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John "Jack" Dennis Burkett

July 24, 2023 |

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

John "Jack" Dennis Burkett, 97, of Elizabeth Township, passed away Saturday, July 22, 2023. He was born December 24, 1925 in Charleroi and was the son of the late Lloyd and Julia (Sigmond) Burkett. Jack was a member of Central Highlands Community United Methodist Church in Elizabeth Township and the USS The Sullivans Destroyer, DD-537 Association. He was a former member of Elizabeth Township Senior Citizens. Jack was a WWII Navy veteran and had served on the USS The Sullivans Destroyer (DD-537) and the USS Riley (DE-579). For his service, he received the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign medal with 6 Stars, the America Area Campaign, the Philippine Liberation Campaign medal with 2 Stars and the WWII Victory Medal. Jack grew up in Clairton and had retired from US Steel Clairton Works as a Millwright.

 
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Perry Dean “Pirate Pete”/”Pedro” Ackerman

July 24, 2023 |

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

Perry Dean “Pirate Pete/Pedro” Ackerman, age 66, of McKeesport, died on Sunday, July 23, 2023. He was born in McKeesport on April 17, 1957 and is the son of the late Carl and Jean McGee Ackerman. 

 
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Christopher A. Bradley

July 24, 2023 |

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

Christopher A. Bradley, age 62, of Port Vue, PA, died on Saturday, July 22, 2023. He was born in McKeesport, PA on January 25, 1961 and is the son of Gertrude Breen Bradley of Port Vue, PA and the late George William Bradley, Sr. Christopher proudly served in the United States Airforce during Desert Storm. After his service, he was employed as a painter and later provided health care to his parents.

 
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Cathleen E. Roberts

July 24, 2023 |

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

Cathleen E. Roberts, 79, of McKeesport, passed away Thursday, July 20, 2023. She was born in Spartanburg, SC on January 11, 1944 and was the daughter of the late Keith and Irene (Gierard) Roberts, and the late Robert Marazzi. She was a registered nurse for many years, a profession that continued to define her through later career changes. She traveled all over the world and had many stories to tell about her adventures. She loved to read and was extremely crafty - cross stitch, needlework, sewing and crocheting were favorite hobbies. In particular, she cherished memories of making Halloween costumes for her children and grandchildren.

 
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Frances Roman

July 24, 2023 |

By William S. Skovranko Memorial Home | Posted in: William S. Skovranko Memorial Home

Frances “Indra” Straud Roman, 92, formerly of West Mifflin, died peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, July 23, 2023.  She graduated from Duquesne High School and worked in Homestead Steel Mill where she met and later married her beloved William Roman and raised six children.  At the age of 50, she was certified to teach yoga at CCAC. Her enthusiasm for healthy living fueled her ambition to teach yoga and meditation to as many people as possible. She taught these skills at churches and community centers well into her 70s.  In addition, she was an avid gardener, a lover of movies, creator of home remedies, and the “best grammy ever”. She was the wife of William M. Roman (dec) with whom she was happily married to for 40 years; and the devoted mother of Anna (George), Maureen (Gary), Rosemary, Tara (John), William (Judy), and James (Kathryn). She is also survived by grandchildren Katie (Tom), Alex (Andrew), Mackenzie (Joey), Roman, Lillian, and Mable. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and generosity.  She will be greatly missed by family and friends but forever in our hearts. The family wishes to extend gratitude to Bethel Park Skilled Nursing Home for their care and compassion of our mother. Final remembrance for Frances will be private.

 
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Rita K. (Qualters) Bercik Scott

July 24, 2023 |

By Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home | Posted in: Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home

Rita K. (Qualters) Bercik Scott, age 90, of West Mifflin, passed away on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at home, surrounded by her family. Born in Fort Hill, PA, on July 27, 1932, she was the daughter of the late William and Alice (Miller) Qualters. She was a retired sales clerk from Value City and a member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Munhall. Her family was most important to her but she also enjoyed going to the casino and “wing night” at Harvey’s. She was the wife of the late Andrew Bercik and Reid O. Scott; mother of William A. (Linda) Bercik Sr. of Dravosburg and the late Sharon Conley; Gram to William Bercik Jr., Brian Bercik, Bobbi Jean Bercik, Andrea Bercik, Lindsay Conley and late Michael Conley; Nana to 8 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren; sister of the late Donald Qualters and late Madeline Show. Her 91st birthday will be celebrated with visitation on Thursday, July 27, 2023, from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the MALOY-SCHLEIFER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 915 KENNEDY AVE., DUQUESNE, 15110, 412-466-3300, WILLIAM B. SCHLEIFER, SUPERVISOR, WILLIAM BRIAN SCHLEIFER, FUNERAL DIRECTOR. A Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday, July 28, 2023, at 11:00 AM. with Pastor John Gropp, officiating. Burial will follow at Lebanon Church Cemetery, West Mifflin.

 


Darryl L. Silvis

July 24, 2023 |

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

Darryl L. Silvis, 62, of Scottdale formerly of N. Huntingdon, passed away Sunday, July 23, 2023 after a four year battle with cancer. He was born June 28, 1961 in Wilkinsburg, son of Jack D. Silvis and the late Sharen Lee (Miller) Silvis.  Darryl was a sales representative/driver for Seaman Wholesale and a DJ.  He was a graduate of Norwin Sr. High School Class of '79 and a member of Wesley Chapel.  Darryl was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan,  firefighter for Circleville VFD for 14 years and enjoyed playing softball.  He is survived by his wife, Corie Silvis; son, Jack T. Silvis and his wife, Lauren; daughters, Melissa Shaffer and her husband, Mike, Leanne Silvis, fiance, Cory Baughman, Taryn Graft and Stephanie Rummel; sister, Laurie Peddicord and her husband, Sam; grandchildren, Arielle (Tyler), Tyler, Abby, Leona, Sage, Jack Jr., Ellie, and Bjorn;  aunt and uncle, Brad and Carol Miller; and his canine companion, Freckles.  Friends will be received Wednesday from 1-3 & 6-8 p.m. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, N. Huntingdon, PA  15642.  A funeral service will take place on Thursday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Irwin Union Cemetery.  The family wishes to thank Excela Hospice for their compassionate care.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Norma A. Filewich

July 23, 2023 |

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

Norma A. (Caird) Filewich, age 92, of Elrama, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at Peters Township Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was a retired self-employed hairdresser and a member of St. John 23rd Parish, St. Isaac Jogues Church in Elrama. Born April 9, 1931 in Elizabeth, she was a daughter of the late David and Ella (McNeil) Caird and wife of the late Mike Filewich. She is survived by sons, Michael D. (Renee) Filewich of Sebastian, FL and Guy C. (Julie) Filewich of McKeesport; daughter, LuAnne Blyshak of Elrama; grandchildren, Michael D. Filewich Jr., Keith J. Filewich, Leigh Anne Lopez, and Cameron P. Filewich; great-grandchildren; sisters, Janice Hofmeister of Tavares, FL and Gayle McGruder of Mount Dora, FL; brother, David Caird of Elizabeth Twp.; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Caird. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 from 4-7 PM. A mass of Christian burial will take place on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 10 AM in St. Isaac Jogues Church. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

 


Rose Marie Baker

July 23, 2023 |

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

Rose Marie Baker, age 93 of North Versailles, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, July 22, 2023.  Born November 26, 1929 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Josephine (Odoj) Plunko.  Rose Marie earned an associate's degree from Robert Morris business school and worked at a credit union until she became a mom. She then spent the rest of her time taking care of her family and being an active member at St. John's Lutheran Church in North Versailles. She loved going to the cabin, making excellent meals and desserts from scratch, dressing sharp, and spending time with her family - especially her great grandkids.  She will be missed dearly by her family and friends as she was very funny and admired for her strong character.  Rose Marie was also preceded in death by her husband Wesley Clyde Baker and her brother Theodore Plunko.  She is survived by her daughters Patricia L. (Carl) Pastore and Debra Jo (Eric) Pekala, both of Elizabeth Twp.; her grandchildren Kristy, Tara, and Macy; her great-grandchildren Emmett and Makiya; and also nieces and nephews. 

 
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Leslie Nelson Horwat

July 22, 2023 |

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

Leslie Nelson Horwat, 60, of New Kensington, passed away Friday, July 21, 2023 at UPMC St. Margaret Memorial Hospital.  She was born September 13, 1962 in Jeannette, a daughter of the late Stanley and Betty (Morgan) Nelson. Leslie was a program analyst  for the Veterans Administration and a graduate of Norwin Sr. High School Class of '81. She was a member of several jeep clubs and enjoyed riding around in her jeep and spending time with her grandchildren and dogs. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Horwat and brother, Lance Nelson.  She is survived by her son, Ryan (Nicole) Gallagher; daughters, Ashley Horwat (Justin), Jessica Hultz (Brandan) and Chelsea Thomas (Dondi); grandchildren, Vada, Madison, Alyssa and Theo.  Friends will be received on Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  A memorial service will follow at 7 p.m.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to cover funeral expenses.  Please see funeral home website.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Mike Larry Bavolar

July 22, 2023 |

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

Mike Larry Bavolar, age 65, of McKeesport, died on Friday, July 21, 2023. He was born in Pittsburgh on February 16, 1958 and is the son of the late Edward J. and Gloria Simonetta Bavolar. He worked as a self-employed contractor.

 
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Dan Verdish

July 21, 2023 |

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

Dan Verdish, age 97, of White Oak, died on Friday, July 21, 2023. He was born in McKeesport on November 27, 1925 and is the son of the late Dan and Margaret Kormos Verdesh, and the husband of the late Virginia Ciolak Verdish. Dan proudly served in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII. After the war, he was employed as an electrician at Kelsey Hays, Firth Stirling, and retired from Westinghouse Electric 36 years ago. He was an avid tennis player who played every day, usually at Renzie Park, as well as in tournaments. He loved reading, walking, traveling, fishing, hunting, and going to his cabin in Marienville. He was a member of the General Smedley D. Butler Post 701 White Oak American Legion, and the Eleventh Ward Club. He was also the former treasurer of the Foreman’s Association at Westinghouse Electric. 
 
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Raymond M. Sobczak

July 21, 2023 |

By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory

Raymond M. Sobczak, age 89, of Port Vue, PA, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2023, at Grandview Estates in Elizabeth Township.  He was the son of the late Walter and Nellie Sobczak.  Ray was preceded in death by his wife Mary “Mitzi,” son Andrew “Phil,” brother Jacob “Jack,” and daughter-in-law Lynn (Dennis) Sobczak.  Ray truly loved his long career as an elevator construction/maintenance technician.  Ray enjoyed playing cards, especially with the Glassport Lucky 7 Card Club, bowling, and Port Vue Old Timers Softball.  He belonged to the former St. Mary Czestochowa Church in McKeesport and was a member of Port Vue Sons of the American Legion.  Ray was also a proud member of the Port Vue Fire Department.  He was the oldest member of the department with close to 70 years of service and was honored with the 50-Year Life Member award in 2008.

 
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Daniel E. "Dan" Gretz

July 21, 2023 |

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

Daniel E. "Dan" Gretz, age 77, of Liberty Borough, died July 15, 2023. He passed away peacefully, in the company of family at home. Born June 21, 1946, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Edward and Frances (Witkowski) Gretz and the loving husband of the late Christine M. Gretz for 54 years.
Dan retired from US Steel Clairton Works, where he was an instrument repairman. He was a veteran of the US Navy serving during peacetime on USS Shangri-La. Dan was a strong supporter of veterans and active-duty military personnel. He was also a member of the Liberty Borough Veterans Association. Dan enjoyed hunting, fishing with his sons and grandchildren, writing poetry, and relaxing in his Gazebo. He looked forward to spending time and vacationing with his family. His favorite destinations include Lake Erie and hunting in Green County. Dan spoke often of his love for his wife, Tina, and being "Together Forever". Danny and Tina were true soul mates; having known each other since childhood, celebrating their first communion together at Holy Trinity Church in McKeesport.

 
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John “Jay” Michael Pozzuto

July 20, 2023 |

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

John “Jay” Michael Pozzuto, age 63, of McKeesport, PA died on Saturday July 15, 2023. He was born in McKeesport on February 16, 1960 and is the son of the late Geraldine “Sis” Pozzuto. John “Jay” Pozzuto may you forever rest in peace. Your laughter and contagious smile will live in our memories forever. Your positive energy brought salvation to many people. Your loyalty and joy were unique and honest. Jay was a devoted father and family man that would give you the shirt off his back if needed. He enjoyed watching sports, listening to music, going to concerts, and most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Now we ask that you watch down on us from Heaven because we know you made it, and we know you will always answer our calls in time of need. The kindness of your soul touched many lives, and you will be sadly missed by many. May you rest in peace in Rock and Roll Heaven. 

 
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