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George A. Halyama

November 22, 2022 |

By Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home | Posted in: Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home

George A Halyama, age 79, of West Mifflin, passed away on Monday, November 21, 2022, at Jefferson Hospital. Born in Connellsville on December 11, 1942, he was the son of the late Carl and Elizabeth (Chorpenning) Halyama. He was a retired diesel mechanic for U.S. Steel-Edgar Thompson Works, a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish-Holy Name Church and the Dravosburg American Legion, sang with the Belaires, and enjoyed gardening. He proudly served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War and was in the Naval Reserves. George is the husband of Carlotta (DeNardo) Halyama, for 56 years; father of Tina (Wayne) Emery of West Mifflin, Denice (Bob) Allan of Cranberry Twp., and April Dziaminski of Pleasant Hills; grandfather of Christina (Anthony Killmeyer) Emery, Gabriella (fiance, Brent Cubakovic) Emery, Jacqueline Emery, Logan McCue, Landon Dziaminski, Liam Dziaminski, Mary Frances Halyama, Robbie Halyama, Jamie Halyama, Andrew Halyama, and Oakley Jenco; uncle of Yvonne (David) Tutera, Carl DeNardo, and Audrey Tullius; and brother of the late Louise Tullius. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 25, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., at the MALOY-SCHLEIFER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 915 KENNEDY AVE., DUQUESNE, 15110, 412-466-3300, WILLIAM B. SCHLEIFER, SUPERVISOR, WILLIAM BRIAN SCHLEIFER, FUNERAL DIRECTOR. A Blessing Service will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at 9:30 a.m., at the Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Joseph Church, Duquesne, with Rev. Daniel Sweeney, officiating. Burial will follow in St. Hedwig Cemetery, West Mifflin, with Military Honors.

 


Carol L. "Gaga" Klimko

November 22, 2022 |

By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Carol L. "Gaga" Klimko, age 57, of McKeesport, died November 19, 2022, at UPMC McKeesport. Born October 22, 1965, in North Braddock, she was the daughter of the late William "Willie" and Audrey (McCue) Feryak.
Carol was a housekeeper and nanny for many years. Family meant everything to Carol. She hosted Sunday family dinners and cherished the time she spent with her children and grandchildren. Carol enjoyed her trips to Ohio to see family and go to craft shows with her sister. She was her children's biggest supporter growing up and was at all their sporting events. Carol was an animal lover, leaving behind her beloved dogs, Sasha and Scooby, and supported the ASPCA monthly.

 
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Raymond C. Pomycala

November 22, 2022 |

By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Raymond C. Pomycala, age 90, of North Huntingdon, died November 21, 2022, at UPMC McKeesport Hospital.  Born December 15, 1931, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Carl and Mary (Busch) Pomycala and the husband of Helen (Homolak) Pomycala.  Raymond worked for over 40 years with G.C. Murphy in their warehouse.  He was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.  You could always find Raymond playing cards at any family function or gathering with friends.  He also enjoyed going to casinos and met his wife Helen on a bus trip to Atlantic City.

 
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Mary Jane Molina

November 22, 2022 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Mary Jane Molina, 91, of Rillton, passed away Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at the Grove. She was born April 9, 1931 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Frank and Anna (Viehl) Molina. Prior to her retirement, Mary was a manager for the DiCesare-Engler and enjoyed gardening, sewing and socializing with her friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Earl H. Molina and his wife, Theresa. She is survived by her brother, Robert Molina; niece, Jacqueline Siegel and her husband, Donald; and great-nieces, Nicole and Christine. Friends will be received from 3-7 p.m. on Monday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. A funeral service will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the funeral home.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 

 


Elizabeth Pellasce

November 21, 2022 |

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

Elizabeth Pellasce, 98, of McKeesport, passed away Sunday, November 20, 2022. She was born December 12, 1923 in Pheonixville, PA and was the daughter of the late Alexander and Ethel (Gazdag) Papp. She was the wife of the late Donald R. Pellasce, who passed away July 4, 1997. Elizabeth was a member and attended the Hungarian Reformed Church in McKeesport for a long time. She is survived by her nieces, Coleen Pattakos, and Linda (John) Horvath; and nephews, Bennett Berkowitz, and Robert Nystrom. In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her sisters, Ethel Berkowitz, Gazella Helms, and Margaret Wright; and her niece, Judith Nystrom. There will be no services held at this time. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, PA 15135. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. Private Inurnment will take place at the McKeesport & Versailles Cemetery. Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com

 


Leon L. Dorsey

November 21, 2022 |

By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes

Leon “Lee” Lomont Dorsey, 60 of Jefferson, formerly of Homestead, passed away on Thursday, November 17th, 2022, at UPMC McKeesport Hospital. He was born in Pittsburgh on June 11th, 1962, to the late Kenneth and Fannie (Bonner) Dorsey. He is survived by son Leon Mills of Pittsburgh and daughters Lona, Leelah, and Debbie Mills of Atlanta, GA, Fannie Dorsey of Pittsburgh, and Garylynn Mills of Homewood. He is further survived by sister Madeline Dorsey of Jefferson, as well as brothers Kenneth Dorsey of Penn Hills, William Dorsey of Homestead, and Montez Jones of Clairton, as well as a host of nieces and nephews and his grandchildren. Leon was preceded in death by his parents. He enjoyed painting, playing basketball, running, biking, and detailing cars. Leon was a self-employed handyman who will be remembered for his athleticism and love for music, as well as his personality. Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022, from 6-8 P.M. at S.M. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 432 N. 6th St, Clairton, PA 15025. A service will take place following the visitation at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the funeral home to defray costs, or by going to https://fundthefuneral.com/leon-l-dorsey. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com.

 


Michael Richard Pavlovic

November 20, 2022 |

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

Michael "Richard" Pavlovic, 82, of McKeesport, passed away Sunday, November 20, 2022. He was born October 31, 1940 in McKeesport and was the son of the Late Michael J. and Stephanie (Puc) Pavlovic. Richard was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish - St. Patrick Church in Christy Park. He was the proprietor of the Columbia Bar and Grill in McKeesport. He was a member and past president of the Mon Valley Sportsman's Club and was also a retired Security Guard for the McKeesport Area School District. Richard was a member and past Exalted Ruler of the McKeesport Elks and coached Little Tigers Football and Baseball. He loved his children, grandchildren, sports, and watching TV. He was affectionately known as "Mr. Pav" or "Serb".

 
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Joseph A. Marasco

November 20, 2022 |

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

Joseph A. Marasco, age 66, of McKeesport, died on Wednesday, November 9, 2022. He was born in McKeesport on September 8, 1956 and is the son of Louis and Donna Lightner Marasco of McKeesport.

 
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Elizabeth "Liz" C. McLaughlin

November 20, 2022 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Elizabeth "Liz" C. McLaughlin, 59 of North Huntingdon, passed away Saturday, November 19, 2022 at home.  She was born April 1, 1963 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late George and Rhoda (Simpson) McLaughlin.  Liz was a homemaker and enjoyed swimming, cookouts with her family and loved her cats.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, James; brothers, George, Arthur, Herman, Allan, Thomas and Frank; sisters, Angie Dulkis and Rhoda Grimm.  She is survived by her son, Arthur David and his wife, Jessie; sisters, Rebecca (Bruce) Grimm and Janie (John) Guthrie.  Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Monday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  A funeral service will take place on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Bigley Family Cemetery, Coulter, PA.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bigley Family Cemetery.   www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Pauline T. Perhac

November 19, 2022 |

By Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home | Posted in: Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home

Pauline T. Perhac, age 92, of Dravosburg, formerly of Duquesne, passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2022. Born in Duquesne on January 23, 1930, she was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth (Turcik) Suchta. She was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish-Holy Trinity Church, once worked as a clerk in a bookstore, and liked to play bingo and the lottery. She was the wife of the late John B. Perhac, who passed away in 1999; mother of Georgean (late Thomas B.) Huwalt Jr. of West Mifflin and Deborah (late Raymond) May of Dravosburg; grandmother of Scott (Erin) Huwalt, Amy (late Ed) Wilson and Ashley May; great grandmother of Maura Huwalt, Zachary Huwalt, Daniel Huwalt, late Joshua Huwalt, Ayla Wilson and Avery Wilson; sister of the late Andrew (late Margaret) Suchta, late John (late Dorothy) Suchta, late Mary (late John) Karaffa, late Anna (late Andy) Karaffa, late Virginia (late Tom) Skoczylas, late Helen (late Joe) Gambal and late George Suchta. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at the MALOY-SCHLEIFER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 915 KENNEDY AVE., DUQUESNE, 15110, 412-466-3300, WILLIAM B. SCHLEIFER, SUPERVISOR, WILLIAM BRIAN SCHLEIFER, FUNERAL DIRECTOR. Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church, West Mifflin, with Rev. Tony Gargotta officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Trinity Cemetery.

 


Frank Francis Romano, III

November 18, 2022 |

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

Frank Francis Romano, III, age 74, of Castle Shannon, died on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was born in Floreffe, PA on December 31, 1947. Frank proudly served in the United States Navy. After his service in the military, he was employed in audio and video production at United Steelworkers of America where he later retired in 2009.

 
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Donna Vavra

November 18, 2022 |

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

With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Donna Vavra on Monday, 14 Nov 2022. One of triplet sisters in Braddock, and days after turning 72 years old, she passed away peacefully in her sleep in the presence of her loving sisters, Denise and Diane. Despite having endured lifelong limitations and challenges, she notably exhibited a kind and caring demeanor with gentle, childlike innocence. She was a passionate dog and cat lover, and enjoyed word searches, jigsaw puzzles, computer games, magazines, and lively bingo events. Friends and family were often subjected to random trivia quizzes from her stunning repertoire of celebrity facts and other topics. Donna was an adventurous, outgoing soul. As a young adult, she lived independently in her childhood home prior to an assisted group home later in life. Although she did not drive, Donna easily navigated public transportation and traveled the country on group bus tours. She enjoyed daily interactions with housemates and cherished holiday gatherings and events with family and friends. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas R. and Anna Marie (Lovretich) Vavra, and brother, David Aaron Vavra. She is survived by her stepmother, Marlyn Lee (Phillips) Serbic Vavra McCormley and family; brother, Terence Vavra; and the families of her two sisters, Denise (John T.) Wizzard and Diane (Richard J.) Blauser. Visit https://donnavavra.blauser.org to share photos and memories of Donna. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Luke Stankovich

November 18, 2022 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Luke Stankovich, 84, of North Huntingdon, passed away Friday, November 18, 2022 at Kane Regional Nursing Center, Pittsburgh, PA. He was born February 6, 1938 in Duquesne, a son of the late Luke and Mara (Vignejvich) Stankovich. Prior to his retirement, Luke was a civil engineer. He was a veteran of the US Air Force and a member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, McKeesport. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, George; sisters, Melva, Dolores and Bess. He is survived by his sister, Nellie Jones; and nieces and nephews. There will be no visitation. Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Kenneth William Pavlack

November 18, 2022 |

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

Kenneth William Pavlack, age 81, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at home. He was a retired policeman for the VA Hospital in Oakland and was a member of Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church in Clairton. He was an Army veteran serving as an MP in Germany for two years. A proud retiree of the National Guard, he was a member of the American Legion in Clairton, the Blaine Hill and Elizabeth Borough fire departments, and was a life member of CFU St. George Lodge 248. Born August 25, 1941 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late William F. and Mildred M. (Kovacevic) Pavlack. He is survived by his wife, Audrey A. (Fodella) Pavlack; children, William Randall "Randy" Pavlack of Elizabeth Twp. and Lori Pavlack of West Palm Beach, FL; grandchildren, Blake Papalia of West Palm Beach, FL and Tara (Owen) Murphy of Philadelphia; great-grandchildren, Julian and Teagan Murphy; sister, Audrey Pavlack White of Leesburg, VA; brother, Joseph (Nancy) Pavlack of Elizabeth Twp.; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Jackie Buchina. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 from 1 PM until the time of service at 3 PM with Fr. Ivan Mina officiating. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Michael A. Schmidt

November 18, 2022 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Michael A. Schmidt, 60, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, November 17, 2022 at his home surrounded by family and friends.  He was born April 23, 1962 in McKeesport, a son of the late Elmer and Margaret (Swanson) Ference and was adopted and raised by  the late Henry and Helen (Ference) Schmidt.  Michael was a retired Lt. Colonel of the US Air Force and throughout his life he was successful in the banking industry.  He was a graduate of McKeesport High School Class of 1980 and earned a bachelor’s degree in business  from Robert Morris University.  He was  a  member of Immaculate Conception Church, Irwin, a Pittsburgh sports enthusiast and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Ference; and sister, Dolores Swauger.  He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Virginia "Ginger" (Walsh) Schmidt; sons, Michael and his wife, Lisa; Steven and his fiance, Miranda; sister, Barbara (Gene) Chrise; grandchildren, Landon, Tenley and Brooks; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Friends will be received from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, and 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Monday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, Irwin.  Interment to follow in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, McKeesport.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or ALS Association. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com