Pearl S. Rolnik

Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | September 12, 2025

Pearl S. Rolnik, age 89, of White Oak, passed peacefully on October 29, 2024, at The Mansion at Rosemont retirement community (Bryn Mawr, PA). Born December 12, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Wasil and Anna (Misczycha) Smolinsky and the wife of the late Joseph F. Rolnik. Pearl's life was a tapestry woven with love, laughter, and cherished memories. 

She was a McKeesport High School graduate and a lifetime member of the Laureate Alpha Delta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi. A dedicated professional, Pearl contributed her talents in clerical roles at Crucible Industries and Family Ministry before spending her later years and retiring from Penn State University, McKeesport. Her work ethic was matched only by her creativity, which blossomed through her skills as a seamstress, flower arrangements, decorating the church, and an occasional wood-working project. Pearl had a remarkable love for baking while her kitchen filled with those delightful aromas especially at the holidays. Family and tradition were the heart of Pearl's existence. She reveled in gatherings that brought her loved ones together, teaching the generationally passed on baking skills, celebrating life, and making memories steeped in Ukrainian culture. "Mum", "Aunt Billie", and "Grams" especially supported all the next generation young women to be the best that they could be. She was a life-time member of the St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church where she diligently worked with the Pyrohy Ladies.

Pearl is survived by her daughters, Janice Rolnik (William Sydnes), Diane Seltzer, and Mary McDonald; six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her parents and husband, Pearl was preceded in death by her siblings Michael Smolinsky, Stanley Smolnicky, Leona Shevke, Jean Konias, Olive Benyak, Mary Belback, Genevieve Yuna; and son-in-law, Thomas McDonald.

Arrangements were entrusted to Stuard Funeral Home in Newtown Square, PA and Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1907 Eden Park Boulevard, McKeesport at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025. Burial will follow at the St. John the Baptist Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1907 Eden Park Blvd., McKeesport, PA 15132 (Pyrohy projects) and the American Cancer Society. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.jaycox-jaworskifh.com.

Chris Odasso, Supervisor

Originally published September 12, 2025.

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