April 28, 2026 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
John Robert Richards, 70, of Confluence, passed away on Tuesday, April 27, 2026. He was born January 5, 1956 in Homestead and was the son of the late John Albert and Ruth Ann (Gasper) Richards. John lived a life full of adventures. He was a brilliant student, graduating from Penn State with a degree in accounting and went on to use his financial wisdom helping people where he worked at Cash Time in Phoenix, Arizona. He spent most of his adult life in Arizona, building lifelong friendships and enjoying the beautiful surroundings, especially in Sedona. John moved back home to Pennsylvania in 2024 to be close to his family. He lived on a mountaintop above Ohiopyle on his sister and brother-in-law's Christmas Tree farm, where he marveled at the beauty of nature, animals, the sun and the moon everyday. He also really enjoyed mowing grass on the farm. even if a few small trees were sacrificed in the process. John found great comfort in his daily readings from the Bible that his father had gifted him on his 21st birthday. He loved to tell stories and will be remembered for his generosity, broad smile, infectious laugh and love for his family and friends.
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April 28, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Gerald J. "Kid" Cola, Jr., age 64 of Clairton, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026 at Select Specialty - UPMC McKeesport Hospital. Born August 22, 1961 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Gerald J. Cola, Sr. and Elsie (Germek) Cola. A former security guard at US Steel - Clairton Works, Gerald was a member of the Sons of Columbus - Santa Maria Council #4 and a social member of the American Legion - Daniel Keffer Post #75, both of Clairton. In his spare time, he loved sports, gardening, and most of all his dog Wilson. Gerald is survived by his wife Shari (Chasko) Cola; his children Jessica (Shane) Briggs of Jefferson Hills, Malarie Bartko of Elizabeth, and Richard "R.J." Bartko of Clairton; his grandchildren Isaiah, Ian, Serenity, Alyssa, Colton, Kierra, Devlin, Deion, Haylee, and Haven; and his brother Gregory Cola of Elizabeth.
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April 28, 2026 |
By Wojciechowski Funeral Home | Posted in: Wojciechowski Funeral Home
Anthony "Tony" J. Lepako, 72, of Mckeesport died April 24, 2026. He is the son of the late Anthony and Minnie "Shranatan" Lepako. He is survived by his aunt Vera "Snookie" Plunko and many cousins and friends. Tony was a retired senior tech analyst for Highmark Blue Cross- Blue Shield. He was a former member of Christ the Light of the World Parish, Men's Club, church council, and an usher. Friends will be received at the Wojciechowski Funeral Home, Glassport on Monday May 4th from 2-4 and 6-8. A funeral mass will be held Tuesday May 5th at 10:30am at Queen of the Rosary Church with Rev. Thomas J. Burke- Celebrant. Entombment following at New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles.
April 28, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Joseph A. “Chis” Chisick, age 97, of Jefferson Hills, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Whitehall Borough Post Acute. A U.S. Army veteran having served during World War II, he was a retired postal worker for the United States Postal Service in Clairton. He enjoyed his family, crosswords, playing cards and the lottery, and he loved all Pittsburgh sports teams. Born September 10, 1928 in Clairton, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Vargo) Chisick and husband of the late Arlene C. (Davis) Chisick. He is survived by his daughters, Rebecca Grady of Whitehall and Christine (Tim) Biery of Upper St. Clair; son, Joseph C. Chisick of Jefferson Hills; grandchildren, Michael, Kristopher and Alexandra Grady, Trisha (Ross) Steffy, Shannon (Matt) Finch and Jonathon (Taylor) Biery; great-grandchildren, Hudson and Hayes Biery, Julian Finch and Tilly Steffy; sisters-in-law, Cindy (George) Tauber of Toledo, OH and Sherry (Jeff) Matola of Columbus, OH; brother-in-law, LaRoss Campbell of Pittsburgh; also, nieces and nephews. His family would like to thank his dear sweet neighbor, Carole Tignanelli, and longtime caregivers who enabled him to spend almost all of his late life living in his own home, Carleen and Kristen. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by sisters, Helen DiSciullo and Bernadette Abrasheff. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Friday, May 1, 2026 from 11 AM until the time of blessing at 12 Noon with the Rev. Thomas J. Burke officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Lebanon Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pediatric Cardiology and Heart Institute, UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
April 28, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Joseph R. Mitko, age 77 of the Villages, FL and formerly of West Mifflin, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 20, 2026 at home with his wife of 55 years by his side. Born April 3, 1949 in Uniontown, he was a son of the late Joseph and Gertrude (Christobek) Mitko. Joe lived a prosperous life providing for this family starting out working as a manager at McDonald's while putting himself through business school at Point Park College and as a member of Pennsylvania National Guard. He then went to work for US Steel and Olympic Steel and traveled the world. He retired from Nippon Steel through which he traveled to South Korea and Japan. After retirement, he relocated to The Villages, FL where he found a second career as a community watchman. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandkids golfing and enjoying the nightlife at the Village squares. Joe is survived by his wife Jackie Mitko; his son Joel (Erin) Mitko; his daughter Jessica (Anthony, Jr) Mitko; his grandsons Austin and Riley Mitko; his sisters Maryann Mitko and Elaine (Robert) Fankulewski; his brother Ronald (Renee) Mitko; and nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by his mother-in-law Clara Mae Riley.
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April 27, 2026 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Priscilla Ann O’Donnell, of McKeesport, PA, age 77, died Sunday, April 26, 2026, at her residence. She was born in McKeesport on April 20, 1949, and is the daughter of the late Harry and Helen Pomaibo Wigand. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ronald O’Donnell, and sister, Rose Duncan.
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April 27, 2026 |
By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory
William E. Odorcich, Sr., age 83, of White Oak, died April 23, 2026, at Kadima Nursing Home of Irwin. Born October 15, 1942, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late William and Katherine (Zalac) Odorcich and the husband of Janet (Klein) Odorcich.
Bill retired from US Steel, Duquesne Works, where he was a maintenance supervisor. He was a US Army veteran, serving during the Vietnam War, as a radio operator. Bill was an avid organizer and self-taught computer builder. In his early years , he enjoyed hunting, camping and fixing just about anything.
In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by his step-daughter, Heather Hamilton of McKeesport; granddaughter, April Hamilton of Austin, TX; sister, Linda Farmer of Elizabeth; niece, Shelly Farmer; and nephews, William Farmer, and Robert Farmer
Along with his parents, William and Katherine Odorich, Bill was also preceded in death by his son William E. Odorcich, Jr.
Arrangements were entrusted to Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.jaycox-jaworskifh.com.
Chris Odasso, Supervisor
April 27, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Kristen “T” Felicetty, age 68 of West Newton and formerly of Glassport, passed away at home on Friday, April 24, 2026. Born January 28, 1958, in McKeesport, she was the beloved daughter of the late Emil and Gaynelle (Woy) Felicetty. In addition to her parents, Kristen was preceded in death by her brothers, Shawn and Kerry Felicetty, and the love of her life, Larry Raisner. K risten dedicated many years of her life to her nursing career before retiring. She had a deep love for music and could often be found enjoying music festivals. A devoted Pittsburgh sports fan, she proudly cheered on the Steelers, Pitt Panthers, and the Clairton Bears. She found great joy in spoiling her great-nieces-and-nephews and treasured the time spent with them, as well as with her beloved cat. Known for her kindness and generosity, Kristen was always quick to lend a helping hand and brought light into the lives of so many who knew her. She is survived by her brother, Shannon (Tamara) Felicetty of Buena Vista; her nieces and nephews: Crystal (Dave) Slover, Samantha (Marc) Fate, Sarah (Marty) Sidorchuck, Ryan (Samantha) Felicetty, and Emily Felicetty; and her cherished great-nieces and nephews: Mark, Felicity, Teddy, Kinleigh, Marek, and Alivia. "Never travel faster than your Guardian Angel can fly."
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April 26, 2026 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
James Dale Davison, age 81, of North Huntingdon, PA, died on Thursday, April 23, 2026. He was born in McKeesport, PA on February 26, 1945, and was the son of the late Dale and Kathryn Bernick Davison. He enjoyed gardening, computers, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and oldies music.
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April 26, 2026 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Donald F. Ivan, age 93, of Glassport, PA, passed away surrounded by his loving family at UPMC East on April 12, 2026. Born in McKeesport, PA on August 21, 1932, he was the son of the late Michael J. and Mary Moseh Ivan. Donald proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was employed as a stator stripper for Westinghouse Electric. He coached for many years in the Glassport slow pitch league. He was a life long sports fan of the black and gold. One of his favorite hobbies was cutting the grass and keeping his yard beautiful. He was a devoted husband and family man. Donald and Mary Lou would have celebrated 62 years of marriage on May 2nd.
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April 26, 2026 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Ruth Snodgrass, age 85, of Dravosburg, PA, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026. She was born in McKeesport, PA on September 17, 1940 and was the daughter of the late August and Arletta Carr Kohl. While Ruth was raising her children, she was employed at Hickory Farms in Century III Mall and People’s Bank. She later retired to babysit her grandchildren. She enjoyed many hobbies, including putting photo albums together for her family, planting many gardens around her home, and sneaking off to the casino to play penny slots. Ruth was also famous for her delicious, homemade pies.
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April 26, 2026 |
By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes
Bob “Iggy” Ignat, 82, died peacefully and claimed the promise of the resurrection on April 23rd after a long battle with bladder cancer.
Iggy worked for General Motors for more than 35 years and was a proud, lifelong supporter of the United Auto Workers. He served his country as a sharpshooter in the United States Army and continued his service in the Army National Guard throughout the 1960s. He was a member of Holy Name/St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Cheyenne (McKelvey); his parents, John and Betty (Chakey); and his brother, Richard. He is survived by his brothers Ron and John, daughters, Diane (Steve) Potucek of Virginia and Debby (Tarry) Butner of Florida; eight grandchildren; one great‑grandson and many nieces and nephews.
Iggy was a simple, steady soul who found joy in the little things—listening to oldies, watching a Steeler game, enjoying an afternoon beer at Harvey’s, and treating himself to a Snickers. In his final days, he received exceptional care marked by dignity, compassion, and respect from the medical staff at the Veterans Association Medical Center and the HJ Heinz Hospice Center team in Pittsburgh.
In memory of Iggy, the family requests that donations be made to the Veterans Association of America or The Fisher House Foundation. A private family ceremony will be held in celebration of his life.
Arrangements have been entrusted to I.M FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 203 4th St, Dravosburg, PA 15034. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com
April 26, 2026 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Robert E. Danforth, known to friends and family simply as Bob, passed away unexpectedly at home on April 22, 2026, at the age of 55. Born on October 6, 1970, in McKeesport, PA, he was the beloved son of Barbara (Jeffrey) Held and the late Robert E. Danforth.
A proud graduate of McKeesport High School and the former Vale Tech Vocational School, Bob earned a diploma in automotive technology. He spent his working years in roles that reflected his passion for mechanics and teamwork, including his time at Ingram Barge Company in the marine transport division and as the manager of Jiffy Lube in Pittsburgh.
Bob was a true outdoorsman at heart. Whether it was fishing, hunting, or boating, he loved being out in nature. A dedicated sports fan, he never missed a chance to cheer on his Pittsburgh teams. His greatest joy came from coaching and playing baseball with his boys, creating cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
Bob is survived by a community of friends who will remember him for his warm spirit and personality.
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April 26, 2026 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Philip R. Cunningham, 88, of Mount Pleasant passed away Saturday, April 25, 2026. He was born in Jane Lew, WV on December 21, 1937 to the late Paul and Fern (Bee) Cunningham. Phil was a proud Army veteran who, after completing his service, spent many years working as a truck driver for various companies. He found great joy in fishing from his bass boat, often traveling along Stonewall Jackson Lake. Above all, he cherished the time he spent with his family—especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Carol Ann (Giles) Cunningham; 3 sons, Timothy Cunningham of FL, Len (Kimberly) Cunningham of WV, and Kenneth (Julie) Cunningham of TN; his daughter, Jacqueline (Adam) Sands of CA; step-daughter, Nancy (John) Hartman of PA; his brother, James (Juanita) Cunningham of WV; 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; and 1great great-grandson. In addition to his parents, Phil is preceded in death by his brother, Paul Cunningham; and by his sister, Barbara Austin. There is no visitation. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, PA 15135. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. A graveside service will be held Friday, May 1, 2026 at 1:00pm at the Mount Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth Township. Condolences can be made at GilbertFuneralHomeAndCrematory.com
April 25, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Edward Steven Vavrick, 83, of North Huntingdon, PA, passed away on April 24, 2026.
Born on April 3, 1943, in Daisytown, PA, Ed was the son of the late John and Josephine (Migacz) Vavrick. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, John Vavrick, Dennis Vavrick, and Nancy Vavrick Molish.
Ed is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Patricia Vavrick, whom he married on August 7, 1965. He is also survived by his children, Ryan Vavrick (Kathy) and Justin Vavrick; and his cherished grandchildren, Abby Vavrick (Salim Ourari), Ava Vavrick, and Ian Vavrick.
Ed earned his Master’s Degree in Education from California University of Pennsylvania and dedicated 37 years of his life to teaching English at Francis McClure Middle School in the McKeesport Area School District. He was a devoted educator who made a lasting impact on generations of students.
He was also a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.
He loved spending time with his family above all else. Ed especially enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, camping, and traveling to different places across the United States. Among his favorite memories were family camping trips and visits to Disney World.
More than anything, Ed will be remembered for his voice and presence. Though our hearts are heavy, we are grateful for the years we had with him and the love he gave so freely.
In accordance with his wishes, there will be no formal services. Family and friends are welcome to reach out to Patricia Vavrick directly to offer condolences. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
