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Roy Vernon Stevanus

February 04, 2020 |

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

Roy Vernon Stevanus,  60, of Elizabeth Township. passed  away Sunday, February 2, 2020. He was born October 8, 1959 in McKeesport and was the son of Jane (White) Stevanus of Elizabeth Township and the late George Emmett Stevanus. Roy was a member of the Boston United Methodist Church, WMBU of Blythdale and was a social member of the Buena Vista Fire Co.  He worked for Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh. 

 
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Cameron P. Hopkin

February 04, 2020 |

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

Cameron P. Hopkin,  19, of Ruffs Dale, passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 2, 2020. He was born December 6, 2000 in Monroeville, the son of Victor and Jamie (Ruggier) Hopkin of Ruffs Dale. He was a 2019 graduate of Yough High School where he was a member of the football team, wrestling team, National Honors Society and many other clubs. He attended  Kent State University Honors College where he was a member of the Honors Leadership Academy. He was a chemistry major and had plans to use his education to positively impact as many lives as possible. Cameron was a kind, generous, gentle soul. He loved his family, his friends and great music. He touched the lives of all who knew him and will be forever missed. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brother Wade and sister Carli Hopkin of Wexford, grandmother, Shelley Ruggier of Elizabeth Township, uncles, Wendell C. (Danette) Hopkin of Chesapeake, VA, Louis (Marcy) Hopkin of Elizabeth Township, and Jason (Heather) Ruggier of Cranberry Township, aunts, Melanie Ruggier of Elizabeth Township and Samantha (Dan) Taylor of Buena Vista, cousins, Ryan (Katie), Amanda (Chris), Jackie, Travis, Robyn, Matt, Lauren, Jacob, Max, Zach, Logan, and Chiara. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Wendell and Philomena Hopkin and Paul Ruggier. Friends are welcome Thursday, February 6, 2020 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm and Friday, February 7 from 10 am to 12 noon at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1638 Lincoln Way, White Oak. (412) 672-6322 Troy J. Gilbert, director.  Service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Friday at 12:00 noon, with Pastor Dennis Handley, officiating. Condolences may be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com

 


Pamela J. Kavalukas

February 04, 2020 |

By William H. Craig Funeral Home | Posted in: William H Craig Funeral Home

Pamela J. Kavalukas, 70, of McKeesport, passed away on January 29, 2020 at Riverside Care Center in McKeesport after a long illness.

 
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Frances M. Ekl

February 04, 2020 |

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

After a wonderful life spent with loving family and friends, Frances Ekl, 80, passed from this earth on Sunday, February 2, 2020,  to spend eternity in the loving care of the Lord in heaven.

Born Frances Mae Bugajski on April 20, 1939  to the late Frank and Alice Jean Bugajski, she lived her entire life in Western Pennsylvania. She was married to Joseph John Ekl for nearly 60 years.

Frances graduated from Norwin High School and Westmoreland County Community College. As president of the Norwin School board for many years, she led numerous valuable programs, her favorites being the set-up of Phone-a-Friend for children and the institution of the annual senior citizen dinner now run by the NHS student council. She was a faithful member of St. Agnes Church, Christian Mothers, the GMC Motorhome Club, the International Family Motorcoach Club, and the Norwin High class reunion committee. Reading and traveling were two of her many passions. Taking Polish lessons with her father to better share their heritage was enlightening for both. With friends and relatives she traveled locally, nationally and abroad. She played cards regularly with friends in various card clubs. With her husband, cousins, and close friends, she shared delight and excitement when visiting various casinos.

In addition to her parents, Frances was predeceased by her husband Joe (Jack) Ekl, her sister Marilyn Nagel and her brother James Bugajski.

Frances is survived by children Debra Popelas (Kenneth), Joseph Ekl (Victoria), Randy Ekl (Maxine), Robert Ekl (Donna); grandchildren Timothy Ekl (Catherine Owen), Brian Popelas, Adam Ekl, Spencer Ekl, Laura Ekl, Emily Ekl,  Keith Ekl, Justin Ekl; siblings Delores Jean Pedder, Frank Bugajski; sister-in-law Kathy Bugajski; many nieces, nephews, cousins.

Visitation is scheduled Thursday, February 6th,  6 to 8 pm, Friday,  February 7th, 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm at James Shirley Funeral Home, North Huntingdon, Pa. A Mass of Christian burial will take place in St. Agnes Church on Saturday, February 8th at 10 am with interment at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Norwin Public Library or the benefit of the senior citizen dinner.  Envelopes will be available during visitations.

 


Stella B. Bielic

February 03, 2020 |

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

Stella B. Bielic, 98, of White Oak, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2020. She was born June 10, 1921 in McKeesport, daughter of the late Jan and Bertha (Szpunar) Bielic. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Maryalice Bielic, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Services are private and arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 


Olive Jane Swackhammer

February 03, 2020 |

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

Olive "Ollie" Jane Swackhammer, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 2, 2020.  She was born May 7, 1938 to James and Viola Patterson in Pittsburgh.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Swackhammer; brothers, Donald, John, Edward, Thomas; and sisters, Dorothy Mesko and Irene Lewis.  She was the loving mother of Daniel Jr. (Barbara), Randy (Lydia), Jeffrey (Dawn), Tammy Harkovich, Keith (Debbie) Swackhammer and Tracey (John) Diroll.  She was an endearing grandmother to Steven Swackhammer, JP Diroll, Jeffrey Swackhammer, Randy Swackhammer, Michelle Mandery, Timothy Swackhammer, Eric Bittner, Matthew Swackhammer, Samantha Duran, Sarah Harkovich, Hailey McLindon, Austin Diroll, Keith and Addison Swackhammer; and brother, James Patterson.  She is survived by 16 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and her beloved Sweet Pea.  Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.  A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Westmoreland County Food Bank.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 


Elizabeth M. “Beth” Sabo

February 02, 2020 |

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

Elizabeth M. “Beth” Sabo age 97, of West Mifflin, on Saturday, February 1, 2020, at home.  Daughter of the late Earl & Ann (Gwynn) Lloyd, she was the former owner of a ceramic business and a hairdresser and a member of Faith Lutheran Church in White Oak.  She was the beloved wife of the late Stephen A. Sabo for 71 years ; mother of the late Gene Stephen Sabo; and sister of the late Thomas Lloyd, late William Lloyd and late Daisy Valiquette.  She is survived by sister-in-law Charlotte (late John) Rezes; nephew John Rezes; niece Suzanne Koribanic; and grand nephew Brandon Schnelzer. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the MALOY-SCHELIFER FUNERAL HOME, 915 Kennedy Ave., Duquesne, 412-466-3300, where a funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Michael Ryan officiating.  Burial will follow in Jefferson Memorial Park.

 


Sandra Jean "Sandy" Rook

February 02, 2020 |

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

Sandra Jean "Sandy" Rook,  80, of Elizabeth Township, passed away Friday, January 31, 2020. She was born December 6, 1939 in Charleroi and was the daughter of the late Lloyd E. and Marie (Geiger) Hails. Sandy was a member of St. Michael Parish in Elizabeth Township and was a retired Realtor for Wilson Baum / Howard Hanna.

 
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Robert Michael Saunders

February 02, 2020 |

By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary

Robert Michael Saunders, 67, died January 29, 2020 at home in McKeesport, Pa. Known affectionately as “Banjo,” he was born December 23, 1952 in Homestead, Pa.

He was the son of Taft Saunders and Elizabeth Krista and  the third of five children. He was educated in the Homestead Public School System. As a young adult, Banjo would go on to work side jobs such as roofing and other small hands-on jobs. He also enjoyed acting. On April 2, 2002, Banjo married Mathilda Jones of Homestead.

Along with his brother Richard (Rick), he was seen in the movie “Dawn of the Dead,” where he would play a major role as a zombie.

A drummer who loved heavy metal rock, Banjo and his brother Rick joined several bands and performed at many shows and local venues, and was a devoted fan of pro wrestling.

 
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Linda Gerstner Sendek

February 01, 2020 |

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

Linda Gerstner Sendek of White Oak, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at the age of 69. She was born on March 31, 1950 and is the daughter of the late Herbert and Mary Polly Gerstner.

 
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Sandra L. "Sandy" Kersting

January 31, 2020 |

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

Sandra L. "Sandy"  Kersting, 70, of White Oak, passed away Thursday, January 30, 2020 at home. She was born November 5, 1949 in McKeesport and was the daughter of the late Albert and Emma A. Gergely Dansak. Sandy was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish (St. Angela Merici), where she was a cantor for 41 years.

 
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Ronald Paul Leech

January 31, 2020 |

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

Ronald Paul Leech, age 68 of McKeesport, died suddenly, Thursday, January 30, 2020 at his home.  He was born in McKeesport on July 20, 1951 and is the son of Roseltha Sullivan Leech of McKeesport and the late Clyde Leech, Jr.  He is a very proud graduate of Penn State University which he loved greatly. He previously resided in New Milford, Connecticut, and spent much time with his grandson picking him up from school and just having fun. He moved back to McKeesport to be with his mother. He retired from Allegheny County as a Certified Public Accountant. 

 
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Sharon R. Santavicca

January 31, 2020 |

By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Sharon R. Santavicca, age 68, of Greensburg, PA, died January 25, 2020, at Westmoreland Manor. Born February 1, 1951, in Colorado Springs, CO, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Rispoli and June (Tafoya), Fawcett.

 
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Barbara Baur, PhD

January 31, 2020 |

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

Barbara (Nelson) Baur, PhD, age 92, of Fair Haven, NJ, passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Riverview Medical Center. She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in New Jersey and a retired French professor at the University of Pittsburgh, specializing in Medieval French literature. She was a Rhodes Scholar, a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and the author of several books written in both English and French. Born January 8, 1928 in Oshkosh, WI, she was a daughter of the late Holgar W. and Lillian R. (Johnson) Nelson and wife of the late Rev. Robert M. Baur. She is survived by step-daughters, Cathy (Michael) Bickerton of Fair Haven, NJ and Aynsley Baur of St. Louis, MO; step-grandchildren, Mark (Kim) Bickerton of Glenside, Matthew (Abbie) Bickerton of East Brunswick, NJ, Philip Bickerton of Brooksville, FL, Celine St. Pierre of St. Louis, MO, and Robert St. Pierre of St. Louis, MO; and four step-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by brother, Richard Nelson. Private service was Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Homewood Cemetery Chapel with the Rev. Cathy Bickerton officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Pittsburgh, French and Italian Department, 4200 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


JoAnn Leckman

January 31, 2020 |

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

On Tuesday, January 28, 2020, JoAnn Leckman, age 65, of White Oak, PA, passed away peacefully in her home.  JoAnn was born and raised in McKeesport, PA, the daughter of Dorothy Ruth (White) Cartwright and the late Ronald Wayne Cartwright.  JoAnn was the widow of the late Terry K. Leckman.  JoAnn and Terry shared a long, loving and committed marriage for 37 years, from 1975 to 2012, when Terry passed away.  They were proud members and supporters of the Riverview Baptist Church in McKeesport.  JoAnn Leckman was preceded in death by her father Ronald, her husband Terry, and her brother Jeffrey Wayne Cartwright.

 
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