Bernice B. Visser
April 07, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Dolores "Dolly" K. McAraw
April 07, 2026 |
By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory
Dolores "Dolly" K. McAraw, of White Oak, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, at her residence. Born January 23, 1935, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Sophia (Wajda) Kustra. Dolly begins her journey to reunite with the love of her life, husband, James "Mitch" McAraw, who preceded her in death.
Dolly retired from Bell Telephone, where she worked as a secretary and was also a self-employed tax professional. She was a member of the P.N.A #352 and Mary, Mother of God Parish.
Dolly's life could best be summed up by her frequent proclamation, "I lived a great life - I had the best husband, I raised terrific kids who married wonderful wives, have a precious granddaughter, and was blessed with friendships of all ages throughout my life." Though Dolly had a strong Faith, she carried regrets and said, " I know the Good Lord is going to welcome me to Heaven, but before I take a seat, I plan to have a heart-to-heart talk with him" - referencing the untimely passing of her oldest son, Jimmy, one month shy of his 40th birthday.
Dolly embodied the word FUN. She laughed easily and often. She loved nothing better than to sit with family or friends, swapping stories with her "Fudds", sitting next to Mitch having a cold beer while playing the jukebox at the PNA, reading her library of books, or listening to her Polkas, Elvis, Country Rock, and "any music that has a beat".
Friendship played a huge role in Dolly's life, from the days of Hose, Connie, Gert, and Stretch, to the FUDDS, and to all of the friends of friends she met through her boys and family. Grace, compassion, loyalty, and laughter were not only words but values that embodied Dolly.
Courageously, Dolly faced the battle of declining health and suffering, yet fought to remain viable in her later years. Dolly knew she suffered from dementia, but took the illness in stride, thanking God for all the wonderful times in her life.
Dolly was preceded in death by her husband, Mitch (the noted best husband in the world); her oldest son, Jimmy; beloved granddaughter, Kelsey (my Gift from God); step-mother Catherine (Dudek) Kustra; brother, Frank Kustra; niece Katherine Kustra, and other beloved family members.
She is survived by sons, John "Spanky" McAraw and his wife Christina; Ray McAraw and his wife Diane; nephew Vincent DiAngelo and nephews, Robert and Joseph Kustra.
Lastly, Dolly and her family have to acknowledge the Suncrest Hospice Services for the care provided to not only Dolly but also her family as well. New friends, and true angels on earth, Kellie and Missy, were absolute Godsends in Dolly's later days. They brought compassion and care as workers, as well as laughter, smiles, love, and so very much more to the McAraw Family. Dolly completed her journey with grace, and they played such a wonderful role in making that happen.
Na Zdrowie! Dziekuje for my memories! And Sto Lat to all!!
Family and friends will be received at Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10 a.m., at Mary, Mother of God Parish, St. Angela Merici Church. The burial will follow at New St. Joseph Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.jaycox-jaworskifh.com.
Chris Odasso, Supervisor
Juanita Delphine Madar “Nita” Martin
April 06, 2026 |
By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes
Juanita Delphine Madar “Nita” Martin, 78, a lifetime resident of Clairton, passed away on Monday, April 6th, 2026 at her home. She was born in McKeesport on September 30, 1947 to the late Stephen A. Madar and Delphine Juanita Madar. She is survived by her children Renee (Deon) Fontaine of West Mifflin and Armand A. (Jessica) Martin of Liberty Boro, siblings Sharon (Jack) Strange of West Newton, Steve (Evelyn) Madar of Jefferson Hills, Debbie (Roy) Curry of Sutersville, Brian Thomas “Tom” (Gwen) Madar of Elizabeth Twp., John (Natalie) Madar of Largo, FL, William (Lisa) Madar of Sutersville, Beth Ann (Jay) Reid of Carrick and Beverly (Wil) Brown of Clairton, grandchildren Brooke Johnson, Anthony Ogletree, Deon (Talia) Fontaine, Jr., Jordan (Trinity) Fontaine, Zachary (Cindy) Martin, Taylor Martin and bonus granddaughter Daonna Fontaine, great grandchildren Kayloni, Abel, Carmelo, Karmen and Kamryn, dear friend Patricia Bickerton and family, of Clairton as well as nieces and nephews. Juanita was preceded in death by her birth parents, her step-mother who raised her, Dolores Madar, and sister Joyce Dunmeyer. She was previously employed at U.S. Steel Clairton Works for 15 years and later retired from Alcosan Sewage Authority as a billing clerk after 22 years. She also spent some time working at LaPensione Personal Care Home as a nursing assistant for 5 years. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and playing cards with friends and family. Family and friends will be received on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 2:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at S.M. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 432 N. 6th St, Clairton, PA 15025. A service will take place Friday at the funeral home at 10:00 A.M.to be followed by interment at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com
Gertrude Ann Rusnock
April 06, 2026 |
By Wojciechowski Funeral Home | Posted in: Wojciechowski Funeral Home
Edward J. Thornton
April 06, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Edward J. Thornton, age 90, of Forward Twp., passed away Saturday, April 4, 2026 in Jefferson Hospital. An Air Force veteran having served during the Korean War, he retired as a chemical catalyst technician at Hercules Chemical Company in West Elizabeth. He was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church in Clairton, where he was a member of the choir. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved to golf and play Euchre. He was an excellent trumpet player and loved listening to music, especially brass band music. Born October 31, 1935 in Elizabeth, he was a son of the late John R. and Ella Mae (O’Connor) Thornton and husband of the late Carol A. (Felicetty) Thornton. He is survived by his children, Mark (Suzanne) Thornton of Gloucester, VA, Paul (Val) Thornton of Forward Twp., Lynda (Larry) Rhodes of Medina, OH, Denise (Jeff) Leach of South Park and Matthew Thornton of Forward Twp.; 21 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; sister, Carol Ann Feruck of Alpharetta, GA; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Brian Thornton, and brothers, J. Bernard, William and Richard Thornton. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 from 4:30 to 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 10 AM in St. Clare of Assisi Church. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
Joan M. Smith
April 06, 2026 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Joan M. Smith, age 90, of White Oak, PA, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026. She was born in McKeesport, PA on June 28, 1935 and was the daughter of the late Frank and Mary Sharik Smith. Joan obtained her bachelor’s degree in education from Slippery Rock University and later was employed as a teacher at the former Lincoln School in White Oak, PA for many years. She was a member of the East Suburban Friendship Club; Parent Teacher Association; Pennsylvania State Education Association; and the McKeesport College Club.
Sandra Schmerin
April 06, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Sandra Maksin Schmerin of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania passed away on April 3 at the age of 72 following an all-too-brief battle with cancer. Sandy was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin, aunt, friend, neighbor, and – most notably – wife and mother. She touched the lives of many with her warmth, sense of humor, creativity, and curiosity. She will be remembered for making everything better – whether it was a dinner party or a walk around North Park.
Growing up in Clairton, Pennsylvania provided Sandy with stories and relationships that lasted a lifetime. She loved both where she was from and the immediate and extended family that raised her there. After graduating from Clairton High School, she attended the University of Pittsburgh, which went on to play a starring role in her life. It’s where she earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees and then had her professional career. It’s also where she met her husband and many of her lifelong friends.
She was a role model in the art of making and keeping friends. She was the common thread that brought so many together, and oftentimes when people reflect on how they met various friends, the answer was simple: “Sandy introduced us.” She kept greeting card stores in business – never forgetting to acknowledge someone on their birthday or special occasion. In recent years, when her friends had grandkids and her children’s friends had babies, she mailed cards and stickers to all of them. Prior to any holiday, her dining room table looked like an outpost of the USPS.
She was equally passionate about the sports teams she supported as the arts she frequented. It was not uncommon for her to cheer on Pitt or the Steelers and attend the symphony or a play in the same day. She was a passionate, knowledgeable sports fan whose car radio was always tuned to local sports talk, and she loved attending big games – most recently traveling to Ireland to cheer on the Steelers. Over the course of her life, she was in the stands at the Super Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, the Masters, Wimbledon, the World Series, and more, as well as an immeasurable number of T-ball through high school baseball games cheering on her son. When it came to the arts, she went to it all – from her daughter’s musicals to museum exhibits, movies, Broadway, even the Candlelight Processional at Epcot.
Speaking of Disney World, alongside New York City and London, it was perhaps her most frequented and beloved destination. She was there with her own parents the year it opened and celebrated the resort’s 50th anniversary with her children and grandchildren. It was her happy place, and everyone joked that she didn’t require a park map to navigate – she was the map. Travel brought her immense joy. Whether it was a road trip to Maine to take in fall foliage, a last-minute deal to Iceland, the annual Hilton Head week, or a long flight to Japan to mark her birthday – she always said yes, enthusiastically, to seeing more of the world.
That’s because she was a lifelong learner. First, in her collegiate studies, earning dual degrees in education. She then worked at Pitt’s School of Health Related Professions. After becoming a mom, she chose to stay home with her children and build a household and family that celebrated learning, new experiences, and doing the right thing. Perhaps the best example of this was the 1995 spring break vacation she planned that her family teased her about for many years after. They went to Las Vegas and instead of hanging out in the casino or at the pool all day, she found a chocolate factory in the middle of the desert and made “the gang” go on an hour-long tour to understand how cocoa beans turn into candy bars.
Doris R. Phillips
April 06, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Robert M. Mihalchik
April 05, 2026 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Robert M. Mihalchik, 62, of North Huntingdon, died suddenly Thursday, April 2, 2026, at home. Born February 1, 1964 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Michael and Elayne (Muscante) Mihalchik. Rob was a 1982 graduate of South Allegheny High School and a 1988 graduate of California University of Pennsylvania where he earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. Rob worked for Highmark as a corporate trainer for over 30 years. Rob loved trains and was a member of the McKeesport Model Railroad Club since 1991. In his early days he worked at Kennywood Park as a games mechanic. He loved restoring pinball machines and had quite a collection in his game room. Rob is widely remembered for his 15 minutes of fame in the WQED show “Kennywood Memories”. Rob was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Irwin. He was a volunteer for the Lamp Theater in Irwin for many years and enjoyed interactions with the patrons and performers, ensuring a good time was had by all at each show. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Renee J. (Stefanic) Mihalchik; his daughter Madeline (fiancé Tom) and son Michael; brother Mike Mihalchik (Bonnie) of Penn Township; sister Sheryl (Mihalchik) Maletic (Brent) of Washington; sister and brothers-in-law Marlene (Jim) McArdle of West Mifflin Jerry Stefanic (Jeff) of Erie, and Bobby Stefanic (the late Melissa) of Elizabeth Township; also nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, at the William Snyder Funeral Home, 521 Main St, Irwin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, in Immaculate Conception Church. Interment will follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers a contribution can be made to the Lamp Theatre or the McKeesport Model Railroad Club. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert M. Mihalchik please visit our Sympathy Store.
Diana Lewis
April 05, 2026 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Diana Lewis, 75, of Elizabeth Township passed away on March 31, 2026, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. Born on June 12, 1950, she was the daughter of Rawland and Dorothy (Feltz) Munshower of McKeesport.
Her story is not written in the sand, nor the stars, but throughout the entire universe-defying gravity and on the hearts and souls of her loved ones. A true advocate for the voiceless, Diana Lewis was a Speech and Language Pathologist for over 38 years at McKeesport Area School District. A wonderful, generous, and selfless woman, she worked tirelessly to ensure the children and families she served had the best quality of Speech Education during her tenure. Her love for her family and friends knew no limits, and she held and lifted everyone up in a light equivalent to the sun. She was a strong, formidable, yet gentle woman, who stood firm on her beliefs and values while helping anyone in distress or otherwise. A fabulous cook and baker, her recipes and food would rival any 5-Star Michelin Chef’s. She is so much more than the words on this page. Those who knew and loved her would certainly attest to that. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), McKeesport College Club, East Suburban Friendship Club, St. Peter’s Girls Alumni, and other organizations.
Andrea Harshaw-Whetzel
April 04, 2026 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Andrea Harshaw-Whetzel, age 56, of McKeesport, died on March 17, 2026, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. Born June 22, 1969, in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Calvin Hawk Harshaw and Shirley Yvonne Tate.
Andrea is survived by a daughter, Ke-Torah Harshaw-Whetzel; and son, Andre Johnson.
Thomas Joseph Macasek
April 03, 2026 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Thomas Joseph Macasek, age 71, of McKeesport, PA, died on Thursday, April 2, 2026. He was born in McKees Rocks, PA on March 31, 1955, and was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Sabol Macasek. He served in the United States Air Force.
Bevelyn "Mema" Cosgrove
April 02, 2026 |
By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes
Bevelyn Cosgrove “Mema” 76 of Dravosburg, Pa, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. She was born in McKeesport, Pa on December 26, 1949 to the late Wayne Watkins and Edna Ruth Watkins Bruney. She is survived by her loving husband Raymond Cosgrove for over 55 years of marriage. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by sisters Bonnie Mesarik and Brenda Atchison. She is survived by children Wayne (Amy) Cosgrove, Nathan Cosgrove, and Pamela (Jeremy) Cohlhepp, grandchildren Sami (JJ) Colo’n, Alyssa Cosgrove, Caelan (Leah) Cohlhepp, Hannah (Mitchell) Jordan, Payton (Emily) Lockhart, Derek Lockhart, Bella Cosgrove, Sean Cosgrove, great grandchildren Madi, Lily, Peyton, Mia, Jayla, Natalia and Kyra, plus many Friends, Family and a plethora of adoptive children and + grandchildren. Bev was a devoted member of Dravosburg United Methodist Church where she found faith and community. She enjoyed dressing up as “Jingles” the clown. Bev. served as an EMT to her community for many years. She was a life member of Dravosburg Fire Hall #1 and Ladies Auxiliary Post 380. The family ask that the color pink be worn in her memory or casual clothing to the memorial service. Family and friends will be received at Dravosburg United Methodist Church at 109 Maple Ave, Dravosburg, PA 15034 on Tuesday, April 7,2026 at 6pm. A reception will follow at the Dravosburg Legion at 51 Duquesne Ave, Dravosburg, PA 15034. Arrangements have been entrusted to I.M FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 203 4th St, Dravosburg, PA 15034. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com
James Anthony Kaminsky
April 02, 2026 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
James Anthony Kaminsky, age 74, of McKeesport, PA, died on Thursday, April 2, 2026. He was born in McKeesport, PA on April 19, 1951, and was the son of the late Anthony and Anna Georgevich Kaminsky. He was a lifelong resident of McKeesport and his kindness and compassion made him liked by everyone who knew him. Despite facing many life challenges, Jim was a survivor who never complained nor doubted his strong Catholic faith. He was also an avid Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
Joan Carol Yonek
April 02, 2026 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Joan Carol Yonek, age 80, of McKeesport, PA, died on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. She was born in McKeesport, PA, on January 24, 1946, and was the daughter of the late Harry and Irene Rusnock Heidenfelder. She loved Harley Davidson motorcycles and fast cars.
