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Thelma Woodene 'Woody' Bell Merriman

September 14, 2023 |

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

A generation of Post-Gazette readers knew who to turn to for the newest hot spots in Pittsburgh, what to wear to them and —- perhaps most importantly — what recipes and restaurants were on fire this week: Woodene “Woody” Merriman. A “legend” in the ranks of reporters and editors during her tenure from 1977 through 2005, Ms. Merriman took on many roles at the PG, including as restaurant and food critic, lifestyle editor and assistant managing editor.“With her no-nonsense, git-er-done style, Woody was a role model,” said Marlene Parrish, retired food writer for the PG. “Whatever the subject, she nailed it. Also an author and lifelong feminist, Ms. Merriman, who moved from Elizabeth Township to a retirement home in Chevy Chase, Md., 10 years ago, died on Aug. 19 of complications from an infection. She was 97. 

 
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Joseph Michael Hoagland

September 14, 2023 |

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

Joseph Michael Hoagland, 32, of McKeesport, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at home. He was born January 24, 1991 in McKeesport and was the son of Debra A. Hoagland of McKeesport and the late Jeffrey J. Hoagland, who passed away May 2, 2022. Joseph enjoyed fishing, especially at Lake Emilie inside Renzie Park in McKeesport. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his brother, Jeremy Hoagland; step-brother, Christopher (Stephanie) Hoagland; special sisters, Marissa and Jessica Boros; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; and best friends, Stuart Mohamed, Jeffrey Furlong and Blaine Hilbert. There will be no visitation.  Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1638 Lincoln Way, White Oak (412) 672-6322 Troy J. Gilbert, Director. Condolences may be made at GilbertFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

 


Grace Elizabeth Gall

September 13, 2023 |

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

Grace Elizabeth Gall, 80, of Glassport, passed away Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at her daughter's home in White Oak. She was born September 19, 1942 in New Eagle and was the daughter of the late Peter and Thelma Mercedes (Gilbert) Garish. She was the wife of the late Robert Gall who passed away February 13, 2014. Grace was a member of The Church, Sutersville and was an Ordained Minister. She is survived by her daughter, Victoria Jill (Earl G.) Ward of White Oak, grandchildren, John (Katie) Freund, Sherry (Kevin) Kevech, Jesse Jeffcoat, Eric Jeffcoat, Michael Jeffcoat, Crystal Jeffcoat, Mason Jeffcoat, and Max Jeffcoat, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her sons, Jesse Jeffcoat and Timothy Jeffcoat, sisters, Joan Garish Emery, and a brother, James Garish. There is no visitation. Private graveside service and inurnment took place at Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Township.  Arrangements are by Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, Director. Condolences may be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com

 


Linda A. Dow

September 12, 2023 |

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

Linda A. Dow, 74, of McKeesport, passed away Monday, September 11, 2023. She was born July 26, 1949 in McKeesport and was the daughter of the late Daniel A. and Florence J. (Couch) Borrelli. She was the wife of the late Paul "Gene" Eugene Dow, who passed away November 26, 2020.  Linda worked most of her life in her family's business, Borrelli's Lounge and was a member of Turner's Association in Christy Park.  She was an avid candy crush player, enjoyed video poker and enjoyed reading, especially the Harry Potter Books. She was a Trekie who loved Star Trek, most notably the Deep Space Nine Series, but loved all the shows and movies. Most importantly she was a devoted mother, wife, sister, aunt and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

 
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Donald Ray Plants

September 12, 2023 |

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

Donald Ray Plants, 90, of West Elizabeth, passed away Sunday, September 10, 2023. He was born September 24, 1932 in Jefferson Boro and was the son of the late Grover and Mary (Lewis) Plants. He was the husband of the late Joan Laverne (Rush) Plants who passed away December 29, 2012. Donald was the Proprietor of Shadlure Tackle in West Elizabeth and was also a Diesel Mechanic retiring from J & L Steel. He was a US Army Veteran and served in the Korean War.

 
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Nancy Lee Schoemer

September 12, 2023 |

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

Nancy Lee Schoemer, 87, of Bunola, passed away Monday, September 11, 2023. She was born in Elizabeth on February 9, 1936 and was the daughter to the late William and Nancy (Neal) Crosbie. She was the wife to the late William Schoemer before his passing in December of 1973. She is survived by her sons, Kenneth and Darryl Schoemer of Bunola; her daughter, Beth (Robert) Clawson of Bunola; grandchildren, Eric Schoemer, William Schoemer, and Caitlin Clawson; great-grandchildren, Cole Schoemer, and Scarlett & Lyla Babusci; and also by her sisters, Betty Henry, and Sally Gray. In addition to her parents and husband, Nancy is preceded in death by her brother, William Crosbie; and by her sisters, Linda Crosbie, and Carolyn Cameron. There is no visitation. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 6028 Smithfield Street, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com

 


Faye A. Puskaric

September 11, 2023 |

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

Faye A. Puskaric, 93, of Elizabeth Township, passed away Monday, September 11, 2023. She was born in McKeesport on March, 24, 1930 and was the daughter of the late David and Violet (Morrison) Hill. She was the wife of the late Lawrence R. Puskaric who passed away September 22, 2008. Through her life, she was a member of the Central Highlands United Methodist Church, and no matter who you ask, she was such a wonderful woman. She loved to dance, and was always hosting, cooking, or entertaining the family - her famous nut rolls or stuffed cabbage was always a request for events. She is survived by her son, David (Debbie) Puskaric of McKeesport; grandsons, David (Melissa) Puskaric, Jr., of Naples, FL., and Christopher Puskaric of McKeesport; and great-grandchildren, Faith & Jack Puskaric. In addition to her parents and husband, Faye is preceded in death by her sister, Joan Altfather. There is no visitation. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. A private burial will take place at Mount Vernon Cemetery. Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com

 


Eugene Esposito, Jr.

September 11, 2023 |

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

Eugene Esposito, Jr., 55, of Pittsburgh passed away Saturday, September 9, 2023. He was born in Pittsburgh on April 8, 1968 and was the son of the late Eugene Esposito, Sr., and Rosemary (DeReno) Esposito. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins fan, he loved heavy metal music and was a great guitar player. Through everything, music is what motivated him to keep going. He is survived by his son, Geno Esposito of Pittsburgh; sisters, Rosemary (Frank) Yurkovich, and Linda (Tom) Gilarski; nieces, Rachel Matta, Lindsay Bressi, and Amanda Gilarski; his aunt, Helen Creaturo; and his uncle, James DeReno. In addition to his parents, Eugene is preceded in death by his step-mother, Maggie Esposito. There is no visitation. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com

 


Paul M. Brumbaugh

September 11, 2023 |

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

Paul M. Brumbaugh, 89, of Penn Township, passed away Saturday, September 9, 2023 at home.  Paul was born December 30, 1933 in Connellsville and was the son of the late Morgan and Elsie (Eicher) Brumbaugh.  He was the husband of the late Darlene E. (Clugston) Brumbaugh who passed away September 16, 1981 and the late Mary C. (Iarussi) Brumbaugh, who passed away June 4, 2019.  Paul worked as a drafting engineer at Westinghouse for over 30 years and later would become a partner at Concept Engineering Group for over 10 years.  He was very proud of his work and was once featured in Popular Mechanics Magazine.  He was a very active member of The McKeesport Gun Club, an avid hunter and golfer. He enjoyed trapshooting and was a proud member of The NRA.  Most importantly he was a loving father and grandfather and will be greatly missed.

 
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Shirley Ann Dworek

September 08, 2023 |

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

Shirley Ann Dworek, 85, of Liberty Boro, passed away Friday September 8, 2023. She was born June 29, 1938 in McKeesport and was the daughter of the late George and Julia (Molnar) Garancsi. She was a member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish- St. Mark Church, Liberty Boro. She was a retired bookkeeper for the family business, the former Dworek's Amoco in McKeesport and was a 1957 graduate of McKeesport High School.

 
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Virginia Gail Murray

September 07, 2023 |

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

Virginia Gail (Gelbish) Murray, 74, of Greenock, passed away Saturday, July 29, 2023. She was born October 14, 1948 in Braddock and was the daughter of the late Willis E. and Wilma (Diosegy) Murray. Virginia worked for the Department of Welfare as a Disability Advocate and retired after 30 years of service. She was an alumni of Divine Redeemer and graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a BA in Psychology. She grew up in McKeesport and has resided in Greenock for the past 29 years. She was known for being completely devoted to her family and was an extremely generous and kind person. Her compassion for people was extraordinary. She provided for her family first before herself. Her commitment was to always do the right thing. She was a member of the former St. Pius Church, McKeesport and then St. Mary's Romanian Church until she was no longer able to attend. She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Gelbish of Greenock; grandchildren, Chloe Gelbish, Alexander Smith and Jack Creely; great-grandchildren, Julie, Anna, Raymond Jr., and Aleah Davenport; and sister, Cathryn (John) Flaherty of Gibsonia. Service was private. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, Director. Condolences may be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com

 
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Pamela Jane Logue

September 06, 2023 |

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

Pamela Jane Logue, 69, of West Mifflin, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 3rd, 2023 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 17th 1954 in Pittsburgh and was the daughter of the late John L. and Sarah J. (Bennett) Griffith. Pam worked at the former Brooks Fashion as a sales manager in Century III Mall for over 8 years and loved to design the front window with the latest fashions. She then would become a homemaker to spend more time with her family. Pam was a member of the United Methodist Church of Dravosburg. She loved being with her friends and family, listening to music, drawing, and playing cards. Pam also enjoyed playing the machines at Harvey's in Duquesne. Most importantly, she was a loving wife, an adoring mother, and a wonderful Gee-Gee. She may be gone from our sight but never from our hearts. 

 
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Paul R. Strotman

September 06, 2023 |

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

Paul R. Strotman, 75, of  Forward Township, passed away Monday September 4, 2023 and with heavy hearts and teary eyes, the world bid farewell to a true hero, and heaven welcomed his extraordinary soul. We now gather to remember the remarkable life of Paul, a man whose courage and boundless love touched us all. He was the son to the late Samuel and Elizabeth (Smith) Strotman. Paul was more than just a Vietnam Veteran; he was a warrior, with a heart of gold. His valor was exemplified by the 3 Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star adorning his chest - each a testament to his unwavering commitment to saving his comrades.

 
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Elizabeth "Betty" Morrison

September 05, 2023 |

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

Elizabeth "Betty" Morrison, 98, of Eighty Four, passed away Sunday, September 3, 2023 at home. She was born September 6, 1924 in Philadelphia and was the daughter of the late Frank and Vina (Voss) Yeager. She was the wife of the late Robert M. Morrison, who passed away January 26, 2000. Betty worked for many years in sales at Troutman's, and Bon Ton and would also work for United Engineering. She enjoyed flower gardening and feeding the birds. Betty was a member of The Arbor Day Foundation and The Audubon Aviary. She was loved by everyone and will be greatly missed.

 
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Nancy Zumbro South

September 03, 2023 |

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

Nancy Zumbro South, 91, of North Huntingdon, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 1, 2023 after suffering a brief illness at Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh. Nancy was born on July 20, 1932 in McKeesport and was the daughter of the late Andrews and Helen (Wendell)  Zumbro. She was the wife of the late James South who passed away February 17, 2014. She was a graduate of McKeesport High School and  worked for the Aluminum Company of America for 7 years. Nancy was a lifelong member, Deaconess and Sunday School Teacher at Park Baptist Church. She was also a long time member of the DAR (Daughters of American Revolution), the McKeesport Symphony Society, the National Secretary Association, and an Honorary Penn State Alumnus. Nancy worked for many years at H.B. South Printing alongside her husband, Jim. She was a pillar of her church, active in the community and a beloved mother and grandmother. In her spare time she enjoyed being a seamstress and playing tennis, and had a great love for traveling. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Marcia South Klein who passed away September 27, 2021.  She is survived by sons  Mark James South (Ann Davis South), Marlin Joseph South (Maura Momich South), son-in-law Phil Klein, grandchildren Julia and Noah South, and beloved dog Zoey. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Friends are welcome Tuesday, September 5, 2023 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm and 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 1638 Lincoln Way, White Oak. (412) 672-6322 Troy J. Gilbert, Director. Funeral Service will be officiated by The Rev. Dr. Rudy Mayak at Park Baptist Church on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 10:00 am. (Everyone please meet at the church) Private Entombment will follow at the Garden Mausoleum at Mount Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth Township. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Park Baptist Church, 749 Center Street, Versailles, PA, 15132, or The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, 1 N. Linden Street, Duquesne, PA, 15110, organizations Nancy felt strongly about. Condolences may be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com