May 27, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
James J. "Jim" Aversa, III, age 55, of Wilkins Twp., died May 24, 2022, at AHN Forbes Hospital. Born January 30, 1967, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late James Jr. and Eva (DeLeonardo) Aversa and the loving husband of Marisa (Rodriguez) Aversa for 25 years. Jim was a 1986 graduate of Swissvale High School and a volunteer with the Swissvale Fire Department from 1987 to 1999. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins fan who could tell you stats about different players like it was second nature. Jim was a proud dad and was known for his generosity, and his final gift came through organ donation with CORE. In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by children, Megan L. Aversa, Cate L. Aversa, and James J. Aversa, IV; sister, Michelle Aversa, and many cousins. Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Saturday, June 4, 2022, from 4 p.m. until the memorial service at 6 p.m. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com. Charles Danforth, Supervisor.
May 26, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Karen M. Horvath, age 66, of Port Vue, died May 23, 2022, at UPMC McKeesport. Born October 3, 1955, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Emil E. and Ida E. (Coddington) Yesensky and the wife of the late Louis S. Horvath.
Karen enjoyed learning new things, being on her computer, and cooking vegetarian meals. In her younger years, she enjoyed gardening. Karen loved animals and her Chihuahua, Pablo. She was smart, quick-witted, always willing to help others, and loved spending time with family and friends.
Karen is survived by her daughter, Taylor (Tom) Cadonic; brother, Emil "Tim" Yesensky; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
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May 19, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Patyn Monroe Wilson, age 5, of McKeesport, went to be with the Lord on May 12, 2022. Born December 18, 2016, in Pittsburgh, she was the loving daughter of James Wilson and Misty Brown. Patyn loved to sing and dance, especially to SpongeBob SquarePants. Her favorite color was purple, and she had a vast collection of unicorns and rainbows. Paytn aspired to be a Superhero when she grew up and affectionately referred to her mom and dad as "Super Mommy and Super Daddy" because they were her heros'. In addition to her parents, Patyn is survived by grandparents, Felicia Wilson, Bobbie Jo Lamark, and Vincent Brown, Sr.; siblings, Dailan Smith, Jr., Zy'Onnah Smith, and Aria Wilson; uncles, Vance Brown, Robert Demery, Jesse Thorton, and Vincent Brown, Jr.; aunts, Shayla Brown, Miracle Brown, and Teonna Demery. She is also survived by many great-uncles, great-aunts, and cousins. Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Sunday from noon until the time of the funeral service at 2 p.m. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com. Charles Danforth, Supervisor.
May 17, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Lawrence "Larry/Red" Wilson, age 88, of Port Vue, died May 16, 2022, at UPMC McKeesport. Born September 19, 1933, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late James and Ellen (Cruden) Wilson and the most loving husband of Emogene (Uhlir) Wilson for over 68 years.
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May 17, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Matilda A. "Tillie" Gricar age 90, of Versailles, died May 13, 2022, at home. Born May 1, 1932, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Philomena (Chiaverini) Como and the wife of the late Frank A. Gricar.
Tillie was the former co-owner of the Farmer's Fresh in McKeesport. She also worked for Bell Atlantic and was a manager at the Chestnut Inn in her earlier years. Tillie served as a Democratic Committee woman and had a love for politics. She also enjoyed cooking and baking.
Tillie is survived by her grandchildren, Charisse (Matthew) Richards and Perry Gricar; great-grandchildren, Xandria, Tabitha, Aryanna, Rilya, Matthew, and Victoria; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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May 16, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Rose "Honey" Judd age 96, of McKeesport, died May 11, 2022, at home. Born September 17, 1925, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Anna (Bidner) Yuscinsky.
Rose dedicated her life to caring for her family and was a devoted Christian. She enjoyed shopping and cooking. Rose was such a good soul, and everyone she met loved her.
Rose is survived by her daughter, Sally (Bill) Soles; grandchildren, Keith (Sharon) Soles, Kevin (Lori) Soles, Kimberly Soles, and Kurt (Chrissy) Soles; great-grandchildren, Leila Rose, Lindsey, and Kara; nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her daughter, Darlene Wagner; great-grandson, Bradley Soles.
Arrangements were entrusted to Willig Funeral Home & Crematory.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
Supervisor, Charles Danforth
May 08, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
James “Jim” Ward, of White Oak,
died peacefully at home on May 5, 2022, shortly after celebrating his 65th birthday with his family. Loving husband to Sharon (née Kundman) of McKeesport, they were happily married for 43 years.
Jim worked for over 24 years as a housekeeping supervisor at Kane Hospital in Glen Hazel and later Mercy Behavioral Health. An avid outdoorsman, Jim enjoyed fishing and hunting until suffering a major stroke in 2010 that left him partially paralyzed. He also enjoyed annual family vacations to the beach. Jim will always be remembered as a hard-working, upbeat, fighter.
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May 04, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Mary J. Sarti, age 86, of Liberty Borough, died May 3, 2022, at UPMC Forbes Hospital. Born January 25, 1936, in Uniontown, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Anna (Bryner) Baytos and the wife of the late Armand V. "Herman" Sarti.
Mary dedicated her life to taking care of her family. She was a member of Liberty Presbyterian Church. Mary was an avid music lover.
Mary is survived by her son, Joseph (Marilyn) Sarti of Liberty Borough; step-children, Jo Louise (Ken) Sealy of Monessen, Dino (Jane) Sarti of Markelysburg, Kim Sarti of Kennedy Township, Armand (Jackie) Sarti of North Huntingdon, Toni Sarti of Monessen; grandchildren, Anthony (Paige Davis) Sarti and Angelyn (Ronald) Richardson; step-grandchildren, Michael, Dominic and Kristi Sarti; great-grandchildren, Raelyn, Riley, and Ronald Richardson; siblings, Martin (Mary Jane) Baytos of Brunswick, OH and Elizabeth Rose of OH; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was also preceded in death by a son, John Baytos and brother, DeWayne Bryner.
Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The funeral service will be on Monday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.
Entombment will follow in Jefferson Memorial Park.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com.
Supervisor, Charles Danforth
May 02, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Pastor Walter E. Patton, Jr., age 97, of Glassport, died April 27, 2022, at the Southwestern Veterans Center. Born September 19, 1924, in Versailles Twp., he was the son of the late Walter E. and Johanna (Hamilton) Patton and husband of the late Margaret (McRae) Patton for 74 years. Walter was a retired United Methodist minister. Over the years, he served the Lord and his people in many communities, including Verona, Coalport, Irvona, Glen Hope, Homestead, Highland Grove, Whitaker, and Glassport. Walter was a certified P.I.A.A. baseball umpire and football official and officiated many games throughout western Pennsylvania. He umpired Little League, Prep League, American Legion, and Daily News games, as well as fast and slow-pitch softball games. Volunteering and giving back to others was a fundamental mission for Walter. He was a docent at the Heinz History Center, an usher at the Benedum, and delivered Meals on Wheels up until he was 90 years old. He raised money and supported causes very important to him in Uganda. Walter retired as a rigger after 36 years of employment with US Steel National Works. A U.S. Army Corps Veteran, he served on the Island of Trinidad, England, and France. Walter was a proud 1942 graduate of McKeesport High School.
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April 28, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Charles Nickelson, age 103, of Elizabeth Township, died at home on April 27, 2022. Born January 8, 1919, in Mt. Oliver, he was the son of the late Nicholas (Nicolou) and Antonia (Bukes) Nickelson, who both immigrated from Mamarion, Greece, and beloved husband of the late Mary (Crne) Nickelson for over 60 years. Mr. Nickelson was a US Army Veteran who served on the island of New Caledonia in the South Pacific during World War II. His infant son James was born and died in McKeesport during this period. Mr. Nickelson never saw his son.
When he returned home, he worked for his older brother James who owned the Penn Clair Hotel in Clairton. He and his wife Mary opened the St. Clair Restaurant in Clairton, which they operated for over 30 years until their retirement in the late 1970s. He worked in his family’s restaurants and candy shops as a young boy. He learned how to make chocolate candies from his older sister, Sophia, who owned the popular “Candy Land” in McKeesport. He continued to make chocolate candies for family and friends until he was about 95 years old. He had an excellent aptitude for mechanics and became computer literate in his 70s.
He was active daily on his desktop and laptop computers until days before his passing. Charles had an extensive knowledge and understanding of history, geography, and world events. He was a member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in White Oak. Uncle Charlie was one of the last surviving members of the “Greatest Generation,” and he will be missed.
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April 26, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Michael Regis Headings, age 79, of McKeesport, PA, died April 24, 2022 at Riverside Care Center in McKeesport PA.
Born on September 14, 1942, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late William and Evelyn (Hanley) Headings and the husband of the late Vivian (Brinkman) Headings.
In his free time, Michael enjoyed going to car shows.
Michael is survived by his daughters Darlene (Jeffrey) Jacko of Elizabeth Township PA and Renee (Gary) Hockey of Apopka FL; grandchildren, Lindsey (Colin) Lynch, Alyssa Jacko, and Cody Hockey; siblings, William (Fay) Headings of Lewistown PA and Mary Grace Morris of Port Vue PA and nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Gerald Headings, and sister, Patricia Fryer.
Arrangements were entrusted to Willig Funeral Home and Crematory.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
Supervisor, Charles Danforth
April 20, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Stella Phillips (Squillace-Gaydos), age 94 of White Oak, peacefully went Home on April 17, 2022, at the Palms alongside the many people who loved and cared for her for many years. Born February 24, 1928, in Duquesne, she was the daughter of the late Antonio and Corinda (Pacifico) Squillace.
Stella had two wonderful husbands during her lifetime. The first being Emil Gaydos who sadly passed away at a very young age. Later in her life, she met and married her wonderful David E. Phillips who also sadly preceded her in death. She happily enjoyed her life with him and his children, son Keith (Ophelia) Phillips, and daughter Aleta (Steve) McGowan, both of Texas.
In addition to her husbands and parents, she was preceded in death by siblings Theresa, Mary Lou, Dominic, and Joseph; sister-in-law Bernadine and nephew Joseph Squillace, Jr.
Stella was employed at many places during her life. She mostly enjoyed the fashion industry at the Famous and Jaison's in McKeesport and later at Sister's Fashions in White Oak. She had taken a break after Jaison's and was a keypunch operator at Vienna Baking Company, also in McKeesport, where she met her dear and lifelong friend, Sadie Masters.
Stella was a member of Mary Mother of God, St. Patrick Parish.
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April 19, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Karen Lawson, age 59, of Liberty Borough, died peacefully with her family by her side on April 15, 2022, at UPMC McKeesport. Born July 11, 1962, she was the daughter of the late Roy Lawson and Carole (Findura) Lawson Hampton and life partner of the late Anthony "Tony" Piplica, Sr.
Karen lived with her father and took care of him until she was physically unable. She loved animals and leaves behind her cat named "Church."
Karen is survived by her children, Anthony "Tony" (Megan) Piplica, Jr., Holly Piplica, and Taylor Jefferson; grandchildren, Dominic, Isaac, and Zoey; siblings, Roy R. (MaryAnn) Lawson of McKeesport, Debra Bock of Versailles; also many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements were entrusted to Willig funeral Home & Crematory.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, April 22, 2022, 12 p.m., at Mary, Mother of God Parish, St. Patrick Church.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com.
Chuck Danforth, Supervisor
April 14, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Mary Frances (Hopko) Legin, age 93, of Port Vue, died April 12, 2022, at UPMC Mercy Hospital. Born March 30, 1929, in Braddock, PA, she was the daughter of the late George and Anna (Barlog) Hopko and the beloved wife for 53 years of the late George T. Legin Jr.
Mary Frances graduated from Braddock High School in 1946, and she was a graduate of Braddock Hospital School of Nursing in 1949. She worked as a registered nurse at Braddock General Hospital and McKeesport Hospital until her retirement.
Mary Frances was a member of Saints Joachim and Anne Parish, formerly Saint Joseph Parish and Saint Mark Parish, where she was an active member of the Christian Mothers and Ladies Guild, volunteered as a weekly money counter and parish festival worker. She was also a former member and past president (3 terms) of the Port Vue Senior Citizens. Mary Frances was a member of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association Branch S218, where she served as a branch officer for many years. She was also an active member of the South Allegheny Band Parents, where she served as president and in other leadership roles. For the past three years, Mary Frances resided at Fair Oaks Senior Living, where she enjoyed many activities, including bingo and playing cards.
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April 14, 2022 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Marjorie A. O'Gurkis, age 86, of McKeesport, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on April 10, 2022, with family at her side. Born September 26, 1935, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Edwin and Clara (Lowenstein) Canfield. On April 28, 1956, she married Edmund J. O'Gurkis, who preceded her in death on April 28, 2005.
Marjorie was a graduate of McKeesport H.S. and was employed by G.C. Murphy Co. as an administrative secretary before returning to staying at home to raise her children. After her children were grown, she worked as a nurse's aide at Kane Community Living Center in McKeesport for many years. She was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish, St. Patrick Church, and a Christian Mother. She was also an active member of the Renzie Seniors, the Task Force, and Lifespan.
Marjorie loved to play piano and care for animals, especially her cat, Boots. But most of all, she treasured time spent with her Grandchildren. She said they were her greatest riches! Marjorie was a genuinely kind and compassionate lady whose bright smile brought joy to all she met. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
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