January 28, 2026 |
By Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home | Posted in: Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home
Karen K. (Wallace) Brieck, age 81, of Duquesne, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in Jefferson Hospital. Born in Duquesne on November 11, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Charles R. and Ruth E. (Bell) Wallace. She was a retired beautician and formerly worked at the former Mann’s Bros. grocery store in Duquesne. She was a former member of the Duquesne Croatian Club, Dravosburg V.F.W. and the Dravosburg Fire Hall.
Karen was the wife of the late Daniel V. “Danny Boy” Brieck Jr.; and mother of Daniel V. Brieck III of Duquesne and Deborah Green of Duquesne; stepmother of Robert (Jody) Brieck of Elizabeth Twp., Donald (Jeannie) Brieck of Lincoln Boro, Daniel John (Irene) Brieck of Elizabeth, PA and Randy T. Brieck of Land ‘O Lakes, FL; 2 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and sister of Glenda (late Donald) Scharer of Duquesne, DeWayne (late Diane) Wallace of Somerset, Bruce Wallace of Ohio and Nancy Wallace of North Versailles. She is also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., at the MALOY-SCHLEIFER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 915 KENNEDY AVE., DUQUESNE, 15110, 412-466-3300, WILLIAM B. SCHLEIFER, SUPERVISOR, WILLIAM BRIAN SCHLEIFER AND ALLAN J. WEBER, FUNERAL DIRECTORS. Funeral Service and Time of Remembrance will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., conducted by her daughter Deborah Green, at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park-Irwin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
January 28, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Evelyn Perrone, age 90 of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 in Whitehall Borough Post Acute. Born May 20, 1935 in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late Amos and Cesarina (Lombardi) Dolfi. A member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church, Evelyn is survived by her children Peter Perrone of Jefferson Hills and Andrea (the late Walter) Herrick of Rochester, NY. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Clinton Perrone, her brother Emil Dolfi, and her sister Dorothy Florenz.
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January 28, 2026 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sandra Mozes, age 68, who departed this life on January 26, 2026, at UPMC Magee Hospital. Born on March 9, 1957, in Wilkinsburg, Sandra was the daughter of the late Gordon R. Zawasky and Margaret (Ord) Shearer-Zawasky. She shared her life with her loving partner, Kirk Simmons.
Sandra was known for her warmth and her love for life. In her earlier years, she wore many hats, including that of a professional house cleaner. She had a passion for traveling the world- recalling fond memories of camping trips and swimming adventures. As a lover of animals, her heart was especially drawn to elephants, giraffes, monkeys, and cheetahs. In her quieter moments, she found joy in playing computer games, and playing cards with her sister-in-law, Cheryl..
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January 28, 2026 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Laura Grace Charlesworth, 58, of North Huntingdon, formerly of White Oak, passed away Sunday, January 25, 2026 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of James E. "Jim" Charlesworth, Sr. of North Huntingdon and the late Mary Anne Charlesworth. Laura graduated from Messiah College with her Masters Degree. She went on to work as a Mental Health Therapist for many agencies, most recently Auberle in McKeesport. She was a member of First Evangelical Free Church in McKeesport, where she volunteered with the children's ministries. She loved being with and working with children. Laura found great fulfillment working with her clients as a therapist. She will be greatly missed by her friends and family.
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January 28, 2026 |
By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory
Patricia Wankulitz, age 87, of North Versailles, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on January 25, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of strength, resilience, and sharp-witted humor that will not soon be forgotten. She was born in Duquesne, Pennsylvania, to her parents, Peter and Mary (Zoltan) Phillips. Pat was happily married to her husband, George Wankulitz, for 43 years and became a widow in 2000. Old-fashioned in the best ways and never afraid to be sarcastic, Pat had a gentle but sharp sense of humor that could catch you off guard and leave you laughing long after. She was strong, resilient, and fiercely independent-a woman who faced life head-on and handled whatever came her way with grit and grace. She loved deeply and showed it through her care for family, her steady presence, and the many quiet ways she looked after the people she loved. Her faith in Jesus was personal and meaningful, providing comfort, guidance, and strength throughout her life. She carried that faith quietly but confidently, trusting in her relationship with Him in both joyful and difficult seasons.
Her interests reflected both her creativity and her fun-loving spirit. She enjoyed crocheting, reading a good book, playing cards, visiting casinos, and visiting flea markets. A devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan, she rarely missed a chance to cheer them on.
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January 27, 2026 |
By Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home | Posted in: Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home
Joan M. (Logan) Lesko, age 89, of Dravosburg, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, at home. Born in McKeesport on October 10, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Margaret (Cruden) Logan. She was a member of St. Agnes Church, West Mifflin, of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. She enjoyed going to the casino, feeding the birds, having family for holidays and birthdays and making chocolate chip cookies for her grandson, Aaron.
Joan was the beloved wife of 52 years to the late George A. “Greg” Lesko, who passed away on September 15, 2012. She is the mother of Gregory “Greg” (Nancy) Lesko of Dravosburg and Susan (Michael) Husak of Plum Boro; grandmother of Aaron Lesko (Brittany Schaeffer); and sister of the late James (late Marian) Logan.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 2-8 p.m., at the MALOY-SCHLEIFER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 915 KENNEDY AVE., DUQUESNE, 15110, 412-466-3300, WILLIAM B. SCHLEIFER, SUPERVISOR, WILLIAM BRIAN SCHLEIFER AND ALLAN J. WEBER, FUNERAL DIRECTORS, where a Blessing Service will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m., at St. Agnes Church, West Mifflin, with Fr. Paul Zywan, officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Trinity Cemetery, West Mifflin.
The funeral will be live-streamed to the Funeral Home website: www.maloy-schleiferfuneralhome.com
January 27, 2026 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Gail "Cookie" Odorcich, a dedicated advocate for children and a beloved member of the McKeesport/Versailles community, passed away peacefully at home on January 20th, 2026. Cookie dedicated her career to ensuring that no child was left behind by life’s circumstances. As the Educational Coordinator for the Allegheny Homeless Children's Initiative, she was a fierce protector and mentor. Her work in homeless education has been recognized by GSA, Crisis Center North, Sojourner House, and the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. In 2005, her tireless work was recognized by the Homeless Children's Education Fund (HCEF), an honor that reflected her deep-seated belief that every child deserves a path to success regardless of their housing status. Her passion for community service did not end there. She was a volunteer at Women’s Place, helping victims of domestic violence. She served as a chairperson for the PTA, a Girl Scout Troop Leader, a leader of the Versailles Baton and Drum Corp, and countless other organizations.
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January 26, 2026 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Donald Robert Carney, age 41, of McKeesport, PA, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026. He was born in Monroeville, PA on June 7, 1984 and is the son of Margaret Lucas Carney of McKeesport, PA and the late Donald Peter Carney.
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January 26, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Scott W. Sellitto, age 47 of North Huntingdon, passed away tragically on January 23, 2026. He was born on November 27, 1978 in Pittsburgh, a son of William Sellitto and the late Deborah Povanda Sellitto. Scott graduated from Norwin High School in the class of 1997. Following high school, he earned an economics degree from Penn State University in 2001. He was an avid fan of Penn State sports. Following his college graduation, Scott fulfilled a career as the owner of S. Sellitto Insurance LLC, otherwise known as My Insurance People in McKeesport. Above all, Scott lived a life dedicated to his son, Jackson. In addition to his mother, Scott was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Kara Noelle Sellitto. In addition to his father, Scott is survived by his son, Jackson Scott Sellitto, Jackson's mother Heide, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and his beloved chocolate lab, Pheobe. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Saturday from 1 PM to 4 PM. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
January 26, 2026 |
By Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home | Posted in: Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home
Olga C. Darnay, 103, of West Mifflin, died Jan. 21, 2026. She is the beloved wife of the late John P. Darnay, Sr. She is survived by her granddaughter Marissa (Bryan) Marsh; grandsons John "JR" Darnay and Michael (Erin) Darnay and great grandchildren Emma, Bryce and Blake. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son John P. Darnay, Jr. Friends will be received at the Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home in Duquesne on Fri. From 6 to 8. Interment at the Hungarian Reformed Cemetery in West Mifflin will be private.
January 26, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Craig Carroll Peterson ended his journey on earth on January 25, 2026. He was the son of Carroll Victor Peterson and Jennie Prince Peterson of Clairton, PA. Born on June 10, 1946, Craig was outgoing and rebellious from the time of his birth. He shocked his mother by crawling out of his crib and down a flight of steps to join her in the backyard while she was hanging laundry—at six months of age!
Craig was a cub scout, boy scout and Eagle scout. He was tapped for the Order of the Arrow—the only scout award selected by fellow scouts for outstanding leadership. In junior and senior high school, he played the clarinet and French horn in the orchestral and marching bands. He loved music of every genre and could name every performer and song from the 1960s and 70s. He spent one summer in Cordoba, Argentina, as an exchange student and then hosted a student from Colombia for one semester. He never lost his Spanish language skills.
Craig loved distinctive cars and bought a 1929 Ford Model A when he was 16. He owned a classic Volkswagen “Bug” and a British-produced, Griffith, which was a low, sleek, two-seater sports car. It was on his Honda motorcycle in 1967 that he was broadsided by a car and lost his foot in the accident.
He graduated from Clairton High School in 1964 and from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Psychology. He worked in various sales jobs and especially liked selling electronics because he knew so much about them.
He moved to San Francisco for 10 years and enjoyed the counter-culture lifestyle of that city. But he returned to the Pittsburgh area for the remainder of his life. He battled psychological problems for much of his adult life and had the courage to endure the problems on a daily basis.
Craig maintained friendships all his life, even from grade school. He is survived by his sister, Diane Peterson Mathis (Larry Mathis) of Houston, TX.
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January 26, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Linda Jean Sydeski (65), of Monroeville, Pennsylvania, originally from Glassport, died on January 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, surrounded by deep love and the kind of community she spent her whole life building and loving.
Linda spent most of her adult life and her entire career in Ripley, West Virginia, where she devoted over 30 years to Jackson County Schools as an elementary school teacher. She began in special education and later taught third and fourth grade, becoming the kind of teacher children remember forever for how safe, seen, and loved she made them feel.
A graduate of South Allegheny High School and Slippery Rock University, Linda carried her love for others and joy of life everywhere: in her classroom, in her friendships, at the Monroeville Senior Center, and especially in her family life. After retiring, she returned to the Pittsburgh area to be close to the people she loved most - especially her grandson, Augustus (“Gus”) Sydeski, now 10, who brought her endless pride and joy.
Linda’s joy wasn’t subtle. She had an infectious smile, a laugh people could recognize from across a room, and a way of making life feel lighter just by being in it. She loved pizza, spontaneous adventures, and she had a soundtrack for happiness: “Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night, a family staple this past year, sung together often. She also enjoyed Jelly Roll, because Linda had range. She loved Halloween and was exceedingly talented at making nut rolls and crocheting toy creatures.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin “Legs” Sydeski and Lois Elaine Sydeski, along with cats, Faith and Dottie, and grand-dogs, Dante and Sirius.
She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Sydeski Factor; son-in-law, Bradley Factor; grandson, Augustus Sydeski; brother, Tom (wife Dee) Sydeski; niece, Allison; nephew, Shaun; and great-niece, Alexis. She is also lovingly remembered by grand-dogs Ember and Shadow, and her own dog, Eddie.
Linda’s final year followed complications from surgery related to a congenital heart defect. Even then, she met each day with courage, humor, and the love of life that made her her. That year held hard moments, but it also held beauty: Gus reading to her, playing guitar for her, family singing together, and the kind of ordinary joy Linda always made extraordinary.
Visitation will be at the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 3-7 PM. A funeral service in the funeral home chapel will be Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 10 AM with Pastor Justin Baker officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Vernon Cemetery, and a time of food and fellowship will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Linda’s memorial scholarship can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/linda-jean-sydeski-scholarship-fund
May her memory be a blessing, and may her love remain a light in the lives of everyone she cared for so well.
Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
January 23, 2026 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Randy Farrell Quiggle, 61, of Port Vue passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026. He was born in McKeesport on March 29, 1964 to the late Leonard Nelson Quiggle, and the late Dolores Jean (Elm) Quiggle-Hite. A devoted father, Randy raised three daughters and poured his love, wisdom, and steady presence into their lives, but his greatest joy was being a grandfather; he absolutely adored his grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with them. Not to mention his favorite girls, their dogs, Lola & Laydee. He loved fishing, quad riding, camping, and especially the family trips to Sunset Beach, NC - a place that held many wonderful anniversaries and cherished memories. He had a fascination with trains, and a natural curiosity that led him to tinker with just about anything he could get his hands on. Later in life, he discovered a passion for fish tanks, eventually breeding angelfish and becoming deeply immersed in the world of aquariums-a hobby that perfectly reflected his patience, creativity, and attention to detail. Those who knew Randy will remember his hands always busy, his heart always full, and his love for family, nature, and simple joys.
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January 23, 2026 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Vicki Ann Gonzales, age 57, of McKeesport, PA, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026. She was born in McKeesport, PA on May 19, 1968 and is the daughter of Loretta Sanoba of Kittanning, PA and the late Joseph “Bud” Gonzales. Vicki was employed as a cashier at Dollar Tree, where she made many close friends. Her favorite activities included watching movies and listening to music, especially her favorite artist, Prince. Her favorite color was purple, and she had such a big, loving heart.
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January 22, 2026 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Regina M. Thorne, age 90, of North Huntingdon, died on January 20, 2026, at Forbes Hospital. Born October 17, 1935, in Glassport, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Anna (Demchak) Wible and the wife of the late Don Roberts, Charles Boehm, and Thomas "Fred" Thorne, III.
Regina dedicated her career to the US Air, where she worked in reservations and connected countless travelers with their adventures. Regina's passions brought her joy in many forms. She found solace in crocheting, cross-stitching, and sewing, often creating beautiful pieces to share with family and friends. Her artistic spirit also led her to the craft of jewelry making, where she poured her love into each creation. Regina cherished family and loved ones dearly, making every moment spent with them a delightful memory, whether on joyous cruises or camping trips to Presque Isle. A true companion in life's joyful pursuits, Regina found enjoyment in bowling, bingo nights, and thrilling trips to the casino. She particularly relished playing poker with family and friends, always bringing laughter and camaraderie to the table.
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