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Ruben Trbovic

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | February 07, 2026

Ruben Trbovic, 89, passed away to join the Lord on January 28, 2026. Born July 21, 1936, Ruben was a devoted servant of Christ whose life was marked by his unwavering faith. His love was unconditional for his wife, Kathy, and his two children, Margo and Ruben. Born and raised in McKeesport, Ruben would fondly recall his childhood and the many teaching moments his older siblings, particularly his four brothers, provided. After high school, Ruben worked as a craneman for US Steel until he was drafted into the US Army where he served as a marksman. After the Army and always up for an adventure, Ruben spent a few years in Los Angeles, working in a grocery store and rubbing elbows with the film stars of the 1950s and 60s. Shortly after returning to McKeesport, Ruben met the love of his life, Kathy Sholtis. The two were married in 1967 and raised two children. Ruben had various employment experiences before settling on his long-term career as a routeman for the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. After Kathy’s untimely passing in 1996, Ruben rededicated himself to his faith and church, serving many roles at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, including his favorite, a greeter. His generational legacy compelled him to be routinely dressed in his best and rarely seen without a fedora hat. Always up for expressing an opinion on the Penguins, politics or the color of the sky, Ruben enjoyed a lively discussion with anyone willing to engage. He cherished the time with his four grandchildren, attending their school and sporting events, walking in the neighborhood, building puzzles and playing gin.

Ruben is survived by his daughter Margo (Jeff) Jochims of Gibsonia, PA, his son Ruben (Charlotte Gourlay) of Ketchum, ID; grandchildren Alexa, Ryan, Lauren and Ava; sisters-in-law Rose Trbovic and Robin Megela; brothers-in-law Terry House, James Sholtis and Jack Sholtis; and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Ruben was preceded in death by his wife Kathy, parents George and Anna, sister Bertha (Bertie), and brothers Milan, Milton, Nick and George (Chaz). Friends are welcome Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 4-7 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1638 Lincoln Way, White Oak (412) 672-6322 Troy J. Gilbert, director. Followed by a Funeral Service at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in McKeesport on Friday, February 13 at 10:00 am and a private burial service thereafter. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to St. Sava Serbian Church, located at 901 Hartman Street, McKeesport, PA 15132. Condolences may be made at GilbertFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Originally published February 07, 2026.

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