Jayvon Turek Drake, Sr.

December 16, 2023 |

By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

Jayvon Turek Drake, Sr., age 27,  of McKeesport was called home on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. He was born June 27, 1996 and is the son of Melika Drake and Gary Vasalech.

Paul Smith

December 16, 2023 |

By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes

Paul Smith, 94, of Finleyville, passed away on Friday December 15^th, 2023 at Grandview Estates of Elizabeth. He was born in Union Township on June 14^th, 1929 to the late Victor and Margaret Shovskwich Smith. Paul was the loving husband of 69 years to the late Dolores Uphouse Smith. Paul is survived by a niece and a nephew. In addition to his parents, Paul is preceded in death by his beloved wife Dolores Smith, his siblings Martha, Emily, Louise, Margaret, Helen, William, and Emil. Paul and his wife were baptized together as Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1959, they served faithfully for 64 years. In those years Paul served as an Elder for decades. At the time of his passing, he was a member of the Clairton Congregation. He also worked for Duquesne Light for 41 years. Paul served in the United States Army from September 1950 to May 1952. In his free time Paul liked to enjoy passing the time by building and flying remote controlled airplanes. He loved to spend time with all animals especially his goose friend “Goosey”. He was loved by many, young and old and he will be missed by all. Arrangements have been entrusted to S.M. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 432 N. 6^th St, Clairton, PA 15025. A memorial service will take place on Zoom on Saturday December 30^th, 2023 at 2 P.M. officiated by Elder Mark Turner. A private internment will take place at Mingo Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com.

Rose Marie Pieffer

December 15, 2023 |

By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

Rose Marie Pieffer, age 68, of McKeesport, died on Sunday, December 10, 2023. She was born in Pittsburgh on October 29, 1955 and is the daughter of the late Harry and Mary Jane (Arbagast) Ferguson.

Harry J. “Butch” Cochran

December 15, 2023 |

By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Harry J. “Butch” Cochran, 79, of North Huntingdon, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 10, 2023. He was born May 9, 1944 in Monroeville, a son of the late Harry and Matilda (Fonas) Cochran. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Irwin, and was retired from Local 66 Operating Engineers. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brothers in–law James Salvatore, Nicholas Colinear, and Joseph Agresti. He is survived by his wife of 51 years Regina (Salvatore) Cochran; son James H. Cochran; grandsons Auston Cochran and Colton Cochran; sister Mary Ellen (Ross) Willoughby of Fox Chapel; sisters in-law Carlita Colinear and Barbara Agresti; and many nieces and nephews.

Richard L. Harris

December 15, 2023 |

By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary

Richard L. Harris, 95, died December 8, 2023. Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 17 at Zion Baptist Church, 1300 Locust Street, McKeesport, where a funeral service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Dec. 18. Interment will follow at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 20, National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Rd., Bridgeville, PA 15017. Arrangements are in care of Tunie Funeral Home, Homestead.

Dana Hopkins

December 15, 2023 |

By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Dana Hopkins, 66, died December 7, 2023. Friends will be received at 9 a.m. December 16, 2023, St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1350 Locust Street, McKeesport, PA 15132, until the time of service at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at McKeesport & Versailles Cemetery. Arrangements are in care of Robert A. Waters Funeral Home Inc.

Saveria “Vera” Barone

December 15, 2023 |

By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Saveria “Vera” Barone, 88, of North Versailles, died Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at home surrounded by her loving family. Vera was a deeply loved Mom, Nonna, Carmen’s Vera (Sweetie Pie), and a friend and relative to many. She lived to care for her family and expressed her love with her passion for cooking and a “no-one goes hungry” attitude, even for visitors just stopping by. Vera would religiously host large family dinners for her family every Sunday, which she faithfully continued well into her 80’s. Her biscotti were a staple and requested for every family or friend’s function. She was born July 17, 1935, in Benevento, Italy, a daughter of the late Eustacchio and Maria Gigante. Vera was a member of Mary Mother of God Parish, St. Robert Bellarmine Church, East McKeesport.

When she was able, Vera volunteered for various church functions and always the church fair where she was known for creating her tasty pizza fritta (fried dough) annually. In addition to raising her family, she assisted her late husband, Carmen, operating the family concrete business and was also an exceptional seamstress. She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Carmen Barone, in 1997. She was the matriarch of a growing family, the loving mother of her children: Anthony (Tina) Barone of Monroeville, Joseph (Helen) Barone of North Versailles, Mary Jane (Robert) Petrilli of Monroeville, Carmen (Marcie) Barone Jr. of North Versailles, and Michael (Tara) Barone of North Huntingdon; a loved and cherished Nonna to her grandchildren: Marissa (Cody) Calhoun, Nicholas (Lauren) Barone, Anthony (fiancé Cindy) Barone, Annamarie Barone, Angela Barone, Alexandra (Aaron) Cherok, Christina (Greg) Iversen, Gina Petrilli, Carmen (Samantha) Barone, Vincent (Taylor) Barone, Joseph Barone, Victoria Barone, and Michael Barone; great grandchildren: Gianna, Aubrey, Giovanni, Colton, Eliott, William, Carmen, and Ryleigh; loving sister of Augusto Gigante and Anna D’Ambrosio both living in Italy; also nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or www.stjude.org. For online condolences, please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Saveria "Vera" Barone please visit our Sympathy Store.

Margaret Grillo

December 15, 2023 |

By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Margaret Grillo, 97, of East McKeesport, passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2023. She was born September 20, 1926 in Acquaviva delle Fonti, Italy, a daughter of the late Luigi and Teresa Padula. Margaret was a member of Saint Joseph the Worker Parish, Saint Jude the Apostle Church, Wilmerding, and worked as a clerk at Star Bakery, McKeesport and was a waitress at Rene’s Restaurant. She enjoyed playing bingo, trips to the casino, cooking, sewing, and watching Steeler’s games on Sunday. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Michael P. Grillo and sister Antoinette Urban. She is survived by her children Kathleen (Dennis) McDonald of North Huntingdon and Peter (Victoria) Grillo of North Versailles; Jeffrey (Danielle) McKinzie, Jason (Amber) McKinzie, Melissa (Joe) Bongyor, and Nicole Grillo; great grandchildren Alissa, Gabriella, Owen, Dustin, Arielle, Joseph Jr., Joshua, Danica, Wyatt, Karson, and Derek; also nieces and nephews. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Margaret Grillo please visit our Sympathy Store.

Maria Louise (Molinari) Moffitt

December 15, 2023 |

By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Maria Louise (Molinari) Moffitt, 49, of McKeesport, passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2023. She was born October 7, 1974 in McKessport, a daughter of John Molinari Sr. and the late Debra Ainsco Molinari. She was devoted to her family and loved her grandchildren. In addition to her father she is survived by her children Robert Moffitt of Irwin, Desiree Moffitt of Meadville, Savannah Moffitt of Irwin, and Ashley (Joe) Peters of Meadville; grandchildren Brendan and Elaina Valla, Gauge, Timothy, Christina, and Benjamin Peters; and her brother John Molinari Jr. of McKeespo; nephews Michael Moffit and Steven Moffitt both of McKeesport. In lieu of flowers those wishing may contribute to the family. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Maria Louise Moffitt please visit our Sympathy Store.

Hazel Irene (Airgood) Powanda

December 15, 2023 |

By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Hazel Irene (Airgood) Powanda, age 86, of North Huntingdon, passed away Wednesday, December 6, 2023. She was born November 19, 1937 in Pitcairn, a daughter of the late Roy and Clara (Bytheway) Airgood. Hazel was a past member of St. Michael’s Orthodox Church in McKeesport. She was a bookkeeper for Union Switch and Signal in Swissvale and then for B’Nai Israel in White Oak before retiring. She was a past Woman of the Moose member in Irwin and liked to bowl, polka dance, sing country western music, work crossword puzzles and read.

Eric Duane Martin

December 15, 2023 |

By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Eric Duane Martin, 69 of Baltimore Maryland departed this life on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at his residence in Baltimore, Maryland. Born July 24, 1954, was the beloved of Henry L. and Dorothy L. (Smith) Martin. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Henry L. Martin Jr.

Eric attended school, in the Mckeesport Area School District where he made a host of friends. He was employed as a laborer by US Steel in McKeesport and a stock worker at B. Green Company in Baltimore MD. Eric, affectionately known as “Ricky” to his family and “E-Man” to his friends had a lot of wisdom based on his life experiences and did not mind sharing his testimony with anyone. He was known for his enthusiastic sense of humor.

He enjoyed making people laugh with his jokes and great impersonations, which came so naturally to him. Eric was also a lover of tasty food. If it were good, he would not even come up for air until it was all gone. He was a great cook and loved telling people the dos and don’ts of cooking. Eric was a fitness buff, always exercising to keep his arms and waist in shape to wear his many sharp outfits. His impressions of family members and friends were spot on and made you feel like you were listening to the person he was imitating.

Armond Lewis Lann

December 15, 2023 |

By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Armond Lewis Lann, 74, of Pittsburgh, was born September 28, 1949, in McKeesport, PA. He was the beloved son of Blease Lann and Elizabeth Elkins.

Armond was a 1967 graduate of McKeesport High School.  Armond had an extensive career at U. S. Steel Clairton Works and later retired from Eastman Chemical, he also worked various other jobs such as driving for Yellow Cab and Access. Armond was someone who loved music and enjoyed playing the drums. His natural talent and sharp ear for music attracted friends with the same talent. They performed in various local venues for many years.  

Before entering Kane Community Living Center, he was the drummer for Bethlehem Baptist Church of McKeesport, PA, where he was a 50+ year member.  His favorite music artists were Earth Wind and Fire, Frankie Beverly, and Maze, just to name a few. Armond was a loving and kind soul with a bright smile, he was a people person, and he was also someone who could make a friend anywhere. One thing Armond loved, perhaps more than anything was fried chicken (KFC).

Frank E. Wall

December 15, 2023 |

By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Frank E. Wall, 89, of Irwin, died peacefully with his wife by his side, Sunday December 10, 2023. He was born February 14, 1934 in McKeesport, a son of the late Ernest V. and Leila Mae (Case) Wall. Frank was the retired owner-operator of Wall Electric and an Army paratrooper veteran. He was a life member of the Norwin Elks, a member of the American Legion, Shidle Lodge No. 601, F. & A. M., Irwin, the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Pittsburgh, and Syria Temple, Pittsburgh. He was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Irwin, and the Jacktown Ride & Hunt Club. He was an avid golfer and loved to spend time with family and friends. Frank was a very generous man who gave to his church and community. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Sandra Jean "Sandy" Morgan

December 15, 2023 |

By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Sandra Jean "Sandy" Morgan, 82, of Elizabeth Township, passed away peacefully at Grandview Estates on Thursday, December 14, 2023. Born June 17, 1941, she was the daughter of the late John Thomas "Tom" and Dorothy Neil (Hough) Morgan. She grew up in Clairton, PA in Woodland Terrace and participated in the girl scouts, playing piano, attending football games with her friends, and was very active with the church youth group in Fayette City. Sandra graduated from Clairton High School in 1959. She went on to Nursing School at the Independence Sanitarium and Hospital, "The San," in Independence, MO and graduated in 1962. She also received her BS in Nursing form the University of Pittsburgh. In the 70's, Sandra traveled to Mexico, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands as a Youth Group Nurse and Chaperone. She worked for 40 years as a nurse for the Allegheny Health Department. She began in baby clinics and did many home visits with new mothers. She then worked with refugees and homeless doing tuberculosis testing and wellness checks. Sandra and her friend/coworker Dave Lynch invented and artificial arm to use for TB Testing. She was the head of infectious disease control for all 4 of the Kane Hospitals within the Pittsburgh area, and a supervisor for many years before retirement.

Sally Jo Ross

December 15, 2023 |

By Wojciechowski Funeral Home | Posted in: Wojciechowski Funeral Home

Sally Jo Ross, 85, of Glassport died Dec. 14, 2023.  She is the daughter of the late Frank and Marie Pennington.  She is survived by her beloved husband, John R. Ross; children Karen (Larry) Blanchard, John F. Ross, Patricia (Bill) Kiser, Val (Nikki) Ross and Amy (Bob) Deliman; grandchildren Joshua, Brandon, Kara, Christopher, Jimmy, Richard, Billy, Jordan, Cory, Val, Michael, Breeanna and Robert; great grandchildren Skyler, Tyler, Joseph and Colby; also nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her grandchildren Johnny and Kimberly and siblings Boykin, Peggy and Gerry.  Sally was very strong in her faith and was a member of St. Joachim & Anne Parish (formerly Queen of the Rosary Parish). John and Sally met in Brunswick, Georgia where John was stationed in the U.S. Navy.  Sally and her sister Gerry went to the movies and were throwing popcorn at the sailors to get their attention.  It worked.  John whisked Sally off to Glassport, Pennsylvania and were married for 68 years. Christmas was her favorite time of year.  Always big family parties with plenty of food, drinks, and Elvis. AKA Grammy.  Visitation and funeral are private.  Arrangements by the Wojciechowski Funeral Home, Glassport.