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Essie L. Bryan

February 16, 2022 |

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

Essie L. Bryan, 95, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, departed this life peacefully on Friday, February 11, 2022, at Riverside Care Center.

Essie was born on September 21, 1926 in Elkins, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late John and Lena Bryan Miller.

Essie joined Trinity COGIC and was baptized and Filled with the Holy Ghost. The Lord lead her to Bethlehem Baptist Church where she loved attending church and singing on the choir.  She really loved her Pastor Rev. Earlene Coleman. Essie loved the Lord and you could always find her praying, singing and playing the piano, giving God all the Glory.

Those left to cherish her memory, sister-in-law, Kathleen Bryan, niece, Rozella Sayles who is the oldest niece and was raised like a sister, a host of devoted nieces and nephews who she really loved, extended family and friends.

 
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Yvette Marie (Jenkins) Pettiford

February 14, 2022 |

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

“Many are called, few are chosen” is an apt description of the passing of Yvette Marie (Jenkins) Pettiford of McKeesport, Pennsylvania on February 8, 2022, at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s (UPMC) McKeesport Hospital. Affectionately known as “Vettie”, “Ma Vette”, “Yvette Marie”, “Y-Vette”, and most appropriately, “Miss Yvette”. Chosen by God to be a forceful light while living, Yvette is now a chosen disciple in His Kingdom as evidenced by her last spoken words, “I am ready to go home to my Lord.”

Born on her late mother’s birthday July 6, 1941, in Monongahela, PA, her busy and fruitful life was spent in McKeesport living among her friends and many close and extended family members. Yvette attended Walnut Street Grade School, McKeesport Junior High School and was a 1959 graduate of McKeesport Senior High School.

Following graduation, she pursued a passion of hers by attending art school in Pittsburgh, PA. She married her ex - late husband, George Pettiford in 1961 and as a military wife, then briefly moved to Hawaii; returning to McKeesport in 1963 to raise her blossoming family. A true legend within her family, her community and places of employment, Yvette was an April 2021 Housekeeping Department Retiree of UPMC McKeesport, former Home Care Provider at Louisa Child Care and Housekeeper at UPMC’s Children’s Hospital.

Never one to mince words, you always knew where you stood with her.  Yet through those often-caustic exchanges, you always felt loved, as Yvette was steadfast in her convictions and in caring for others. As Mother, Grandmother, Godmother, Sister, Sister-in-law, Aunt, Neighbor, Coworker and Friend, her seen and unseen acts of compassion and kindness are primary traits of the legendary status she achieved. Yvette loved her job, at UPMC and was so admired by her coworkers that she received a commendation from the hospital for her commitment to best practices and 40 years of dedicated service.

 
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Keith Louis Stancato

February 10, 2022 |

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

Keith Louis Stancato, 73, of West Mifflin, was born October 23, 1948, in Charleroi, PA. He was the beloved son of the late Louis and Margaret (Hudo) Stancato.

He attended school in Monessen, grades K-12, graduating in 1966 then studying Computer Programming and taking IBM classes. Keith was a veteran serving our country in the United States Army from 1968-1972, receiving an Honorable Discharge and obtained the rank of Specialist 4th Class with duties of Comm Center Specialist. After the Army, Keith attended the Institute of Computer Management.

Keith worked as a Senior Programmer Analyst for Dollar Bank in the Strip District. On April 22, 1989, he married Karen Shafer. To this union, they had 3 beautiful daughters. Keith and Karen lived in Belle Vernon and then moved to West Mifflin, Pennsylvania where they currently reside.

Keith was an avid sports enthusiast. He played baseball in the Army and then later was an excellent golfer, winning many local tournaments. Keith was very active in the church where he loved to teach and preach, first in Belle Vernon and then at Covenant Church of Pittsburgh where he became a Pastor. While in Belle Vernon, he attended the Mon Valley Institute where he graduated with a Master of Theology and Master of Divinity. Keith taught bible class for 8 years at the Harty Bible School in McKeesport.

 
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Romaine Delphine Gallimore

February 04, 2022 |

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

Romaine Delphine Gallimore, 65, of McKeesport, PA departed this life on January 30, 2022, at UPMC Shadyside Hospital. The beloved daughter of James and Jean McBride, she was born September 22, 1956, and was a 1974 graduate of Elizabeth Forward Senior High School in Elizabeth, PA.

Romaine was employed with Pennsylvania Coach Lines for over 20 years and was a member of New Beginnings Ministry, Inc. in McKeesport. 

Anyone close enough to Romaine knew how much she loved her family and friends and how proud she was of her 32 grand- and great-grandchildren, who affectionately referred to her as "Granny".

Her biggest pastime hobbies were caring for her many plants, frequenting estate sales, and cheering on her Pittsburgh Steelers football team. She also enjoyed visiting her sons at their various military duty stations as far as Italy and Germany and especially loved spending time in Texas.

 
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Duane F. Session

February 04, 2022 |

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

Duane F. Session, 74, died Jan. 27, 2022. Arrangements were in charge of Robert A. Waters Funeral Home Inc.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Duane, please visit our floral store.

 


Melvin Thomas Gooden

February 01, 2022 |

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

Melvin Thomas Gooden, affectionately known as “Mel”, age 86, of North Versailles, PA was born September 19, 1935, in McKeesport, PA. He was the beloved son of the late Thomas and Maggie (Williams) Gooden.

Melvin graduated from Duquesne High School in 1953. As a child, Melvin was diagnosed with a club foot, and it was challenging for him to walk. He overcame his disability and worked hard to walk, run and play resulting in a very successful sports career in high school. Melvin had a passion for playing football and basketball. He had an extraordinary left hand and was capable of snatching a football out of mid-air with his powerfully, graceful left hand. He was also a great track star earning a track scholarship to Temple University in Philadelphia PA. After attending Temple, Melvin continued to make Philadelphia his home. He married Eleanor (Phillips) Murtaza and to this union, four children were born.  He became an entrepreneur and opened his own business which he ran for many years. Melvin was a committed and dedicated employee for the Delaware County Transit Authority until his retirement. In his later years, he returned home to Pittsburgh, and he became a member of the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, Pride of the West 84 in McKeesport, Pa. He was intelligent and witty often laughing at his own jokes. Melvin was a God-fearing man and a lifelong member of Payne Chapel AME Church. Most of all, he loved the Lord and his church dearly. His favorite scripture was the 23rd Psalm which he frequently read.

 
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Stephen W. Collins

February 01, 2022 |

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

Stephen W. Collins, 72, peacefully answered the Lord's call to come home after a long battle of illness at Forbes Hospital.  Stephen was surrounded with prayer during his transition by his Pastor Paul Waite, his niece Tee, and cousins Ronay and Thelma.

Stephen was born on July 22, 1949, in Kearneysville, West Virginia to the late Paul "Pete" Ross, Sr., and Alice L. Washington.  Stephen was raised by the late John Collins and Lucinda Washington-Collins whose name he carried.

Stevie loved the Lord and accepted Him as his Lord and Savior, and he loved the house of the Lord!  St. Paul A.M.E Church is where he took pride serving as the President of the Nurse's Guild, member of the Steward Board, the Finance Committee, Senior Choir, and the Culinary ministry.  Stevie loved his kitchen he was most famously known for his greens and cabbage!

 
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James E. Sutton Sr.

January 31, 2022 |

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

James E. Sutton Sr., 63, of McKeesport, was born September 4, 1958, in McKeesport, PA. He was the beloved son of Doc and Clarice (McClanahan) Sutton.

James attended Clairton school district where he graduated in 1976, and he enlisted in the marines shortly after graduation. He served in the marines for seven years. After the military James went on to work as a maintenance man and cook for over ten years. On May 2, 1981, James married Tracie L. Spence. They were married for 41 years, and to this union they had four beautiful children. James and Tracie lived in McKeesport, Pennsylvania.

 
 
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Tracie Ladawn Sutton

January 31, 2022 |

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

Tracie Ladawn Sutton, 58, of McKeesport, was born January 22, 1964, in McKeesport, PA. She was the beloved daughter of Lawrence Jeffries and the late Patricia Spence.

Tracie was born and raised in Lincoln Way, where she moved shortly to Clairton.  She attended McKeesport High School. She later moved to Seattle Washington, where she finished her education in 1982.  Tracie worked as a CNA for over 10 years at Kane Community Living Center. On May 2, 1981, she married the love of her life James E. Sutton. They were married for 41 years, and to this union they had four beautiful children. Tracie and James lived in McKeesport, Pennsylvania.

Tracie loved making crafts, camping, doing puzzles, writing fictional stories, dancing and singing. She also loved talking about conspiracy theories, but most importantly she loved spending time with her loved ones.

 
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Agnes McDougal

January 31, 2022 |

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

Agnes McDougal, 93, died January 25, 2022. Friends will be received from 10 to 11 a.m. February 5, 2022, at Macedonia Baptist Church, 17 Cochran Street, Duquesne, PA 15110. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Arrangements are in care of Robert A. Waters Funeral Home. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Agnes, please visit our floral store.

 


Towanda Cager

January 25, 2022 |

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

Towanda Cager, 58, of McKeesport, was born November 11, 1963, in Pittsburgh, PA. She was the beloved daughter to Douglas Carter and Frances (Stewart) Cager.

She attended school at Westinghouse High School. Towanda worked as a CNA for Riverside Nursing Home. Towanda and lived in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Towanda was a homebody, she the youngest of nine children. She enjoyed playing games and talking on her phone and watching old movies on the television.

Towanda departed this life on January 3, 2022, at UPMC Hospital in McKeesport PA. She was preceded in death by Her parents, father Douglas Carter and mother, Frances (Stewart) Cager, brother, Alfred Johnson, sister, Doreen Hall, brother, Randolph Stewart, sister, Deborah Thomas.

 
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Garlen Larry Webb

January 25, 2022 |

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

Garlen Larry Webb, 70, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania was born August 29, 1951, in Bluefield, Virginia. He was the beloved son of the late Bond G. Webb and Ruth (Swanson) Webb. Garlen was a graduate of the Pittsburgh Barber School. As a local Barber in the McKeesport area, he was well known. Garlen departed this life on January 18, 2021, at UPMC McKeesport Hospital in McKeesport, PA.

 
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Phillip Leslie “Les” Gadson

January 25, 2022 |

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

Phillip Leslie “Les” Gadson, 72, of Jefferson Hills, was born July 30, 1949, in McKeesport, PA. He was the beloved son of Eva (George) Robinson and Harold Gadson. He departed this life on January 13, 2022, in Jefferson Hills, PA.

Les spent his formative years in New York City where he acquired his thirst for city life and Afrocentric culture. He was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. He was also a graduate of Robert Morris University where he received a bachelor’s degree in journalism. As a life-long learner, he also attended Maharishi International University in Fairfield, Iowa where he studied consciousness and human potential.

Following his tenure in Iowa, Les created life in Washington, D.C. with a community of fellow meditators. While in D.C. he had a long career that enabled him to travel throughout the country to attend jazz festivals. Les was an avid jazz enthusiast and purist who also loved to read and study the impact of civil rights movements.

Les relocated to Pennsylvania in 2018 although he continued to travel to D.C. until his death.

 
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Mary Smiley

January 21, 2022 |

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

Mary Smiley, 66, of McKeesport, was born March 10, 1955, in Birmingham, Alabama She was the beloved daughter to Ethel Smiley. She was raised in Chicago, Illinois, and later moved to McKeesport where she lived for the last 22 years. Mary departed this life on January 2, 2022, at UPMC McKeesport. She was preceded in death by her mother. She leaves behind so many families and friends that she truly loved. Anyone that ever met her loved her from the start. You were never just a friend; you would always be family. Mary is survived by her loving two daughters, Tina Smiley and LaDonna Smiley; three sons, Charles Smiley, Marcus Smiley, William Smiley; all of McKeesport PA., Life-long Partner, Billy Knight; 31 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Services are private and are in charge of Robert A. Waters Funeral Home. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Smiley, please visit our floral store.

 


Stephanie Ann (Bryant) Franklin

January 07, 2022 |

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

Stephanie Ann (Bryant) Franklin, 63, died January 1, 2022. Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Jan. 11, 2022, at the Robert A. Waters Funeral Home, Inc., 2326 Jenny Lind St., McKeesport, PA 15132. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at Zion Baptist Church, 1300 Locust St., McKeesport, PA 15132.