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.


Charlotte Benarovsky

February 01, 2023 |

By Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home | Posted in: Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home

Charlotte Bednarovsky, 87, of Silver Spring, Maryland, died on Saturday January 28, 2023. Formerly of White Oak, PA and Riverview, FL she was born on November 8, 1935 and raised in Duquesne, PA. She is the beloved wife of the late Edward Bednarovsky and sister of the late Francis Albert Norkus. She is the daughter of the late Esther (Nagy) Norkus, and father Frank Norkus. She is survived by her son Craig, daughter-in-law Mónica, and grandchildren Mia and Liam Bednarovsky of Washington, DC. Even though Charlotte lost her mother at an early age, she fondly remembered growing up in a small row house on 3rd Street in Duquesne where she was raised by her grandparents Julia and Károly (Charles) Nagy who had immigrated from Hungary. She shared that house with her five loving uncles and an aunt who were like brothers and a sister to her. After graduating from Duquesne High School, she went to work at the GC Murphy home office in McKeesport, PA. Soon thereafter Charlotte took a secretarial job at the Bettis Atomic Laboratory in West Mifflin. Her fondest memory from Bettis was attending and participating in the 1958 Newport News, VA christening of USS Enterprise (CVN-65), the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Several years after automobile accident related death of her first husband, Wesley Probst, she married Edward Bednarovsky of McKeesport and moved Dearborn Drive in White Oak where she enjoyed years of good times with wonderful neighbors. Charlotte was a long-time member of the Hungarian Reformed Church of Duquesne. She took great joy in baking traditional Hungarian pastries, and cooking traditional Hungarian dishes. During her years in Silver Spring, MD Charlotte enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, attending their sporting events, and treating them to early morning popsicles while letting them do her hair – as a grandmother does. Charlotte was ravaged by rheumatoid arthritis which limited her physical activity and quality of life for the past 20+ years. If you are so moved, and in lieu of flowers, you may make a charitable donation to the Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritisfoundation.org/donate). Friends and family will be received from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, February 11 at TEICHART-GRACAN FUNERAL HOME, Duquesne. A brief prayer service will be held at noon, followed by a wake luncheon at Luciano’s Italian Restaurant in White Oak from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

 


Veronia Mary (Wurtz) Bodner-Lucas

January 20, 2023 |

By Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home | Posted in: Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home

Veronica "Ronnie" Mary (Wurtz) Bodner-Lucas, 89, of Duquesne, died Jan. 20, 2023.  She is the daughter of the late John and Gertrude Wurtz and wife of the late Simon Bodner (1991) and Bernard Lucas (2019).  She is survived by her daughters Deborah (Robert) Kahl, Marie (Larry) Schultz and Cheryl (Robert) Harshman; son Charles Bodner; gandchildren Allison (Kahl) Cubberley, Elisha (Schultz) Belanger, Kristine (Schultz) Galloway, Keith Harshman, Jeff Harshman and Michele Harshman;  brother Ted Wurtz; 13 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.  She was preceded in death by her sisters Anna Clark and Agnes Koch and brother Adam Wurtz.  Ronnie was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish.  Friends received Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home, Duquesne on Wed. from 10 to 11 am.  A funeral mass will be held 11:00 am at St. Joseph Church with Father Tom Lewandowski.  Inurnment following Holy Name Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels.

 


Irene P. (Duffek) Puhala

December 14, 2022 |

By Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home | Posted in: Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home

  Irene P. (Duffek) Puhala, 96, of Turtle Creek, formerly of Munhall died December 6, 2022. She is the beloved wife of the late Clarence R. Puhala. She is survived by her daughter Rosemary (the late Ron) Revers; son Richard (Barb) Puhala; grandchildren Melanie Lang, Stefan Walowitz, Max Puhala, Valerie Puhala, and Ryleigh Puhala. She was preceded in death by her daughter Mary Kathleen Puhala and son Robert M. Puhala. Irene was employed by Treesdale Corporation until her marriage to Clarence Puhala. She was the owner of Puhala Valley Tavern in Turtle Creek, and then later the owner of Hotel Puhala Restaurant in Braddock with her husband. While living in Turtle Creek she made many friends at the Senior Citizen's Center where she enjoyed volunteering, playing cards, and Wii bowling. She also participated in many outings to the Banjo Club in the north side of Pittsburgh where she would dance the night away. The band would end the evening by singing the old song "Good Night Irene". Friends received Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home, Duquesne on Wed. December 21st from 4-7. A funeral mass will be held Thursday Dec. 22nd 10:30am at St. Colman's Church, Turtle Creek. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 600 Waterfront Dr #210, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

 


John "Yutzie" Belich

December 12, 2022 |

By Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home | Posted in: Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home

 

John "Yutzie" Belich, 88, of West Mifflin died Monday December 12, 2022. He is the son of the late Jovo and Milica (Trbovich) Belich. He is survived by his beloved wife Nancy (Anastas) Belich; daughter Nicole (Michael) Korach; son Brock (Allie) Belich; grandchildren Ilija, Jaden, Anastasija, and Savka; sister Diane (Paul) Holomshek; and nieces and nephews and godchildren. He was preceded in death by brother Nicholas (Millicent) Belich. John was a member of St. Sava's Serbian Orthodox Church where he was a former vice president of the church board, served in the U.S. Navy, and was very involved in the Junior Tamburitzans. He was retired from US Steel, Allegheny County, was a security guard for CCAC, and lastly a courier for Buncher Corp. Friends received Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home from 2-8, with a pomen service at 7:00 pm.  A funeral service will be held Friday at 10am at St. Sava's Serbian Orthodox Church with the Very Rev. Stevan Rocknage. Interment following Jefferson Memorial Park.  Everyone is asked to go directly to the church.

 


David E. Fillo

December 01, 2022 |

By Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home | Posted in: Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home

David Edward Fillo, age 66, died unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep on November 30, 2022. He is the son of the late Edward and Margaret (Scheller) Fillo; beloved husband of Sue Rudolph Hannegan Fillo; and step father to James Hannegan. He is also survived by his sister Lori (Jujie) Stojakovich. Nephews and nieces Sam, John, Stacey Smerkol and Justin and Layla Stojakovich. Greats Hayden and Danica. He was preceded in death by a sister, Robin Smerkol, and many other family and friends that were there to greet him. David was a hard worker having his first job at 15 washing dishes at “The Duke”. He had many jobs before working at GM’s Fisher Body Plant, his first retirement. He went on to work at and retire from JMD and O’ Reilly’s Auto Part. David loved his dog Bear, hot rods, classic cars, the Steelers, and he was a diehard Pirates fan. Friends received Tuesday 10:00-11:30am at the Teichart Gracan Funeral home, at which time a funeral blessing will be held with Father Tom Lewandowski. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the funeral home to help with funeral costs. 

 


Richard "Iggy" J. Ignat

November 28, 2022 |

By Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home | Posted in: Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home

  Richard "Iggy' J. Ignat, 84, died Saturday November 26, 2022. He is the son of the late John and Elizabeth (Chakey) Ignat. He is survived by his beloved wife Deborah Ignat; son Richard "Ricky" (Nita) Ignat; daughter Sherri (Joe) Hamar; grandchildren Clayton (Christina), Shaina, Chelsea (Imir), J.T. (Sarah), and Kaitlyn; great-grandchildren Camryn, Caleigh, Santana, Simeon, and baby Hamar on the way; brothers Robert, Ronald and Johnny; brother-in-law John (Judy) Lesko; sister-in-laws Patty Lesko and Joanne Holmes; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandson Tyler and sister-in-law Jacqueline Ulokovic. Iggy served in the U.S. Army in the Korean Conflict, worked at US Steel Homestead works and also at Westwood Golf Club. He loved to play blackjack and vacation. A funeral mass will be held Thursday 10am at Holy Trinity Church. Arrangements by the Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home, Duquesne.

 


David R. Smerkol

September 29, 2022 |

By Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home | Posted in: Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home

  David R. Smerkol, 69, of White Oak, died Sept. 28, 2022.  He is the son of thelate Grant and Ardith (Rogers) Smerkol and husband of the late Ilene (Horvath) Smerkol.  He is survived by his daughter Beverly Smerkol; son James (Connie) Mattox; grandchildren Olivia, Grant and Wyatt; brothers Daniel Smerkol, Russell Bell, Bruce Smerkol, Edward Smerkol and Matthew Smerkol; sisters Noreen Rakaczky and Becky Scott; also nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by brothers Timothy Bell and Grant “Willy” Smerkol.  Friends received Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home, Duquesne on Sun. from 5 to 7.  A funeral blessing will be held Mon. 11:00 am in the funeral home with Father Tom Lewandowsky.

 


Kipling "Kip" Tornblom

September 29, 2022 |

By Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home | Posted in: Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home

  Kipling “Kip” Tornblom, 60 of North Huntingdon died unexpectedly September 25,2022. He is the son of James and Delores (Hursh) Tornblom. His battle ended in the arms of his loving wife and best buddy of forty years Cathy (Jackowski) Tornblom; daughters Heather (Kevin) DeFrancesco and Amber (James) Nicholls; granddaughters Riley Nicholls (13) who was his true “buddy guy”, Giavanna (4) and Valentina (3) DeFrancesco who he referred to as “his Indians”. Kip was a simple kind of guy and his only wish was that we all stay happy and love one another unconditionally. Sisters Loreen (John) Vigne, Darla (Jeff) Kelly, Honey (Joe) Ebbitt; brother Shawn (Tracey) Tornblom; also several nieces and nephews; and multiple close friends. Kip was an AVID Trump supporter “FJB”. Kip was a “Jack of all trades”, a master craftsmen… building his own home and helping numerous others build theirs. His true adoration of American made Chevy and GMC trucks was quite obvious. Kip had unwavering admiration for John Deere tractors. Please remember his sense of humor and how he loved to laugh, listening to country music… and as Hank said… “A country boy can survive” Kip was a tremendous husband, father and grandfather! His love for his family and friends was unwavering and unconditional. Cremation service by Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home. A private celebration of Kip’s life is being held at his home, the “Stronghold” in his honor.

 


Rowland C. "Bud" Aston

September 21, 2022 |

By Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home | Posted in: Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home

Rowland C. “Bud” Aston, 79, of Pittsburgh, died Sept. 20, 2022.  He is the son of the late Rowland and Ada (Erickson) Aston.  He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara (Zewe) Aston; sons Scott (Kathy) Aston, Mark (Laura) Aston and Todd (Kristen) Aston; grandchildren Tyler, Sara, Shane, Rachel, Elizabeth and William; brother Glenn Aston; also nieces and nephew.  He was preceded in death by his brothers Richard and David   Aston.  Bud was the own/operator of A & R Windows; a member of the Trinity Tower United Methodist Church and served in the US Airforce.  Friends received Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home, Duquesne on Fri. from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8.

 


Kathleen Ellen Larkin

September 07, 2022 |

By Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home | Posted in: Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home

 Kathleen Ellen Larkin (Qualters), 73, of West Mifflin, passed away September 6, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. She was born to the late Martin and Dorothy Qualters on October 31, 1948. Kathy graduated from Duquesne High School in 1966. She was married to her devoted husband of 51 years, Stephen W. Larkin who dedicated the past 6 years tirelessly caring for her around the clock. She is survived by her brother, Richard (Maggie) Qualters, two children, Stephen (Erica) Larkin and Natalie (Timothy) Llewellyn as well as two cherished grandchildren, Weston Larkin and Jack Llewellyn. Everyone who had the joy to know her, knew what a special, kind, thoughtful and amazing woman she was in life. She was the strongest woman you may every come across as well as an Angel on Earth.  Funeral arrangements are being handled by Teichart Gracan Funeral Home, Duquesne and will be for immediate family members only.

 


Gary "Moe" Moran

September 06, 2022 |

By Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home | Posted in: Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home

 Gary "Moe" J. Moran, 71, of West Miffln died at home on Sept. 3, 2022, surrounded by his family.  He is the son of the late Joseph "Kaufman" and Margaret (Gavlik) Moran.  He is survived by his  beloved wife of 51 years, Margaret (Agopoff) Moran; son Joe (Erin) Moran of Mt. Prospect, IL; daughter Kelly Moran; grandchildren Maeve, Brynn, Reilly, Aidan and Liam Moran; brother Dr. Gregory (Virginia) Moran and granddog Apple.  He was preceded in death by his dogs Pandora and Kendall.  Moe was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish - Holy Trinity Church; was retired from Allegheny County, was the owner/operator of Union Grill in Duquesne. and was a graduate of Duquesne High School.  He loved working outside and adored his family, especially his grandchildren.  A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.  Funeral arrangements by Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home, Duquesne.

 


Wayne A. Kostelnik

July 28, 2022 |

By Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home | Posted in: Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home

Wayne A. Kostelnik, 78, of West Mifflin, died July 27, 2022.  He is the son of the late Albert and Bertha (Hufnagle) Kostelnik.  He is survived by his beloved wife Virginia “Ginny” (Kollar) Kostelnik; daughter Dawn (David) Kuchma; son David Kostelnik; grandchildren Taylor, Matthew and Julia; son-in-law Nick Kurimsky; also nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his daughter Debie Kurimsky and brother Ronald Kostelnik.  Wayne was retired from US Steel Homestead Works and Riverview Homes.  He was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish and served in the US Army.  Friends received Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home, Duquesne on Sun. from 2 to 8.  A funeral blessing will be held Mon. 10:00 am in the funeral home.  Interment following St. Hedwig Cemetery.

 


Dawn Lynn Yauch

July 26, 2022 |

By Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home | Posted in: Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home

Dawn Lynn Yauch, 74 of West Mifflin and McKeesport went to heaven on July 24, 2022.  She was born Nov. 24, 1947 in McKeesport.  Daughter of the late LaVerna and William Watson.  She was a graduate of West Mifflin North High School and Pittsburgh Beauty Academy.  Previously employed by Styles by Santone for many years and was a member of the Homeville Christian Church in West Mifflin.  Dawn was an 11 year transplant survivor.  She is survived by her son Joshauh William Yauch of Fort Lauderdale, FL; sister Cheryl Watson Vandall of North Huntingdon; nephews Jeffrey (Rebecca) Vandall with sons Will and Ben of Arlington, VA and Todd (Barbara) Vandall with sons Finn and Leo of Graz, Austria.  Funeral arrangements by Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home, Duquesne.  A memorial service will be held on Aug. 13, 2022 at Noon with a repast to follow at the Homeville Christian Church in West Mifflin.  Memory contributions may be made to Homeville Christian Church in her memory.

 


Elsie M. Creese

July 17, 2022 |

By Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home | Posted in: Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home

 

Elsie M. Creese, 91, of West Mifflin died Saturday, July 16, 2022. She is the daughter of the late Elmer and Catherine (Hotz) Saunders and beloved wife of the late Glenn L. Creese. She is survived by daughter Donna Creese; grandchildren Lisa (Kevin) Jones-Ritz and Matthew (Amber) Jones; great-grandchildren Ian and Emma Ritz and Elijah Jones; lifelong best friend Janet Dzurilla; also nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by daughters Bonnie Creese and Karen Jones; siblings Homer Saunders, Harry Saunders, John Saunders, Catherine Anderson, Leona Anderson, Hazel Kampe, Ida "Betty" Saunders, Elva "Mickey" Magill and Elmer "Bucky" Saunders. Elsie was a retired registered nurse and a member of the Homeville Christian Church. Friends recieved Monday 6-8 and Tuesday 2-4 and 6-8 at the Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home, Duquesne. A funeral service will be held Wednesday 10am at the Homeville Christian Church. Interment following Mckeesport Versailles Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to either the Special Olympics or the Homeville Christian Church.

 


Keith J. Whitmore

June 08, 2022 |

By Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home | Posted in: Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home

 Keith J. Whitmore, 74, of Duquesne, died June 8, 2022.  He is the son of the late John and Florence (Davis) Whitmore and beloved husband of the late Norma P. Whitmore.  He is survived by his step daughters Sharome Urbano and Madonna Williams; step grandchildren Cassie, Dominic, Jarelle and Jaden and sister Judith M. Lytle.  Keith was a retired pipefitter for US Steel; was a member of St. Agnes Church and served in the US AirForce, Vietnam.  Friends received Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home, Duquesne, on Fri. from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8.  A funeral mass will be held Sat. 10:00 am at St. Agnes Church.  Interment will be held at a later date at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.