March 04, 2026 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
His family is heartbroken to announce the passing of Robert W. “Bob” Mills of North Huntingdon at 1:21 pm Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Bob was born in McKeesport, the youngest of five children to the late Joseph Addison and Della (Ginevan) Mills. Graduating from the McKeesport Vocational High School in 1952, he met the love of his life Anna Soltis during high school at Rainbow Gardens, they married on June 19, 1954.
Bob began his professional plumbing career in 1953, working with JFK Plumbing of Forest Hills. Five years later in 1958 he embarked on his own by purchasing one of JFK’s divisions and renamed it Robert W. Mills Plumbing & Heating based in his father-in-law’s garage. The business flourished and became well known, respectful, and reliable throughout Westmoreland and Allegheny Counties allowing Bob to construct a new home in the Kim Plan. There he and Ann raised their two children, Ronda and Mark. In the mid 1970’s, they relocated to Baldock Acres, renovating an 1818 historic home that was deeded by William Penn.
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February 23, 2026 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
Robert "Bob" Dora, a master storyteller and lifelong resident of the area, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026. He resided in Finleyville, Pennsylvania and was formerly of Elizabeth Township, Pennsylvania. Bob was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania on July 15, 1952, a son of Joseph and Marie Julia (Potersnak) Dora.
Bob is survived by his daughter, Whitney Dora; his nephew, Jason (Katie) Coulter and their daughter, Emma; and his significant other of 20 years, Debbie Reilley. He is also survived by his extended family: Nicole (William) Dosey, and Greg (Thea) Reilley and their daughter, Eliza. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Joe Dora; and his sister, Karen Coulter.
A 1970 graduate of Elizabeth Forward High School, Bob was a dedicated professional who retired from the Eastman Chemical Plant, in Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania, after more than 35 years of service.
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February 17, 2026 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
James D. Rankin, age 66, passed on to heaven from his ranch, Highland Rise, in Austin County, Texas, on Feb 17, 2026, from pancreatic cancer.
Born July 8, 1959 in McKeesport, PA, a descendant of the Founders of America, Jim left his historic home and job as editor of the local paper to move to Texas in 1995 to marry his childhood love, Carolyn Shaw (Huebner).
Jim’s first desire was medicine, with a BA in Science from University of Texas, he taught Human Anatomy at Lanier High School for seventeen years, moving on to Round Top/Carmine and retiring from Columbus H.S in 2023.
Jim loved the Lord Jesus and received his ordination as a minister in 2006, forming Rankin Family Ministries, Inc in 2007. He also received his Chaplain commision from Texas University of Theology in 2025, Badge #4995.
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February 13, 2026 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
Dr. John F. Lundie, a former longtime GARDEN CITY resident, passed away on February 6, 2026, after a long battle with Parkinson’s. Dr. Lundie was born on December 15, 1941, to John F. Lundie Sr. and the former Agatha Cleary, in McKeesport PA, and after graduating from McKeesport High School, he matriculated in pre-med studies at Hofstra University, where he was a scholarship student, varsity football and lacrosse athlete, and a member of Crown and Lance fraternity, graduating in 1964. He entered medical school at SUNY Downstate in the autumn of that year and graduated in 1968 followed by an internship and residency program with SUNY Downstate.
In 1970 he volunteered for service in the US Army and after basic training in TEXAS he served as an active-duty medical officer in SOUTH VIETNAM followed by a year at Fort Benjamin Harrison in INDIANAPOLIS, and returned to a surgery residency program at SUNY Downstate in 1972 that included assisting Dr. Sam Kuntz in kidney transplant surgery and Dr. Paul Strong in tumors of the head and neck at Sloan Kettering after discharge from the US Army with the rank of Major in 1972.
In 1976 he opened what would become an active office surgical practice, first in GARDEN CITY and later for many years in MINEOLA where he was a staff member at Winthrop Hospital, now NYU Langone Winthrop, Mercy Medical Center, where he was Chief of Surgery and Director of Medical Education for many years, and Franklin Hospital, now Northwell Health Long Island Jewish Valley Stream, where he also served as Chief of Surgery. He held a membership as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons until his retirement in 2015.
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February 11, 2026 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
Carol E. Dodaro, age 80, passed away unexpectedly on February 5, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and steadfast devotion to her family and friends.
Born on February 21, 1945, Carol lived a life guided by kindness, generosity, and quiet strength. She was the beloved wife of Jim Dodaro, with whom she shared 56 years of marriage filled with partnership, unconditional love, warmth, humor, and countless treasured memories.
Carol was a proud and devoted mother to her three children, Jim (Teri) Dodaro, Dan (Milissa) Dodaro, and Carrie (Mike) Smetana. Her greatest joy was raising her children and watching them grow into loving parents themselves.
She was a devoted grandmother to nine grandchildren, Michael, Emily, Megan, John, Danielle, Charlie, Zachary, Cecilia, and Vincent, each of whom brought her immense pride and happiness. Time spent with family was what she cherished most.
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February 10, 2026 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
James "Jim" Busch, 73, passed from this world into the "great unknown" on February 5, 2026, surrounded by his family. Jim lived a life full of love and laughter. He was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 49 years, Glenda (Bereczky) Busch. Before she passed, Jim and Glenda summed up their life together by saying, "It's been fun!"
He was also preceded in death by his sister, Peggy Rollason, and best friend and wandering buddy, Ralph Scaramuzzi. Jim is survived by his son, Jesse Busch (wife Erin Morey) of Mt. Lebanon, his daughter Rachael Morgan (wife Kathy) of Versailles, and his beloved grandson, Max Busch (Chicago, IL). Jim is also survived by his "adopted" son, Gabriel Szafranski (partner Eric Wolfe) of Mt. Washington, and like-a-daughter, Hilary Graham of Elizabeth. Jim is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Sue Tkac, of White Oak, and Sally Shebeck (husband Frank), of Farrell, as well as many special nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.
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January 09, 2026 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
Curtiss Wray Brown, 86, died January 6, 2026. Friends will be received 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 17, 2026 at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 716 Walnut Street, McKeesport, PA 15132, where a service will be held at 11 a.m. Arrangements are in care of Tunie Funeral Home, Homestead.
December 24, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
In Loving Memory: With heavy hearts we announce the passing of the beautiful Joan Leonardo of Westminster, MD. Joan departed this life on June 19, 2025 after a long and heartbreaking battle with Alzheimer’s Disease at the young age of 81. She was a cherished wife, mother, and friend whose kindness, generosity, warmth and love touched the lives of all she knew.
Joan was born in McKeesport, PA on October 5, 1943, to the late Harry and Edna Brooks. She graduated from McKeesport High School in 1961 and went on to meet her husband of 60 years, Rudolph Leonardo. They started a family and in 1967 relocated to Maryland. She was a homemaker until their children were old enough for her to begin a rewarding career at the Social Security Administration, in Woodlawn MD, where she worked for over 20 years.
Before the onset of her illness, she hosted annual family holiday dinners and parties over decades that are so fondly remembered and appreciated. Joan enjoyed traveling, shopping, and playing Mahjong with her friends. Towards the end of her life, she lived with her son Dario and his girlfriend Brenda where they enjoyed long walks, dancing, laughing, good food and family. She spent her final and most difficult days in memory care.
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December 19, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rudolph (Rudy) Leonardo, of Westminster MD. Rudy passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025 at the age of 95. Rudy was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, great-uncle and friend. He was born in McKeesport PA to the late Antonio and Anna Carrara Leonardo.
He attended McKeesport High School where he played Guard (#10) for the Tigers varsity team that won the 1947 state championship and went on to play at the Scholastic Orange Bowl (North vs. South Shrine Football Game) on Christmas Day 1947. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh, he enlisted in the US Army and was assigned to the 17th Counterintelligence Corps Detachment in Trieste, Italy that conducted cross-border operations into Eastern Europe in the first decade of the Cold War.
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December 16, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
Heather Janay Johnson, 44, transitioned peacefully home to be with the Lord on December 9, 2025, in Atlantis, FL. Heather was born on May 31, 1981, in Pittsburgh, PA, to Allen and Luann Johnson.
Heather graduated from McKeesport High School in McKeesport, PA, in 1999. During her working career, her love for people provided her the opportunity to interact with various individuals, which afforded her the ability to display her work ethic, leadership skills, and excellence in all that she did. Her most recent position as an Optometrist Technician at Ocean Optics in Delray, FL, further allowed her to continue her path of serving others.
Later in life, Heather accepted her call to ministry, in which she displayed a strong love, passion, and devotion to God. She was ordained under the Apostolic Association of Churches, Ministers, and Leaders (AACML) as an Apostle and Prophet, where she served faithfully. Heather had a big heart and would help anyone in need. Serving was always her passion. Heather loved decorating for any occasion, planning events, and ministering with her sister, Melissa, while encouraging and giving hope to anyone she came in contact with.
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October 16, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
Richard G. Portis was born on April 15, 1944, in Glen Hazel, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Gladstone High School where he was active on the football and basketball teams.
He continued his education at Point Park University where he was a champion played basketball before serving his country in Vietnam as a member of the United States Army. Richard G. Portis served as a Sergeant E-5 Administration Specialist in the U.S. Army from 1965-1968, receiving an Honorable Discharge and earning the National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars.
Upon discharge and returning home, Richard’s deep commitment to community uplift led him to become a pioneering organizer. He was appointed to establish the first Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) program in Western Pennsylvania, headquartered in McKeesport. His exceptional leadership in building this groundbreaking program earned national recognition and widespread respect.
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September 23, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
Mary D. (Wyatt) Rudolf of East McKeesport, age 90, passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Mary was the beloved wife of the late August F. “Auggie” Rudolf for 66 wonderful years.
She was the loving mother of Richard (Cher) Rudolf of FL, Augustine Rudolf, Jr., Ronald (Sandra) Wyatt of AL and Theresa (Ray) Toncich of North Versailles.
Mary was the treasured grandmother of Ron (Jessica) Rudolf, Raymond Toncich and Heather Toncich, and the proud great-grandmother of Brooklyn and Maci Rudolf.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Jeannette Wyatt, and her brother, Wesley “Jack” Wyatt.
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September 17, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
Ronald M. Anderchak of Elizabeth Township, age 79, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, September 15, 2025, after 20-year bout with squamous cell tongue/throat cancer.
Ron was born on August 12, 1946, in Braddock, the son of the late Peter and late Betty Anderchak.
Ron was the beloved husband of Carla Anderchak for 55 years. He was loving father of Craig (Lisa) Anderchak of Atlanta
Ron was the dear brother of Loretta (late Albie) Antimary of North Versailles. He was the uncle of Aaron (Lauryn) Antimary, Lindsay Antimary, Matthew (Heather) Lieberum, Angela (Shawn) Ruby, Jerry, Joyce and Timothy Coulter. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Joani Ashton and many cousins.
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September 15, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
Larry Noble Sillaman went home to be with the Lord on September 11, 2025 after a valiant and courageous battle with lung cancer. Born June 15th, 1942 in McKeesport, Pa to Harry Sillaman Jr and Dorothy Noble Sillaman, he was the eldest of four children; the others being Sharon (Fedorka), Randy (Sillaman) and Brenda (Fasekas). He was a graduate of McKeesport Tech High and played football there at Shaw Avenue.
He began his electrical career at Jones Electric in Charleroi, Pa and went on to a 33-year career in IBEW Local 5, retiring as a journeyman electrician from the University of Pittsburgh in 2006. He served active duty as a machinist mate in the Navy 1965-1967 on aircraft carrier USS WASP CVS 18 picking up most of the Gemini space capsules in the Caribbean.
Larry was a man of many, many talents, and never wasted time or opportunity to help others or to build and create something, anything. He was a model railroad enthusiast with an eye and heart for creativity, beauty and precision. His displays were breathtaking and a delight to many. He loved antique cars, especially his 1958 red chevy impala which he completely restored. He shared his humor and creativity through a series of cartoon strips and, most recently, created a storyboard.
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September 03, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
Ron J. McKay, 90, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025, in Jupiter, Florida. Born September 13, 1934, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, he was the cherished second son of Thomas Rea and Irene Reilly McKay. Proud of his Irish heritage, Ron was known for his positivity, warm spirit, and genuine attentiveness.
He is survived by sons Timothy and Patrick, grandsons Ian and Brandon, and great-grandchildren Hunter, Liam, and Zoey. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Maralyn.
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