September 19, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Ronald R. Riley Sr., age 71, of North Versailles, died September 16, 2023 at UPMC East. Born May 11, 1952, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Raymond Riley and Olga (Gatchie) Riley Lenhart and longtime companion of the late Betty Jackson.
Ron retired from the Pittsburgh VA Hospital in the dietary department. He graduated from McKeesport VoTech, studying Cabinetry making. Ron was a proud United States Army Veteran serving during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Free Hungarian Reformed Church in McKeesport. Ron was also a member of the VFW and the former McKeesport American Legion. In his free time, he enjoyed reading and was known for his "sweet tooth," snacking on his favorite candies, Jolly Ranchers, and Twix bars. Ron loved to make his family and friends laugh.
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September 19, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Donna J. (Joll) Firczak, age 86, of Elizabeth and Forward Twp., passed away on Monday, September 18, 2023 at Southwestern Nursing Center. She was a member of Central Highlands Community United Methodist Church in Elizabeth Twp. and a former aide at William Penn Elementary School. She enjoyed going on cruises, traveling the world, and feeding family and friends. Born September 11, 1937 in Elizabeth, she was a daughter of the late Clyde and Gladys (Williams) Joll and wife of the late William R. Firczak. She is survived by sons, Dr. Scott (Susan) Firczak of Mt. Ulla, NC and Rick A. (Vickie) Firczak of Mooresville, NC; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by son, Randy A. Firczak, and brother, Melvin "Duck" Joll. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 5-7 PM and at Central Highlands Community United Methodist Church on Friday, September 22, 2023 from 11 AM until the time of service at 12 Noon with the Rev. Adam Stump officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Highlands Community United Methodist Church, 100 Timothy Drive, Elizabeth, PA 15037. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
September 18, 2023 |
By Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home | Posted in: Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home
Ronald J. Funk, 85, of White Oak, formerly of West Mifflin, died Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Forbes Regional Hospital, Monroeville. A retired electrician from U.S. Steel, Clairton Works, he began his career at the Homestead Works and later worked at the former Graphic Controls in Wilmerding. Following his retirement, he did electrical work and consulting at Astley Precision in Irwin, and was always available to help friends and people in the community with their electrical needs. He was a 1956 graduate of Duquesne High School, and member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, St. Joseph Church in Duquesne.
Born in Duquesne, June 6, 1938, he was a son of the late Jerome and Agnes (Manns) Funk, and beloved husband of 63 years of the late Patricia (Dancak) Funk, who died July 15, 2023. He is the father of Thomas (Kirsten Pastrick) Funk of North Huntingdon, Diane (Peter) Mills of Naples, FL, and the late Cindy Funk Bates who died Dec. 4, 2021; grandfather of Jim (Tiffany) Bates of Grindstone, Amie (Kevin) Mills Odom of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and Claire (Blake) Mills Mulholland of Cape Coral, FL; and great grandfather of Sophia Mae Bates and Olivia Mulholland. He also is survived by sister-in-law, Alberta "Bertie" (late Rich) Webb of West Mifflin, formerly of Duquesne; nephews; great nieces and nephews; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother, David (late Barbara) Funk. The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful, compassionate care and loving efforts of his caregivers, especially Linda, Flo and Alyssa.
Ron was a wealth of knowledge and was eager to share that knowledge and other stories with anyone who would listen. He and Pat traveled to many areas of the country, enjoyed trips to the beach and camping when the family was young, and he loved fishing with his son and grandson during trips to Rice Lake and other fishing holes.
Friends will be received Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the MALOY-SCHLEIFER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 915 KENNEDY AVE., DUQUESNE, 412-466-3300, WILLIAM B. SCHLEIFER, SUPERVISOR, WILLIAM BRIAN SCHLEIFER, FUNERAL DIRECTOR. A Blessing will be offered at the funeral home Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph Church at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Nick Mastrangelo as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Mifflin. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorial contributions to the local chapter of the National Kidney Foundation, 2403 Sidney St., Suite 205, Pittsburgh, PA, 15203; or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD, 21741.
September 18, 2023 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
David Michael Jones, age 71, of Pittsburgh, died on Monday, September 11, 2023. He was born in Pittsburgh on March 13, 1952, and was the son of the late Helen C. Jones, and the husband of the late Kathleen Marie Williams Jones, who died on February 10, 2009. He was very proud to be a 1970 graduate of Westinghouse High School, home of the Bulldogs, where he played football. After graduating, David served in the United States Army. He was employed as a housekeeper for DoubleTree by Hilton in Pittsburgh for over 30 years. He received numerous awards and recognitions from his employer, including Employee of the Year multiple times and was the longest serving employee in his department. David was also an avid Steelers fan.
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September 18, 2023 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Charles D. Dorsey, 84, of North Huntingdon passed away Monday, September 18, 2023. He was born November 16, 1938 in North Irwin, a son of the late Ossie and Myrtle (Franz) Dorsey. Prior to his retirement, Charles worked as a shipper for AMI Doduco and was an avid pilot. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Denise (Petty) Dorsey. Services are private. Memorials may be made to White Oak Safe Haven Animal Shelter in memory of Charles. Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
September 18, 2023 |
By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory
Richard F. "Dick" Bowen, age 87, of White Oak, died September 15, 2023, at UPMC East. Born February 29, 1936, Duquesne, he was the son of the late Floyd and Leona (Goreck) Bowen and the husband of Janie (Sterrett) Bowen for 63 years.
Dick graduated from Duquesne High School and attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he played football and graduated in 1958. At Pitt, he was a part of the 1956 Sugar and Gator Bowl teams. He founded and coached the Pittsburgh Valley Ironman, semi-pro football team in 1959. After graduating college, Dick was offered a job coaching at Connellsville High School, and he met Janie, a native of Connellsville, who he married a year later. Dick coached for many years in the WPIAL at Connellsville, McKeesport, West Mifflin South, and Serra Catholic. He was also a teacher from 1959 through 1993 and taught for 34 years at McKeesport. Dick cherished watching his grandchildren play football, soccer, and any activity they were involved in. As an avid golfer, he and his buddies played in the Far from Par Golf League and always enjoyed morning breakfast with the breakfast gang.
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September 17, 2023 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Reginald Anthony Hall, 48, died Sept. 6, 2023. Affectionately known as Reggie, he was born on January 18, 1975, in McKeesport, PA. He was the son of Louis Hall and Wanda Hardy. Reggie was lovingly raised by his grandparents; George and Mabel Hall, whom he affectionately called mom and dad.
Reginald was a graduate of McKeesport Senior High School. He would later hold jobs in the food service industry. Reggie enjoyed listening to rap music and playing video games. He also loved collecting the newest sneakers. He enjoyed a good party and spending time with friends. He loved his children and was overjoyed about being a grandfather. He loved spending time with his grandsons and helping them with their homework. Reggie loved sports; he played baseball as a child and enjoyed watching his grandsons play baseball and football. Reggie was a Steelers superfan and loved cheering for his favorite team on Sundays. Reggie was a great friend and was well-known and loved by many.
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September 17, 2023 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Georgeen “Gigi” (Rushe) Dunn, Beloved grandmother, mother, sister, and friend, of North Huntingdon, peacefully departed this life for the next on Wednesday, September 13th, 2023 at age 66. Her legacy of love and enthusiasm for life will live on through her grandchildren Teddy, Ellie, Natalia, Daniel, and Eliza; her daughters and sons-in-law Samantha & Jeffrey and Justine & Giancarlo; her husband of 36 years Mark Dunn; her siblings Regina Rushe, Timothy Rushe, Maribeth and Ciro Rolandi, Kitty and Rick Glasser; her nieces and nephews Jamie Glasser; Bethany, Keith, Cooper, and Spencer Morse; Bradley Glasser and Kal Rao; Demi, Calvin, Simone, Neo, and Shiloh Stephens; Nick Rushe; Marina Rolandi; and countless friends she considered family. Gigi found her greatest joy in her five grandchildren, gardening, camping, dancing, and pigs.
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September 17, 2023 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Tywan Pierre Staples, 53, of Duquesne, died Sept. 12, 2023. He was born February 8th, 1970, in McKeesport Hospital. He was the second of three sons born to Rita Staples and Ron Hill. Tywan was raised in Cochrandale Projects.
Tywan graduated from Duquesne High School in 1988. At the age of 19, Tywan graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics where he pursued his career in aircraft maintenance. Tywan was hired by United Airlines which led him to Oakland, California where he met Terry Lee. Terry and Tywan married in 1997. They have two sons: Amir and Ahmad.
Affectionately known as “Teetaboo” or “Gadge”, Tywan radiated kindness, sincerity, and genuineness to his many friends and family near and far.
He devoted unselfish energy and time to the care and nurturing of others. He had an enormous ability to extend himself beyond measure to be a blessing to many.. and I mean many.
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September 17, 2023 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
David S. Owens, 64, of North Huntingdon, died unexpectedly Monday September 11, 2023 in Hilton Head, SC. He was born October 12, 1958 in McKeesport, a son of the late Stewart and Dorothy (Evanchak) Owens. David was a retired Certified Public Accountant and Partner with the consulting firm Baker Tilly. He was a member and Elder of First Presbyterian Church, Irwin, an avid golfer, and member at Youghiogheny Country Club where he enjoyed many friendships. He is survived by his wife Mary Ann (Kovach) Owens; his children Eric D. Owens (Zeina Al-Shaib) of Falls Church, VA and Amy Owens (Peter Breiding) of Syracuse, NY; a sister Deborah Piker (Bruce) of Liberty Borough; also nieces and great nieces and nephews.
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September 17, 2023 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Tanner Edward Faircloth, 23, of Elizabeth Township passed away Friday, September 15, 2023. He was born March 4, 2000 in Pittsburgh, and is the son of Edward L. Faircloth, II., and Jacqueline J. (Withrow) Faircloth. Tanner had a huge heart, was a kind and gentle soul, and was always thinking of others before himself. He was also extremely witty, charming, naturally smart, and loving. He enjoyed spending time with his girlfriend and his family. He loved to take walks on the trail, collect rare coins, and enjoy nature. He excelled on the swim team in high school, enjoyed the time he had at Pitt and excelled there as well. He worked in high school as a lifeguard for White Oak pool, then eventually for UPS and Fedex, along with having his own Ebay business. He had a way of making an impact on everyone he met and his smile would light up the room.
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September 16, 2023 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Terry Chamberlain, 67, of Connellsville, formerly of Level Green passed away Friday, September 15, 2023 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. He was born May 13, 1956 in Braddock, a son of the late Emil and Bernadette (Gadagno) Chamberlain. Prior to his retirement, Terry worked for the street department for the City of Trafford. He enjoyed fishing, golfing and watching war movies. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James. He is survived by his wife, Judy (Varsafsky) Chamberlain; sons, David (Erin), Steven (Stephanie), Christopher (Tina); daughter, Elizabeth (Robert); brothers, Richard (Joanne), Michael, Randy and Ronnie; sister, Amy Borling; grandchildren, Cassandra, Austin, Taylor, Gracie, Gavin, Ellie, Demi; and great-granddaughter, Carter. There will be no visitation. Memorials may be made to the Chamberlain Family, 315 North Arch Street, Apartment 1010, Connellsville, PA 15425. Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
September 15, 2023 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Lida Wilma (Lojpersberger) Benyak, 92, of Liberty Borough, formerly of New Kensington, passed away Thursday, September 14, 2023. She was born in Johnson City, NY on May 19, 1931 and was daughter to the late Paul and Helen (Fabik) Lojpersberger. She graduated from Johnson City High School in 1949 and moved to New Kensington, where she worked for ALCOA Aluminum Co. while remaining involved with Sokol, USA - Lodge #46; where she was a gymnast, taught classes, and performed in a Czechoslovakian Folk Dance Co. These groups brought her to meet the love of her life, Joseph Benyak. They got married on October 16, 1954 and were married for a wonderful 56 years before his passing in September, 2010. Her and Joseph had moved to Liberty Borough and Lida became an extremely active member of the Liberty Prebyterian Church for 66 years - from an attendance officer to the "Sunshine Lady," and various other activities, you could always count on Lida to be involved. She was also a member of the Liberty Senior Citizens and loved traveling with their whole group. While traveling, she found her favorite travel time was with her family to the beach.
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September 15, 2023 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Antonio Balestreri, 97, of Pittsburgh, passed away Thursday, September 14, 2023 at Forbes Regional Hospital. He was born June 22, 1926 in Buffalo, NY, a son of the late Salvatore and Giovanna Balestreri. Prior to his retirement, Antonio was a firefighter for the City of Pittsburgh and a veteran of the US Navy having served during WWII. He was an all-around handyman who enjoyed woodworking, hunting and going to the beach. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Bernadine (Perella) Balestreri; sons, Anthony M. Balestreri and Daniel J. Balestreri and his wife, Kristen; grandchildren, Dominic (Ashley) and Mario. There will be no visitation. Private interment in Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh. Memorials may be made to The Wounded Warriors Project in memory of Antonio. Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
September 14, 2023 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Catherine “Kay” Chemsak (Utlak), AKA “Bubby”, 93, passed away at her home September 13, 2023 with her family by her side. Kay, who embraced life with a fun-loving and adventurous spirit, left this world with a legacy of laughter, joy, and cherished memories that will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She was born in Youngstown, PA on February 27, 1930 to the late Michael and Katerina (Orinchin) Utlak. Kay grew up with four brothers and three sisters. Her earliest memories include weekend train rides and bakery visits with her brother, which set the stage for her lifelong love of trains, travel and sweets. As a young adult, Kay embarked on a fulfilling journey that included a memorable chapter in Washington, D.C., where she worked for the FBI. It was during her time there that she had a chance encounter with J. Edgar Hoover in an elevator, a memory she often shared. Upon leaving DC, she moved to McKeesport, PA and met her loving partner of 57 years, Andy Chemsak. There, they raised their kids Jean and David and treasured time with their grandchildren. One of Kay’s most endearing qualities was her ability to maintain a childlike magic even in old age. When visiting Disney World at age 90, she rode the Frozen ride with a look of pure joy on her face and was inspired to buy an Elsa doll to remember that experience. Kay's laughter was infectious and she often had a mischievous sparkle in her eyes when telling stories about her earlier life. She had a unique gift for making friends wherever she went, a testament to her welcoming personality. She was an avid BINGO player, enjoyed all types of crafts, loved to travel, and never passed up a good sing-along. Most of all, Kay loved her family. She always looked forward to holidays and events where everyone was together, describing these fondly as “a lot of eating and loud talking.”
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