places to visit was Disney World in FL. Most of all, spending time with her grandchildren brought her the most joy.
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