February 17, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
James E. Sivak, age 90, of Port Vue, died February 15, 2023, at Forbes Regional Hospital. Born December 9, 1932, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Michael C. and Mary (Butkovsky) Sivak, and the loving husband of Patricia (Marcinko) Sivak.
James was a former US Steel Duquesne Works employee retiring from the general services department as a hot metal expeditor. He was a member of St. Eugene Catholic Church, Saints Joachim and Anne Parish, and a former member of St. Stephen Catholic Church. He was also elected to a number of terms as the recording secretary of Local #2466 Salary Union. James worked later as a security guard for the Richard Mellon Scaife Foundation in Pittsburgh. He was a former member of Archer Hill Bowling League, St. Stephen/St. Pius dart-ball team, and a volunteer for many years with the Duquesne Community Food Bank and Port Vue/St. Mark Food Bank. James enjoyed cheering on and watching his favorite Pittsburgh sports teams, Pirates, Penguins, and especially his favorite, Steelers; he was a season ticket holder for many years. He was a member of SOAR, loved playing cards and watching old cowboy movies. James was a United States Army veteran serving during the Korean War.
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February 12, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Kathleen M. O'Connor, age 67, of White Oak, died February 10, 2023, at UPMC East. Born January 18, 1956, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Pauline (Ehrhardt) O'Connor.
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February 11, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Jan "Mae" Wunderley Gobel, age 67, of Liberty Borough, died February 9, 2023, at Canterbury Place. Born October 5, 1955, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Norma (Hillegass) Wunderley and the wife of Richard J. Gobel.
Jan worked as a dedicated nurse for 47 years at UPMC McKeesport. She was a former member of Liberty Presbyterian Church and the Liberty Borough Ambulance Service. Jan received the UPMC's Award for Commitment and Excellence in Service (ACES) and the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses both in 2013. One of her favorite places to visit was Disney World in FL. Most of all, spending time with her grandchildren brought her the most joy.
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February 06, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Barbara A. Sanderson, age 73, of Elizabeth, formerly of McKeesport, died February 4, 2023, with her family by her side, at AHN Jefferson Hospital. Born April 4, 1949, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Bernard and Elizabeth (Fleming) Thomas and the wife of Wayne A. Sanderson.
Barb retired from Forbes Regional Hospital of Monroeville, where she was a Lab Technician. She was a member of Saints Joachim and Anne Parish of Elizabeth. Barb was a volunteer at Kane Regional Hospital of McKeesport for many years. She truly enjoyed sharing her time with the patients. Barb was an animal lover as well, leaving behind her loyal dogs Zeus and Cash. She enjoyed shopping and always looked forward to spending time with her grandchildren, especially on their lunch dates.
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February 06, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Virginia E. Pavel, age 88, of McKeesport, died February 5, 2023, at UPMC East. Born December 9, 1934, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Helen (Winkler) Wiater and wife of the late George A. Pavel.
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February 02, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Charles R. "Bob" Johnston, age 95, of White Oak, died at home on January 30, 2023. Born December 22, 1927, in North Versailles, he was the son of the late Merrian and Mary (Morgan) Johnston and husband of the late Phyllis (Ryan) Johnston. Bob was a member of McKeesport Gospel Hall, and his faith was a mainstay of his life. He was a retiree of Innovative Carbide Inc. in Irwin and was an electrician at the former U.S. Steel National Tube Works. Bob served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
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January 30, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Karen Jean Penn, age 63, of White Oak, died on January 26, 2023. Born September 21, 1959, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Larry and Irene (Fleming) Reitz.
Karen was a member of the Glassport Assembly of God. She liked cooking her famous pot pies and baking. Karen enjoyed watching any sport especially cheering on the Pittsburgh teams. She was an animal lover and had a dog, Casper, a cat, Missy, and a rabbit.
Karen is survived by her children, Mandy (Matthew) Wagner and Martin Penn III; grandchildren, Jordan and Alexander Wagner; siblings, Irene (Daniel) Brieck, Cindy Palmer, and Raymond Reitz; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
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January 28, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Monique “Mo” Hill Marwani, age 48, of Hagerstown, MD, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 20, 2022. Born February 9, 1974, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of a devoted father, Russell Walton Hill of Hagerstown, MD, and a loving mother, Cathryn A. (Keith H.) Buchanan Stevenson of McKeesport.
Mo was a model, fashion designer, and bridal consultant, amongst many other things, throughout her remarkable life. She brought beauty and grace to this world and shared that with everyone she knew. Her career started as early as pre-school at Grady Day School of Squirrel Hill, where she was picked to do a commercial for PNC Bank at four years old. She then attended Mineda Elementary School for kindergarten through 6 grade. During that time, she participated in music, went to ballet and tap dance school, and was also a Brownie in Buena Vista, PA. She then moved on to Elizabeth Forward High School, where she participated in music, volleyball, and track and field.
During her Junior year, she was a candidate for Black Ms. Teenage Pageant and placed in the top 15. She was also active in the Ms. Uniontown Pageant and won 1st place for Ms. Sportswear and took the crown for Ms. Uniontown.
Mo then received a modeling contract with American Eagle Magazine. During the summer of her Junior year, she was invited to the Welcome Home parade for the famous Football Hall of Fame Joe Montana, the quarterback for the San Francisco 49 er's and Kansas City Chiefs. In her senior year, she was also a Black Ms. Teenage Pageant contestant and placed runner-up! She Graduated Class of 1992 from Elizabeth Forward High School.
After high school, she was called back to be a Preliminary-Judge for the Black Ms. Teenage Pageant. Mo then moved to Harrisburg and worked for the State Department, where she worked for PHEAA Education Assistance Agency. She also attended the Philadelphia College of Textile and Science for Fashion and Design, where she participated in cheerleading, soccer, and choir. Mo also modeled for Marriot Bridal shows and participated in Swimsuit Magazine. After designing school, she worked at Bettina's Clothing Shop in Bethesda, MD, for experience and became an entrepreneur in woman's fashion and opened her own shop, "Your Private Closet."
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January 27, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Violet R. Ghrist, age 85, of Glassport, died on January 22, 2023, at Allegheny General Hospital. Born January 14, 1938, in Canonsburg, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Ida May (Holmes) Hyson and wife of the late William J. Ghrist.
Violet dedicated her life to taking care of her family and home. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints, Pleasant Hills Ward. Violet enjoyed reading, cooking, and watching her shows on National Geographic Wild and movies about Emma and Joseph Smith, founders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved her family and dogs, Princess, Zella, Prince, and Ivory.
Violet is survived by her children, George (Sandy) Ghrist, Cindy (Brian) Sycz, Penny Ghrist, Edward (Ada) Ghrist, and Dana Ghrist; grandchildren, Eddie Jr. Ghrist, Nicole Ghrist, Tabby Oliverio, Tara Oliverio, Melissa Ghrist, Mikey Needham, and Leigh (Richard) Chatkin; great-grandchildren, Taliyah Andreoli, Trinity Hill, Michael Young, Candence Chatkin, Kinsey Chatkin, and William Needham.
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January 27, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Alan R. Ochap, age 72, of McKeesport, died on January 25, 2023, at home. Born January 18, 1951, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Albert and Grace (Prutz) Ochap and the husband of Carla Ochap.
Alan retired from Stringert Inc. as a union roofer. He was a member of the United Union of Roofers and Allied Workers Local #37. Alan was a hardworking man. Most of all, he enjoyed spoiling his grandkids.
In addition to his wife, Carla, he is survived by his children, Johanna (Dan ) Kessler, Wendy (Floyd) Gault, and Chris Ochap; grandchildren, Floyd (Taylor) Gault III and Emily Gault; great-granddaughter, Adelaide Gault; siblings, Joseph (Dorothy) Ochap, Debra Oakes and Eva (Bonnie) Ochap; and many nieces and nephews.
Alan was also preceded in death by his son, Mark Ochap.
Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Thursday, February 2, 2023, from 5 p.m. until funeral service at 7 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.
Condolences and memories may be shared at. www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
Supervisor, Charles Danforth
January 16, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Michael Bodzer Jr., age 68, of Glassport, died January 14, 2023, at The Grove in Irwin. Born June 8, 1954, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Michael and Dolores (Ura) Bodzer Sr.
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January 13, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Robert L. Becker, age 36, of Avalon, died December 27, 2022, at Allegheny General Hospital. Born December 18, 1986, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Edward and Cheryl (Bentley) Becker. Bobby was an active member of the Open Bible Tree of Life Church. He loved to help others and was studying for his discipleship. Bobby loved music and being around his family and also his Avalon family.
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January 13, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Nick R. Coban, age 64, of McKeesport, died January 12, 2023, at home. Born October 12, 1958, in McKeesport, he was the son of Eleanor (Holden) Coban and the late Nicholas Coban. Nick was a local DJ known as DJ Top Cat and played at the Sons of Italy in Glassport, the Viking Lounge, Sahara Club, and Cal's Cantina. Nick also worked in food service management for many years with Eat'n Park and the Big Boy restaurants. Nick enjoyed camping with family at Scotty Land and was a huge Steelers fan. In addition to his mother, Nick is also survived by children, Amanda (Matt) Coban, Nicholas (Christine) Coban, Anthony Coban, Christian Datel, and Blaise (Brianna) Datel; grandchildren, Logan, Luka, Emma, and Ellie; sister, Janice (Jim) Coban. Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Saturday, January 21, 2023, from noon until the memorial service at 2 p.m. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com. Charles Danforth, Supervisor
January 06, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Helen M. Burkhardt, age 91, of Port Vue, died on January 5, 2023, at St. Clair Hospital. Born February 18, 1931, in Warren, PA. She was the daughter of the late Robert and Sarah (Bowser) Best and wife of the late Edward A. Kiesell and Raymond Burkhardt. Helen worked for Stouffer's Restaurant, Eat'n Park, Rendulic Meat Packing in her early years and as a caregiver later in life. She and her husband Ray ran Kiesell Soup Kitchen and Chapel in McKeesport for over 35 years. Helen would feed the homeless, have Christmas parties, pass out clothing and teach the Word of God. Serving the underprivileged held a special place in her heart, and her selflessness and kindness were a true example to all who knew her. Above all, Helen was a Woman of God and, as a minister, was known as Sister Helen.
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January 06, 2023 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Kenneth L. Ferree, age 56, of McKeesport, died on January 3, 2023. Born March 19, 1966, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Lawrence and LaVerne (Harff) Ferree and the husband of Julie (Weakland) Ferree for over 25 years.
Ken was a retired, self-employed general contractor. He was a member and President of the McKeesport Sportsmen's Association. Ken enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson, caring for his fleet of cars, and spending time at his Mountain Pines Campground of Champion, PA. His greatest joy was telling a joke and sharing a laugh with family and friends.
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