September 27, 2024 |
By Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home | Posted in: Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home
Michael Joseph Arena, 58, passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at his home in Irwin.
Born in McKeesport on December 4, 1965, he was the youngest son of Joseph & Dolores (Massung) Arena.
Mike was a graduate of West Mifflin High School Class of 1984. A retired paramedic and firefighter, Mike enjoyed spending his time with family and his four-legged little buddy, Bubba.
Mike is survived by his fiancé Tina Marie Link of Irwin; daughter Samantha Arena of West Mifflin; stepson David Michael Link of Shaler; brothers and sister-in-law Joseph & Laura Arena of Washington, PA and John Arena of Bayville, New Jersey; his aunts Kathleen Germanoski and Lorraine Arena; and his sisters-in-law Cindy (Ed) Sharik of Cranberry and Lousie (Jimmy) Gutierrez of San Antonio, Texas. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, from 2-8 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, followed by a Funeral Service, at 7:30 p.m., with Rev. Michael Singer, officiating.
September 27, 2024 |
By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory
Patricia A. Wassel, age 67, died September 25, 2024, at UPMC Magee - Womens Hospital. Born April 20, 1957, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of late Robert J. and Dolores F. (Clarke) Wassel.
Patty was a loving, caring, person that could put a smile on anyone's face.
She was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish. Patty enjoyed bingo, playing cards, especially pinochle, and crafting.
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September 27, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Cecelia Cheravich, age 94 of North Huntingdon passed, away on September 27, 2024 at UPMC East. She was born February 18, 1930 in Scott Haven, PA, a daughter of the late Andy and Jennie Stepaniak Koshar. Cecelia was a member of St. Agnes Church, North Huntingdon and a long time member of the Emerald Club where she served as the president for several years. Prior to her retirement, she was employed as the Deli manager for Super Dollar in White Oak and later was employed by Shop and Save in the meat department. Cecelia was an avid Steeler fan and loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Cheravich, and a brother William Koshar, She is survived by her loving daughter, Joann Bazanos and her husband Pete, step daughter, Denise Davis and her husband Wesley, one brother, Andy Koshar, 4 grandchildren, Olivia and Julia Bazanos, Wesley Davis (Crystal), Christopher Davis (Cindy), 6 great grandchildren, Peyton, Ava, Alyssa, Kylie, Carson, Vanessa, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Sunday 2-8 p.m. A funeral mass will held Monday 10 a.m. at St. Agnes Church, North Huntingdon followed by interment at West Newton Cemetery. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
September 27, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Cindy Lou (Albright) Dixon Albright, age 70, of Liberty Borough, passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at Forbes Hospital. She was a retired nursing assistant at Jefferson Hospital and Kane Community Living Center – McKeesport, and was a former school bus driver. She was a member of Greenock United Methodist Church in Elizabeth Twp. where she was very active. Born May 12, 1954 in Lincoln Borough, she was a daughter of the late James A. and Sarah K. (Albright) Gephart. She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Ray L.H. Albright; sons, James A. Dixon of McKeesport and Edward L. (Nicole) Dixon of Elizabeth Twp.; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother, Jimmy Ray (Lori) Gephart of Lincoln Borough; also, many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. No visitation is planned. A memorial service will take place on Friday, October 4, 2024 at 10 AM in Greenock United Methodist Church with the Rev. Scott Lawrence officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Greenock United Methodist Church, 1213 Greenock-Buena Vista Road, Greenock, PA 15047. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
September 27, 2024 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Dorothy E. Frisch, age 97, of Baldwin, died at home of natural causes on September 14, 2024. Born September 4, 1927, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Larz and Dagney (Gafvert) Frisch.
Dorothy dedicated years of service to Bell Atlantic, starting as a telephone operator and retiring as a Supervisor, leaving a legacy of hard work. She loved to travel and took a great interest in her community. A compassionate soul, Dorothy deeply loved animals, particularly cats. She spent her free time fostering kittens from the Humane Society, spreading joy and comfort to those in need.
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September 27, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Jeffrey Steven Pivarnik, age 55 of North Huntingdon, died peacefully on September 26, 2024, at home surrounded by his family. He was born on February 19, 1969 in McKeesport. Jeff is preceded in death by his mom, Charlotte (Renda) Pivarnik. He is survived by his father, Steven M. Pivarnik of North Huntingdon, his brother, Jamie S. Pivarnik (Wife Renee) of North Huntingdon, two nephews, Mason and Maddox, many cousins, co-workers, and friends. Jeff was a graduate of Norwin in the Class of 1987. He took pride in his work as a Laborer at Mele Construction and will be missed by his many co-workers. Jeff was recently diagnosed with stage-4 metastatic cancer. He fought this battle for 8 weeks and God has taken him home. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Monday from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a cancer foundation of your choice. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
September 26, 2024 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Luis Alberto Medina, age 80, of McKeesport, PA, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024. He was born on the Island of Puerto Rico in Ponce on August 3, 1944, and was one of seven children to the late Calixto and Simona Rivera Medina. Luis moved state side as a child with his mother, to the city of McKeesport, where eventually he met his wife, Jaqueline “Jackie” Louise Riley.
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September 25, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Margaret L. Simon, 93 of Buena Vista passed away peacefully September 25, 2024, at her cherished family farm. Born to Eli Ross and Margaret Toth Ross on November 26, 1930 in New Castle, Pa., Margaret moved to Elizabeth Township in 1940, where she lived for the next 84 years until her death. Margaret was a true life-long farmer and was awarded a college scholarship from the Future Farmers of America, which she declined in order to marry the neighboring farmer, her beloved husband, Julius Simon. Julius preceded her in death in 1999. Margaret was an avid reader and self-taught oil painter. She enjoyed puzzles and games, and deeply loved her family. Never afraid to speak her mind, she often said that she was not opinionated...she just knew what was right and wasn’t afraid to say it! Margaret was a talented storyteller. She was strong in her faith and a member of Round Hill Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years. In addition to her husband, Julius, Margaret was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Tim Kenney. She is survived by her three children, Margaret Kenney, Julius Simon (Karen), and April Ball (Ken); her grandchildren, Joseph Kenney (Molly), Christian Kenney, Margaret Rose Moreno (Rafael), Shannon Casillas (David), Joy Simon, Ezra Ball, Simon Ball (Frances), April Autumn Sultana (Jean Emmanuel), Esther Ball, Abigail Ball Hollern (Jenn); and her great-grandchildren, Emilio, Eliana, Diego, Liam, Freddie, Rainer, Eva, Gia, Skye, Nathaniel Julius, and Bea. At Margaret’s request, there will be a private burial at Round Hill Cemetery with no public visitation or service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Margaret’s name to the Round Hill Food Pantry, 2150 Round Hill Church Road, Elizabeth, PA 15037. James W. Shirley Funeral Home is handling arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
September 25, 2024 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Richelle Anne "Shelley" Salka, 62, of Bunola passed away Wednesday, September 25, 2024. She was born in Pittsburgh on November 3, 1961 and was the daughter of the late Richard Paul and Louise (Weir) McKee. Shelley worked many years for Matrix Care - an at home nursing care program, as a customer service representative in tech support. She was also a member of the Redeemer Church of South Hills in West Mifflin. She loved going for walks, spending time with her family and enjoyed being around the grandkids. She always had another house project in mind, working on one and immediately starting the next - her and her husband Rod were always making home improvements.
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September 25, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Patricia Davies, age 82 of North Huntingdon, formerly of Buffalo, New York, passed away on September 25, 2024 at her home. She was born on December 17, 1941 in Freeport, PA, a daughter of the late Elwood Harold and Verna Belle. Patricia cherished her role as a homemaker and loved to tend to her garden and flowers. She was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Buffalo. In addition to her parents, Patricia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carl. She is survived by one son, Richard, and two sisters, Janet and Deborah. In accordance with Patricia's wishes there will be no public visitation. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
September 25, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Virginia Irene Ciccarelli, age 95 of North Huntingdon, passed away on September 24, 2024 at UPMC East in Monroeville. She was born on September 15, 1929 in Greensburg, a daughter of the late John Rice and Virginia Ann Kowalski. Virginia was a graduate of California State University where she earned a Bachelor's degree in teaching, and she later earned her master's degree from the University of Maryland. She was a beloved kindergarten teacher at Calverton Elementary School in Maryland. In her free time, Virginia loved card games and was an avid Bridge player. In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dominic Ciccarelli, two brothers, Raymond J. Rice and Donald R. Rice, and one sister Eleanor Vugrincic. She is survived by four sons, John J. Ciccarelli (Karen Taylor), Daniel J. Ciccarelli (Virginia), David A. Ciccarelli (Cyndee Julian) and Stephen M. Ciccarelli (Colleen Kelley), one brother Edward Rice, one sister Jacquelyn Rice, seven grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. In accordance with Virginia's wishes, there will be no public visitation. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
September 25, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
James C. St. Clair, age 85 of North Huntingdon, passed away on September 19, 2024, at his home. He was born on May 23, 1939 in Blairsville, a son of the late James St. Clair and Ethel Smith St. Clair. James was employed as an automobile mechanic at Delaney Chevrolet in Indiana PA. He was a longtime member of New Hope Presbyterian Church where he worked as a custodian, and also served as a volunteer fireman at the Blairsville Fire Department. In his free time, he loved to hunt, fish, travel, and work on cars. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife Eleanor Pletcher St. Clair in 2021, one son, David St. Clair, and one daughter, Karen Campion. He is survived by three daughters, Deborah Braun, Diana Roberts, and Donna Van Allen, one son, James St. Clair (Brenda), and grandchildren Brandee Deyarmin (Thomas), James St. Clair, Russell St. Clair (Katie), Jessica Carlock, Jennifer Quinones (Marcus), Christopher Van Allen, Zachary Van Allen (Sara), Marie Gillespie (Brad), and Eva Campion-Babilya (Michael), and great-grandchildren Robbie Cowan, Drew Quinones, and Adelyn Quinones. Visitation will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to New Hope Presbyterian Church. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
September 24, 2024 |
By Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home | Posted in: Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home
Susanna (Karafa) Mehalik, age 100, of Verona, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024, at home. Born in Duquesne on July 27, 1924, she was the daughter of the late George and Susanna (Tyre) Karafa. She was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in Duquesne and loved dancing and caring for her family, which was her world.
She was the wife of the late Paul P. Mehalik for 50 years. She is the mother of Paul D. (Judith) Mehalik of Indiana, PA and Carolyn Mehalik of Penn Hills; grandmother of Lauren (Brandon) Mehalik Schantz, Katherine (Nicholas) Mehalik Melvin and Paul Alex Mehalik; aunt of Karen Siudela; and sister of the late Michael Karafa and late Helen Steinhauser.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, from 5-9 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. Parting prayers will take place at the Funeral Home on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m., in SS.Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, Duquesne, with Rev. Christiaan Kappes, officiating. Burial will follow in SS. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, West Mifflin.
September 24, 2024 |
By William S. Skovranko Memorial Home | Posted in: William S. Skovranko Memorial Home
Marlene (Babic) Wasserman, 86, of Pittsburgh entered into eternal rest peacefully on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the Fair Oaks of Pittsburgh. Born in McKeesport on September 3, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Budimer and Mary (Petrisko) Babic. Mrs. Wasserman was a retired supervisor for Blue Cross of Pennsylvania. She is survived by her loving daughter, Michelle Wasserman and two brothers, Richard Babic and Walter Babic.
Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 in the William S. Skovranko Memorial Home Inc., 828 Richford Street, Duquesne. Funeral services will be conducted in the Memorial Home on Thursday, September 26 at 11 A.M. Burial will follow in McKeesport and Versailles Cemetery, McKeesport.
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September 24, 2024 |
By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes
Andrew Emil Racko, Jr., 75, a lifelong resident of McKeesport, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024 at his home. He was born in McKeesport on January 7, 1949, to the late Andrew Sr. and Anne Mary Berta Racko. Andrew was the loving husband of 54 years to Carolyn H. Hall Racko. He is survived by his wife Carolyn of McKeesport, daughters Tanya (Brian Weiner) Racko of Bellevue, son Patrick (Myria) Racko of Hope Mills, NC, sister Susan Anne Racko of Dravosburg, grandchildren Ariana Berger, Amanda O'Donnell, Aliyah Zavetsky, great-grandchildren Ronan O'Donnell, Dylan O'Donnell, step-children as well as his loving kitty and bearded dragon. Andrew was preceded in death by his parents Andrew Racko, Sr. and Anne Mary Berta Racko. He served in the United States Coast Guard during Vietnam and was stationed in Alaska on St. Paul Island. Andrew was employed for 35 years by Braddock Hospital and later retired from McKeesport Hospital. He enjoyed woodworking, playing guitar, hiking, and the outdoors. Arrangements have been entrusted to E.C. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 235 Monongahela Ave, Glassport, PA 15045. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com
