March 13, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Edward W. Kiesell, age 68, of Port Vue, died March 11, 2017, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born June 7, 1948, in Sharon, PA, he was the son of the late Edward A. Kiesell and Helen (Best) Kiesell Burkhardt of Port Vue and the husband of Kena Gwynn (McClain) Kiesell for over 43 years.
Read More
March 13, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Mary Ashbaugh, age 65 of McKeesport, passed away on Friday, March 3, 2017 at Kane Regional Hospital in McKeesport. Born October 20, 1951 in Lorain, OH, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Ada (McCarty) Theiss, loving wife of the late Jack R. Ashbaugh, and mother of Gloria, Fred and Russell. Mary was a long time member of the Bryn Mawr Church of Christ. She dedicated her time to caring for her family, and her homemade chocolates were something that all her friends and family looked forward to enjoying. She is survived by her children, and brothers, Raymond (Gloria) Theiss of Cleveland, OH, Dennis (Sherry) Theiss of Medina, OH, and Bruce (Carole) Theiss of Avon, OH, as well as grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Saturday, March 18, 2017 from 10 a.m. until time of Memorial Service at 12 Noon in the funeral home chapel. Pastor Chuck Owston will officiate. Memorial donations are suggested to either the Rankin Christian Center or the Bryn Mawr Church of Christ. Condolences may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
March 06, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Dominic Scappatura, age 94, of McKeesport died on March 3, 2017 at UPMC McKeesport. Born March 4, 1922 in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Cesare and Michaline (Pietronigro) Scappatura. Dominic was a Veteran during WWII on The Essex. He retired from the Irvin Works steel mill.
Read More
March 05, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Vincent E. Wassel, age 54, of McKeesport, died March 4, 2017, at home surrounded by his loving family. Born October 2, 1962, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Robert and Dolores (Clark) Wassel and the husband of Kimberly (Picketts) Wassel for 32 loving years.
Vincent was the Deputy Fire Chief, of the McKeesport Fire Department, Station # 190. In the line of duty he acquired cancer and after a year and a half long battle, he gave the ultimate sacrifice. Vincent’s life and death was true to The Fireman’s Prayer: “I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me, to guard my every neighbor, and protect his property. And if according to your will, Lord, I have to lose my life, Please bless with your protecting hand, my children and my wife, Amen.”
Vincent was a member of Corpus Christi Church. He was also a member of the Croation Men's Club , in Versailles and the McKeesport, P.N.A. He enjoyed hunting, camping, golfing and most of all spending time with his friends, loving family and his loyal dog, "Meeka." Additionally, he was an avid photo bomber and he had great dance "skills."
In addition to his wife, Vincent is survived by children, Ashleigh (Matthew Paige) Wassel of Jefferson Hills and Vincent “Vinnie” Wassel of McKeesport; siblings, Robert (Wendy) Wassel, Patricia Wassel and Brian Wassel all of White Oak; mother-in-law, Janet Picketts of McKeesport; brother-in-law, Gary (Jennifer) Picketts of North Huntingdon; sister-in-law, Diana (Daniel) Barkovich of Gibsonia; also many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Wassel.
Family, fellow Fireman and friends will be received at the Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Wednesday, March 8, 2017, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 9, 2017, 10 a.m., at Corpus Christi Church. Committal and Fireman’s Honors will follow in the Round Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the McKeesport Fire Department, Station 190, 201 Lysle Blvd., McKeesport, PA 15132.
Condolences may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
Read More
March 03, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Michael W. “Bill” Egenlauf, Sr. age 72, of McKeesport, born February 24, 1945, passed away in his home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, March 2, 2017.
Read More
February 28, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
John L. Ross, Sr., age 60 of Versailles, passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2017 at UPMC McKeesport. Born July 27, 1956 in Duquesne, he was the son of the late Richard V. and Harriett (Burkett) Ross and loving husband and best friend of Cheryl (Spurgeon) Ross. John honorably served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was a member of 11th Ward Club, Croatian Club, White Oak American Legion Post 701. John truly enjoyed to ride his motorcycle, even after the loss of his leg he continued to enjoy his passion of riding. He also loved his loyal dog “Adena.” John’s greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, John L. Ross, Jr. with whom he lived; daughter, Rachael Ross of McKeesport, grandson, Caleb; sisters, Jennifer (Jim) Holoman of North Carolina, Kathie(Joe)Ringeisen of Munhall and Dianna Burkett of North Carolina; step-sisters, Rose Kollar, Pat Peterson and Kathleen Bubb; step-brother, Steve Andreoli; and many nieces and nephews. Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Thursday from 2 until the time of service at 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Rev. Kathleen Barnhardt will officiate. Military Honors and Inurnment will take place Friday at 2 p.m. at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, if you are planning on going in procession please arrive at the funeral home at 12:30 p.m. Memorial donations are suggested to the Disabled American Veterans, 1000 Liberty Ave., #1606, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Condolences may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
February 24, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Wilda E. Cartia, age 88 of McKeesport, formerly of Coulters, passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at Kane Regional Hospital in Glen Hazel. Born August 30, 1928 in Clairton, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Elsie E. (Beam) Hughes, and loving wife of the late Joseph Cartia. Wilda worked for many years as a visiting nurses aide for the Visiting Nurse Association of Allegheny County. She was a long time member of the Christ United Methodist Church in North Huntingdon where she enjoyed spending time with her church family. She was also an active member of the Coulters Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary along with the Ladies Jednota Bowling League. In her free time, she enjoyed crocheting, sewing, and loved to get out on the dance floor. In her later years, she always looked forward to her trips with her daughter to get herself a BigMac and ice cream. She is survived by her children, Joseph Jr. (Karen) of Somerset, William (Alyce) of McKeesport, Adrie (Juan) Tognarini of Coulter, Lenore (Steve) Chapman of Ocala, FL, and Elsamarie (Addie) Feltes of Cape Charles, VA; brother, Richard (Janette) Hughes of North Carolina; son-in-law, Jay Tognarini of Forward Twp.; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her daughters, Joanna Tewell and Carita Tognarini; and sister, Ruth Jones. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 7 p.m. at the Christ United Methodist Church of North Hungtingdon, 2800 Coulterville Road, McKeesport, PA 15131. Rev. Dr. Sang Kong Choiwill officiate. Burial will be private at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Coulters Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Condolences may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
February 24, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Lawrence “Larry” Yadouga, age 74 of McKeesport, passed away on February 22, 2017 at Select Specialty Care Hospital in McKeesport. Born February 2, 1943 in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Vincent J. and Anne (Cerepani) Yadouga, and loving husband of the late Phoebe (Coddington) Yadouga. Lawrence was a proud member of Mensa International. In his free time, he enjoyed taking in the outdoors, especially going on fishing trips to Pymatuning Lake and vacations to Topsail Island in North Carolina. He also loved his visits to the Meadows and Atlantic City. Above all, he cherished the time spent with his grandchildren and going to their sporting events and activities. Lawrence was a kind hearted and caring guy who will be missed by many. He is survived by his children, Lisa (Michael) Amos of Glassport, Michelle (Daniel) Ellwood of Liberty Borough, and Larry (Heather) Yadouga, Jr. of Elizabeth Twp.; grandchildren, Morgan, Tyler, Jennifer, Marshall, Ava, Andrew, Savannah, and Nikki; brother, Vincent (Susan) Yadouga of Bethel Park; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and his beloved dog, Hogan of 14 years. Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Monday, February 27, 2017 from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service will be Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Pastor Warren Smith will officiate. Burial will follow at Round Hill Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to the Western PA Humane Society, 1101 Western Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 or to the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, 614 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238. Condolences may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
February 23, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
William H. Bowland Sr., 72, of Coulter, died Feb. 22, 2017, at home. Born Novemebr 27, 1944, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late William Walter Bowland and the late Lula (Farren) Caliguri. He was the husband of Kimberly (Baker) Bowland of Coulter.
Read More
February 21, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
David “Magoo” Magroski, age 55 of McKeesport, passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at his home.Born August 18, 1961 in McKeesport, he was the son of Edward F. Magroski and the late Naomi (Weir) Magroski, and loving husband of the late Clara (Poster) Magroski. David was a dedicated carpenter for the construction industry, where he worked for 26 years for his loyal friend, Keith Reigh with Reigh Construction in White Oak.
Read More
February 13, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Clarence D. Booth Jr. of McKeesport, died Feb. 10, 2017. Born Sept. 26, 1938, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Clarence Booth and Virginia (Nelson) Booth McLaughlin and husband of 45 years to Ann (Lukondi) Booth.
Clarence was a member of the National Maritime Union and retired from Consolidation Coal Co. (Consol Energy) after 26 years as a deckhand on their towboats.
Read More
February 07, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
George F. “Snookie” Evans, age 78 of McKeesport, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 5, 2017 at UPMC McKeesport. Born April 12, 1938 in McKeesport, he was the son of the late John Arthur and Annabelle Lucille (Krimm) Evans, and loving husband to Suzanne (Ivanco) Evans for 39 years. George was a proud volunteer member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and attended the Port Vue United Methodist Church. Following his retirement from a long career in the automotive and transportation industries, he went on to drive school buses in the local area where he found so much joy in the children he drove. In his free time, he enjoyed boating, camping, fishing, woodworking and country music. Earlier in life he could frequently be found driving his racecars at the Motordrome and Heidleberg Speedways. More recently, on many weekends he would be eagerly watching the Nascar Sprint Cup races any chance he would get. As Snookie would say, “He could drive anything with wheels!” He was also an animal lover at heart, and any animal with fur had a special way of stealing his heart. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Terry Lynn Evans of Glassport, Gary E. Beaufort, Jr. of Greensburg, and George A. Evans of McKeesport; sisters, Alice Ellisor of Columbia, SC, Mary Ellisor of McKeesport, Annabelle Howell of Columbia, SC, and Esther Prza of McKeesport; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, all of which he loved dearly. Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Thursday, February 9, 2017 from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held Friday, February 10, 2017 at 10 a.m. at the Port Vue United Methodist Church. (Everyone please meet at church). Following the funeral service, a celebration luncheon will be held at the Port Vue United Methodist fellowship hall. Immediately following the luncheon, burial will be held at Emmanuel Cemetery in Export, PA. Memorial donations are suggested to Cindy’s Memorial Bark Park, Borough of Port Vue, 1191 Romine Avenue, Port Vue, PA 15133. Condolences may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
February 03, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
John “Boots” Gwosden, age 95, passed away on Friday, February 3, 2017. Loving and attentive son of the late Steven and Mildred Gwosden (Obradovich) and the stepson of the late Joseph Obradovich. Born and raised in McKeesport, he was married for 72 years to Lillian Rezzarday Gwosden. Much loved father of Sandie McLaughlin and her husband Dr. Frank McLaughlin and the late Randy Gwosden and his wife Rebecca Banyasz Gwosden. He was the grandfather of Kelly Headrick (Adam), Daniel McLaughlin (Amy), Kerry Pringle (Michael), Brianna Shanty (Matthew), Brett Gwosden, and Matthew Bacco (Danielle). Great-grandfather “Bubba” to Bailey, Riley, Bryce and Macie McLaughlin, Kylie Pringle and Carson Bacco. He was an uncle to many nieces and nephews. Boots was the youngest surviving sibling of seven brothers and sisters many who lived into their 90’s. As a young man, he was quite a good dancer. He was the tall, dark and handsome guy “lighting” up the dance floor at many local clubs including the Palisades in McKeesport where he met his wife, Lillian. The jitterbug was his specialty. In the 40’s he played in the Pirate minor league organization as a second-baseman. He won the 1944 Pony League swat title playing for the Hornell Pirates with a .3383 average and was featured in the Louisville Slugger Yearbook. He was also featured in an article written by sportswriter, John Steadman for the Baltimore Sun Newspaper. Steadman related that Gwosden had all the qualities you look for in a prospect. He made all the plays, had excellent range, had a contagious spirit for the game and was a line drive hitter with power especially to right field. He was three years older than another second baseman that season, Nelson Fox, who was to play 19 years in the majors but at that point in their development, Steadman said that Gwosden was far superior! At seasons end, he was drafted into the Army. After that, he had an impressive start in the Eastern League in Albany but went home when the club refused to make payment on a bonus that had been promised in spring training. He quit, and walked out of baseball. He told Steadman that the bonus was just what he and his new wife needed to pay off their mortgage. Boots went on to work for the J & L Steel Company, Kelsey Hayes Wheel Company, National Tube Steel, and Equitable Insurance Company. He and his wife Lillian spent the last 45 years as owner/operators of the Traveler’s Rest Motel in Fayette County. Boots was talented as a sports figure playing, managing and mentoring McKeesport baseball teams, winning many league championships. He also showed expertise in all aspects of homebuilding and mechanics. His family depended on him to help cut trees, use his tractor to dig water lines or footers, and to be their plumber, electrician, carpenter and mechanic. He was so eager to lend a hand to family, friends or anyone he felt needed his help. He was strong and kind and was definitely the Rock of the family. We all learned so much from him and depended on his support. We will pull his determined spirit into our hearts and will cherish all these years that the Lord gave him to us. Many thanks to his loving caregivers at The Grove in Irwin. Services will be private and are entrusted to Willig Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
February 02, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Carol A. Hammerstrom, age 76 of McKeesport, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at Southwestern Healthcare System in West Mifflin. Born October 26, 1940 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Jesse C. Snyder and Elsie (Lord) Snyder Muse, and loving wife of the late Gerald J. “Sam” Hammerstrom. Carol was a former member of the Beulah Park United Methodist Church, and most recently belonged to the McKeesport Alliance Church. She also was a member of the Red Hat Society where she enjoyed spending time with her fellow friends. She is survived by her children, Jeffrey (Tracye) Hammerstrom of Atlanta, GA, Laurie (John) Lapsley of Glassport, and Scott (Jennifer) Hammerstrom of Scott Twp.; grandchildren, Joseph (Shea) Lapsley, Cara Lapsley, Katie Lapsley, Jared Hammerstrom, Ellery Hammerstrom and Aria Hammerstrom; and her beloved maltese dogs, Benji and Ollie. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Marlene Moore. Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Friday, February 3, 2017 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 10a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Pastor Jason Wilson will officiate. Burial will follow at McKeesport-Versailles Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to the White Oak Animal Safe Haven, 2295 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131. Condolences may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
January 30, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Rita DeFelice, age 99 of McKeesport, died January 26, 2017 at Kane Regional Center in McKeesport. Survived by her children, Peggy Carter, Rita Ann DeFelice, Alicia DeFelice, William DeFelice and Nicholas DeFelice; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two daughters-in-law; and nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick Church, 310 32nd St., McKeesport, PA 15132. Private inurnment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association, 810 River Ave., Ste. 140, Pgh, PA 15212. Condolences may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com