January 26, 2022 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Johann N. Franciscus, 83, of White Oak, passed away Sunday, January 23, 2022. She was born October 26, 1938 in Pittsburgh and was the daughter of the late Thomas and Catherine (Johnson) Spratt. She was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish - St. Michael's and was a part of Christian Mothers, Lifespan, and Red Hats. She worked for McDonald's as a crew member where she retired from in 1997. On June 14, 1958, Johann married the love of her life, James J. Franciscus, Sr.
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January 26, 2022 |
By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes
Florence “Flo” Marie (Spencer) Oblak, 60 of Elizabeth, formerly of West Newton, passed away on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at Jefferson Hospital. She was born in McKeesport on June 17, 1961, to the late Benjamin Sr. and Kathryn (Vitale) Spencer. Florence was the loving wife of 21 years to Scott A Oblak. She is survived by her husband Scott, daughter Misty L. Jones of Uniontown, son Kenneth W. Mayfield III of West Newton, and stepchildren Estella Lewis of Greensburg, Franklin A. Oblak of Somerset, and Zachary D. Oblak of Arona. Further survivors include her sisters Lauri (David) Ehredt of Boise and Jennifer Spencer of Munhall and brothers Steven (Joy) Poorman of Elizabeth, T.J. Poorman of Glassport, and Paul Poorman of Clairton. She is also survived by grandchildren Owen, Lexus, Elizabeth, Aiden, Sookie, Gage, Salem, Danyel, and Theresa, and many nieces and nephews. Further left to mourn her loss is her beloved chihuahua Maxine. Other survivors include her best friend Stephanie (Rob) Short and her children Taylor and Maxwell, all of Irwin. Florence was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Gail Robertson, Brenda Warnick, and Ruth (Mark) Kimball, and brother Benjamin Spencer Jr. She was a generous, caring woman who spent over 25 years assisting adults in need of care at T.L.C. Adult Care Center in West Newton. Flo was also known for being a “red hat lady” at various nursing homes. She enjoyed playing bingo, attending art classes, traveling, and spending time with her beloved grandchildren. A memorial service will take place at S.M. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 432 N. 6th St, Clairton, PA 15025 on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the funeral home to defray costs. Online donations can be made at https://fundthefuneral.com/florence-oblak. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com
January 25, 2022 |
By Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home | Posted in: Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home
Deborah S. Stachowski, age 71, of White Oak, passed away on Monday, January 24, 2022, at home. Born in McKeesport on March 14, 1950, she was the daughter of the late Edgar and Genevieve (Procacina) Johnson. Debbie was retired from Allegheny County Veterans Administration and the Allegheny Health Department. She loved her grandchildren, cooking, gardening, walking and jogging. She is the mother of Rachelle (Gregory) Lockridge Sr. of Ann Arbor, MI and Jenny (late Brian) Stine of Westland, MI; life partner of Dr. Charles Sidun of McKeesport; grandmother of Gregory Lockridge Jr., Myles Lockridge, Jacob Lockridge, Brian Stine, late Brandon Stine, and Riley Stine; sister of Darlene Colo (Kenneth) Vicchio of Tennessee, Cheryl Oxford of Dover, DE and late Richard Johnson. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 27, 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, where a Blessing Service will take place on Friday, January 28, 2022, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, at 10:00 a.m., at Holy Name Church, Duquesne, of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, with Rev. Tony Gargotta officiating. Interment will follow in Grandview Cemetery, North Versailles.
January 25, 2022 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Mary Frances Artman, age 79, of West Mifflin, died on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. She was born in McKeesport on August 14, 1942 and was the daughter of the late Vincent E. and Margaret Babyak Drnach.
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January 25, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Towanda Cager, 58, of McKeesport, was born November 11, 1963, in Pittsburgh, PA. She was the beloved daughter to Douglas Carter and Frances (Stewart) Cager.
She attended school at Westinghouse High School. Towanda worked as a CNA for Riverside Nursing Home. Towanda and lived in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Towanda was a homebody, she the youngest of nine children. She enjoyed playing games and talking on her phone and watching old movies on the television.
Towanda departed this life on January 3, 2022, at UPMC Hospital in McKeesport PA. She was preceded in death by Her parents, father Douglas Carter and mother, Frances (Stewart) Cager, brother, Alfred Johnson, sister, Doreen Hall, brother, Randolph Stewart, sister, Deborah Thomas.
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January 25, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Garlen Larry Webb, 70, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania was born August 29, 1951, in Bluefield, Virginia. He was the beloved son of the late Bond G. Webb and Ruth (Swanson) Webb. Garlen was a graduate of the Pittsburgh Barber School. As a local Barber in the McKeesport area, he was well known. Garlen departed this life on January 18, 2021, at UPMC McKeesport Hospital in McKeesport, PA.
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January 25, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Phillip Leslie “Les” Gadson, 72, of Jefferson Hills, was born July 30, 1949, in McKeesport, PA. He was the beloved son of Eva (George) Robinson and Harold Gadson. He departed this life on January 13, 2022, in Jefferson Hills, PA.
Les spent his formative years in New York City where he acquired his thirst for city life and Afrocentric culture. He was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. He was also a graduate of Robert Morris University where he received a bachelor’s degree in journalism. As a life-long learner, he also attended Maharishi International University in Fairfield, Iowa where he studied consciousness and human potential.
Following his tenure in Iowa, Les created life in Washington, D.C. with a community of fellow meditators. While in D.C. he had a long career that enabled him to travel throughout the country to attend jazz festivals. Les was an avid jazz enthusiast and purist who also loved to read and study the impact of civil rights movements.
Les relocated to Pennsylvania in 2018 although he continued to travel to D.C. until his death.
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January 25, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
William “Bill” Kraus, Age 96, of Bethel Park, PA went to meet his loving wife in heaven on January 22,2022. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 55 years, Christina (Chapman) Kraus and his brother, Leo Kraus.
Bill was born on Pittsburgh's Southside on November 28, 1925. Bill graduated early from high school to serve his country with the Army Air Corps during WWII. He trained as a left blister gunner on the B-29 bomber. He served with the 382nd bomb group. He made life-long friends with his flight crew who were stationed in Havana, Cuba.
In 1941, he began working for the G.C. Murphy Company in downtown Pittsburgh when he was just 16 years old. Upon returning home from WWII, he resumed his career. He was well respected and quickly moved through the ranks: from stockroom clerk, store manager, toy buyer to Vice President (Merchandise Variety Lines). He retired after 44 years of service.
He was featured on the cover of Toys magazine (October 1972) and in the article "What Makes Murphy's Tick." In that article, he was called the "nation's toy salesman." He was also profiled in the book, "For the Love of Murphy's."
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January 25, 2022 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Hazel H. Irvine, age 97, of North Versailles, died on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. She was born in Pitcairn on August 10, 1924 and is the daughter of the late Harry and Mary Asbee Hollibaugh and the wife of the late William T. Irvine.
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January 25, 2022 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Edward G. Faulk, 94, of Elizabeth Township, peacefully passed on Saturday, January 22, 2022. He was born March 6, 1927, in Yukon, PA and was the son of John and Louise (McKasky) Faulk. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Trudy (Rozinsky) Faulk. Ed leaves two sons: Gregory, and wife, Rebecca (Miller) Faulk, of Ligonier, and Karl, and his wife, Jeannie (Grace) Faulk, of Bradenton, Florida. He also leaves his sister, Teresa Vukmanic, of Washington, PA. As well as being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, Ed was a gifted and passionate musician and teacher. He taught in the McKeesport Area School District for many years and also shared his passion with others giving private music lessons. He provided entertainment for weddings, dances, and parties throughout southwestern Pennsylvania playing piano in the Del-Ray Quartet and the Frankie Carole Band. Ed shared many happy memories from his childhood including working in the family grocery store, taking accordion lessons, and competitively racing pigeons throughout the Tri State Area.
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January 25, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Joanne A. (Mannas) Skoko, age 84, of Pittsburgh, passed away on Monday, January 24, 2022 at Jefferson Hospital. She was a retired sales representative for Altmeyers in Pleasant Hills and an avid reader. Born October 12, 1937 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late John and Anna K. (Wilkes) Mannas and wife of the late Paul Skoko, She is survived by daughters, Arlene (Michael Campbell) Sandoval of Raleigh, NC, Eleanor (Scott Cullen) Schneider of Clairton and Patricia Rieber of Tampa, FL; sons, Ronald (Robin) Mundekis of Manito, IL, Wayne (Lisa) Mundekis of Springdale and Richard (Carol) Mundekis of New Castle; 18 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; sisters, Lelia Schwab of Ohio, Patricia Mannas of Tennessee and Martha (Bill) Wilson of Butler; brothers, Richard (Jannas) Mannas of Butler and Michael Polky of Butler; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by brother, Edward Mannas. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
January 25, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Joyce (Chapman) Householder, age 77, of Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, January 24, 2022 at UPMC Mercy. She retired after 32 years as a customer service representative for National Real Estate in Robinson Twp. Born May 20, 1944 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late Edward and Grace (Streyle) Chapman. She is survived by her husband of 13 years, David Glenn Householder; daughters, Paula Jo Cridge of Carnegie and Terri Lynn Cridge of Salt Lake City, UT; stepsons, Charles Andrew Householder of Elizabeth and Allen David (Ida) Householder of Cranberry Twp.; grandchildren, Emma Arwyn Householder and Lachlan Alexander Householder; also, nieces and nephews. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
January 25, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Austin D. "Bud" Large, age 79, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Monday, January 24, 2022 at Jefferson Hospital. An Army veteran, he was a retired coal miner for Consolidated Coal in Pittsburgh. He loved his children and grandchildren. Born January 30, 1942 in Large, he was a son of the late Austin L. and Grace (Hallas) Large. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Kathleen A. (Milano) Large; daughter, Valerie (Jim) Piontek of Baldwin; sons, Steve (Sue) Large of Elizabeth Twp. and Michael Large; grandchildren, John McDonough, Megan McDonough, Shannon Troesch, and Carly and Samantha Large; six great-grandchildren; brothers, Raymond Large of Florida and James Large of Jefferson Hills; also, nieces and nephews. A memorial gathering will take place in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Thursday, January 27, 2022 from 3-7 PM. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
January 25, 2022 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Leo Bernard (Ben) Kittiko, 92, of North Huntingdon, passed away Monday, January 24, 2022 at his home. He was born February 9, 1929 in McKeesport, a son of the late Leonard (Leo) and Martha (Jakes) Kittiko. Leo was a graduate of McKeesport High School Class of 1946. He served in the Navy from 1948-1952 and retired from Teledyne-Firth Sterling & Innovative Carbide. He was active at New Hope Presbyterian Church and always served in the choir of whatever church he was attending from the time he was a teen. He enjoyed watching sports on television, especially baseball. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Gloria Simqu; grandson, Eric Kittiko; son-in-law, Byron Wardropper. He is survived by his wife, Vivian Lee Kittiko; daughter, Bethany Wardropper; son, Paul Kittiko and his wife, Winnie; grandchildren, Joel and Tiffany Wardropper, Katie and Thomas Willis, Heather and Steve Peck, Becky and Josh Word; great-grandchildren, Blake Branthoover, Lainey and Taylor Wardropper, Liam Peck, Connor and Claire Willis, Charlotte and Ava Word. Friends will be received from 3-7 p.m. on Wednesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. Additional viewings on Thursday from 10-11 a.m. in the New Hope Presbyterian Church followed by a service at 11 a.m. PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHURCH. Interment to follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
January 25, 2022 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Robert "Bob" C. Hamilton, 88, of North Versailles, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 23, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Rose Hamilton, and his siblings, William and Orville (Bud), and sister Faye Urick. He was born on October 20, 1933, in McKeesport. Graduating from Duquesne High School, he started work at US Steel at age 18 as a draftsman. Bob worked there for 35 years, eventually becoming head Supervisor of Engineering. From 1956-58 he served in the Army, becoming a Sergeant 1st class. Bob married Ardith Marilyn Brant in July of 1956, and shortly thereafter they moved to Germany. After returning to the States, they settled in Elizabeth, giving birth to Kevin, and four years later, Brenda. Their children were their pride and joy. While working for US Steel, (1951-1986), Bob simultaneously earned a Carnegie Mellon mechanical engineering degree, doing so in night school, and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. After early retirement, Bob did consulting work both nationally and internationally, moving with Ardith to Alabama, then Texas, before returning to Pittsburgh. Bob was a great problem solver, whether finishing their home’s basement, building a Heath kit TV (with his son), or drafting the correct sizes for steel pipes. He enjoyed bowling, watching the Steelers and the Penguins, golf, Bridge, and later in life, cross-stitch and jigsaw puzzles. He spent countless hours on cross-stitching, including 6 Thomas Kincaide pictures for each of his grandchildren as wedding gifts. Starting in 1971, the family attended then joined the First Evangelical Free Church in McKeesport. Bob helped with the youth, was on the Board, and served on the building committee. Additionally, he and Ardith hosted hundreds of international (mostly Asian) students in their home starting in 2006, for almost a decade, as part of PRISM (Pittsburgh International student ministry). In 2015, he and Ardith moved to Point Pleasant, a retirement community where he helped with the exercise class, made name plates for residents’ walkers, and enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles. He was known for his keen mind, great sense of humor, tenacity, and friendliness.
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