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Robert C. Forney

January 02, 2024 |

By Administrator | Posted in: Jefferson Memorial Cemetery Funeral Home

Robert C. Forney, age 86, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 29, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Robert was born on July 3, 1937, in McKeesport, the son of the late Forrest E. and Hazel I. (Bowles) Forney.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Nancy J. (Spahr) Forney; his children, Robert D. (Nora) Forney, Eileen S. (the late, Terry Flowers) Westwater and Judith A. (Scott) Crawford; his grandchildren, Annie (Eric), Jesse (Meghann), Erica, DeAnna (Daniel), William (Jessica), David (Sarah), Jamie, and Wyatt (Lily); 8 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

In addition to his parents, Robert was predeceased by his three siblings, Doris, Billy, and Marilyn.

Robert grew up in McKeesport attending local schools where he laid the foundation for his love for sports. His love for athletics led him to Youngstown State for a year of college where he continued to play football.

Embarking on a career at Duquesne Light, Robert began as a lineman and, with dedication and leadership, retired as a respected foreman. His work ethic was only matched by his commitment to his community, where he served as the assistant chief for the Liberty Boro EMS and the Chief of the Liberty Boro Fire Co. Robert's leadership extended to his role as Director of Chanters for AL-O-Mon Forest #138 and his active membership in Masonic Lodge #731 and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon.

 
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Helen E. Lasica

January 02, 2024 |

By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Helen E. (Lawrence) Lasica, age 95, of Port Vue, died peacefully at home on December 29th, 2023, surrounded by loving family. Born, January 1, 1928, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Mary (Urbanik) Lawrence. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 67 years, Steve, and loving son, Gary.

Survivors include children, Kenneth (Faith), of McKeesport, Steven (Cindy), of Bridgeville and Karen (Rich) Longo, of West Mifflin; daughter-in-law, Sandra, of Arizona; grandchildren, Christopher, Jason, Noelle, Kristy, and Ember; great-grandchildren, Madison, Paisley, Harper, June, and Caden.

Helen was preceded in death by siblings, Alvena Spivak, Frances Mikos, Stanley Lawrence, John Lawrence, and Frank Lawrence Jr.

 
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Jean Ellen Miller

December 31, 2023 |

By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

Jean Ellen Miller, age 88, of White Oak, died on Sunday, December 31, 2023. She was born in McKeesport on September 28, 1935 and is the daughter of the late John and Helen Kersch Mains. She is the wife of the late Thomas G. Miller, Sr.

 
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Helen Marie (Kaduk) Ciavarra

December 31, 2023 |

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

Helen Marie (Kaduk) Ciavarra, age 96 formerly of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023. She was born on December 31, 1926, in Glassport and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret (Janitor) Kaduk. She was the second youngest of eight (8) children and attended Holy Trinity School in McKeesport. After attending school, Helen went to work at National Tube in McKeesport. While waiting for the bus to return home from work, she met her future husband Frank Ciavarra. They were married on February 2, 1947, in Holy Trinity Church. Together they had three daughters Valerie Flizanes (Gust) of Irwin, Fran Kos (Paul) of Trafford, Gerri Payne (Denis) of North Huntingdon, and a son Eugene Ciavarra of Mt. Lebanon.

Helen belonged to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (the former St. Perpetua’s) where she was an active member of the Christian Mothers. She was also active in the Palenese Women’s Club, an Italian social organization founded by people from Palena, Italy where her husband Frank was born. Helen loved the color red, plants and flowers, and dancing. To say she loved to dance is an understatement—she was always the first one on the dance floor and the last one to leave the dance floor.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Frank, her grandson Eric Kos, and all her brothers and sisters. She is survived by her children, her eight  grandchildren, her ten great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

 
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Harriet Darlene Sigmund

December 31, 2023 |

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

Harriet Darlene Sigmund, 82, of McKeesport passed away Thursday, December 28, 2023. She was born in Pittsburgh on May 3, 1941 and was the daughter of the late Pauline Hauber & Harry E. Sigmund and stepfather Leonard Hauber.

Harriet was a school bus operator for over 23 years, retiring from McKeesport Area School District then driving for First Student Transportation for Serra Catholic High School. Later she worked for Mercy Behavioral Health as a Medical Records Technician. She was a member of the former Sacred Heart Church and the Christian Mothers and was also a member of Teamster Local Union 205, the American Legion, and Croatian Fraternal Union - Lodge 146. Harriet loved her family, the beach, fishing, gardening, drawing, smoking, scrolling FB, driving, and dancing. She was creative, artistic, loved to bake and taking care of her greenhouse on her back deck.

 
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Dorothy E. Wade

December 30, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Dorothy E. Wade, 98 formerly of North Huntingdon residing in Jefferson, Ohio died December 29, 2023 in Jefferson, Ohio. She was born April 26, 1925 in East McKeesport, a daughter of the late Harry and Martha Felgendreher Siems. Dorothy become a real estate agent in her 50s, which she continued until retirement. She was a member of the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour. Dorothy was a talented artist and enjoyed gardening, flowers and fishing. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Alfred Cleveland Wade Jr. and a sister, Marian Gimbroni. She is survived by two daughters, Shari Wade and her husband Christopher Wolfe and Elaine Burda and her husband Craig, 4 grandchildren, Derek, Devin, Patrick and Michael, 3 great grandchildren, Addyson,  Xavier and Blake.  Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, Pa 15642 on Monday, January 8 from 10 A.M to 12 noon. A funeral service will be held at noon on Monday followed by interment in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made  to Humane Officer Cathy Cunningham  at CRICAAT  P.O. Box 117 Washington PA  15301. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 


Hugh Darren Geyer

December 30, 2023 |

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

Hugh Darren Geyer passed away at home surrounded by family on Friday, December 29, 2023 at the age of 61. Darren leaves behind his beloved wife, Barb Geyer and his best friend and companion, his dog Bear. Darren also leaves behind his mother, Judith (Thomas) Lyons and father, Hugh (Maria) Geyer. 

 
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Michele Z. Petrisko

December 30, 2023 |

By Administrator | Posted in: James F. Kutch Funeral Home - Crematory

Michele Z. Petrisko, 70, of White Oak passed away peacefully Tuesday December 26, 2023, surrounded by family at Forbes Hospital.  Daughter of the late Donald and Ellen (McGough) Zollner.  Beloved wife of Ronald G. “Ron” Petrisko. Loving Sister of Dawn (Michael) Laylock of Ormond Beach, Fl, Vesta (James) Johns, Loveland, OH, Carol Heinzelmann (Jayson Weinberg) of White Oak, and Alex Zollner of Moon Twp.  Sister-in-law of Ray (Kristin) Petrisko.  Dear Aunt of Patrick, Dannny (Ali), Colleen, and Brian Johns of Loveland, OH, and Michael (Catherine) Heinzelmann of San Francisco, CA.  Also survived by Aunts, 2 great nephews, 2 great nieces, cousins, and many friends.  Michele retired from UPMC Braddock hospital where she worked as a Registered Nurse.  She was always volunteering at the church. Michele was a member of the Ladies of Charity.    

 
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Richard Paul "Rich" Sandin

December 29, 2023 |

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

Richard Paul "Rich" Sandin, 69, of McKeesport, passed away Thursday, December 28, 2023. He was born January 1, 1954 in McKeesport and was the son of the late Ernest Sandin Sr.  and Grayce Ellen (Worrall) Sandin.  Rich was a United States Marine Veteran and served during the Vietnam Era.  Upon his return home from his military service he worked various jobs, including Phil's Automotive in Elizabeth, Giant Food Stores and most recently he worked as a Lawn Care Specialist for LawnPro. He was an avid fisherman who loved to catch and release at The Yough River with his late beloved dog, Buzz. Rich was a very smart and intelligent man who was a constant learner.  He will be greatly missed.  He is survived by his sisters, Kathie and Karen Sandin, both of Boston; uncle, David (Elena) Worrall of New Hampshire; nieces; nephews and cousins.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ernest "Ernie" Sandin, Jr. There is no visitation or services planned. 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

 


Harriet M. Maticko

December 29, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Harriet M. Maticko, 87 of North Huntingdon passed away on December 28, 2023 at St. Anne Home, Greensburg. She was born August 16, 1936 in Sutersville, a daughter of the late Tom and Hilda Bonori Kusmierek. Harriet was a member of St. Agnes Church, North Huntingdon and the Christian Mothers.. Prior to her retirement, she was employed as a secretary for Yough Country Club. She enjoyed spending time with her family and touring historical sites. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband John in 2019. She is survived by two daughters, Maria Brockman ( James ) and Roseanne Maticko, one brother Tom Kusmierek (Joanne) and sister, Fay Glott (Eddie). Visitation James W. Shirley Funeral Home, Wednesday 4-6 P.M. A funeral mass will be held Thursday at 10 A.M. followed by interment at West Newton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Agnes Church. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 


James Andrew "Jim" Bodner

December 29, 2023 |

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

James Andrew "Jim" Bodner, 65, of Elizabeth Township passed away Thursday, December 21, 2023. He was born in McKeesport on May 17, 1958 and was the son of the late Joseph Bodner, Sr., and the late Florence (Elco) Bodner. Jim was a Thomas Jefferson graduate and worked for 25+ years with Krebs Dodge managing the Parts Department. He is survived by his wife, Ruth A. (Cindric) Bodner; children, Lyle Atkins, Lisa (Joe) Gottuso, Lana (fiancee Chris Finch) Bodner, Lindsey (Michael) Cammarata, and Livia Bodner; brothers, Thomas (Chris) Bodner, and Robert (Donna) Bodner; sisters, Paula (Mike) Heaney, Monica Lininger, and Elaine (Steven) Maffei; close cousin, Deloris "Tessie" Dunbar; his beloved rescue dog, Bo Bodner; along with many other cousins, nieces & nephews. In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Bodner, Jr. All services were private. 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

 


Karen Boyer Los

December 28, 2023 |

By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

Karen Boyer Los, age 77, of North Huntingdon, PA, died on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. She was born in Wilkinsburg, PA on December 6, 1946 and is the daughter of the late Lester Carl and Mary Rita Conrad Boyer. She graduated from Penn Hills school district and earned a teaching degree at the University of Pittsburgh. She would go on to marry Bernard “Bernie” Leo Los, with whom she shared a 50-year anniversary in 2021 prior to his death in 2022.

 
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Judith Fleehr

December 28, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Judith Fleehr, age 73 of North Huntingdon, passed away December 28th 2023 at home. She was born September 28th, 1950 in Braddock, a daughter of the late Elmer and Olive Marsh Fleehr. Judith was a retired store manager at Swanee Swifty, worked for Sony, and enjoyed sewing and cooking. Judith is survived by her beloved husband of 37 years Arlyn Buss, as well as her son Steven Porter, sister-in-law Mary Luke (Jim), and two grandchildren, Ashton and Sabrina. There will be no visitation. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements will be handled by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Mildred M. Farley

December 28, 2023 |

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

Mildred M. Farley, 98, of Elizabeth Township, passed away Thursday, December 28, 2023. She was born in Library, PA on May 23, 1925 and was daughter to the late Robert and Nellie (McNaughton) Naser. She was the wife to the late Douglas M. Farley before his passing in December of 2000. Mildred was a long time member of St. Patrick's Church in McKeesport and was a part of the Christian Mothers, the Women's Guild, and the Sisters of Charity. She graduated with a Bachelors degree from Seton Hill University and became a Registered Dietitian, working many years at McKeesport Hospital in the Nutrition Department.

 
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Joanne T. Smail

December 28, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Joanne T. Smail, age 89 of North Huntingdon passed away peacefully December 28, 2023 surrounded by her family. She was born July 21, 1934 in Turtle Creek, a daughter of the late Vincent and Valera Krygowski Scheffler. Joanne was a member of St. Agnes Church and the Christian Mothers. She enjoyed working with flowers, gardening, playing cards, crocheting afghans but most especially spending time with her family. She was a member of AARP 3221. Prior to her retirement, she was employed by Westinghouse Airbrake as a secretary and Hazuzas Greenhouse. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband William in 1996 and one sister, Pauline Lenart. She is survived by two daughters, Linda Hempel (Tom) and Elaine Dietrich, 2 grandchildren Brian Hemple (Nicholas Gray), Jason Hempel (Amanda), 2 great grandchildren, Ryleigh and Harlow Hempel, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Friday from 2-8 P.M. A funeral mass will be held Saturday at 9:30 A.M. at St. Agnes Church followed by interment at Good Shepherd Cemetery . Memorials may be made to St. Jude Childrens Hospital or All But Furgotten Animal shelter. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 
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