Glassport Obituaries as Reported in the Daily News
As of January 14, 2000, Obituaries were published in the Daily News On-Line. Those obituaries, which reference present or former Glassporters are reproduced here in full.
McKeesport Daily News September 4, 2009
MICHAEL DELIMAN JR.
Michael Deliman Jr., 88, of Glassport, died Wednesday, September 2, 2009. He was the son of the late Michael and Elizabeth (Bartko) Deliman.
He was a retired machine operator for Copperweld. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in McKeesport and served in the U.S. Army, World War II, as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division.
Husband of Margaret (Kraus) Deliman; father of Elaine Leech of Vancouver, Wash., Marjorie (William) Becker of Irwin, Jean Deliman of McKeesport, and Thomas (Jo) Deliman of Elizabeth; adoptive father of Colleen Judy of McKeesport; brother of Steve Deliman of Rostraver Township and Paul Deliman of North Huntingdon; also five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Friends will be received today from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Wojciechowski Funeral Home, 640 Vermont Ave., Glassport, Pa., 15045. A funeral Mass will be Saturday, September 5, 2009, at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick’s Church with the Rev. Velas officiating.
McKeesport Daily News September 5, 2009
JOHN JACKOWSKI JR.
John Jackowski Jr., 74, of Elizabeth Township, died Friday, September 4, 2009, in Select Specialty Hospital of McKeesport.
He was born October 5, 1934, in McKeesport, a son of the late John and Rose Stroka Jackowski.
He was a retired millwright from Copperweld in Glassport.
Surviving are his wife, Patricia Kelly Jackowski; sons John Jackowski of Virginia Beach, Va., Donald (Keri) Jackowski of Raleigh, N.C.; daughters Sherry (Carl) Bailey of North Huntingdon, Karen Ruffing of Elizabeth Township; eight grandchildren, Carl, Kayla, Nicholas, Alec, Simon, Ethan, Caroline and Daniel. Also surviving are a sister, four brothers, nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home Inc., 2703 O’Neil Boulevard, McKeesport, Pa., 15132, where a Blessing Service will be Tuesday, September 8, 2009, at 10 a.m. with Fr. Edward S. Litavec officiating. Interment will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Township.
McKeesport Daily News September 5, 2009
ROBERT YEAGER SR.
Robert G. Yeager Sr., 69, of Glassport, died Thursday, September 3, 2009.
He was the son of the late Henry and Rosie (Schady) Yeager.
He was retired from Bucyrus Erie and was the auxiliary police chief in Glassport.
Wife of Anna (Coddington) Yeager; father of Robert G. Yeager Jr., Paul F. Yeager, Vernon Yeager, all of Glassport, and Dominic Yeager of Sharpsville; brother of Thomas Yeager of McKeesport; also eight grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by brothers, sisters and nieces.
Friends will be received Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in Wojciechowski Funeral Home, Glassport. A funeral service will be Wednesday, September 9, 2009, at 10 a.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Carr. Interment following in Round Hill Cemete
McKeesport Daily News September 8, 2009
BEVERLY BUDRIS
Beverly M. Budris, 66, of Glassport, died Friday, September 4, 2009. She was the daughter of the late William and Mary (Kapuchinski) Budris.
She was a retired school teacher with the Diocese of Pittsburgh for 43 years, taught at St. Cecelia, St. Clair, Sacred Heart and St. Elizabeth; she was a member of St. Elizabeth Church in Pleasant Hills and was a graduate of Carlow University.
She is survived by her brother William B. (Karen) Budris of Indiana, Pa.; friend and companion Rachael Kuzio of Glassport; nephews Alex and Dan; cousins and “Bruiser,” also numerous students who she left her imprint on.
Friends will be received today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in Wojciechowski Funeral Home, Glassport. A funeral Mass will be Wednesday, September 9, 2009, at 10 a.m. in St. Elizabeth Church with the Rev. Dale DeNinno. Interment following in West Newton Cemetery. Memorial contributions to either St. Elizabeth Angel Fund or the Fallen Timber Animal Shelter.
McKeesport Daily News September 9, 2009
ELIZABETH NIZINSKI
Elizabeth A. (Pee Wee) Nizinski, 96, of White Oak, formerly of Glassport, died peacefully at home, Saturday, September 5, 2009.
She was the daughter of the late Andrew and Anna (Kattic) Grubic, and wife of the late Alex Nizinski.
She was a tin flopper at Christy Park where she met her husband, member of Queen of the Rosary Church, Christian Mothers and Rosary Society. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and a woman of great faith. Her claim to fame was she entered a contest for Mounds Candy Bar and won for the slogan “Indescribably Delicious.”
She was the mother of Gerry (Ray) Coleman of Liberty Borough, Jackie (Chuck) Galley of White Oak, Kathie McMahan of Syracuse, N.Y., and Alex “Sonny” (Patti) Nizinski of Claymont, Del.; sister of Bobbi Barton of California; grandmother of Raymond (Kathy), Michael (Colleen), Tracie Lee (Raudel), Suzi Lyn (Michael), Doug (Margaret), Danielle, Todd, Michael (Elizabeth) and Mark; great-grandmother of Matt, Nick, Josh, Alicia, Michael, Ryan, Victoria Rose, Joe, Liam, Sean, Ethan and Luka. She was preceded in death by brothers Thomas, Louis, Frank, Andrew and Stephan and sisters Daisy, Frances, Anna, Mary and Eva.
Friends will be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in Wojciechowski Funeral Home, Glassport. A funeral Mass will be Saturday, September 12, 2009, at 10 a.m. in Queen of the Rosary. Interment following in Calvary Cemetery.
McKeesport Daily News September 9, 2009
DOLORES PAVLECIC
Dolores M. Pavlecic, 79, of McKeesport, formerly of Glassport, died Monday, September 7, 2009.
She was the daughter of the late Stanilaus and Jennie (Kranc) Czuba. She was the wife of the late Nicholas Pavlecic.
She was a banquet server and a member of Queen of the Rosary and Christian Mother.
She was the mother of Daniel (Karen Urbanski) Pavlecic of Port Vue and Nicholas (Chris Kinkaid) Pavlecic of Versailles; sister of Diane Worley of Port Vue; grandmother of Jared, Lauren, Carly, Chad, Camryn and Connor, also nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Florence Brezicky, and a brother, Richard Czuba.
Friends will be received Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. in Wojciechowski Funeral Home, Glassport. A funeral Mass will be Friday, September 11, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. in Queen of the Rosary.
McKeesport Daily News September 9, 2009
FRANCES SHUMBOR
Frances L. Shumbor, 92, of Glassport, died Tuesday, September 8, 2009.
She was the daughter of the late Vincent and Frances (Piluk) Janeczko. She was the wife of the late Anthony Shumbor.
She was a member of Queen of the Rosary.
She was the mother of Anthony (Ellen) Shumbor of Dravosburg and David Shumbor of Tokyo, Japan; grandmother of Nicole and great-grandmother of James and Noura, also niece and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, James Shumbor.
Friends will be received Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in Wojciechowski Funeral Home, Glassport. A funeral Mass will be Friday, September 11, 2009, at 10 a.m. in Queen of the Rosary. Interment following in New St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions to Bethany Hospice, 6 Parkway Center, 875 Greentree Road, Suite 100, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15220.
McKeesport Daily News September 14, 2009
LOIS HURRELL
Lois Virginia Hurrell, 79, of West Mifflin, formerly of Glassport, died Saturday, September 12, 2009, in Family Hospice’s Center for Compassionate Care in Mt. Lebanon.
She was born Lois Virginia Reed on October 28, 1929, in McKeesport, a daughter of Harrison and Ada Reed.
Lois graduated from Glassport High School in 1947, and later from the Pittsburgh Musical Institute, with a major in voice and a minor in piano. She had given private piano and voice lessons and been a substitute music teacher in the West Mifflin School District. Lois sang in church choirs for over 50 years, was a former member of William Barcey Memorial Choir, the Glassport and West Mifflin Women’s Club, the Jefferson Hills Lions Club, a volunteer at McKeesport Hospital and a former Cub Scout Den Mother.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Ruth Alhquist and Pricilla Sowa and one brother, Harrison Reed Jr. Lois is survived by her husband of 56 years, Thomas S. Hurrell; one daughter, Karen Hamerski of West Mifflin; three sons, Tim (Deborah) Hurrell of Eighty Four, Don (Renee) Hurrell of Elkton, Md., and Dean (Jean) Hurrell of Virginia Beach, Va.; eight grandchildren, Sandi, Rainna, Kristen, Lauren, Megan, Scott, Tyler and Collin; and two great-grandchildren, Abby and Kiera.
Friends will be received today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the Stephen D. Slater Funeral Home, 1701 State Route 51, (Large), Jefferson Hills, where her funeral service will be Tuesday, September 15, 2009, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Lota Jones, from Pine Run United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Lebanon Church Cemetery in West Mifflin. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Family Hospice, 50 Moffett Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15243.
McKeesport Daily News September 15, 2009
EVELYN DAUGHERTY
Evelyn Hazel Daugherty, 90, of Glassport, died Sunday, September 13, 2009, at home.
Born September 18, 1918, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Catherine (Lux) Magee and the wife of the late Charles H. Daugherty. Mrs. Daugherty was a homemaker.
She is survived by children, Charles (Bonita) of McKeesport, Shirley J. Scott of Flint, Mich., Hazel of Glassport, Betty of Glassport, Judy (Richard) DePaul of Pittsburgh, Eugene (Carol) of Derry, Kathy of McKeesport, Richard (Gladys) of McKeesport, Janet (Eberito) Frias of Glassport, Patrick of Willard, Ohio, and Kenneth (Cheryl) of Leavenworth, Kan.; 24 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; three great-great- grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Jimmy; sisters, Katherine Daugherty, Helen Moon, and Jean Ackerman Rodman. Family and friends will be received Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the Willig Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Funeral Service will be Friday, September 18, 2009, at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow in Jeannette Memorial Park, Jeannette.
McKeesport Daily News September 16, 2009
BEATRICE PETRILLO
Beatrice “Betty” Petrillo, 88, formerly of Glassport, died Monday, September 14, 2009, in John J. Kane Regional Center, McKeesport.
Born May 29, 1921, in Lovedale, Pa., a daughter of the late Henry “Buckles” and Bessie Stirbis Bohlander. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Eugene Petrillo.
A graduate of Elizabeth High School, she was a retired secretary from Glassport Central Garage and a member of Queen of the Rosary Parish in Glassport and a former member of its Christian Mothers.
Surviving are her son David E. Petrillo of West Mifflin; grandchildren, David A. Petrillo of Liberty Borough, Denise M. Petrillo of Dale City, Va. and Dianne Petrillo of Liberty Borough; five great-grandchildren; and a niece Linda Herget of Elizabeth.
Friends will be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. in the JaycoxJaworski Funeral Home Inc., 2703 O’Neil Blvd., McKeesport, Pa., 15132. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, September 19, 2009, at 10 a.m. in Queen of the Rosary Church in Glassport. Interment will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Township.
McKeesport Daily News September 16, 2009
RICHARD PIERGROSSI
Richard Piergrossi, 60, of Glassport, died Monday, September 14, 2009.
He was the son of the late John and Pearl (Novakowski) Piergrossi. He is survived by his son Jordon Piergrossi of Phoenix, Ariz.; grandchildren, Summer, Ryan, Jasmine and Grayson; sister Terri (William) Waxtor of Washington; brother Jack Piergrossi of Jefferson Hills; also aunts, uncles and nieces. He was preceded in death by a son Jamie Heath.
Friends will be received Thursday from 2 to 9 p.m. in the Wojciechowski Funeral Home, 640 Vermont Ave., Glassport, Pa., 15045. A Funeral Mass will be Friday, September 18, 2009, at 10 a.m., in Queen of the Rosary Church with the Rev. Kedzierski. Interment following in Calvary Cemetery, Port Vue.
McKeesport Daily News September 17, 2009
ANNA PATRICK
Anna Jane Patrick, 94, of Glassport, a 30-year Glassport resident, previously of Liberty Borough, died Wednesday, September 16, 2009, in UPMC McKeesport. She was born March 2, 1915, in Clairton, daughter of the late George and Della Long Amor.
She worked in housekeeping for UPMC McKeesport from 1963 to 1982, retiring after 20 years. She was a member of Glassport Assembly of God Church.
She was the widow of the late John S. Patrick, who died in 1964. She is survived by two daughters, Sandra L. Patrick of Glassport, and Patricia L. McCarter of Ravenna, Ohio; two grandchildren, Melissa and Keith; and three great-grandchildren, Nicole, C.J., and Jaidyn. She had deceased brothers and sisters, Marie, Margaret, Helen, Bertha, George, and Carl.
Friends will be received today from 7 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the E. C. Finney Funeral Home Inc., 235 Monongahela Ave., Glassport. Service will be Friday, September 18, 2009, at 2 p.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Patrick S. Pugh officiating. Private burial in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth Township.
McKeesport Daily News September 18, 2009
JANICE SUMMERVILLE
Janice L. Summerville, 61, of Glassport, formerly of McKeesport, died Wednesday, September 16, 2009, in Riverside Care Center.
Born January 4, 1948, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Ethel M. Hurst.
Janice was a former waitress and bartender at La Romana. She was a loving mother and grandmother and is survived by children, Joe DeFelice of Glassport, Christina (Gary) Raymond of Monroe, Ga., and David (Donna) Summerville of McKeesport; grandchildren, Joseph III and Roxanne DeFelice and Aaron and Dylan Raymond; greatgrandchildren, Savannah and Ivory DeFelice; sisters, Carolyn, JoAnn, Barbara, and Charlene; and nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received Saturday, September 19, 2009, from 3 p.m. until the hour of the Funeral Service at 5 p.m., in the Willig Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
Pittsburgh Post Gazette September 19, 2009
Nathan C. Miller
MILLER NATHAN C. Age 30 of Glassport formerly of Blairsville on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009.
Beloved son of Robert C. & Linda L. (Wilson) Miller, brother of Patrick R. Miller (fiancée Cheryl Fleming), grandson of Gerry & Ken Baker all of Blairsville & Betty Wilson of Homer City, nephew of Mark Miller (Mary Jo) of Blairsville, Jerry Wilson (Rhetta) of Homer City & Fred Wilson (Linda) of Cherry Tree, grandson of the late Charles R. Miller & Alfred Wilson.
Graduate of Blairsville High School and IUP. Worked as a steelworker.
Friends received Saturday 4 to 9 PM at the SHOEMAKER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 49 N Walnut St., Blairsville, PA (724-459-9115) Service Sunday 1 PM. Burial in Blairsville Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Nathan's name may be made to Irvin Works Federal Credit Union, PO Box 250, Dravosburg, PA 15034.
Tribune Review September 20, 2009
Virginia McConeghy
Glassport
Virginia (Brusick) McConeghy, 87, of Glassport, died Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009.
Loving wife of the late John McConeghy; sister of Jack Brusick, of the Elbow Room in McKeesport, and the late Catherine Erkman; daughter of the late John and Lucy Brusiek.
Virginia loved her home in Glassport. She lived a quiet life there with her husband, mother and father. The house was decorated with her crochet and macrame work and the porch was covered with flowers as long as she could care for them. She kept a bed in the living room of the that house for eight years while she cared for her mother and husband. She was pleased that a young couple live there now and appreciate the home she lived in for so many years. Some people have many titles as they go through life, Virginia's main title was simply "Aunt Ginny". Aunt Ginny was at every family event to praise and applaud and bring gifts. She gave unconditional love and that love will be greatly missed by her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the JEFFERSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pleasant Hills, where a service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.
McKeesport Daily News September 21, 2009
ELSIE FINN
Elsie Anna Finn, of Glassport, age 77, born December 18, 1931, in McKeesport, died Sunday, September 20, 2009, in UPMC McKeesport.
She resided 47 years in Glassport, previously McKeesport. She was a retired secretary from the H.L. Green Five & Ten Cent Store in McKeesport. She was a member of the Queen of the Rosary Roman Catholic Church in Glassport.
She was the daughter of the late Stephan and Anna Habina Bachisin. She is survived by her husband, William A. Finn of Glassport; two daughters, Kelly (Timothy) Hartnett of Lincoln Borough, Kathy (Steven) Derry of North Huntingdon; a son, William D. (Diane) Finn of Elizabeth; one sister, Eva Lyn (George) Cribbs of Dravosburg; six grandchildren, Megan, Maura, William, Robert, Stephanie and Anthony; two greatgrandsons, Rocco and Sylar; four deceased sisters, Julia Hanko, Olga Kortz, Dorey Such, Irene Bachisin; one decease brother, Ernie Bachisin.
Friends will be received Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the E.C. Finney Funeral Home, 235 Monongahela Ave., Glassport. Funeral is Thursday, September 24, 2009, at 10 a.m. from Queen of the Rosary Roman Catholic Church with Father Casimier Kedzierski. Interment in St. Nicholas Cemetery, North Versailles.
McKeesport Daily News September 22, 2009
MICHAEL STETOR
Michael Paul “Mickey” Stetor of Glassport, 58, born January 31, 1951, of South Side of Pittsburgh, went to be with the Lord Monday, September 21, 2009, in Montefiore Hospital, Pittsburgh.
He was a 23year Glassport resident, previously from West Mifflin. For the last 35 years he has been a steel worker/scheduler for U.S. Steel Irvin Works. He was also owner of the Red Hot Dollar and Garden Center in Glassport. He was a Vietnam Marine veteran, serving as guard in Vietnam, was a member of the Assembly of God Church, a member of the VFW Post 1810 in Brentwood, American Legion in Glassport, and a past councilman in Glassport.
He was the son of John and Anita (Auen) Stetor Sr. of West Mifflin; husband of Pam Wherry Stetor of Glassport; father of Joseph Stetor of Glassport and Rebecca, Susanna, Sarah and Kersti Stetor, all of Glassport; brother of John Stetor of McKeesport, Bob (Elaine) Stetor of Nottingham, Chuck (Lisa) Stetor of West Mifflin, Randy Stetor of Upper St. Clair, Cheryl (Doug) Biddle of Pleasant Hills and Robyn Clark of Morrow, Ohio, and many nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in E.C. Finney Funeral Home, 235 Monongahela Ave., Glassport. Funeral is Thursday, September 24, 2009, at 1 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park, North Huntingdon.
McKeesport Daily News October 2, 2009
KEVIN VICTOR
Kevin John Victor, 40 of Glassport, passed away Thursday, September 23, 2009, in Jefferson Regional Hospital.
He was born September 12, 1969, in McKeesport, the son of the late John and Susan Adamcik Victor. He is survived by his loving son Kevin J. Victor Jr. of Port Vue and sisters, Julianna Victor and Lesley Victor (Kevin) Morrow, both of Glassport. He is also survived by aunts Mary Ann and Rose Adamcik; an uncle John Adamcik and a niece Kayla Morrow and many friends.
No visitation or services will be held. A memorial gathering for Kevin will be Sunday, October 4, 2009, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Glassport No. 1 Fire Hall, 525 Allegheny Ave., Glassport, Pa. Funeral arrangement were entrusted to the William H. Craig Funeral Home Inc., 3000 Versailles Ave., McKeesport, Pa.
McKeesport Daily News October 3, 2009
EDWIN WITKOWSKI
Edwin F. Witkowski, 89, of Port Vue, died Friday, October 1, 2009. He was the son of the late Andrew and Veronica Witkowski.
He was a retired florist, owning his own business, as well as worked for Port Vue Florist and Breitinger Florist. He was a Port Vue fireman, a member of the American Legion in Port Vue and was a member of St. Martin de Porres. He also served in the U.S Army in World War II.
He is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Maharik) Witkowski; son Charles (Janice) Witkowski of Cranberry; daughter Veronica (Roy) Geiselhart of North Augusta, S.C.; grandchildren Sarah (Andy) Yount and Daniel Witkowski.
Friends will be received Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Wojciechowski Funeral Home, 640 Vermont Ave., Glassport, Pa., 15045, 412-672-6388. A Funeral Mass will be Monday, October 5, 2009, at 10 a.m. in the Queen of the Rosary Church with the Rev. Kedzierski. Entombment following in Jefferson Memorial Park.
McKeesport Daily News October 6, 2009
NANCY MEHALCIK
Nancy C. Mehalcik, 68, of Clairton, formerly of Glassport, died Sunday, October 4, 2009.
She was the daughter of the late Thomas and Margaret (Iacone) Nardone. She was the wife of the late Lawrence Mehalcik.
She was a clerk for Mrs. Field’s Cookies at Century III Mall; member of Queen of the Rosary and Ladies Auxiliary Reliance Hose Co. No. 2.
She is survived by her son Thomas Mehalcik of Glassport; sister Dorothy Nardone of Clairton; brother Angelo Nardone of Las Vegas; grandchildren Many and Darren Mehalcik; also nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in Wojciechowski Funeral Home, Glassport. A funeral Mass will be Thursday, October 8, 2009, at 10 a.m. in Queen of the Rosary with the Rev. Kedzierski. Interment following in Round Hill Cemetery.
McKeesport Daily News October 7, 2009
SHIRLEY JOHNSON
Shirley J. Johnson, 77, of Elizabeth, died Tuesday, October 6, 2009, in Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born April 9, 1932, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Clark and Bessie Cottom.
She was a retired admissions clerk for Jefferson Hospital and a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Glassport.
She was the wife of the late Robert Junior Johnson. She is survived by two sons, Robert C. (Ruth) Johnson and Scott A. Johnson, both of Elizabeth; six grandchildren, Amber Sewald, Michelle Sewald, Robbie Johnson, Kerisa Johnson, Kevin Johnson and Matthew Johnson, also nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by son Bruce E. Johnson and brother Russell Cottom.
Visitation is Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. in Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Funeral service is Friday, October 9, 2009, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Robert Gago. Interment in Mt. Vernon Cemetery.
McKeesport Daily News October 13, 2009
NICK CAVALIERE
Nick J. Cavaliere, 85, of White Oak, passed away Sunday, October 11, 2009, in UPMC McKeesport.
He was born October 15, 1923, in Italy, the son of the late Luigi and Giovina (D’Ulisse) Cavaliere.
He was a retired employee of Copperweld Steel and a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in World War II. Nick was a member of St. Angela Merici Church in White Oak.
He was preceded in death by his wife Xenia “Sally” (Thomas) Cavaliere and his daughter Joyce Hovanec. He is survived by his son-in-law Thomas Hovanec of McKeesport and a brother, Ralph Cavaliere of Pittsburgh. He is also survived by grandsons Gavin and Neil Hovanec of Swissvale; nieces and nephews.
No visitation will be held. Family and friends will gather in St. Angela Merici Church on Wednesday, October 14, 2009, at 10 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial with Fr. Stephen Chervenak officiating. Interment will follow in St. John’s Ukrainian Cemetery, North Versailles. Family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Angela’s Church. Arrangements are under the care of the William H. Craig Funeral Home Inc., 3000 Versailles Ave., McKeesport, Pa., 15132.
McKeesport Daily News October 13, 2009
RAYMOND GRICE
Raymond D. “Barney” Grice, 82, of McKeesport, passed away Monday, October 12, 2009, at home.
Born November 8, 1926, in Glassport, the son of the late Robert and Evangeline (McGowan) Grice.
He was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church and the church choir for over 50 years. He was retired from Standard Lighting Express Trucking. He was also a member of Teamsters 249, 11th Ward Club and an Active Pencil Player.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years Margaret (Williams) Grice; children Marcy (Tom) Bowman, Dennis Grice, Kevin (Lou Ann) Grice, and Wesley (Debbie) Grice; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by sisters Helen Filson, Blanche Lang, and Myrna Grice; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Family and friends may call Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the William H. Craig Funeral Home Inc., 3000 Versailles Ave., McKeesport, Pa., 15132. Service will be Thursday, October 15, 2009, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Debra Kociban officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth Township. The family requests in lieu of flowers that contributions be made to the Wesley United Methodist Church, The Cancer Society or Genises House Adoption Agency.
McKeesport Daily News October 15, 2009
GENEVIEVE MATHERS
Genevieve “Tina” Ruth Mathers, 85, of Liberty Borough, died Wednesday, October 14, 2009, in UPMC McKeesport, surrounded by her family at her passing.
She was a Port Vue, Glassport and Liberty Borough resident.
She was born April 22, 1924, in Clymer, daughter of the late John and Edna James Hite and wife of the late George Siskos and James Mathers.
She was a member of the Port Vue Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Martha, Esther and Mae and three brothers, Tom, John and Donald. She is survived by two daughter, Dorlea (Ron) Ho of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Georgette (David) Bemesderfer of Liberty Borough; two sisters, Lois Armstrong of Lewistown, Pa., and Eleanor Intine of San Diego, Calif.; two brothers, Robert (Dolores) Hite of North Versailles, and Harry Hite of Granada Hills, Calif.; five grandchildren, Shari (David) Lacivita, Michelle LaRue, Ernest (Meri) Segady, David (Andrea) Weir and Douglas (Stacy) Weir; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Friends will be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the E.C. Finney Funeral Home, 235 Monongohela Ave., Glassport, where services will be Saturday, October 17, 2009, at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Jack Kelly. Burial in Round Hill Cemetery. Family suggest contributions to the American Cancer Society.
McKeesport Daily News October 22, 2009
KENNETH NEALIS
Kenneth Nealis, 42, of Glassport, died Saturday, October 17, 2009.
He was born in Montclair, N.J., on March 30, 1967, and is the son of William Nealis and the late Sharon Flynn.
He was a cook.
He is survived by fiancee Darla Warman Grayson; children Kenneth Nealis Jr., Cory Nealis and Stephanie Nealis, all of Pittsburgh, Christina Nealis and Jessica Nealis of Allentown, Amanda Grayson, Amy Grayson, Rory Shelton and Robert Shelton, all of Glassport; grandchildren Keith and Devonte, and siblings Kimberly, Doreen and Peter.
Family was received Monday in HunterEdmundson-Striffler Funeral Home, 600 Market St., McKeesport, Pa., 15132, 412-678-6191 . To share tributes with the family, please acknowledge at Strifflers@verizon.net.
McKeesport Daily News October 23, 2009
MARY SEMAGO
Mary Semago of Glassport died Thursday, October 22, 2009.
She was the daughter of the late Michael and Elizabeth (Shandor) Protz, and the wife of the late Michael Semago.
She was a member of St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church and Port Vue Senior Citizens.
She was the mother of Betty (John) Dugan of Johnstown and Bob (Denise) Semago of Tampa, Fla.; grandmother of Nicole (Tim) Gummer of Herndon, Va., Michael and Mitchell Semago of Tampa, Fla.; and great-grandmother of Luke and Ben; also nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in Wojciechowski Funeral Home, 640 Vermont Ave., Glassport. A funeral service will be Sunday at 4 p.m. in the funeral home. A divine liturgy of Christian Burial will be Monday, October 26, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church with Father Donald Voss. Interment following in St. Nicholas Cemetery, North Versailles.
McKeesport Daily News October 24, 2009
WANDA KURUTZ
Wanda J. Kurutz, 90, of Pittsburgh, formerly of Elizabeth Township, died Thursday, October 22, 2009, in The Haven in North Hills.
Born on September 18, 1919, in Glassport, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Victoria (Buldak) Raszewski.
She was a member of the former St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Sutersville, now Holy Family Church in West Newton.
She is survived by a daughter, Bonita Roskwitalski and husband Tom of Pittsburgh; three grandchildren, Kimberly Kurutz of Ohio, Ryan Roskwitalski and wife Wendy of Shaler, and Scott Roskwitalski of Virginia; four greatgrandchildren, Cody, Hannah, Marcos, and Makenzie; and several brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband George Kurutz in 1952, and a son, Robert Kurutz, in 2005.
Friends will be received today from 10 to 11:45 a.m. in the J. William McCauley Jr. Funeral Home Inc., 901 Vine St., West Newton . A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, October 24, 2009, at noon in the Holy Family Church, West Newton, with the Rev. John T. Sweeney as celebrant. Interment will follow in West Newton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 100 W. Station Square Dr., Suite 500, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219.
McKeesport Daily News October 30, 2009
ANGELO DEMIS
Angelo L. Demis, 71, of Donora, died suddenly, Wednesday, October 28, 2009, in UPMC Presbyterian.
Mr. Demis was born in Glassport, March 7, 1938, a son of the late Louis and Josephine Telaga Demis.
He was the owner and operator of Chubs Pub in Donora for over 25 years. Angelo retired from the U.S. Army as a sergeant major and he also served in the Special Forces Green Beret. He was a graduate of Glassport High School, a sponsor of the NRA, a member of St. Dominic’s Social Club, a member of East Monongahela Sportsman Club and a member Of EE Jobes Post 212 American Legion, Donora.
Mr. Demis was preceded in death by two sons, Richard and Robert. Surviving is his stepson Stephen (Victoria) Walko of Donora; two nephews, Joe and David Demis, both of Las Vegas; and a special friend LuAnn Hardesty of Donora.
Friends will be received Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the James A. Rabe Funeral Home Inc., 701 Thompson Ave., Donora, where a blessing service will be Monday, November 2, 2009, at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Pierre M. Falkenhan officiating. Entombment with full military honors will follow in the Mon Valley Memorial Park, Donora. Family and friends may view the obituary and offer online condolences at www.rabe funeralhome. com.
McKeesport Daily News November 6, 2009
ANNA HAPSIAS
Anna M. Hapsias, 73, of Glassport, died Wednesday, November 4, 2009. She was the daughter of the late Earl and Anna (Cook) Kauffman. She was a member of Queen of the Rosary and their Ladies Catholic Bowling League.
She is survived by her husband Gus P. Hapsias Jr.; son Michael (Carol) Hapsias of Glassport; daughters Marie (Dan) Fescemyer of Clarion, and Janet (Matt) Grillo of Pine, Colo.; grandchildren Laura, Jessica, Andrew, Anthony, Alex, Ian, Christopher and Carolyn; sister-in-laws Jerry Kauffman and Dorothy Kauffman. She was preceded in death by brothers Earl Jr., Tom and Adam.
Friends will be received Saturday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in Wojciechowski Funeral Home, Glassport. A funeral Mass will be Monday, November 9, 2009, at 10 a.m. in Queen of the Rosary Church with the Rev. Kedzierski. Interment following in New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles.
McKeesport Daily News November 7, 2009
THERESA PASINSKI
Theresa Pasinski, 96, of Glassport, died Friday, November 6, 2009. She was the daughter of the late Walter and Magdalen (Paniczko) Pogorzelski and wife of the late Theodore Pasinski. She was a member of Queen of the Rosary Church, Christian Mothers and the Rosary Society.
Mother of Richard (Millie) Pasinski of Liverpoole, N.Y., Rita Mae (Charles) Israel of North Huntingdon, and Joan (Frank) Petras of North Huntingdon; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Friends will be received Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the Wojciechowski Funeral Home, 640 Vermont Ave., Glassport, Pa., 15045, 412-672-6388. A funeral Mass will be Tuesday, November 10, 2009, at 10 a.m. in the Queen of the Rosary Church with the Rev. Kedzierski. Interment following in Calvary Cemetery, Port Vue. Memorial contributions can be made to the Via Quest Hospice, Main Street, Irwin, Pa., 15642.
Tribune Review November 11, 2009
Dorothy M. Vay
Lincoln Borough
Dorothy Marie Vay, 70, of Lincoln Borough, died Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009, in UPMC Shadyside.
She was born Sept. 20, 1939, in McKeesport, and was the daughter of the late Michael and Elizabeth (Kakis) Moonis.
She was a member of St. Mark's Catholic Church, Liberty Borough, where she was a Bell Ringer, Eucharistic Minister and member of the Christian Mothers. She was also a member of Lincoln Mothers Club, the Lincoln Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, Lincoln Borough EMS Director, Elizabeth Township EMS and the Ladies Red Hat Society. Dorothy was a Troop Leader for the Girl Scouts for more than 45 years and was a Gold Award Advisor. She was also a First Aid and CPR Instructor.
She is survived by her husband, Nickolas Vay; daughter, Denise Vay and husband, Chris Jones, of Indiana Township; son, Nicholas and wife, Sara, of Lincoln; grandchildren, Nicholas, Michael, Luke, Beth and Carly; a brother, Donald and wife, Mary Jo Moonis, of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and nieces and nephews.
Friends are welcome from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday at the GILBERT FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY INC., 6028 Smithfield St., Boston, Elizabeth Township. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at the St. Mark's Catholic Church, Liberty Borough, with the Rev. Gerald S. Mikonis, officiating. Interment will follow at the Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth Township.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark's Catholic Church, the Lincoln Fire Company, the Leukemia Foundation & Lymphoma Society, River Walk Corporate Center, No. 441, 333 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219, or the Southwestern Pennsylvania Girl Scouts.
This next article published in
McKeesport Daily News November 12, 2009
Community remembers Lincoln resident Dorothy ‘Dot’ Vay
— Photo Courtesy of the Vay family
“Dot was a wonderful person who inspired dedication and touched all our lives. I don’t think words can convey our gratitude for her tremendous contribution over so many years and in so many ways.”
By STACY LEE Daily News Staff Writer slee@dailynewsemail.com
Dorothy Vay is being remembered by the Lincoln community.
“How can you explain what someone meant to the borough when they meant everything?” Lincoln Councilwoman Tammy Firda said of Dorothy “Dot” Vay.
Vay, 70, of Lincoln, is being remembered as someone who would do anything for anyone, a woman who was involved with many organizations.
She lost her battle with acute myelogenous leukemia on Tuesday at UPMC Shadyside. Vay, who was the director of Lincoln Volunteer Fire & Rescue Co. EMS, was diagnosed in April and was undergoing various types of chemo therapy treatments.
“We were never able to get her into remission,” her daughter Denise Vay said. “They’d always hoped there were some kinds of drugs she could take so that she could live with it.” Dorothy Vay always thought of others first, even when she was in the hospital. Lincoln VFRC conducted a blood drive in her honor because she wanted to replenish the blood supply she used during treatments for cancer. Hundreds came out to support a woman who touched so many lives.
“She was a very caring and loving person,” Denise Vay said. “She was always there for us.” Dorothy Vay’s husband Nick, Lincoln’s mayor, wasn’t the only one in the family to be involved in borough government. Dorothy was a councilwoman more than 40 years ago, and also served as borough secretary and Lincoln Democratic Committee chairwoman.
“The borough is saddened and our deepest heartfelt sympathy goes out to her family,” Firda said. “Dot was a wonderful person who inspired dedication and touched all our lives. I don’t think words can convey our gratitude for her tremendous contribution over so many years and in so many ways.” “Anytime there was a problem, Dorothy was there to help you,” said longtime friend Josie Gabauer. “We lived two rows (of houses) apart. She was like a sister to me. She was my best friend. We did everything together.” Dorothy was a Girl Scout troop leader for more than 45 years and a Gold Award advisor.
“We took the Girl Scouts to England,” Gabauer said. “We also went through 11 states. If one of the girls couldn’t afford to go, (Vay) would make homemade bread and I would make homemade nutrolls to raise money so that all the girls could go.” When Vay became a school bus driver, Gabauer became a bus monitor. The friends were Lincoln VFRC’s Ladies Auxiliary members and trained to become EMTs together.
Vay was with Lincoln VFRC EMS since its inception in 1970 and later became a paramedic.
Lincoln VFRC Fire Chief Don Bertok said he ran into Vay when she was sick and he had a health problem.
“I asked her how she was and she said, ‘No, how are you? Don’t worry about me,’” he said. “She wasn’t worried about herself.” One time, Bertok said, Vay insisted on directing traffic at an accident scene even though she had an injured leg.
“She always put other people in front of herself,” he said.
Vay volunteered with Elizabeth Township EMS, as well.
“Dorothy Vay is a true community champion,” Elizabeth Township EMS Director Chris Dell said. “She was involved in so many community projects, whether it was Girl Scouts, the fire department or Red Hats.” Vay also taught first aid — Tammy Firda and CPR.
She belonged to St. Mark’s Catholic Church, where she was a bell ringer, Eucharistic minister and member of the Christian Mothers.
She was a member of the Lincoln Mothers Club and Ladies Red Hat Society. She also made dinner for senior citizens at Christmas time and prepared treat bags for children at Halloween.
Dorothy and Nick Vay also have one son, Nicholas, and five grandchildren.
McKeesport Daily News November 19, 2009
WAYNE CARAPELLA
Wayne Edward Carapella, 65, of Glassport, died Wednesday, November 18, 2009, in UPMC Montifore Hospital, Pittsburgh.
Born February 1, 1953, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Albert and Elizabeth Cipriani Carapella. He was preceded in death by a brother, John Carapella.
He was a lifelong Glassport resident. He was a retired plumber for Puzzuto Plumbing Co. in McKeesport, for some 21 years. He was a member of St. Mark’s Roman Catholic Church, Port Vue. He passed away peacefully with family by his side. He enjoyed watching the Steelers and the Penguins at his pub; also fishing, and playing bocci ball with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Kimberly A. Stetar Carapella at home; loving children, two sons, Sonny Carapella and Joseph Carapella, both at home; daughter Dana (Christopher) Evans of Elizabeth Township; sister Marie (Bill) Robinson of Clairton; granddaughter Mercedesz Boyce of Elizabeth Township; nephew Rocco, Paul (Vicki) and Julien, all of Clairton; mother-in-law Donna Stetar of Port Vue; host of aunts, uncles, nieces, other nephews, cousins, brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws.
Visitation is Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in E. C. Finney Funeral Home, 235 Monongahela Ave., Glassport. A Blessing Service is Saturday, November 21, 2009, at 10 a.m. from the funeral home with the Rev. Jerry Mikonis officiating. Interment is in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Township.
McKeesport Daily News November 23, 2009
DR. ROBERT LaFRANKIE
Dr. Robert L. LaFrankie, 80, former Bethlehem Area School District superintendent, peacefully passed away at home surrounded by his wife and five children on Thursday, November 19, 2009.
LaFrankie, of Hanover Township, was truly a special, passionate man who loved his God, his family and his country. He was the third of seven children born to John and Susan (Heidrick) LaFrankie in Elizabeth, on December 23, 1928. LaFrankie, a member of the greatest generation, lived through the depression before voluntarily joining the Marine Corps during World War II at the age of 17.
Inspired by his desire to serve others, Bob’s calling was education, first as a classroom teacher, coach, principal, and then superintendent. He earned his doctorate of education from Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City. He dedicated 46 years of his life to educating students in both public and parochial schools in four states including Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. An area educator, he served as superintendent of Clairton schools and was former principal of Glassport High School.
Bob’s true love was his wife of 53 years, Sheila, and he often remarked that God had picked the perfect partner for him. Bob was a devouted Catholic and a longtime member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic Church, Whitehall, where he was a lector and minister of the Eucharist. He was the author of the book, “One Nation Under God: A Blessing and a Curse,” dealing with violence in America and America’s schools. Bob served as a Rifleman Post Honor Guard for the American Legion Johnson Post 379. He was also a lifelong Fighting Irish fan and was busy working on a new book on Notre Dame football. He was in the process of painstakingly reading his father’s volumes of original sports clippings about the team as a basis for his new work. Bob’s children promise to finish his latest passion.
He was the father of daughters Joan Pense and Dan of Atlantic City, N.J., Dianne Margle and Stanley of Palmer Township, Susanne Principato and Robert of Haddonfield, N.J.; sons, Robert and Alexandra of Washington, D.C., and Patrick and Jennifer of Newark, Del. Bob was grandfather Pap to 17 grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers William of Schnecksville, Donald of Marlboro, Mass., and Raymond of Pittsburgh; sister, Mary Lou Braum of Greenock, Pa. He was predeceased by brothers, John of Pittsburgh and James of Cary, N.C.
Family and friends are invited to call Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. in t h e Pearson Funeral Home, 1901 Linden St., Bethlehem. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, November 24, 2009, at 10 a.m. in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic Church, with the Rev. Msgr. Anthony Muntone officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family sincerely requests that donations be made in Bob’s name to the memorial fund at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic Church, 618 Fullerton Ave., Whitehall, Pa., 18052.
McKeesport Daily News November 28, 2009
RUTHANN BURNETT
Ruthann Rollins Burnett of Port Vue, formerly of West Elizabeth, died Friday, November 27, 2009. Ruthann was a member of the Elizabeth Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and a member of the West Elizabeth Methodist Church.
She was the beloved wife of the Honorable Edward Burnett; loving mother of Dianna Burnett (Zon Vern Pyles); daughter of the late John and Elizabeth Rollins; dear sister of Ginger (Jay) Boneysteele and the late Willa Mae Zeeman.
Visitation will be Sunday from 7 to 9 and Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Inc., 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pleasant Hills, where a service will be Tuesday, December 1, 2009, at noon. Entombment is in Jefferson Memorial Park. Memorial
Page last updated November 29, 2009