May 31, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Darril Clark Bill (“D.C.”), 59, was a lifelong adventurer who called many places
“Home”- McKeesport, PA; Peachtree City, GA; Orlando FL; and Blue Ridge, GA.
His final days were spent making his mark in Chattanooga, TN, where he passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
_______
Darril was born in 1966 in McKeesport, PA to Faik D. Bill and Janice M. (Grimes) Bill.
Driven by his love of Country and passion for aviation, Darril graduated from The U.S. Air Force Academy in 1988 and fulfilled his dream of becoming an Air Force pilot. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and retired after 22 years of service.
In 1997, Darril joined Delta Airlines as a commercial airline pilot. At the time of his death, he was a newly-minted A-350 Captain flying all around the world.
A dedicated student of life, Darril’s love of learning made him a jack-of-all-trades, and his work ethic made him a master of most. You were just as likely to find him in his workshop repairing an antique pinball machine as you were to encounter him absorbed in a book on history or government. He had a movie quote for every occasion, and legend has it he would sometimes moonlight as Batman.
Whether he was enacting elaborate pranks he devised, researching & documenting the story behind a cherished collectible he had tracked down, or helping his daughters perfect their résumés, Darril always lived up to his playful ideal of “if it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing”. (Reader note: he also applied this life motto when pouring powdered sugar onto his pancakes.)
Of all his remarkable endeavors, Darril was most proud of the loving family he and his wife, Kimberly (Pasternak) Bill, built together over their nearly-37 years of marriage. The births of their daughters, Katelyn and Nora, led Darril to discovering his greatest life purpose: loving his girls and raising them to do good in the world.
Darril dreamed of retiring with his wife to his beloved cabin in the mountains of Blue Ridge, where they could watch the breathtaking sunsets and continue creating joyful new memories with their daughters, extended family, and dear friends.
Through his outstanding devotion as a husband & father, his loyalty and goodness as a family member & friend, and the kindness and respect he showed to everyone he met, Darril left the world a brighter place than he found it. Although his time on Earth was far too brief, his legacy will span generations.
For all who love him, we can honor his memory by having more adventures, pursuing our passions, spending more time with the people we love, and enacting more good in the world.
As for Darril, “Mischief Managed”.
(at least for now)
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May 31, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Linda Diane (Waggoner) Begly, age 69 of North Versailles died May 30, 2025. She was born October 16, 1955, in Massillon, Ohio, a daughter of the late Ernest and Anna Bell Youngen Waggoner. After graduating from Tuslaw High School Class of 1974, she attended Massillon Baptist Bible college where she met her husband, Arthur Begly. She loved being a pastor's wife and was able to use her talent of playing piano for every church that Arthur pastored outside of being a pastor's wife, Linda found her calling while being a CNA at a nursing home in Loudonville, Ohio. She commuted an hour each way to attend Wayne Adult School of Practical Nursing, Ohio where she became an LPN. After moving to the Pittsburgh area, she worked at Persona Care East as director of nursing then administrator. Following that she worked at Oakleaf personal care home as director of nursing. When she finally retired, it was from Life Care Hospital where she worked part time in the mental ward. Linda is an ovarian and endometrial cancer survivor of 15 years. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Arthur Begly, two daughters, Melody Begly Filewich and Melissa Begly, a sister Deloris Sneed, 4 grandchildren, Ava and Tyler Filewich, Hannah and Joseph Harmon. Friends will be received at the Jame W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at which time a service will be held in the funeral home chapel. Interment will take place at Grandview Cemetery, North Versailles. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
May 30, 2025 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Robert "Bob" James Schmeltz, Jr., age 86, of White Oak, PA, died on Friday, May 30, 2025. He was born in East McKeesport, PA on August 29, 1938, and was the son of the late Robert, Sr. and Wilda Crissman Schmeltz.
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May 30, 2025 |
By Wojciechowski Funeral Home | Posted in: Wojciechowski Funeral Home
Cindy L. (Rager) Pipp, 67, of Glassport, died May 30, 2025. She is the daughter of the late Francis and Patricia (Popach) Rager. She is survived by her lifelong partner, Mack Clark; son Paul (the late Bobbi Jo Swartz) Pipp; daughter Ashley (William) Andrew; grandchildren Nichole, Robin, Caleb, Izabela, Katrina, Dannielle, Dee, Derrick and David; siblings Carol, Edward, James, David, Wayne, Julie, Geraldine, Jeanie and Joyce; also many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother John. Cindy loved bingo, playing cards and going to the casino. She was loved by anyone and everything and opened her house up to all. Friends will be received at the Wojciechowski Funeral Home, Glassport on Wed. from 2 to 4.
May 29, 2025 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Robert “Bob” Charles Wills, age 66, of White Oak, PA, died on Thursday, May 29, 2025. He was born in Greensburg, PA, on October 13, 1958, and is the son of the late Charles and Lucy Kozen Wills.
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May 29, 2025 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Joseph Michael Ero, age 66, of Finleyville, PA, passed away peacefully at home on May 26, 2025, surrounded by his family, after a courageous 20-month battle with colorectal cancer.
Born in McKeesport and raised in White Oak, Joe proudly served in the United States Navy for 17 years, earning numerous commendations and awards from senior-ranking officers throughout his service. He carried that same sense of duty into civilian life, volunteering with the Versailles, White Oak, and Rainbow Volunteer Fire Companies and later serving his community as a Pennsylvania State Constable.
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May 29, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Donn Kight, 93, of Elizabeth, passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. He was born August 1, 1931 and was the son of the late Clarence Lehr and Mildred (Mutterer) Kight. He was the loving husband of the late Janet "Dawn" Kight, who passed away on May 4, 2004. Donn was a US Army Veteran who served during the Korean War. He was involved with Round Hill Church as an elder, member of the choir, food pantry volunteer, "Around the Hill" newsletter staff, youth fellowship, and the strawberry festival. He loved watching movies, especially "Gone with the Wind," which he had an entire room dedicated in his house for memorabilia. He loved animals, especially his best friend, Lucy, a golden retriever, and he would always feed stray cats. He also loved painting, drawing, shopping, and decorating for the holidays.
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May 29, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Donna L. Steinkopf, age 82 of North Huntingdon, died May 28, 2025, at Excela Westmoreland Hospital. She was born February 23, 1943, in Duquesne, a daughter of the late Donald and Elizabeth Maraz Smith. Donna was a graduate of Duquesne High School Class of 1960. Over the years, she enjoyed going to lunch with the girls she graduated with. She was also a graduate of Pittsburgh Beauty Academy and worked for several years as a stylist. She enjoyed word searches and, politics. She also enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren and her fur babies, Bailey, Willow and Honey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Carl F. Steinkopf in 2004., an infant daughter Stacy, a brother, Wilbur Smith, a sister, Phyllis Senato. She is survived by her beloved children, son Carl F. Steinkopf Jr., (Tina) a daughter Lisa A. Steinkopf, 4 grandchildren, Storm Steinkopf (Shelby), Kyle Steinkopf, Cassidy Palo (Nick) and Chance Steinkopf (Strykar ), 4 great grandchildren, Colton, Joey, Grace, Hallie, brother Dale Smith (Carolyn) brother-in-law, James Senato, numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc, Clay Pike, Circleville, North Huntingdon, on Sunday from 2-4 & 6-8 PM. A funeral service will be held Monday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with her longtime family friend, Poodie Carson officiating. Interment will be in Irwin Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
May 29, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Gloria H. Wolfe, age 80 of Irwin, Hempfield Township died May 28, 2025 at Excela Health, Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg. She was born May 5, 1945, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Leo and Helen Lucas. Gloria was a member of the Middletown Fellowship Church. She was an animal lover, enjoyed bingo, scratch off tickets and gambling. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 5 brothers, Edward, Elmer, Leo Jr, Leonard and George Lucas. She is survived by one son Leo and his wife Jamie Wolfe. There will be no public visitation. Arrangements by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, North Huntingdon. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
May 28, 2025 |
By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory
Alma J. Kaler, age 89, of McKeesport, died at home on May 27, 2025. born January 3, 1936, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late John Lincoln and Mary Magdalena (Strauss) Mackey and wife of the late Charles Kaler.
Alma's remarkable life was characterized by her unwavering commitment to family. Her daughter, Terri Kaler, will forever remember her mother's nurturing spirit and the countless sacrifices she made to ensure her family was always provided for. Alma's ability to create a warm and loving home was matched only by her talent for crocheting, through which she shared her love and creativity with those around her. Each stitch carried the essence of her care, and her creations will be treasured keepsakes for years to come. She worked for McKeesport Housekeeping and was a Teamsters Union member.
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May 28, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Carol L. Davis, age 86, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Jefferson Hospital. She was a member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. She enjoyed cooking, baking and cleaning. Born July 4, 1938 in Gastonville, she was a daughter of the late Percy Hornby and Lillian (Seng) Kiger. She is survived by her husband, William E. “Duck” Davis; daughter, Darla Jean (Tom) Turner of Elizabeth Twp.; son, William James Davis of Elizabeth Twp.; grandchildren, Tom (Jennifer) Turner Jr., Jennifer (Jay) Borman, Mike (Courtney) Turner and Steven Davis; great-grandchildren, Ty, Cole, Lilah, Isiah, Cassidy, Kobe and Fett; sisters, Bonnie (JD) Timko of Elizabeth Twp. and Mary “Gib” Iddon of White Oak; brothers, Bob Kiger of Belle Vernon and Harry Jones of Elizabeth Twp.; also, nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 5-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, May 30, 2025 at 10 AM at St. Michael Church with the Rev. Thomas J. Burke officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association of PA at action.lung.org. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
May 28, 2025 |
By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Harry Kozlowski, who left us on May 23, 2025, at the age of 95. A lifelong resident of McKeesport, PA, Harry's journey began on August 2, 1929. He was a beloved son of the late Ignatius and Pearl (Penkalski) Kozlowski.
Harry dedicated many years of his life as a draftsman at Westinghouse, where he often spoke fondly of the camaraderie he found with his colleagues. He was also a proud United States Army veteran, serving his country during the Korean War. Faith was an important part of Harry's life; he was an active member of Mary, Mother of God Parish, where he found a sense of community and belonging.
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May 28, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Kelly DeSue, age 57 of West Mifflin, passed away at home on Monday, May 26, 2025. Born October 2, 1967 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Joan (Davis) DeSue. Kelly is survived by her aunt Jackie Gaza of Clairton, her uncle John (the late Judy) DeSue of Glassport, many cousins, and her significant other Vince Samudosky of West Mifflin.
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May 28, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Brendan Michael Parsons, age 23 of McKeesport and formerly of Clairton, passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Born December 21, 2001 in Pittsburgh, he is a son of Chris Parsons of Clairton and Tracy Lynn (Martin) Lindsey of Clairton. A member of the Clairton High School class of 2020 and quarterback of its WPIAL Championship Team, Brendan worked for Caruso Paving. Besides his parents, he is survived by his siblings Kelsea Parsons and Devin (Ana) Parsons, both of Clairton; his stepfather Richard Lindsey; his companion Faith Moore and two children Halo and Harlem; his grandmother Debra McHugh of Clairton; and also his nephews.
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May 28, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Donna Lenker, age 87 of Mt. Lebanon and formerly of White Oak, passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2025 at Providence Point, Mt. Lebanon. Born September 19, 1937 in White Oak, she was a daughter of the late James and Helen M. (Hendrie) Johnson. A former member of the Bryn Mawr Church of Christ in White Oak, Donna retired after 40+ years as an administrator at Bettis Atomic Power National Laboratory. She is survived by her husband Robert Lenker and, besides her parents, is preceded in death by her brother James S. Johnson.
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