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Nigel Christopher Wayne Hogan

July 13, 2023 |

By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Nigel Christopher Wayne Hogan, 33, of Braddock, was born October 22, 1989, in Greensburg, PA. He was the beloved son of the late Natalie Carol Hogan and stepson to James Bailey.

Nigel attended school at Gateway High School. He was the oldest of four siblings, James Hogan, Jared Harris, and Stevin German.

Nigel liked to make people laugh and had a good sense of humor. He always reached out to family, though dispersed, and worked to keep our ties strong. He was the hub of our wheel and kept up our tabs all around.

 
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Phillip Daryl Hampton

July 13, 2023 |

By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Phillip Daryl Hampton, 56, died July 7, 2023. Friends will be received from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, July 14, 2023 at Robert A. Waters Funeral Home, Inc., 2326 Jenny Lind St., McKeesport, where a service will be held at 11 a.m.

 


Michael O. Berkovitz

July 13, 2023 |

By Hunter Funeral Home | Posted in: Hunter Funeral Home

Michael O. Berkovitz, 78, of Lakewood, CA, died Friday, July 7, 2023 at Lakewood Regional Medical Center, Lakewood, CA.  Born in McKeesport, PA on July 3, 1945, he was the son of the late Leonard M. and Irma Ruth Odle Berkovitz.  He was the owner of the former Chestnut Inn on Fifth Avenue in McKeesport, and most recently worked at Salton Industries, maker of the George Foreman Grills. 

He was a member of the Congregation Shir Chadash of Lakewood, CA and a former member of the Temple B’nai Israel in White Oak, PA.  He was a graduate of the University School, Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA. 

He is survived by sons, Daniel Berkovitz of Rawlins, WY and William Berkovitz of Belle Vernon, PA; grandson, Wyatt; granddaughter Kayla Berkovitz of Hawaii, sisters, Idelle (Richard) Roth of Walnut Creek, CA and Susan Sabin of Pompano Beach, FL, and by his partner of 20 years, Gloria Pelenato of Lakewood, CA.

 
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John Aiken

July 13, 2023 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

John Aiken, age 67, of Elrama, formerly of Chicago, IL, passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at Jefferson Hospital. He was a retired employee at the University of Chicago. He was an avid reader and loved movies and stage plays. Born September 11, 1955 in New Eagle, he was a son of the late Samuel J. Aiken Jr. and the late Elaine (Estaque) Aiken. He is survived by his sister, Debbie (Wayne Sr.) Wilson of Elrama; nephew, Wayne (Kristy) Wilson Jr. of Strabane; great-niece, Elaina Wilson; aunt, Estelle Livingston of Monongahela; also, cousins.

Private services are pending. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Four Gateway Center, 444 Liberty Avenue, Suite 1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Virginia Pons

July 13, 2023 |

By Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home | Posted in: Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home

Virginia Pons, 84, of Whitaker, passed away on Thur. July 13, 2023.  She is the daughter of the late John and Mary Gretz and beloved wife of the late Mickey Pons.  She is survived by her daughter Jennifer (Richard) Marecic; sisters Beverly and Stephanie; brothers John and Frank; grandchildren Jonathan, Melissa, Jake, Paige and Vincent and great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her sons Michael and Gino Pons.  Virginia was a member of St. Rita's Church in Whitaker.  Funeral arrangements by Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home, Duquesne

 


S. Howard Pittard

July 13, 2023 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

S. Howard Pittard, age 82, of Mooresville, NC, formerly of Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, July 10, 2023 at Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center. A Marine veteran, he retired as the founder and CEO for East Texas Coatings in Nash, TX, and was a lifetime Mason through the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

Born November 28, 1940 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Howard Wilson and Ida (Breckenridge) Pittard. He is survived by his wife, Virginia "Gin" Blake; sons, Raymond D. (Rhonda) Pittard of Johns Island, SC and Robb E. Pittard of Mooresville, NC; Lori (Todd) Price of Monroe, NC; grandchildren, Lauren (Sean) Murphy of Kansas City, Lindsey Dissinger of Bozeman, MT, Ethan Dissinger of Belgrade, MT, Aiden Price of Monroe, NC, and Grayson Price of Monroe, NC; great-grandchildren, Graham and Madeline Murphy; also, nieces and nephews.

 
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Dale W. McDonnell

July 13, 2023 |

By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Dale W. McDonnell, 79, of Dravosburg, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at home. 

He was born October 22, 1943 in McKeesport and was the son of the late Kenneth McDonnell Sr. and Rita Kelley (The late Thomas Hoak) McDonnell-Hoak.  He was a US Army Veteran.

In 1990, Dale obtained his Associates Degree in Social Work of Special Needs Youth and Adults from CCAC. Dale worked as a social worker for many years, working for both Auberle Boystown and Chartiers Center for Behavioral Health. He had also attended The Pittsburgh Beauty Academy and enjoyed cutting hair.  He was a doting husband who loved to serve his Queen.

 
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Deborah E. Wetzler

July 12, 2023 |

By William S. Skovranko Memorial Home | Posted in: William S. Skovranko Memorial Home

Deborah E. (Wirginis) Wetzer, 70, of Munhall, entered into eternal rest peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 11, 2023. Born in McKeesport on May 9, 1953, she was the daughter of Helen (Glovis) Uchnar and the late Peter Paul Wirginis. Mrs. Wetzler was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish, St. Angela Merici Church, White Oak, and a retired information specialist for the Veterans Administration, Pittsburgh. Beloved wife of Oscar C. Wetzler, she is also survived by her mother, a sister, Beverly Carol Yarsky a niece, Sharon Pliske, two nephews, Dr. Peter Yarsky and Michael Yarsky, and her four legged children, Jake, Chaco and Jazz. In addition to her father she was also preceded in death by a sister, Valerie Karen Balavage.

Friends and family will be received on Friday July 14, 2023, from 1-4 and 6-9 P.M. in the William S. Skovranko Memorial Home Inc., 828 Richford Street, Duquesne. A Blessing at 8:45 A.M. on Saturday July 15, 2023 in the Memorial Home will be followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 A.M. in St. Angela Merici Church with Rev. Joseph Beck as celebrant.

 
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Dr. Paul A. Balta D.D.S

July 12, 2023 |

By Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home | Posted in: Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home

 

Dr. Paul A. Balta D.D.S., age 87, of Gibsonia, formerly of Duquesne, passed away on July 12, 2023, at his residence, surrounded by his family. Born in Duquesne on April 29, 1936, he was the son of the late George and Ella (Kushnir) Balta. He was a graduate of Duquesne High School, Class of 1954, the University of Pittsburgh (undergraduate) and University of Pittsburgh Dental School in 1962.

He served in the Navy as a dentist at Camp Lejeune from 1962-1964. He was a dentist for 47 years, with an office first in Elizabeth and then Duquesne, before retiring in 2009. He was a member of S.S. Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, Duquesne. He was an avid fan of all Pittsburgh sports teams, particularly Pitt Football for which he had season tickets for many years. He enjoyed bowling, coached softball for the Croatian Club, and coached little league for his son Dan.

He loved playing Baggo “Cornhole”, all card games, listening to Myron Cope and Mike Lang on his transistor radio, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a sentimental soul who cried every time he opened greeting cards and presents from his family. Sarcasm was one of his many talents and he had a smile that could light up a room.

 
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Gary Andrews

July 12, 2023 |

By William S. Skovranko Memorial Home | Posted in: William S. Skovranko Memorial Home

Gary J. Andrews, 64, of Coraopolis, died on Sunday, July 9, 2023, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh. Born in Pittsburgh, January 18, 1959, he was the son of the late Lawrence T. and Violet L. (Haupt) Andrews . Mr. Andrews was a longtime resident of Merakey / Allegheny Valley School in Coraopolis.  He is  survived a sister, Patricia D. Andrews , a niece Brittany Andrews and her fiance William O'Brien, Great nieces and nephews Bradley Andrews, Sloane O'Brien and Giana O'Brien. Mr. Andrews was also preceded in death by a brother Michael J. Andrews.

Family and friends will be received in the William S. Skovranko Memorial Home, Inc., 828 Richford Street, Duquesne, from 2- 6P.M.  on Sunday, July 16, 2023. A Blessing Service will be held at 6 P.M. on Sunday. His family wishes donations be made to Merakey / Allegheny Valley School 1992 Ewings Mill Road, Coraopolis, PA. 15108 in Gary's memory.

 


Robert Blank

July 12, 2023 |

By William S. Skovranko Memorial Home | Posted in: William S. Skovranko Memorial Home

Robert Blank, 73, passed away on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at Monroeville Rehabilitation and Wellness Center. Born January 16, 1950, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Benedict and Margaret (Hausenberger) Blank. Mr. Blank was a retired fork lift operator for the Fort Pitt Foundry Company of McKeesport. He enjoyed playing pool, riding motorcycles, telling a good joke and was a big Elvis fan. He is survived by a sister, Carol Shea, a niece, Heather Stanoszek, and a nephew, Ben Geiger.

Per Mr. Blanks wishes there will be no visitation or services. Arrangements are entrusted to the William S. Skovranko Memorial Home Inc., 828 Richford Street, Duquesne.

 
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Frederick "Fred" J. Long

July 12, 2023 |

By Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home | Posted in: Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home

Fred John Long, a lifelong resident of Duquesne, PA, passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the age of 89. Fred is a retired co-owner of Long’s Hauling Inc., located in West Mifflin, PA and had an incredible work ethic that he passed on to his surviving children and grandchildren. Fred leaves behind his beloved wife of 64 years, Jane Elizabeth (Connor) Long. Fred will join his deceased son, David Frederick Long, who passed tragically, at the age of 49. Fred is the loving father to Dianna Long and son-in-law Frank Pescatore of Penn Township and Brian Long and daughter-in-law, Karen Long, of Washington’s Crossing, Bucks County.

 Known as a wonderful and comical grandfather to 10, he leaves behind Jessica (Dr. Charles) Gabbert, Ryan Long (Sarah), Jillian Long, Rebecca Long, Cassandra Long, Katie Rentz, Bria Long, Michael Long, Connor Long and Charlotte Long and great granddaughters Nora and Riley Gabbert. Fred cherished his time with his grandchildren. Fred is also the loving uncle to 37 nieces and nephews and has many great and great-great nieces and nephews and is known as the “happy go lucky,” funny uncle. Fred enjoyed time with many of his nieces and nephews with a special bond and was the comic force behind the family plays at “The Mountains” coordinated by his sister Louise.

 
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John M. Raevens

July 12, 2023 |

By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

John M. Raevens, age 93, of McKeesport, PA, died on Sunday, July 9, 2023. He was born in Poperinge, Belgium on August 10, 1929 and is the son of the late Gaston and Anna Van Habost Raevens. He received his Doctorate in Music and taught as a professor of music for Duquesne University for 49 years. He was a world-renowned organist, where he played at the Vatican, throughout Europe (John received first prize in organ in Belgium), as well as at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. He published a book titled, “Music: An Understanding and Enjoyment”. He also led the choir at various churches in the Pittsburgh area, including St. Germaine Church in Bethel Park, PA and Epiphany Church in Pittsburgh, PA. John loved nature and painting artwork, had a very strong faith in God, and had a great love for his family. He was a very warm and charismatic person and was well loved by everyone. 

 
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Robert J. Lash

July 11, 2023 |

By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes

Robert J. Lash, 75 of Jefferson Hills passed away on Saturday, July 8th, 2023 at Jefferson Hills Healthcare and Rehabilitation. He was born in Pittsburgh on October 21st, 1947 to the late Robert Lash and Susan Pollick. He is survived by his godchild Melissa Costa D’Souza, many cousins, and family members. He liked to live life alone, but when in social settings, he was full of life. He was a prolific writer and author. He had the uncanny ability to discern your interests and engage you in lively and spirited discussions in just about any topic. He was a product of his generation in many ways, but larger than life when it came to literary pursuits. To truly gain an appreciation of his life read one of his published short stories. Arrangements have been entrusted to S.M. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 432 N. 6th St, Clairton, PA 15025. Interment will occur at Ascension of our Lord Byzantine Cemetery in Clairton on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Caring Hospice Services of Western PA at 118 Fox Plan Rd #1, Monroeville, PA 15146. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com

 


Frank Michael Modrak

July 11, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Frank M. Modrak, 91, of North Huntingdon, passed away Monday, July 10, 2023. He was born on the North Side of Pittsburgh on October 24, 1931, to John and Helen (Dzuba) Modrak. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Rose Marie (Kapisak), son, Frank Jr., son-in-law, Mark Capets, grandsons, Michael Modrak and Markie Capets, brother, John, twin sisters, Elizabeth and Mary, and stepmother, Susan (Kostrub). He is survived by his daughter, Deborah Capets, sons, Darrin and Larry (Beth), 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Frank was an alumnus of Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School and the University of Pittsburgh GI Bill night school. He served as production manager of Mesta Machine Co., President of Apollo Fabricators and as a Project Engineer at Westinghouse Nuclear. He was proud to have been active in St. Agnes Parish and its Athletic Association in the late 60's and 70's serving as President of Church Council and the Athletic Association. Among other successes, he originated and organized the Men's Golf League, Elementary School Girls' Basketball League and a Children's Co-Ed Bowling League. He also served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and was a member of the VFW Post 781 in Irwin. Frank often said he was blessed and enjoyed a great life with a loving and caring wife, wonderful children and grand and great-grandchildren, good neighbors and friends. His favorite verse was, "Planted a tree, raised a son, went to a Super Bowl and the Masters and had a hole-in-one." Man, what else is there? He will be sorely missed by us. As per his request, there will be no visitation. A Mass will be held on Friday at 9:30 a.m. in St. Agnes Church. Interment to follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in memory of Frank. Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com