June 17, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: General Information
I really hate asking for money, but we’re at a critical point.
Here’s the bottom line: Look at the readership figures above.
If everyone who reads our website had given us $1 last year, we would never need to run advertising. But in reality, only a small percentage of people ever donates — usually as a thank-you for posting a death notice.
If it wasn’t for support for a few faithful donors — among them, the G.C. Murphy Co. Foundation, the Bill Persson family, the Flynn Family Foundation, Larry and Rikki Berger, and Eric and Judy Wisniewski — we’d be in big trouble.
As it is, we’ve taken two big financial hits recently. Our advertising revenue has dropped by about $100 per month after we responded to complaints by limiting the number of ads you see. And one of our longtime donors says they need to cut back their support by about $100 per month.
At the same time, our expenses have gone dramatically up. We are working to move our websites to a new server and as a result, our webhosting cost has already increased $1,200 — and we haven’t moved yet.
Royalties for playing music have gone up about 40 percent. We also now must pay for a service to file reports with the royalty-collecting organizations — that’s costing us $50 per month. (You may have noticed that several local Internet radio stations have gone out of business because they can no longer afford the costs.)
Add all of that up — we need to raise another $500 a month or so, or we’re not going to be able to continue. We have a small reserve fund right now but it’s not going to last.
If you are financially able, and would like to make a gift, please consider doing so.
Donations may be made by check or money order to:
Tube City Community Media Inc.
P.O. Box 94
McKeesport PA 15134
Or via PayPal at: http://www.tubecityonline.com/contact/
I think what we do is important. I think that other people do, as well. Last year, we were honored by the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania with the “Service to Journalism” award. Two of our reporters received separate awards for their work.
Five years ago, we were singled out by Columbia Journalism Review and asked to contribute monthly pieces about local news coverage, which were later collected into a book called “American Deadline.”
If you think this is important — even if you just visit our obituaries page every day — we very much could use your support. We pay reporters $50 to $100 per story. Your $50 or $100 gift goes directly to paying for their work — I don’t take any kind of payment from this website, and neither do any of our board members or officers.
If we could raise an extra $5,000 to $10,000 this year, we’d be OK.
We are recognized as a tax-exempt organization by the Internal Revenue Service, so your gift may be tax-deductible as a charitable contribution.
If you have a business that is looking to make a contribution, or if you have a charitable foundation that could donate money to help us, please reach out.
Thank you for your continued support of our organization.
June 17, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Alvin D. Werner, age 83, of Forward Twp., passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025, at UPMC Shadyside Hospital, Pittsburgh. A retired teamster from West Elizabeth Lumber, he was a graduate of Elizabeth Forward High School, a life member of the Forward Twp. Volunteer Fire Department and a huge Pittsburgh Pirates fan. Born in Forward Twp. on October 13, 1941, he was a son of the late Anthony and Bessie (Wilson) Werner. He is survived by 27 nieces and nephews; numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews; and 3 great-great-great nieces. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, John, Eugene, Fredrick, Willard, and Wayne Werner, Luella Shoemaker and Mary Opfer, and a nephew. Friends will be received at the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 N Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 10 AM with Rev. Walter Pietschman officiating. Burial will follow at Jefferson Memorial Park, Pleasant Hills. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
June 17, 2025 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Vincent Dean Liberty, Jr., age 60, of Cumberland, MD, died on June 14, 2025. He was born in McKeesport, PA, on August 23, 1964, and was the son of Vincent, Sr. and Beverly Canelle Liberty of Port Vue, PA. He was a member of the McKeesport Model Railroad Club for many years.
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June 16, 2025 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Jarrod C. Huston, age 42, of McKeesport, PA, died on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. He was born in McKeesport, PA, on June 25, 1982, and is the son of Gregory “Red” (Marta Odoski) Huston of Elizabeth, PA, and Susan Recker of McKeesport, PA. He was employed as a plasterer at Anthony Ferraro Plastering and Stucco, Inc.
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June 16, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Nicholas Zelno, age 78 of North Huntingdon, passed away on June 15, 2025 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on September 25, 1946 in Eynon Pennsylvania, a son of the late Milton Zelno and Helen Kalinowski Zelno. Nick was a graduate of Archbald High School in the class of 1964, and also a graduate of Penn State University. He attended the Navy School of Electronics and was a veteran of the United States Navy having served during the Vietnam War. Nick then went on to pursue a career in electronics, with employment by Union Switch and Signal, Echoram Technologies, RD Tech, and Westinghouse. Nick was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He enjoyed nothing more than spending the day on his pontoon boat on Lake Arthur. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and the Shaner Sportsman's Club, having served as Treasurer for many years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years Sandy Zelno, one brother Milton Zelno (wife Roseann), and brother-in-law John Galeano. Nick is survived by one daughter Sherry Zelno, three sisters Frances Heaney (Gene Rodriguez), Marilyn Charsky (husband Rich), and Denise Galeano, and several nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Saturday at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Nick's name to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
June 16, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Carolyn Sue "Bunny" Metz, 66, of Elizabeth Boro, passed away Saturday, June 14, 2025. Bunny was born March 29, 1959 in McKeesport and was the daughter of the late Wilbur K. Chavis and Ruth C. (Sturms) Griffin. She had previously worked as a bartender at The Elizabeth MOOSE and also worked for over 20 years at Howell Craft in Elizabeth Township. She is survived by her daughter, Tiffany (Shawn) Tyhonas; granddaughters, Samantha, Peyton, Santana, Charlize and Francesca Tyhonas; sisters, Rebecca (Gary) Stetar and Catherine Wright; nieces, Jennifer (Josh) Zaken and Amanda Sorg; nephews, Michael (Jenny) Stetar, Larry (Meribeth) Furlong and Dan (Chris) Furlong; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; and her partner, Justin Greenewald. There will be not be any visitation or services. 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
June 16, 2025 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Shirley M. Hoak, age 93, of Liberty Borough, died June 10, 2025, at Overlook Green Senior Living. Born April 22, 1932, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of John and Margaret (Jamnicky) Schultz and wife of the late Clifford V. Hoak.
For 19 years, Shirley served as the Tax Collector for Liberty Borough, earning the respect and admiration of those she worked with and the residents she diligently served as well as working at Fisher Body. Her commitment to her role was matched only by her devotion to her faith and family. As a proud member of Saints Joachim and Anne Parish, she actively engaged in parish life as a Christian Mother, Lady of Charity, and Eucharistic Minister, exemplifying her unwavering commitment to her spiritual community. In her leisure time, Shirley found joy in gardening, playing cards, needlepoint, and crochet, often sharing her lovingly crafted creations with friends and family. She loved to spend time with her family and especially enjoyed traveling with her late husband Clifford.
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June 16, 2025 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Gary J. Krausmann, age 70, of McKeesport, died at home on June 12, 2025. Born July 31, 1954, in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late William and Marcia (Rodgerson) Krausmann and husband of the late Kathleen (McCarrison) Krausmann. A proud graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, Gary earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. For over 17 years, he dedicated himself to S&S Transit, where he was known for his hard work, warm smile, and caring nature.
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June 16, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Kathleen M. Klueber, age 76, of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Paramount Senior Living in Bethel Park. A native of Brookline, Kathie had resided in Bloomington, IN and Louisville, KY throughout her career in education. She was a retired professor from Spalding University in Louisville, KY and a former professor at the University of Louisville and Indiana University. She obtained a PhD from the University of Pittsburgh and was an avid quilter and painter. Born October 26, 1948, in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late Dr. William F. and Mary Catherine (Kirschbaum) Klueber. She is survived by a sister, Mary-Beth (Tom) Frazer of Sebring, FL; niece, Kimberly Klueber; nephews, William (Pamela) Frazer, Rich Klueber, Dave (Stacie) Klueber and Kevin (Aileen) Klueber; also, great-nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Richard W. Klueber. No visitation is planned. A mass of Christian burial will take place on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 10 AM in St. Thomas A Becket Church, Jefferson Hills. (EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH) Burial will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, McMurray. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 2403 Sidney Street, Suite 205, Pittsburgh, PA, 15203. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
June 14, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Joseph L. Scafuri, age 89 of North Huntingdon died June 14, 2025, at Forbes Hospital. He was born September 8, 1934, in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Joseph and Helen Anderson Scafuri. Following high school, Joe graduated from Thiel College where he played football, basketball and baseball. He held football records and was inducted into Thiel College Football Hall of Fame in 1986. Prior to his retirement Joe was employed as a teacher for East Allegheny where he taught English and Social Studies. He also coached football. He was a social member of the Hahntown Firehall. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte in 2007, a daughter Elaine Baker and a sister June Scafuri. He is survived by two sons Joseph and Andrew Scafuri, a daughter Lori Beth Goodman (Terry), a brother Charles "Knuckles" (Mona), 7 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Thursday from 2-6 p.m. a service will be held at 5:45 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
June 14, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
LaRae E. Basilone, age 89 of North Huntingdon passed away June 13, 2025 at home surrounded by her family. She was born January 25, 1936 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Joseph D. and Genievieve "Jean" Hamilton Carroll. Prior to her retirement LaRae was employed as a nursing assistant for McKeesport Hospital Oncology and also the Riverside Care Center where she served as the activity director. She was a member of St. Agnes Church, North Huntingdon. LaRae was a member of AARP 3221 and also was the coordinator for Pet Friends and Adopt A Pet. She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael J. Basilone. She is survived by one son, Paul Miller (Jen), two daughters, Sherri Kovalcin (Craig), Traci Wilhoit (Lyndon), 7 grandchildren, Christopher Kovalcin (Michelle), Derek Kovalcin (Nikki), Jessica Hondal (Bryan), Brandon Miller (Mandy), Shelby Miller (Anthony), Alexandra Snyder (Ryan), Megan Patter (J.P.) and 10 great grandchildren. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Tuesday from 3-8 P.M. A funeral mass will be held Wednesday at 10 A.M. at St. Agnes Church North Huntingdon followed by interment in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park, North Huntingdon. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Pet Friends or Meals on Wheels. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
June 13, 2025 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Nancy E. Hudak, age 87, of McKeesport, died peacefully on June 12, 2025 at The Residence at Arrowood. Born September 4, 1937, in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Homer Hartman.
Before retiring, Nancy dedicated many years of her life as a nurse aide at the Jewish Home for the Aged of Squirrel Hill, where her gentle spirit and warmth provided comfort to countless individuals. Her kindness extended far beyond her profession; she had a remarkable ability to brighten the lives of those around her. Nancy was also known for her love of games of cards, bingo, sewing, and knitting, hobbies that brought her joy, relaxation, and a sense of connection with friends and family. Many long afternoons were spent with a good book. She also enjoyed bus trips, where she fostered a sense of adventure.
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June 13, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Taylor Elizabeth Mehalcik, 29, of McKeesport passed away June 11, 2025. She was born November 29, 1995 in McKeesport to the late Scott Mehalcik, and to Kristie Pratt-Braun, and Paul Braun of McKeesport. Taylor was a loving mother, daughter, and friend - she was kind, funny, and had a beautiful soul, who was always surrounded by so many that cared about her. She enjoyed fishing, taking walks, and just being outside. She is survived by her daughter and absolute best friend, Alaya Rae Savage; her sister, Kelsey Hornfeck-Mutkus; brother, Cameron Mehalcik; grandparents, James & Debbie Pratt, and Judy Mehalcik; nieces, Izzy, CeCe, and Addison; nephew, Kyler; and so many aunts, uncles, and cousins. In addition to her father, Taylor is preceded in death by her grandfather, George Mehalcik; and by her grandmother, Elizabeth Susan Pratt. Friends are welcome Wednesday, June 18, 2025 from 4-8pm , with a Memorial Service starting at 7:30pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, and Samantha D. Murphy, directors. Private Inurnment will take place at McKeesport Versailles Cemetery at a later date. Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
June 13, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Joseph E. "Joe" Gallo, Jr., 91, of Elizabeth Township, passed away Thursday, June 12, 2025 at home. He was born August 16, 1933 in Elizabeth Township and was the son of the late Joseph E. Gallo Sr. and Emma Irene (Breegle) Gallo. He is reunited with his wife of 72 years, the late Norma Jean (Mayfield) Gallo, who passed away May 15, 2025. Joe worked as a carpenter for most of his life and was an avid outdoorsman, who loved to hunt, fish and camp. He also was a square dancing caller in his younger years. Joe was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and his family meant everything to him. He will be greatly missed.
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June 12, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
John W. Bales Jr, age 95 of North Huntingdon died June 12, 2025, at Independence Westmoreland Hospital. He was born February 25, 1930, in Versailles PA, a son of the late John and Elizabeth Rader Bales. He was a graduate of McKeesport Vocational School in 1948. Prior to retirement John was a Research Engineer and Draftsman for US Steel with over 35 years of service. He was involved in steel processing equipment and obtained a number of patents. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, North Huntingdon and a veteran of the US Army serving during the Korean War. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Catherine Alvarez, Jane Bales and Caroline Twale, brothers Glenn and Charles Bales. He is survived by his wife Deloris Jean Derr Bales, a son John C. Bales (Karen ) and two daughters Sue Ann Jacobs (Douglas) and Janice Durmis (Dr. Charles) , Seven grandchildren , Jessica, John , Rachel (Louis), Mitchell (Sara), Nathan, Joshua (Ava), Jacob ((Morgan), and seven great grandchildren, Ivana, Isaac, Sarah, Vincent, Madeline, Connor, Brooks , Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, , 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Sunday from 1-5 p.m. A service will be held on Monday at 10 a.m. with interment to follow at Jefferson Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Christ United Methodist Church. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
