March 20, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Joyce M. Hunter, age 70 of Wilkins Township, passed away on March 20, 2026, at Concordia at Bethlen Home in Ligonier. She was born March 25, 1955, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late George Hunter and Florence Lehman Hunter. Joyce was a member of St. John Fisher Parish in Churchill. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University and went on to fulfill a career in her field. In her free time, Joyce enjoyed working on crafts and knitting. Joyce is survived by one brother, Kevin Hunter (wife, Brenda), her nephew, Jason (wife, Melinda), her great-niece, Lillian, and many friends. Friends will be received at the JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Tuesday from 3 to 7 PM. A blessing service will be held Wednesday in the funeral home chapel at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Good Shepherd Cemetery. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
March 20, 2026 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Donna Marie Kertis Yuhasz, age 66, of Greensburg, PA, formerly of West Mifflin, PA, died on Sunday, March 15, 2026. She was born in McKeesport Hospital on January 15, 1960, and was the daughter of the late Steve C. and Sarah R. Bowers Kertis. She graduated from West Mifflin South High School and later obtained an optician certificate. Donna was a great lover of all animals, including her two cats, Pooh and Tillie; her two dogs, Lobo and Blue; and her horse, Coco Butter/Silver.
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March 20, 2026 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Karen Lee Chokey, age 79, of The Woodlands, Texas, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
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March 20, 2026 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
JoAnne C. Druga, 91, of White Oak passed away Thursday, March 19, 2026. She was born in Wilpen, Westmoreland County, November 11, 1934 to the late Joseph and Mary (Sapida) Condrick. She was a loving wife of 62 years to the late Edward Druga, before his passing in July 2019. She was loved deeply by so many, known for her sweet and endearing nature that left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She cherished time spent with her friends and family, finding joy in simply being together. She especially loved her visits with the great-grandchildren, which brought her endless happiness and pride. Whether quietly playing solitaire or laughing around the table during card games at her son's farm, those moments brought her true joy and created memories that will be treasured forever.
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March 19, 2026 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Patty Ann Love, age 80, of Homestead, PA, died on Thursday, March 19, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born on February 27, 1946, in Fairmont, WV, to the late Arthur, Sr. and Pauline Vine Martin. She was the wife of the late John Thomas Love.
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March 19, 2026 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Jason M. Lumpkin, age 50 of McCandless, passed away at home on March 17, 2026. Born November 7, 1975, in McKeesport, he was the son of Karen (Chiaverini) Lumpkin and the late Danny Floyd Lumpkin.
Born and raised in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, Jason graduated from McKeesport Area High School in 1994. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in accounting from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1998. His professional journey led him to Schneider Downs, where he served as a finance manager and ultimately achieved the respected designation of partner.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jason was a passionate traveler, often taking trips with Brandon to visit his brother, Danny, in Cincinnati and to explore cities such as Cleveland and Chicago. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, including trips to the beach in Maryland. A true heavy metal enthusiast, Jason shared unforgettable moments with Brandon at concerts, with Metallica among their shared favorites.
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March 19, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Patricia (Baldridge) Svitko, age 73 of Versailles, passed away at home on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Born July 4, 1952 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Edward and Mary Agnes (Martinik) Baldridge. A former administrator of housing at Carnegie Mellon University, who also worked at St. Joseph's Church in Port Vue, Patricia is survived by her sons Nathan (Erin) Svitko of Charlotte, NC and Derek (girlfriend Stephanie Wells) Svitko of Brookline; her siblings Ronald Baldridge of Rochester Mills, Ricki Vorkapich of McKeesport, Edward L. Baldridge, Jr., and Chrisann Gaska of New Hampshire; and also nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Ethel Mary Leone.
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March 19, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Douglas M. Sheppard, 67 of North Huntingdon died March 19, 2026, at his home. He was born August 21, 1958, in Scott Township, a son of the late Clyde and Betsy Sheppard. Prior to his retirement, Doug was employed as a press operator by the Fulmer Company in Murrysville. He is survived by his longtime companion, Rose Hauser Rosenberg for 30 years and her children Austin and Erin Rosenberg. Doug's favorite hobby was ham radio operating. There will be no public visitation. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
March 19, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Brian J. Cardiff, age 38, of North Huntingdon, met his Savior on March 16, 2026. Born on February 17, 1988, he was the son of Ken Cardiff and the late Karen Cardiff. Brian’s life was deeply shaped by his mother, whose love and strength not only gave him life, but sustained it through the first of two kidney transplants. Brian was a graduate of Norwin High School, where he took great pride in participating in wrestling, show choir, and various school activities. He was most recently employed as a driver for XPO. Prior to that, his work took him to the heartland of our nation, where he spent time in the oil and gas industry in North Dakota—an experience he spoke fondly of throughout his life. Brian had many passions, including woodworking, attending races at Jennerstown, hunting, and fishing with his brothers and close friends. He was especially known for his quick wit and humor, often lighting up a room with a perfectly timed joke or a memorable movie quote. His ability to recall movie lines at just the right moment never failed him. As a child, Brian was a recipient of Make-A-Wish, an organization that remained close to his heart throughout his life. He was also a devoted and outspoken follower of Christ, attending Faith Bible Baptist Church in Wilkins Township and Heritage Baptist Church of Jeannette. Brian will be remembered as someone larger than life who was deeply loved, incredibly strong and courageous. Those who knew him understand that his impact cannot be fully captured in words. He is survived by his father, Ken Cardiff, and his four siblings: Lorie (Donald) Impavido, Ken (Julie) Cardiff, Mark (Serina) Cardiff, and Steve (Brianna) Cardiff. He also leaves behind 16 nieces and nephews, whom he loved as if they were his own siblings and countless cousins. In addition to his mother, Brian was preceded in death by his grandmother, Violet Cardiff, and his beloved dog, Bandit. Friends will be received on Sunday, March 22, from 1 -7 PM at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. Additonal visitation will be held from 10 - 11 AM at Heritage Baptist Church, 1015 Lowry Avenue, Jeannette PA, with a service to be held at 11 AM. PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHURCH. Interment to follow at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
March 18, 2026 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Wanda (Truszkowski) Evangelista, age 91, of McKeesport, formerly of Liberty Borough, died at her daughter's home on March 17, 2026. Born January 21, 1935, in Port Vue, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Anna (Sulesky) Truszkowski and the wife of the late George Evangelista.
Wanda was a devoted member of Saints Joachim and Anne Parish, nurturing her faith and fostering connections. Her career included McKeesport Super Dollar, Giant Eagle, and Ayres Pharmacy, where she warmly engaged with the public.
In her leisure time, Wanda embraced her creative side. She became an active participant in the church crochet club, where her love for crochet blossomed. She found joy in coloring and cherished the challenge of puzzles. Her spirit encouraged others to enjoy life's simple pleasures.
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March 18, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Norma Jean Painter age 87, of North Huntingdon, formerly of Port Vue passed away on March 17, 2026. She was born on May 3, 1938, in McKeesport, the daughter of the late Michael and Helen (Kushner) Sulak. She graduated in 1956 from McKeesport High School. Norma held various jobs throughout her life and retired from Medco/Merck. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Robert C. (Bob) Painter in 2001. She is survived by her children: Jeanne Powanda (Allen), Robert C. Painter (Michelle), Susan Painter, and Lori Palm (Don); two grandsons, Nicholas Powanda and Matthew Palm; two great-grandsons; and numerous nieces, nephews, and “bonus” grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Michael of Virginia, and her sister-in-law Vivian Schultz. Norma loved to laugh and have fun and could always take a joke or make one. She made friends everywhere she went. Although short, her stay at Point Pleasant in North Versailles was a very happy time in her life. The family would like to thank Norma's good friend and personal shopper, Sue and the staff of Point Pleasant for their care and compassion during her stay. There will be no public visitation. Interment will be private in Irwin Union Cemetery. JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
March 18, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Martha M. Drescher, age 73 of North Huntingdon, passed away on March 17, 2026. She was born on October 19, 1952 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Harvey Dixon and Wilma Payne Dixon. Martha graduated from McKeesport High School in the Class of 1970. She was a woman of faith and follower of Jesus. She enjoyed oil painting, drawing, and crocheting. Martha was an animal lover. She was the proud owner of several dogs and birds. Most of all, she cherished the time that she spent with her family. In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by three brothers, Kenny Dixon, Billy Dixon, and Danny Dixon, and one sister, Kathy Dixon. She is survived by her beloved husband, Kenneth Drescher, one son, Jason Drescher (wife Lauryl), one daughter, Jennifer Hayton (husband Walt), three brothers, Eddie Dixon, Dave Dixon, and Harvey Dixon, five sisters, Carol Hackett, Barb Dixon, Susie Gluscic, Karen Roe, and Julie Dixon, three grandchildren, Amanda Steban (husband Brian), J.J. Drescher, and Emma Drescher, and her favorite Shih Tzu, Charlie. Friends will be received at the JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Friday from 2 to 5 PM. A blessing service will follow at 5 PM. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
March 18, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Judith A. Gibala, age 84 of McKeesport, passed away Sunday, March 15, 2026 in UPMC Shadyside. She was a former member of First Presbyterian Church of McKeesport. Born March 9, 1942 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Alice (Jellison) Dunn. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Thomas P. Gibala; son, Gregory (Debi) of Elizabeth Twp.; two daughters; grandchildren, Nathaniel and Joshua; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, James and Dwight Dunn. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Arrrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
March 17, 2026 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
William Frederick Kirk, age 74, of White Oak, PA, died on Monday, March 16, 2026. He was born in McKeesport, PA, on April 3, 1951, and was the son of the late William Frank and Ann Stratton Kirk.
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March 17, 2026 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Geoffrey L. Townsend, 68, of Elizabeth Township, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2026. He was born June 20, 1957 in McKeesport and was the son of the late Lionel and Elizabeth (Davis) Townsend. Geoffrey was a 1975 graduate of Elizabeth Forward High School and went on to work as a laborer for Local 1058. He was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and enjoyed being outdoors. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his two sons, Geoffrey E. (Lee Ann) Townsend and Mathew S. (Carin) Townsend; grandchildren, Anna Townsend, Jaxson Townsend, Owen Townsend, Mathew Townsend, Jr., and Molly Townsend; brother, Scott (Teresa Romiti); sister, Valorie (the late Richard) Haddad; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. There will not be any visitation, and all services will be private. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, Director. Condolences may be made at GilbertFuneralHomeandCrematory.com
