January 01, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Margaret E. (LaCivita) Ratesic, 93, of East McKeesport, passed away peacefully on Saturday December 28, 2024. She was born October 7, 1931 in East McKeesport, the youngest daughter and last surviving child of the late John and Valverdina (Lucarelli) LaCivita and was also preceded in death by her husband George “Tucky” Ratesic; brothers Pete LaCivita, Lou LaCivita, Anthony LaCivita, and Michael LaCivita; and sisters Lucille Lokay, Mary Greselin, and Josephine Brush.
She was a graduate of Westinghouse Memorial High School, a member of Mary Mother of God Parish, St. Robert Bellarmine Church, and worked for 22 years at North Versailles Bowling Center in the snack bar, where she was known as Aunt Marge. Margaret loved to cook, and enjoyed planting flowers every spring which she referred to as “playing in the dirt”. She is survived by her children Georgeann (Bill) Kirk of White Oak, and Mark (Sue) Ratesic also of White Oak; grandchildren Juliann Kirk, Kelly (Tom) McCloskey, Randy (Sara) Benson, and Katie (Greg) Casile; great grandchildren Tommy McCloskey, Jakob McCloskey, Mya McCloskey, Valent Casile, Rocco Casile, Everett Benson, and Vaughn Benson; also many nieces and nephews.
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January 01, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

John "Bob" Gallik, age 72 of North Huntingdon, passed away on December 31, 2024 at his home. He was born on June 30, 1952 in Monessen, a son of the late John Gallik and Marie Margitan Gallik. Bob was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Irwin and a graduate of Penn State University. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by Westinghouse as an engineer with nearly 40 years of experience. Bob cherished his role as a girl-dad and he was also an amazing uncle. He took pride in his activities as a handyman and was always looking for a new project around the house. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by one sister Doris Kukler. He is survived by his beloved wife Cynthia Gallik, one daughter Taylor Dailey (and husband Kile), two brothers Larry Gallik and Mark Gallik (and wife Carmen), three sisters Janice Clement, Kathy Gallik, and Patty Heffner (and husband Lincoln), and brother-in-law Alex Kukler. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Sunday from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. A blessing service will take place in the funeral home on Monday at 11 AM. Interment will be private in Lafayette Memorial Park. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
December 31, 2024 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Charles Earl Fitzgerald III was born to Charles Earl Fitzgerald Jr and Lydia Daniels on October 11, 1962. He departed this earthly life on Saturday, December 28, 2024.
Charles graduated from Falcon High School (now Woodland Hills High School) where he wrestled and boxed. He attended California University of Pennsylvania with an academic and athletic scholarship. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering. He loved his family wholeheartedly. He stood ten toes down for what was right. His sense of humor was the true definition of dad jokes. He had a gift of song that was like no other.
Charles was preceded in death by his Father Charles Earl Fitzgerald Jr, uncle Benjamin Bryant, and brother Danzell Smith.
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December 31, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Esther A. Giron, age 92 of North Huntingdon, passed away on December 30, 2024 at her home. She was born on July 4, 1932 in Braddock, a daughter of the late Anthony Grainy and Esther Moore Grainy. Esther cherished her role as a wife and she loved to spend time with her family. Esther was known as a joke-teller and she always enjoyed a good laugh with her friends. In her free time, she enjoyed card games and dining out. Esther loved to travel, especially to Virginia Beach. In addition to her parents, Esther was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Giron, and her brother Dominic Grainy and his wife Florence. She is survived by her nephew Byran Thornton (and wife Stella), nieces Sharan Merchant (and husband Glenn), Diane Grainy, Denise Volker (and husband Rick), and Dawn Lucas (wife of the late John Lucas), 5 great nieces and nephews, and 9 great-great nieces and nephews. Friends and relatives will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Friday from 1-3 PM and 5-7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place in St. Agnes Church on Saturday at 10 AM with interment to follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Esther's name to St. Agnes Church. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
December 31, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Patricia L. Fullard, age 82 of West Newton, passed away on December 31, 2024. She was born on October 6, 1942 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Robert Mitchell and Mary Stephen Mitchell. Prior to her retirement, Patricia was employed as a bank teller with Mellon and Citizen's Banks. Patricia had many hobbies. In her free time she loved reading, sewing, knitting, crafting, gardening, and crocheting. In addition to her parents, Patricia was preceded in death by her second husband Charles "Bub" Fullard of Munhall, PA in 1986. She is survived by one son, Robert Stahara (Renee), one daughter Lori Stahara (Kristy) and six grandchildren, Mitchell, Tyler, Zachary, Eli, Drew, and Luke. There will be no public visitation. Interment will be private at Jefferson Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Patricia's name to Word of Life Church in Greensburg, or Redstone Highlands Greensburg. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
December 30, 2024 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
James Randol Olsen, age 79, of McKeesport, PA, died on Sunday, December 22, 2024. He was born on May 28, 1945, in Baton Rouge, LA.
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December 30, 2024 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Helen A. Buccini, age 93, of McKeesport, died December 27, 2024, at LGAR Health & Rehabilitation Center of Turtle Creek. Born December 20, 1931, in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Carmen and Giovanna (Trasatti) Marchetti and the devoted wife of 67 years to the late Ernest F. Buccini. Helen worked several years as a Prudential Insurance senior clerk and a travel counselor for the American Automobile Association (AAA). She was a member of Saints Joachim and Anne Parish and attended St. Eugene Church of Liberty Borough.
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December 30, 2024 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

Sandra Beth Crummer (née Kozeka), age 63, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away on December 23, 2024, surrounded by her loving husband, Kurt, and family. Sandra was born on September 14, 1961, to John Kozeka and Margaret Carrick and grew up alongside her six siblings: Margaret Moltz, Susan Pivar, Karen Buday, John Kozeka Jr., Kenneth Kozeka, and Diane Roland.
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December 29, 2024 |
By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory

Daneen Gazdich, age 66 of McKeesport died December 20, 2024 at home. Born October 7, 1958 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Jeanette (James) and John Genes, and the wife of 47 years to Theodore "Buck" Gazdich.
Daneen was a graduate of McKeesport High School Class of 1977, and worked for several years as an Optician at Pearle Vision in Olympia, formerly Sears Optical. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and her dogs, B-Dog and Little Shih Tzu.
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December 29, 2024 |
By Elmer L Herman Funeral Home | Posted in: Elmer L. Herman Funeral Home

Karen R Weaver Pack, age 78 of Mckeesport, passed away with her family by her side on Dec 26th 2024. She was married for 58 years to Walter (Sonny) Pack Jr, who passed away on April 27th of this year. She was born on Nov 7 th, 1946 to the late Winfield and Anne (Mihelega)Weaver of Versailles, Pa. Karen was the most loving, caring, genuine, and selfless person who would do anything for anyone she could. Her children and grandchildren were her life, spending time with them, supporting them, but most of all loving them beyond measure. She and Sonny enjoyed 50+ years of camping together, going to Cracker Barrel, which was her favorite restaurant, watching their game shows, and even going to the grocery store to share the duties of shopping. Karen always loved “chasing” the firetrucks when she was out and about if she heard sirens, loved listening to her scanner to see what was going on in the world, watching her cop shows as well as taking rides to Ligonier, Ohio to visit family and going to Amish Country.
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December 29, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Carol L. (Jefferis) Dyer, age 72, of Forward Twp., passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Jefferson Hospital. She was a retired head of nursing with Heartland Hospice in Greensburg and enjoyed the outdoors, nature and the ocean. Born June 26, 1952, in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Robert and Minnie (Geisel) Jefferis. She is survived by a daughter, Stacey (Justin) Wilson of North Huntingdon; sons, Michael Dyer of Forward Twp. and Doug (Patty) Dyer of Forward Twp.; seven grandchildren, August, Noelle, Dylan and Emma Dyer and Adelyn, Christian and Haden Wilson; brother, Carl (Kathy) Jefferis of Pittsburgh; brother-in-law, George Hempel of Champion; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Sandy Hempel. A memorial gathering will take place on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 2-4PM in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
December 28, 2024 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
The finite and exact nature of the word cannot describe the life of Denise Donahoe Ellis, who the Lord blessed the world with on July 29, 1961, and called home on December 19, 2024, to join her father, mother, sister, brother, and countless other loved ones that will be thrilled to see her again.
Denise was the epitome of tenacity, kindness, love, patience, understanding, selflessness, and humor; traits that were unwavering through seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
In her personal life as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, aunt, exercise junkie, chef, pharmacist, servant of the Lord, and social butterfly, Denise always made sure that she was taking care of herself first, others equally, and those that needed care as her own. She did the Lord’s work in every facet of her life and was the epitome of lead by example.
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December 28, 2024 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Alfieri Funeral Home
Frank R. McClain, Age 83 of East McKeesport, was peacefully reunited with his beloved wife Anna Marie on Christmas Eve.
Frank was a jack of all trades. As a child, he enjoyed spending time with his dad in the garden. That love of gardening carried over into his whole life, so much that we were talking gardening tips right before his last surgery. Frank was proud to grow corn, kohlrabi, cabbage for homemade sauerkraut and tomatoes to name a few. He followed in his father’s footsteps with joining the Sunset Volunteer Fire Department as a child, remaining a Firefighter until he joined the U.S. Army. Private First Class McClain was part of the C Company, 724th Maintenance Battalion stationed in Berlin, Germany. He was an Expert Rifleman (Rifle M-14) and awarded the Army of Occupation Medal (Berlin). A
fter his deployment, he did one tour in the Reserves before being Honorably Discharged in March of 1967. While in the Reserves, he married Anna Marie and started working at Lea’s Floral Shop alongside her, later becoming part owner. Through the years, many of the customers from Lea’s became cherished friends who were just like family. Together, Frank and Anna Marie created a life to be proud of with their 3 children.
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December 28, 2024 |
By Administrator | Posted in: James F. Kutch Funeral Home - Crematory
On Tuesday December 24, 2024, Edward “Eddie G” Bernard Gombos, age 95, of Jefferson Hills passed away in his sleep. Married for 44 years to the late Martha (Vitak) Gombos.
Oldest of six sons born to the late Paul and Mary (Ballas). Survived by his brother Tom of Venice, FL. Preceded in death by brothers George, Paul, John and Bobby; his daughter Arlene (Robert) Madden; and grandson William James (B.J.) Vetter. Proud father of Kathy (Roberto) Rosas of Tunnel Hill, GA; Eddie (Luz) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Christine (Kenny Sutton) Turney of Scott Township, PA; and Patty of Rook Station, PA. Grandpa to Danny Bo Doutt of Goodlettsville, TN; and Ryan Madden of Rillton, PA. Graduate of Rankin High School-1947; Pittsburgh School of Traffic & Transportation; Dale Carnegie courses. Ed played football, basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, bowling, and dancing. He was drafted into the Army during the Korean War.
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December 28, 2024 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Alfieri Funeral Home

George Daniel “G-Pop” Popovich, 74, of East McKeesport, died peacefully at home on Christmas Day 2024 after a long illness. Born July 7th 1950 in Braddock, PA to George and Veronica (Fabyankovic) Popovich who preceded him in death, George grew up in Turtle Creek, was a track & field and football athlete, and graduated from Westinghouse Memorial High School in Wilmerding. George enlisted in the Army and served honorably in Germany with the 881st L.E.M. Co. as a radar technician. It was there in Hannau Germany, where he and his high school sweetheart (former spouse) welcomed their daughter. George retired from US Steel where his career ranged from working in the mill, to crane operator, to shipping logistics management. George was an NFL and NHL super-fan and loved rooting for the Steelers and Penguins. He had a great love of music, and cinema, and was a well read self taught history buff with a concentration in PA Civil War Battles. An avid outdoorsman, he greatly enjoyed fishing, hiking and camping, and received a certificate of honor for his dedicated years of service as a youth hunter safety instructor at the Pitcairn Monroeville Sportsmen's Club.
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