A free service provided by your local funeral professionals and The Tube City Almanac, your independent, non-profit news source.

McKeesport Area News from Tube City Almanac


Advertising

Finney Funeral Home CREMATION Simple Direct Dignified  1-800-448-9899

This service is supported by donations and advertising. To advertise here, call (412) 614-9659 or email McKeesportObituaries@gmail.com.


Richard Lee Maraffi, Sr.

June 08, 2022 |

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

Richard Lee Maraffi, Sr., age 79 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 in Canterbury Place, Pittsburgh.  Born February 25, 1943 in Buena Vista, he was a son of the late Rancel and Alice (Smith) Maraffi.  A US Air Force Veteran of the Vietnam War, Richard worked as a warehouse manager for G.C. Murphy Co. in McKeesport and also for US Steel in Duquesne.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Georgienne M. (Matola) Maraffi, who passed away March 13, 2020; his son Richard L. Maraffi, Jr., who passed away January 12, 2014; and his sisters Vikki Ankney and Darla Obal.  Richard is survived by his sons Ramon and Ronald (Wendy) Maraffi, both of Slippery Rock; his grandsons Ryan (Allie) and Kyle (Carlee) Maraffi; his great-grandson Carter Maraffi; and also nieces and nephews. 

 
Read More


Sharon E. Piergrossi

June 07, 2022 |

By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary

Sharon E. Piergrossi, 74 of Fayette City, PA, formerly of Greenock PA, passed away Sunday, June 5, 2022 in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.

She was born October 5, 1947 in McKeesport, PA, daughter of Wilbert Jackson  and Kathryn Ammon Jackson.

Sharon was retired from Mt. Vernon Personal Care Home in Elizabeth Twp where she was the Kitchen manager.  She was a fantastic cook and loved to feed her family with her many treats.  Sharon loved spending her time taking care of her dogs and feeding the hummingbirds in the summer.  

She is survived by her  loving husband of 54 years, James Piergrossi, daughter, Sherri L Eley and husband James of Fayette City and son, James Piergrossi and wife Tori of Kingsville, MD.; two brothers, William Jackson of Dravosburg, Pa. and John Jackson and wife Cynthia of Ohio.; three grandchildren, Ashley Eley, Kayton Biddison and William Werneke.  Also survived by three great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

 
Read More


William J. Trasp

June 07, 2022 |

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

William J. "Yogi" Trasp, age 75, of Espyville, formerly of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 in Elizabeth Twp. A Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, he retired as an assembly line worker for Fisher Body in West Mifflin. He was a member of Elrama United Methodist Church. He enjoyed making stained glass windows, riding his motorcycle, wintering in Florida, and being with family and friends. Born November 1, 1946 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late William J. and Loretta Fern (Welch) Trasp and husband of the late Marcella (Letavec) Trasp. He is survived by sons, John N. (Joanie) Trasp of Mt. Vernon and Bill (Shelli) Trasp of Payne, OH; grandchildren, Jessica and John Letavec, Kara and Kevin Trasp, and Devlin and Raven Geroski; one great-grandchild; sister, Bonnie Popp of North Huntingdon; also, nieces, nephews and aunts. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by brothers, Thomas and James Trasp. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Thursday, June 9, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place on Friday, June 10, 2022 at 10 AM in Round Hill Cemetery Chapel, Elizabeth Twp., with the Rev. Dr. William K. Little officiating. Burial will follow. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Kyle Chase Russell

June 07, 2022 |

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

Kyle was born April 10, 1986 in Ogden, Utah. He passed away unexpectedly June 1, 2022 in Washington, PA. He will be truly missed by all who loved him, especially his family and children. Kyle graduated from Fremont High School in 2004.

 
Read More


Russell A. Forsythe

June 07, 2022 |

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

Russell A. Forsythe, age 70, of Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, June 6, 2022 at Jefferson Hospital. An Army veteran of the Vietnam War, he retired as a technician for Toshiba in Pittsburgh. He attended Park Baptist Church in Versailles, loved spending time with his grandchildren, and enjoyed fishing. Born March 8, 1952 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Harry and Stella (Flory) Forsythe. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Tammy J. (Brannon) Forsythe; daughter, Leah (Christopher) Wampler of Elizabeth; sons, David (Jessica) Cochran of Maysville and Matthew Cochran of Elizabeth; eight grandchildren; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by son, Chad Forsythe; sister, Judy Layton; and brothers, Harry and Eddie Forsythe. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Thursday, June 9, 2022 from 5-7 PM. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Mildred Kotulsky

June 07, 2022 |

By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory

Mildred Kotulsky, age 96, of North Versailles, died June 5, 2022, at Juniper Village of Forest Hills. Born June 19, 1925, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Pearl (Kumko) Sowa, and the wife of the late Phillip C. Kotulsky.

Mildred was a dedicated mother and wife. She was a member of Holy Family Polish National Catholic Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir. Mildred was a great cook and loved baking for her family and holiday events. She was also an avid gardener.

 
Read More


Duane G. Junker

June 06, 2022 |

By Hunter Funeral Home | Posted in: Hunter Funeral Home

Duane G. Junker, 80, of Elizabeth Township and Champion, PA, died Monday, June 6, 2022 at UPMC Somerset.  Born in McKeesport on October 29, 1941, he was the son of the late Duane S. Junker and Norabelle Gordon Junker Doty, and was preceded in death by his stepfather, Charles F. Doty.  He is survived by his son, Matthew T. (Janette) Junker of Irwin, daughter, Heather A. (Matthew) Dougherty of Malvern, PA, son, Stephen C. (Laurie) Junker of North Huntingdon, 8 grandchildren, his partner, Jace Pasquale of Elizabeth Township and Champion, PA, and by his brother, Gordon Junker of Richmond, VA. 

Mr. Junker was the retired superintendent of McKeesport & Versailles Cemetery,  a member and elder of the former Central Presbyterian Church, member and past president of the Youghiogheny Country Club, member of Duquesne Lodge #731, F&AM (formerly McKeesport Lodge #641, F&AM), Syria Temple of the Shrine and its McKeesport Caravan #4, Al O Mon Forest #138, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, past president of the Rotary Club of McKeesport, a member of the board of directors of the McKeesport Heritage Center, and a member of the board of directors of McKeesport & Versailles Cemetery for 55 years. 

He was a graduate of McKeesport High School, Class of 1959.  A 1963 graduate of Penn State University, he was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration.  He was also the third generation owner of the former R.W. Junker Real Estate and Insurance Agency. A private family graveside service will be held at McKeesport & Versailles Cemetery, with Hunter Funeral Home, Inc., 1600 Coursin Street, McKeesport, PA  15132 in charge of arrangements.  Donations in memory of Duane should be directed to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (www.curealzfund.com), 34 Washington Street, Suite 310, Wellesly Hills, MA  02481.

 


Elizabeth J. Okert

June 06, 2022 |

By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Elizabeth J. Okert, 93, of North Versailles, died Thursday, June 2, 2022. She was born February 28, 1929 in Braddock, a daughter of the late Frank and Elizabeth (Pernick) Heininger and was also preceded in death by her husband Louis S. Okert, a son David A. Okert, daughter in law Dianne Okert, son in law Michael Clowes, and brothers Robert and Raymond Heininger. She was a member of Mary Mother of God Parish, St. Robert Bellarmine Church, East McKeesport, where she served as a greeter. She was an avid bowler and a volunteer for Meals-On-Wheels. She is survived by her children Laurie J. (Cornell) Franz of Ardara, Frank L. (Larissa) Okert of Liberty Borough, Elizabeth A. Clowes of Strasburg, VA, Louis G. Okert of North Versailles, and Patrick D. (Sherrie) Okert of Latrobe; 12 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; a sister Shirley Schmidt of Peabody, MA; also nieces and nephews.

 
Read More


Betty Joan Baran

June 06, 2022 |

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

Betty Joan Baran, age 85, formerly of Duquesne, passed away on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at UPMC East. Born in Duquesne on December 2, 1936, she was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth (Chadwick) Gross. She was a 39 year volunteer for Meals on Wheels. She was the beloved wife of the late George C. Baran Jr. She is survived by stepson, Kenneth (Anne) Baran of Batesville, IN; was predeceased by sister and brothers, Ruth Caugel, Everett “Ray” Gross, and Eugene Gross; and is also survived by nieces and nephews, Late Diane (surviving spouse Craig) Brooks of Elizabeth Twp., Norman G. (Deidre) Caughel of Virginia Beach, VA, and Krisanne Allen of Hillsville, VA. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, from 2-5 p.m., at the MALOY-SCHLEIFER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 915 KENNEDY AVE., DUQUESNE, 15110, 412-466-3300, WILLIAM B. SCHLEIFER, SUPERVISOR, WILLIAM BRIAN SCHLEIFER, FUNERAL DIRECTOR, where funeral services will be held at 5 p.m., at the conclusion of visitation, with Rev. James Condron, officiating. Interment will take place on Wednesday morning, June 8, 2022, at Jefferson Memorial Park.

 


David Allan Portser

June 06, 2022 |

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

David Allan Portser, 60, of Greensburg, formerly of North Irwin, passed away Saturday, June 4, 2022. He was born October 25, 1961 in Greensburg and was the son of the late Welty Wilmer Portser and the late Sarah Louise (Price) Portser. David will be missed by his colleagues at Wilson Candy Co. in Jeannette, where he worked for the last twenty years. He had a passion for American History, especially the Civil War.

 
Read More


John D. Semenko

June 06, 2022 |

By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory

John D. Semenko, age 59, of White Oak, passed away unexpectedly on March 2, 2022.
John was a 1980 Grad of E.A.H.S. and Forbes Road Vocational School. An avid gardener and animal lover, John was most at peace in his garden by the pond with his dogs and cats.
John was preceded in death by his parents, William and Alberta (Krajack) Semenko, his nephews Kyle and Logan Flodine, his dear friend Harry Stevens, and his mentor and friend William Taylor.
He is survived by his brother George Semenko of Pittsburgh, sister Mary Petro of Greensburg, nephews Shane, Tanner, & Cameron Flodine of Wilmerding, and very dear friend Janet Stevens.
On Sunday, June 12, 2022, there will be a Memorial Celebration at Dogwood Grove in White Oak Park, beginning at 1 p.m.
Arrangements were entrusted to Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.jaycox-jaworskifh.com
Supervisor, Chris Odasso

 


Mary Elizabeth Carney

June 06, 2022 |

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

Mary Elizabeth Carney, 89, of Elizabeth Township, passed away Sunday, June 5, 2022. She was born September 28, 1932 in Elizabeth Township and was the daughter of the late Nazareno  Cipollone and Julia (Giulia) Martucci. She was the wife of the late John Anthony Carney, Jr. who passed away April 23, 2019. Mary was a member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Township, and was a former member of Elizabeth Township Seniors, Victory Ladies Auxillary and the Elizabeth Township Zoning Board. She was retired from Round Hill Regional Park and had previously worked for Allegheny County Treasurers Office and the former 7 Springs Par 3 Golf Course.

 
Read More


Harold N. Fawcett

June 06, 2022 |

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

Harold N. Fawcett, 83, of Irwin, passed away Sunday, June 5, 2022 at Redstone Highlands, N. Huntingdon.  He was born July 25, 1938 in McKeesport, a son of the late Edward and Betty Fawcett.  Prior to his retirement, Harold was a production coordinator for Westinghouse Electric and was owner of Jo-Anne Laundry and various other  laundromats.  He was a follower of the Lutheran faith and was a loving husband, dad, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, square dancing and camping.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Donna (Miller) Fawcett.  He is survived by his son, William Fawcett and his wife, Linda; daughters, Marilyn Nuckels and her husband, Larry and Susan Carothers and her husband, Joe; five grandchildren, Zachary and Noelle Nuckels, Matthew (Ashley) Fawcett, Scott (Tara) Fawcett and Katherine Carothers; two great-grandchildren, Easton and Jase Fawcett.  Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  A funeral service will take place on Wednesday at  11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Irwin Union Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


William "Willie" Takacs, Sr.

June 06, 2022 |

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

William “Willie” Takacs, Sr., age 96 of North Huntingdon, passed away Friday, June 3, 2022 at his home.  Born October 7, 1925 in Duquesne, he was a son of the late Steven and Catherine (Horvat) Takacs.

Willie was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish – St. Patrick’s Church in McKeesport and was a faithful Catholic who loved to sing hymns at Mass.  “Pap” loved his family and was a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He especially loved gathering with everyone on Sundays for spaghetti dinner. 

Willie retired after 38 years as a brakeman and conductor for the Union Railroad and loved to tell everyone that he retired for as many years as he worked.  He was a member of the “Greatest Generation” and a Veteran of World War II, having served in the Navy aboard the heavy cruiser USS Louisville and was very proud of his service to his country.  When asked, he proudly recalled his war stories and campaigns aboard the Louisville in the South Pacific.

Willie’s greatest joy, besides his family, was golf.  He learned the game as a young boy caddying at Duquesne Country Club and played on the golf team at Duquesne High School.  He lived to say that he had been playing golf for 85 years.  He was a scratch golfer who first shot his age at 69 and continued to shoot his age well into his 90s.  Willie played most of his golf at Butler’s Golf Course in Elizabeth and knew the course so well that he would hit his drive and immediately get the next club out of his bag for the second shot.  Last summer, he could still be seen playing there on Tuesdays and Fridays with his “Bullchipper” buddies. 

Willie lived a full life and in his later years loved to say: “Don’t worry about me; I had a great run.”

 
Read More


Ethel Allan

June 06, 2022 |

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

Ethel (Oliver) Allan, age 86, of Forward Twp., passed away on Friday, June 3, 2022 at Overlook Green Senior Living. She was an avid reader, volunteered with Meals on Wheels and enjoyed bowling. Born June 29, 1935 in Broxburn West Lothian, Scotland, she was a daughter of the late Alexander and Elizabeth (Wilson) Oliver and wife of the late George Allan. She is survived by daughters, June M. (Mark) Finnegan of Forward Twp. and Jacqueline Allan of Pittsburgh; grandson, Scott (Erin) Finnegan of Charleston, SC; great-granddaughter, Adalie Finnegan; brother, David Oliver of Scotland; sister, Renee Goodlad of Scotland; also, nieces and nephews. No visitation or services are planned. Memorial contributions can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 459, New York, NY 10163-4594. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.