February 28, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
John L. Ross, Sr., age 60 of Versailles, passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2017 at UPMC McKeesport. Born July 27, 1956 in Duquesne, he was the son of the late Richard V. and Harriett (Burkett) Ross and loving husband and best friend of Cheryl (Spurgeon) Ross. John honorably served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was a member of 11th Ward Club, Croatian Club, White Oak American Legion Post 701. John truly enjoyed to ride his motorcycle, even after the loss of his leg he continued to enjoy his passion of riding. He also loved his loyal dog “Adena.” John’s greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, John L. Ross, Jr. with whom he lived; daughter, Rachael Ross of McKeesport, grandson, Caleb; sisters, Jennifer (Jim) Holoman of North Carolina, Kathie(Joe)Ringeisen of Munhall and Dianna Burkett of North Carolina; step-sisters, Rose Kollar, Pat Peterson and Kathleen Bubb; step-brother, Steve Andreoli; and many nieces and nephews. Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Thursday from 2 until the time of service at 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Rev. Kathleen Barnhardt will officiate. Military Honors and Inurnment will take place Friday at 2 p.m. at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, if you are planning on going in procession please arrive at the funeral home at 12:30 p.m. Memorial donations are suggested to the Disabled American Veterans, 1000 Liberty Ave., #1606, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Condolences may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
February 24, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Wilda E. Cartia, age 88 of McKeesport, formerly of Coulters, passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at Kane Regional Hospital in Glen Hazel. Born August 30, 1928 in Clairton, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Elsie E. (Beam) Hughes, and loving wife of the late Joseph Cartia. Wilda worked for many years as a visiting nurses aide for the Visiting Nurse Association of Allegheny County. She was a long time member of the Christ United Methodist Church in North Huntingdon where she enjoyed spending time with her church family. She was also an active member of the Coulters Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary along with the Ladies Jednota Bowling League. In her free time, she enjoyed crocheting, sewing, and loved to get out on the dance floor. In her later years, she always looked forward to her trips with her daughter to get herself a BigMac and ice cream. She is survived by her children, Joseph Jr. (Karen) of Somerset, William (Alyce) of McKeesport, Adrie (Juan) Tognarini of Coulter, Lenore (Steve) Chapman of Ocala, FL, and Elsamarie (Addie) Feltes of Cape Charles, VA; brother, Richard (Janette) Hughes of North Carolina; son-in-law, Jay Tognarini of Forward Twp.; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her daughters, Joanna Tewell and Carita Tognarini; and sister, Ruth Jones. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 7 p.m. at the Christ United Methodist Church of North Hungtingdon, 2800 Coulterville Road, McKeesport, PA 15131. Rev. Dr. Sang Kong Choiwill officiate. Burial will be private at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Coulters Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Condolences may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
February 24, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Lawrence “Larry” Yadouga, age 74 of McKeesport, passed away on February 22, 2017 at Select Specialty Care Hospital in McKeesport. Born February 2, 1943 in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Vincent J. and Anne (Cerepani) Yadouga, and loving husband of the late Phoebe (Coddington) Yadouga. Lawrence was a proud member of Mensa International. In his free time, he enjoyed taking in the outdoors, especially going on fishing trips to Pymatuning Lake and vacations to Topsail Island in North Carolina. He also loved his visits to the Meadows and Atlantic City. Above all, he cherished the time spent with his grandchildren and going to their sporting events and activities. Lawrence was a kind hearted and caring guy who will be missed by many. He is survived by his children, Lisa (Michael) Amos of Glassport, Michelle (Daniel) Ellwood of Liberty Borough, and Larry (Heather) Yadouga, Jr. of Elizabeth Twp.; grandchildren, Morgan, Tyler, Jennifer, Marshall, Ava, Andrew, Savannah, and Nikki; brother, Vincent (Susan) Yadouga of Bethel Park; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and his beloved dog, Hogan of 14 years. Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Monday, February 27, 2017 from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service will be Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Pastor Warren Smith will officiate. Burial will follow at Round Hill Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to the Western PA Humane Society, 1101 Western Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 or to the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, 614 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238. Condolences may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
February 23, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
William H. Bowland Sr., 72, of Coulter, died Feb. 22, 2017, at home. Born Novemebr 27, 1944, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late William Walter Bowland and the late Lula (Farren) Caliguri. He was the husband of Kimberly (Baker) Bowland of Coulter.
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February 21, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
David “Magoo” Magroski, age 55 of McKeesport, passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at his home.Born August 18, 1961 in McKeesport, he was the son of Edward F. Magroski and the late Naomi (Weir) Magroski, and loving husband of the late Clara (Poster) Magroski. David was a dedicated carpenter for the construction industry, where he worked for 26 years for his loyal friend, Keith Reigh with Reigh Construction in White Oak.
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February 13, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Clarence D. Booth Jr. of McKeesport, died Feb. 10, 2017. Born Sept. 26, 1938, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Clarence Booth and Virginia (Nelson) Booth McLaughlin and husband of 45 years to Ann (Lukondi) Booth.
Clarence was a member of the National Maritime Union and retired from Consolidation Coal Co. (Consol Energy) after 26 years as a deckhand on their towboats.
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February 07, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
George F. “Snookie” Evans, age 78 of McKeesport, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 5, 2017 at UPMC McKeesport. Born April 12, 1938 in McKeesport, he was the son of the late John Arthur and Annabelle Lucille (Krimm) Evans, and loving husband to Suzanne (Ivanco) Evans for 39 years. George was a proud volunteer member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and attended the Port Vue United Methodist Church. Following his retirement from a long career in the automotive and transportation industries, he went on to drive school buses in the local area where he found so much joy in the children he drove. In his free time, he enjoyed boating, camping, fishing, woodworking and country music. Earlier in life he could frequently be found driving his racecars at the Motordrome and Heidleberg Speedways. More recently, on many weekends he would be eagerly watching the Nascar Sprint Cup races any chance he would get. As Snookie would say, “He could drive anything with wheels!” He was also an animal lover at heart, and any animal with fur had a special way of stealing his heart. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Terry Lynn Evans of Glassport, Gary E. Beaufort, Jr. of Greensburg, and George A. Evans of McKeesport; sisters, Alice Ellisor of Columbia, SC, Mary Ellisor of McKeesport, Annabelle Howell of Columbia, SC, and Esther Prza of McKeesport; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, all of which he loved dearly. Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Thursday, February 9, 2017 from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held Friday, February 10, 2017 at 10 a.m. at the Port Vue United Methodist Church. (Everyone please meet at church). Following the funeral service, a celebration luncheon will be held at the Port Vue United Methodist fellowship hall. Immediately following the luncheon, burial will be held at Emmanuel Cemetery in Export, PA. Memorial donations are suggested to Cindy’s Memorial Bark Park, Borough of Port Vue, 1191 Romine Avenue, Port Vue, PA 15133. Condolences may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
February 03, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
John “Boots” Gwosden, age 95, passed away on Friday, February 3, 2017. Loving and attentive son of the late Steven and Mildred Gwosden (Obradovich) and the stepson of the late Joseph Obradovich. Born and raised in McKeesport, he was married for 72 years to Lillian Rezzarday Gwosden. Much loved father of Sandie McLaughlin and her husband Dr. Frank McLaughlin and the late Randy Gwosden and his wife Rebecca Banyasz Gwosden. He was the grandfather of Kelly Headrick (Adam), Daniel McLaughlin (Amy), Kerry Pringle (Michael), Brianna Shanty (Matthew), Brett Gwosden, and Matthew Bacco (Danielle). Great-grandfather “Bubba” to Bailey, Riley, Bryce and Macie McLaughlin, Kylie Pringle and Carson Bacco. He was an uncle to many nieces and nephews. Boots was the youngest surviving sibling of seven brothers and sisters many who lived into their 90’s. As a young man, he was quite a good dancer. He was the tall, dark and handsome guy “lighting” up the dance floor at many local clubs including the Palisades in McKeesport where he met his wife, Lillian. The jitterbug was his specialty. In the 40’s he played in the Pirate minor league organization as a second-baseman. He won the 1944 Pony League swat title playing for the Hornell Pirates with a .3383 average and was featured in the Louisville Slugger Yearbook. He was also featured in an article written by sportswriter, John Steadman for the Baltimore Sun Newspaper. Steadman related that Gwosden had all the qualities you look for in a prospect. He made all the plays, had excellent range, had a contagious spirit for the game and was a line drive hitter with power especially to right field. He was three years older than another second baseman that season, Nelson Fox, who was to play 19 years in the majors but at that point in their development, Steadman said that Gwosden was far superior! At seasons end, he was drafted into the Army. After that, he had an impressive start in the Eastern League in Albany but went home when the club refused to make payment on a bonus that had been promised in spring training. He quit, and walked out of baseball. He told Steadman that the bonus was just what he and his new wife needed to pay off their mortgage. Boots went on to work for the J & L Steel Company, Kelsey Hayes Wheel Company, National Tube Steel, and Equitable Insurance Company. He and his wife Lillian spent the last 45 years as owner/operators of the Traveler’s Rest Motel in Fayette County. Boots was talented as a sports figure playing, managing and mentoring McKeesport baseball teams, winning many league championships. He also showed expertise in all aspects of homebuilding and mechanics. His family depended on him to help cut trees, use his tractor to dig water lines or footers, and to be their plumber, electrician, carpenter and mechanic. He was so eager to lend a hand to family, friends or anyone he felt needed his help. He was strong and kind and was definitely the Rock of the family. We all learned so much from him and depended on his support. We will pull his determined spirit into our hearts and will cherish all these years that the Lord gave him to us. Many thanks to his loving caregivers at The Grove in Irwin. Services will be private and are entrusted to Willig Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
February 02, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Carol A. Hammerstrom, age 76 of McKeesport, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at Southwestern Healthcare System in West Mifflin. Born October 26, 1940 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Jesse C. Snyder and Elsie (Lord) Snyder Muse, and loving wife of the late Gerald J. “Sam” Hammerstrom. Carol was a former member of the Beulah Park United Methodist Church, and most recently belonged to the McKeesport Alliance Church. She also was a member of the Red Hat Society where she enjoyed spending time with her fellow friends. She is survived by her children, Jeffrey (Tracye) Hammerstrom of Atlanta, GA, Laurie (John) Lapsley of Glassport, and Scott (Jennifer) Hammerstrom of Scott Twp.; grandchildren, Joseph (Shea) Lapsley, Cara Lapsley, Katie Lapsley, Jared Hammerstrom, Ellery Hammerstrom and Aria Hammerstrom; and her beloved maltese dogs, Benji and Ollie. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Marlene Moore. Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Friday, February 3, 2017 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 10a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Pastor Jason Wilson will officiate. Burial will follow at McKeesport-Versailles Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to the White Oak Animal Safe Haven, 2295 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131. Condolences may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
January 30, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Rita DeFelice, age 99 of McKeesport, died January 26, 2017 at Kane Regional Center in McKeesport. Survived by her children, Peggy Carter, Rita Ann DeFelice, Alicia DeFelice, William DeFelice and Nicholas DeFelice; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two daughters-in-law; and nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick Church, 310 32nd St., McKeesport, PA 15132. Private inurnment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association, 810 River Ave., Ste. 140, Pgh, PA 15212. Condolences may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
January 25, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
David D. “Diamond Dave” Raible, Jr. age 60 of McKeesport, passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System in Oakland. Born January 31, 1956 in McKeesport, he was the son of Adrienne (Roslosnick) Schonhardt and son of the late David D. Raible. David honorably served our country in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, which he was always very proud of. He was truly a man of many talents, whether it be on the dance floor, earning his black belt in karate, or being able to play the drums like he was a trained musician. His love of music was an essential part of his life and something that he was honored to pass down to his children. While his friends and all those he crossed paths with meant the world to him, nothing compared to the love that he had for his children and family. His sense of humor was one of a kind and he could tell a story like no one else. Anyone that had the privilege of knowing Diamond Dave will forever remember his infectious laugh, and he had a special way of always being able to put a smile on your face. Dave had a personality that was larger than life and will be missed by so many. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his children, Rebecca Raible of McKeesport, Shane Raible of McKeesport, Angel Ivock of Johnstown and Kathy Kutchman of Johnstown; grandchildren, Evan and Emily Ivock; siblings, Bruce, Kevin, Sandy, Mechelle, Mary, Duane, Tina and Diane; nephews, Timmy and Blake and many other nieces and nephews; mother of his children, Sherrie Kutchman; and step-father, James Schonhardt. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Cindy Weimer. Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Friday, January 27, 2017 from 4 p.m. until time of Funeral Service at 6 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. A wake will follow at the Walnut Street Lounge. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to his brother, Bruce Raible to assist with the family’s expenses. Condolences may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
January 25, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Leona J. Shevke of Liberty Borough died January 24, 2017 at LGAR Health & Rehab Center in Turtle Creek. Born in Austria, she was the daughter of the late Wasyl and Anna (Michigan) Smolinsky and the wife of the late Erfan Shevke. Leona was a lifetime member of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Byzantine Catholic Parish, dedicated pyrohy maker for the church, and former ladies auxiliary member of Liberty Borough Fire Department. She was a wonderful cook and her homemade cherry pies were a special treat. Leona enjoyed sewing, crochet, and embroidery. She taught herself how to play harmonica, and on holidays, especially Christmas Eve, she would perform to the joy of her family. A world traveler, she accompanied her husband to places including, Cyprus and Europe. She also spoke three languages. She is survived by daughter, Lee (Ronald) Stebick, grandson, Ronald Anthony Stebick, sisters, Mary (the late Henry) Belback, Olive (the late John) Benyak, Genevieve (the late Andrew) Yuna, and Pearl (the late Joe) Rolnik; goddaughter, Joanne Wakefield and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by sister, Jean Konias; brothers, Stanley Smolnicky and Michael Smolinsky. Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Thursday, January 26, 2017 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Requiem Divine Liturgy will be Friday, January 27, 2017, 11 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church with Rev. Gregory Madeya as celebrant. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. Condolences may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
January 24, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Donald Kovach, age 84 of Port Vue, passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Kane Regional Center in McKeesport. Born to Ilona and Paul Kovach in McKeesport where the Youghiogheny meets the Monongahela, Donald was in his later childhood raised by his grandparents in No. 9, an unincorporated coal mining town near Farmington, W.Va. Growing up near the small town of Farmington, near Fairmont, he would meet his future wife, Helen Jean "Bookie" Pasko, in high school. Shortly after graduating in 1950 and returning to McKeesport, his father Paul "exaggerated" his son's age so that Donald could gain employment at National Tube Works.
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January 16, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Matthew G. Gazdich, age 38, of Christy Park died January 12, 2017 at home. Born June 6, 1978 in McKeesport, he was the son of George P. Gazdich and Dagmar (Hansen) Oglesby. Matthew worked at the CCAC South Campus as a computer lab technician and taught Java programming. He attended Holy Family Polish National Catholic Church. He loved his animals, Cujo, Mouseface, Sadie, and Cocoa. He enjoyed writing, trail bicycling, and his “pen collection.”
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January 14, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
John G. “Lobo” Barretta, 88, of McKeesport, died Jan. 11, 2017, at UPMC McKeesport. Born Mar. 6, 1928, in Turtle Creek, he was the son of the late Earnest L. and Mary (Lebanno) Barretta and the husband of Aurora (Marchetti) Barretta.
John was a member of St. Patrick Church. A U.S. army veteran, he served as a medic in the Korean War. Returning home from overseas, he became a barber in Wilmerding, a trade that he would continue, at least part time, for the rest of his life.
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