A free service provided by your local funeral professionals and The Tube City Almanac, your independent, non-profit news source.

McKeesport Area News from Tube City Almanac


Advertising

Finney Funeral Home CREMATION Simple Direct Dignified  1-800-448-9899

This service is supported by donations and advertising. To advertise here, call (412) 614-9659 or email McKeesportObituaries@gmail.com.


John Spindler Cooper

February 18, 2022 |

By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

John Spindler Cooper, 87, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2022, surrounded by his family in Columbia, SC, formerly of Irwin.

He was born July 31, 1934 in McKeesport, PA, a son of the late James and Dorothy Cooper and was preceded in death by brothers James Cooper, Jerry Cooper, and beloved wife, Shirley Cooper.

He is survived by his children David and Sarah Cooper, Bruce and Katherine Cooper, John and Carol Pascutti, and Patty Liverance, along with 16 grandchildren and their 11 spouses and 20 great-grandchildren. His exemplary life was marked by wisdom, hard work, and devotion to family.

In every facet of life, he was committed to improving the lives of the people around him as a mentor and friend. John and Shirley were married in 1956 in Pittsburgh and their love story spanned 61 years while living in Pennsylvania, California, Indiana, Georgia, and South Carolina. With a degree in Civil Engineering from Penn State, John worked 23 years for U.S. Steel followed by 30 years with Portec Rail, Inc. where he rose to lead as CEO. He found his work to be rewarding as he enjoyed contributing to the building of America’s bridges, skyscrapers, and railways.

An extraordinary father and grandfather, John filled the years with joyful events brimming with music, laughter, sports, and enjoying the marvels of God’s creation. John and Shirley were a dynamic pair whose life verse was Philippians 4:6-7, promising that a life marked by gratitude and full trust in Christ is one also marked by peace and contentment. John modeled that confidence in such a consistent and effortless way that he has left a strong and lasting legacy.

 
Read More


Joe Robert Hill

February 18, 2022 |

By Administrator | Posted in: Alfieri Funeral Home

Joe Robert Hill, 86, longtime resident of North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, passed away on February 13, 2022.

Born in Centralia, Illinois in 1935, his life story was one of never letting adversity stand in the way of success.  From growing up in the rural community of Centralia, he joined the Air Force in 1953 after graduating High School and went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Illinois in 1959 and his Master's degree in Nuclear Engineering from Stanford University in 1961, while at the same time getting married and starting a family.

After spending several years working at the prestigious Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, he settled in the Pittsburgh area working for Westinghouse in the late 1960’s until his retirement in 1989.  During this time, he met and married his second wife, JoAnn, in 1984.

 
Read More


Darlene S. Soles

February 18, 2022 |

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

Darlene S. Soles, 72, of McKeesport passed away on Monday February 14, 2022. Daughter of the late Clarence Forbes and Catherine Coulter, Stepdaughter of John W. Gatchie.  Wife of Edward Soles.  Sister of Kathleen (Robert) Caparelli, Donna (Richard) Faix, Joseph (Monica) Gatchie, and the late John and Thomas Gatchie.  Darlene faced many challenges in her life but she always remained kind and happy.

 
Read More


Goldie Mildred Fisher

February 18, 2022 |

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

Goldie Mildred Fisher, age 92, of White Oak, died February 12, 2022, at Kane Community Living Center. Born October 8, 1929, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Leo E. and Goldie E. (Norris) Urbansky and wife of the late James K. Fisher of 51 years.

Goldie was a member of Bryn Mawr Church of Christ. She enjoyed dancing, bowling, spending time with friends, and traveling.

Goldie is survived by her niece, Diane (David) Williams; nephews, Louis (Kathy) Urbanski, William (Dolores) Urbansky, Jr., Daniel (Dena) Gribble, Richard (Trina) Gribble, and Brian (Marilyn) Gribble; great-niece, Chere Williams and her daughter Anya Yirenkyi; great-nephews, David Williams, Jr., and Robert (Shawndel) Mrvos; sister-in-law, Patricia Ann (Guski).

 
Read More


Donna M. Vasko

February 18, 2022 |

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

Donna M. Vasko, age 78 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away at home on Monday, February 14, 2022.  Born December 8, 1943 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late John and Dorothy (Barr) Holt.  An unwaveringly dedicated mother and grandmother, he life was her family to whom she gave everything she had.  They will love and miss her always. 

 
Read More


Sandra A. Funk

February 18, 2022 |

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

Sandra A. Funk, 69, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, February 17, 2022 at Forbes Regional Hospital.  She was born November 4, 1952 in Jeannette, a daughter of the late Paul and Margaret Vehec.  Prior to her retirement, Sandra was a CNA.  She enjoyed camping, going to casinos and playing slots, and was a member of Larimer Auxiliary and social member of Hartford Heights and St. Joe's Polish clubs.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Paul Vehec Jr.  She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Albert Funk; sons, Robert Judge Jr., Albert Funk Jr. (Peggy), Michael P. Funk (Jessica Boekly); brother, Frank Vehec; sisters, Cindy Downes, Andrea Moffa; grandchildren, Dante Funk, Kailani Funk, Alex, Nicholas, Ellington and Xavier Paulus.

 
Read More


Renee E. Liptak

February 18, 2022 |

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

Renee E. Liptak, age 73, of Dravosburg, died February 16, 2022, at UPMC East Hospital.  Born December 3, 1948, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Harry Ritenour Jr. and Evelyn (Duyava) Ritenour and wife of the late William Liptak.

Renee dedicated herself to doing things for other people, taking friends to doctor appointments, grocery shopping, or helping you out at home. She would crochet blankets and take them to nursing homes, and at Christmas, she would make candy treats and stockings for the elderly.  This was Renee.

She is survived by brothers, Woody (Marsha) Ritenour, of New Eagle, PA, Robert (Donna) Ritenour, of Brooksville, FL, and John (Valli) Ritenour, of Longwood, FL; sister-in-law, Ruth Ann (Chuck) Peavy; niece, Theresa (Dan) Gottheld.  She is also survived by aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

 
Read More


Patricia Lorraine Williams

February 17, 2022 |

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

Patricia Lorraine Williams, 84, of Elizabeth, passed away Thursday, February 17, 2022 at home.  She was born September 3, 1937 in Reynoldsville, PA and was the daughter of the late Carl Sheldon and Annabelle (Riggs)Vandervort.  She was the wife of the late George  Williams, Sr., who passed away in 1984. Patricia worked as a phlebotomist and also was a dessert designer for the Youghiogheny Country Club. She also enjoyed candle and craft making. Patricia is survived by daughter, Dawn Williams, sons, David Williams, and Dan Williams, 11 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

 
Read More


Nancy L. Maser

February 17, 2022 |

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

Nancy L. Maser, age 90, of Liberty Borough, died February 15, 2022, at UPMC McKeesport Hospital. Born March 2, 1931, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Paul S. and Helen (Ramsey) Lowrie and the wife of the late Edward "Buck" Maser.

Nancy began her working career at the former Downtown McKeesport Association and the former David Israel Men's Clothing Store also of McKeesport. She then worked for Rubinstein Fine Shoes of McKeesport, where she was a bookkeeper until it closed. Nancy continued working with Rubinstein's at their other locations until retirement, at the age of 87.

She attended the First Evangelical Free Church of McKeesport and was very proud to work with the Sunshine Room Pre-school children. Nancy will always be remembered for her flannel-graph stories. She was also a member of the church Senior Achievers. Her greatest joys in life were her family and her work.

 
Read More


Raymond Cassol, Jr.

February 17, 2022 |

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

Raymond Cassol, Jr., age 71 and formerly of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2022.  Born February 5, 1951 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Raymond "Red" and Elizabeth Ann (Uveges) Cassol.  A 1969 graduate of Elizabeth Forward High School where he was a multi-sport star, Raymond attended Temple University on a football scholarship and worked as an over-the-road trucker driver for Dandy Trucking in Warrendale.  He is survived by his siblings Eunice (David) Gollings of Brentwood, Rose Marie Cassol of Monroeville, and Rex Cassol of Whitehall.

 
Read More


Winfield M. Motter

February 16, 2022 |

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

Winfield Melvin Motter, 81, of North Huntingdon, passed away Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital.  He was born March 7, 1940 in McKeesport, a son of the late Winfield and Gertrude (Booth) Motter.  Prior to his retirement, Winfield worked for US Steel and later delivered flowers for Gongaware and Parry Florist.  He was a member of Circleville United Methodist Church and enjoyed hunting, fishing, working on cars  especially his '74 Corvette.  He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Sharen (Carpenter) Motter; sons, Troy (Debbie), Jay (Jennifer); sisters, Elaine Alberts, JoAnne (Dave) Benedict; grandchildren, Casey Liberty, Shane and Jessie; two great-grandchildren, Jonathan and Rusty.

 
Read More


James M. Glover

February 16, 2022 |

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

James M. Glover, 71, of Jeannette, passed away Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at Forbes Regional Hospital.  He was born November 26, 1950 in Confluence, Pa., a son of the late Robert and Alice (Bowser) Glover. James started his career as a master tool & die maker as an apprentice for Westinghouse and worked for several companies up until his retirement.  He was a Mustang car enthusiast, enjoyed RC truck racing and being with people and partaking in social media.  He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara (Fossi) Glover; son, Brandon; sisters, Carol (Angelo) Maccagnan and Faith (John) Higgins.  Friends will be received from 4-8 p.m. on Friday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  A funeral service will take place on Saturday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Brush Creek Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ALS Association.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Michael Sherry

February 16, 2022 |

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

Michael Sherry, 67, of Greensburg, passed away Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at his home.  He was born June 1, 1954 in McKeesport, a son of the late Steve and Roberta (Morris) Sherry.  Mike was a graduate of East Allegheny High School Class of 1972. Prior to his retirement, Mike was a machinist and loved his cat, Max.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Jimmy and Stevie; and brother-in-law, Stan Gorski.  He is survived by his sisters, Linda Gorski, Patricia Harper (Robert), Susan Osgood (Dennis), Eva Gallagher (Jim), Anastasia Arnold, Catherine Sherry; and several nieces and nephews.  Services will be private.  Arrangements were made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike,  North Huntingdon, PA  15642. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family for funeral expenses.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Timothy Mark Chiaverini

February 16, 2022 |

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

Timothy Mark Chiaverini, 56, of Liberty Borough, passed away Monday, February 14, 2022. He was born September 12, 1965 in McKeesport and was the son of the late James V. and Rose Marie (Casturo) Chiaverini. Tim was a member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish- St. Eugene Church in Liberty. He had worked for P & W Foreign Car Service in Pittsburgh. He is survived by his wife, Lesly A. (Gurowski) Chiaverini, daughter, Kimberly A. (Michael) Denne and son, Timothy James (Jessica Marie) Chiaverini of Liberty, grandchildren, Jordyn Chiaverini, James Denne and Emery Chiaverini, brother, James (Marcia) Chiaverini, Jr., of Anderson, SC, sister, Darlene (Tim) Erkel of Tumtum, WA, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his sister, Beverly Chiaverini who passed away January 1975.

 
Read More


Essie L. Bryan

February 16, 2022 |

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

Essie L. Bryan, 95, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, departed this life peacefully on Friday, February 11, 2022, at Riverside Care Center.

Essie was born on September 21, 1926 in Elkins, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late John and Lena Bryan Miller.

Essie joined Trinity COGIC and was baptized and Filled with the Holy Ghost. The Lord lead her to Bethlehem Baptist Church where she loved attending church and singing on the choir.  She really loved her Pastor Rev. Earlene Coleman. Essie loved the Lord and you could always find her praying, singing and playing the piano, giving God all the Glory.

Those left to cherish her memory, sister-in-law, Kathleen Bryan, niece, Rozella Sayles who is the oldest niece and was raised like a sister, a host of devoted nieces and nephews who she really loved, extended family and friends.

 
Read More