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Leona (Lauffer) DiToppa

April 18, 2022 |

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

Leona (Lauffer) DiToppa, age 95, of McKeesport, passed away peacefully at Redstone Highlands, North Huntingdon, on April 16, 2022.  She was preceded in death by her husband, August DiToppa, and her mother, Mary Kuznik. 

She is survived by her three sons Dr. Louis A. (Joyce) DiToppa of North Huntingdon, David A. DiToppa of Bethel Park, and Paul A. (Marti) DiToppa of North Huntingdon.  She was the proud grandmother of three granddaughters, Paige, Martina, and Maria DiToppa.

 
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Ida M. Gouker

April 18, 2022 |

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

Ida M. Gouker, age 74 of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Saturday, April 16, 2022 in Riverside Care Center, McKeesport.  Born December 7, 1947 in Bunola, she was a daughter of the late James and Florence "Flossy" (O'Hara) Smith.  A retired dietary aide at Jefferson Hospital and a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church, Ida was a former member of the Lions Club.  In her spare time, she enjoyed bowling with her league, knitting and making baby blankets for showers, fishing, and hunting.  She and her husband would be sure to care for place flowers on the graves of her relations, and her family will remember her as a loving and happy-go-lucky type who also happened to make amazing orange cookies.  She is survived by her loving husband Regis Gouker, her daughter Ida "Crickett" (Allen) Householder if Cranberry Twp., her grandchildren Emma and Lachlan Householder, her niece Heather (Jason) Tawney, and her nephew Timothy O'Hara.  Besides her parents, Ida was preceded in death by her brother Dr. John (Merrily) O'Hara and her nephew Robin O'Hara.

 
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Christopher J. Patchel, Sr.

April 18, 2022 |

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

Christopher J. Patchel, Sr., age 81, of White Oak, formerly of Turtle Creek, died April 15, 2022, at home surrounded by his loved ones. Born March 12, 1941, in Trafford, PA, he was the son of the late Samuel and Mary (Asquino) Patchel and the husband of Nancy (Brakeall) Patchel for 53 loving years.
Chris retired from Berk's Menswear and Tuxedo Shop, where he was a salesman. Before that, from the age of 16 until he was 58 years old, he worked and eventually managed many of the former Carlton's Menswear shops until they closed. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving in the 321st Transportation Division, in the Vietnam War 1967 through 1968 during the TET Offensive. Chris was a member of the White Oak American Legion Post #701. He was also a member of the former St. Mary Czestochowa Church, now known as Mary, Mother of God Parish, Corpus Christi Church. Chris enjoyed fishing, bingo, playing poker, trips to the casino, and meeting up with his Speedway buddies for a morning coffee and to scratch PA Lottery tickets. He had a passion for Pittsburgh sports, football, hockey, and especially baseball. Chris loved to ride along in the White Oak Memorial Day Parades, proudly representing his fellow soldiers. He was also an animal lover; he bird watched with his wife, had cats and dogs throughout his life as pets, and leaves behind his special furry friend, "Izzy."

 
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Evelyn Ann Mendt

April 18, 2022 |

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

Evelyn Ann Mendt, 75, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2022, at UPMC East Hospital. She was born January 5, 1947, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Edward and Mary Norma Auth of Penn Hills. Evelyn was a faithful member of St. Agnes Catholic Church in North Huntingdon. Lynn was a devoted mother who lovingly raised her children with her late husband, Richard. She enjoyed spending time with her family and traveling. She was a member of the East Suburban Friendship Club, Inc. Surviving are her three children, Susan (Grey) Valenta of Fayetteville, Georgia, Shawn (Nina) Mendt of Wexford, Pennsylvania and Shannon (David) Dalton of Rochester Hills, Michigan. Lynn was a loving grandmother to eight grandchildren, Grayson, Taylor, Kylie, Justin, Delaney, Nicole, Brooke, and Kelsey. Lynn’s death is preceded by her husband Richard Mendt and siblings William Auth, Michael Auth, and Susan Auth. She is also survived by two siblings: Beverley (Larry) Sites, Lesley (David) Fisher, and sisters-in-law Ginny Auth, Deborah Auth and many dearly loved nieces and nephews. Friends will be received on Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Interment to follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Irwin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 510 Pellis Road, Greensburg, PA 15601. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


George J. Pilipovich

April 16, 2022 |

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

George Pilipovich of North Huntingdon, PA passed peacefully on the morning of April 16th, 2022 after a hard fought battle with cancer. Born August 9th, 1955 to the late George and Emma Jean (Gongaware) Pilipovich, he was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and neighbor who enjoyed music, driving his Chevy trucks, quality time with family, and celebrating his Serbian heritage. George was a natural born helper and life- long learner. He was always quick to lend a hand and possessed a deep wealth of knowledge which he imparted on so many (and regularly used to win nightly living room Jeopardy! competitions with his wife and daughter). His knowledge was gained in part by his lifetime of diverse careers and projects including but certainly not limited to machining, volunteer firefighting, and home and automotive handiwork.  George is survived by his wife Cindy (Marion) Pilipovich, daughter Pam Pilipovich, sister Penny Pilipovich and partner Bob Campbell, sister Marcy (Pilipovich) and husband Jim Burgess, nephew and godson AJ Bergman, and sister-in-law Linda Proctor. He is proceeded in death by brother Jack Proctor.  Friends will be received from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  The family requests that friends and family please wear masks while visiting.   In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in George’s honor to Family Hospice, part of UPMC, in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh, PA and/or St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church of Monroeville.   www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Jeffrey Lyn Spishock

April 15, 2022 |

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

Jeffrey Lyn Spishock, 65, of Boston, lost his courageous fight with cancer on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at home surrounded by his family. He was born November 2, 1956 in McKeesport and was the son of the late Stephen "Steve" and Mary Elizabeth (Capner) Spishock. Jeff worked for Comptec in Irwin. He was a 1974 graduate of Elizabeth Forward High School. He loved traveling, sports and music. An avid Fantasy Football Player "The Outlaw" was a twelve time Jagoff League Champion. An independent man, Jeff walked his path of life with courage, and compassion.

 
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Adam Joseph Begandy

April 15, 2022 |

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

Adam Joseph Begandy, age 42 of McKeesport passed away on Thursday, April 14, 2022.  Born February 23, 1980 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Joseph J. Begandy, Jr. and the late Wendy Jean Shields Senick.  He worked as an office manager for Shop n’ Save in Olympia Shopping Center.  Adam is survived by his wife of 8 years Jamie (Aducci) Begandy; children David, Haylee, Colton, and Christian Begandy; sister Suzanne Begandy of Richmond, VA; and godparents Ray and Kathleen Takacs of Irwin.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Sean M. Begandy.

 
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Donald A. "Bix" Bixler

April 14, 2022 |

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

Donald A. “Bix” Bixler, age 66, of West Mifflin, passed away on Holy Thursday, April 14, 2022. Son of Elaine J. Bixler, of West Mifflin and the late Donald J. Bixler, he was born in McKeesport, on March 31, 1956. He worked at U.S. Steel-Duquesne Works for 5 years before becoming disabled. He was disabled at the age of 23 as a result of a motorcycle accident and his mother became his primary caregiver for 32 years. He liked karate, spending many summers at Linesville and had a great sense of humor. Besides his mother, he is survived by many Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, from 2-4 and 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, where a Blessing Service will take place on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Joseph Church, Duquesne, of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, with Rev. Thomas Lewandowski, officiating. Entombment will follow at Jefferson Mausoleum.

 


Lydia (Benedetti) Ranalli

April 14, 2022 |

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

Lydia D. (Benedetti) Ranalli, age 88 of Lancaster and formerly of Clairton, passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 in United Zion Retirement Community in Lititz, PA.  Born June 5, 1933 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Alfred and Gina (Tredechi) Benedetti.  A member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church in Clairton, Lydia was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; and, as a result, her most treasured jobs were cooking, baking, cleaning, and taking care of the children and grandchildren.  She loved reading, playing cards, playing games with her children, working on crossword puzzles, laughing, and talking in Italian with her brother-in-law Joseph Ranalli whom she loved as a son.  Most of all, she valued the time she spent with her husband, Daniel J. Ranalli, until his passing on February 13, 2005.  Lydia lived most of her life in Clairton until moving to Lancaster in 2008.  Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers Albert and Elio Benedetti.  Lydia is survived by her children Dennis (Mary) Ranalli of Hilton Head, SC, Debbie (Tom) Broskey of Lancaster, David (Francesca) Ranalli of Lancaster, Danny Ranalli of Jefferson Hills, and Diana (Robert) Kopriva of Lititz; her twelve grandchildren: Katie (Rob) Nicolotti, Lauren (Kris) Bauer, Christina Ranalli, Melanie (Ryan) Schmidt, Aimee (David) Hopkins, Frank (Molly) Ranalli, Kaylee and Jenna Broskey, Michael and Victoria Kopriva, and Jason and Cuyler Ranalli; her five great-grandchildren Leo, Nila, Will, Annie, and Gia; her sister Yolanda Ginanni of Clairton; and many nieces and nephews. 

 
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Mary Frances Legin

April 14, 2022 |

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

Mary Frances (Hopko) Legin, age 93, of Port Vue, died April 12, 2022, at UPMC Mercy Hospital. Born March 30, 1929, in Braddock, PA, she was the daughter of the late George and Anna (Barlog) Hopko and the beloved wife for 53 years of the late George T. Legin Jr.
Mary Frances graduated from Braddock High School in 1946, and she was a graduate of Braddock Hospital School of Nursing in 1949. She worked as a registered nurse at Braddock General Hospital and McKeesport Hospital until her retirement.
Mary Frances was a member of Saints Joachim and Anne Parish, formerly Saint Joseph Parish and Saint Mark Parish, where she was an active member of the Christian Mothers and Ladies Guild, volunteered as a weekly money counter and parish festival worker. She was also a former member and past president (3 terms) of the Port Vue Senior Citizens. Mary Frances was a member of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association Branch S218, where she served as a branch officer for many years. She was also an active member of the South Allegheny Band Parents, where she served as president and in other leadership roles. For the past three years, Mary Frances resided at Fair Oaks Senior Living, where she enjoyed many activities, including bingo and playing cards.

 
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Marjorie A. O'Gurkis

April 14, 2022 |

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

Marjorie A. O'Gurkis, age 86, of McKeesport, was called home to be with her  Lord and Savior on April 10, 2022, with family at her side.  Born September 26, 1935, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Edwin and Clara (Lowenstein) Canfield.  On April 28, 1956, she married Edmund J. O'Gurkis, who preceded her in death on April 28, 2005.
 Marjorie was a graduate of McKeesport H.S. and was employed by G.C. Murphy Co. as an administrative secretary before returning to staying at home to raise her children.  After her children were grown, she worked as a nurse's aide at Kane Community Living Center in McKeesport for many years.  She was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish, St. Patrick Church, and a Christian Mother.  She was also an active member of the Renzie Seniors, the Task Force, and Lifespan.
Marjorie loved to play piano and care for animals, especially her cat, Boots.  But most of all, she treasured time spent with her Grandchildren.  She said they were her greatest riches!  Marjorie was a genuinely kind and compassionate lady whose bright smile brought joy to all she met.  She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

 
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Annette L. Butsko

April 13, 2022 |

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

Annette L. Butsko, age 81 of Clairton, passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 in Jefferson Hospital.  Born June 15, 1940 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Rudolph and Elizabeth (Ceryak) LaValle.  A self-employed beautician, Annette was a member of both Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church and the Croatian Fraternal Union, Lodge #248, both of Clairton.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew P. Butsko, and her brothers Rudolph and James LaValle.  Annette is survived by her son Brian A. (Marlo) Butsko of Clairton; her grandchildren Brandon, Brady, and Briq Butsko; her siblings Lucille (the late Dom) Nero and Dennis LaValle, both of Clairton; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

 
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Evelyn Marie "Evie" Fichera

April 13, 2022 |

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

Evelyn Marie "Evie" Fichera, 70, of West Mifflin passed away Tuesday, April 12, 2022. She was born June 19, 1951 in McKeesport and was the daughter the late John and Florence (Sweeney) Ruggier. Evie was a member of the Holy Spirit Church in West Mifflin and gave much of her time coordinating & managing events for the West Mifflin #3 Volunteer Fire Department. She was also a housekeeper at McKeesport Hospital, but most importantly, she was a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend.

 
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Kenneth (Snuffy) Smith

April 12, 2022 |

By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Kenneth (Snuffy) Smith, 69, died April 7, 2022. Arrangements are in charge of Robert A. Waters Funeral Home Inc.

 


James G. "Gary" Celovsky

April 12, 2022 |

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

James G. "Gary" Celovsky, age 61, of Munhall, died April 6, 2022, at home. Born  November 20, 1960, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Michael Celovsky and Audrey (Shepherd) and Sonny Jordan and the husband of Jacqueline (King) Celovsky.

James was the owner-operator of the former Heritage Harley-Davidson of McKeesport. He enjoyed trips to Bike Week in Daytona, Florida. Gary loved family gatherings and fireworks at the 4th of July celebrations.

 
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