Kenneth "Bones" Watson
February 02, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Maria Skezas
February 01, 2025 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Maria Skezas, age 88, of White Oak, PA, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Friday, January 31, 2025. She was born June 4, 1936, in the village of Neohorion on the island of Chios, Greece. She is the daughter of the late Nicholas and Athena Skarlis Georgaroudis, and the beloved wife of the late William J. Skezas. After marrying William in 1958, Maria came to America speaking only Greek. She attended night classes to learn the English language and gained her American Citizenship. She enjoyed many return trips to her cherished fatherland, visiting family and old friends. She was especially fond of spending time at the seaside family cottage, where she often fished with her parents and swam in the beautiful blue waters of the Aegean Sea.
Donald Ray Smith
February 01, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Donald Ray Smith, 77, of Elizabeth Township, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 31, 2025. He was born on March 1, 1947 in McKeesport and was the son of the late Jack Elroy and Evelyn Pearl Smith. Donald was a mechanic by trade and worked for many years at Schumann's Front End. He spent time building cars with his sons, he especially enjoyed muscle cars and American Motors. He also enjoyed drag racing these cars. He was an all around handyman that could fix anything. Donald was also known to play the Harmonica with his Gospel and Blue Grass band, The Wash House Band, as well as playing with his friend, Jim Relja. He lived his life exactly the way he wanted to.
Helen Jeannette Zeigler Green
February 01, 2025 |
By Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home | Posted in: Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 4-8 pm and on Friday, February 7 from 10-11 am 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 her Homegoing Service will be held at 11 am. with Reverend John Cook officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be held at Restland Cemetery.
The Homegoing Service and Cemetery Military Honors will be live-streamed on the funeral home website https://www.maloy-schleiferfuneralhome.com/.
Ronald P. Wawrzeniak
February 01, 2025 |
By Wojciechowski Funeral Home | Posted in: Wojciechowski Funeral Home
Beverly M. Linn
January 31, 2025 |
By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory
Beverly M. Linn, age 79, of North Versailles, passed on January 30, 2025, at Kane Community Living Center in Glen Hazel. Born June 22, 1945, in Tarentum, she was the daughter of the late Howard and Stella (Horzempa) Reesman and wife of Martin Linn. Beverly dedicated over 20 years of her professional life to J.C. Penney, where she served as a manager, cultivating relationships with her team and customers. She also brought compassion to her roles in data entry with visiting nurses, always putting the needs of others first. Beverly, an avid reader and pianist, found joy and solace in the arts. She cherished losing herself in the pages of a good book. Her love for music echoed through the halls of her home, offering a soundtrack to her life that will be fondly remembered by her loved ones. She was a proud grandmother whose greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren. Beverly embraced the beauty of the world through her travels with her husband Marty. She embarked on many memorable journeys, taking bus trips through the enchanting north and southwest, savoring the stunning landscapes of wine country on the west coast. She loved the thrill of train travel, making memories on routes to Nashville and New Orleans, and exploring new horizons on cruises to Alaska and along the St. Lawrence River.
Lujuan Lee Harper
January 31, 2025 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Lujuan Harper, 46, of Homestead, PA, died on January, 28, 2025. Born March, 23, 1978, in UPMC Magee-Women's Hospital, he was the son of the late Luther Jr. and Melissa (Edmonds) Harper.
Lujuan was well known around Homestead, PA and was known by many in the community and his former classmates at Steel Valley High School. He loved music, especially R&B and hip-hop. He liked shopping and was willing to help anyone. Lujuan will be remembered as a quiet, gentle, sweet soul who had immense love for his family.
Bruce M. Brinkos
January 31, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Bruce M. Brinkos, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on January 30, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on June 6, 1942, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, to John and Anna (Davis) Brinkos, Bruce lived a life defined by faith, hard work, dedication, and an unshakable loyalty to those whom he loved.
A standout athlete, Bruce earned a four-year scholarship for football at the University of Miami in Florida, where he earned All-American honors as a guard and linebacker. His dominance on the field began in high school, where he was also named an All-American. He played with grit, intelligence, and heart—traits that carried into every aspect of his life.
Bruce was a man who knew the value of an honest day’s work. He spent his career dedicated to his community, working as a teacher and assistant football coach in the McKeesport Area School District, as a Yard Master for the Union Railroad, and ultimately as a Foreman on the Pennsylvania Turnpike for 20 years. He was beloved by the men who worked with him—respected not just for his leadership but for the fairness, humor, and quiet strength he brought to the job every day.
Beyond his career, Bruce was deeply committed to public service. He served as a Board Member for the McKeesport Area School District for 16 years, striving to improve education and provide opportunities for local students. He was also active in local politics in Allegheny County for many years, believing in the power of civic engagement to make a difference in people’s lives. His faith was central to his life, and he was an active member of St. Angela Merici Roman Catholic Church, where he served as an usher and with his wife as an instructor for baptism and marriage preparation. His service to the Community and Church was a reflection of his deep gratitude for the opportunities he had been given and his desire to help others achieve their greatest potential.
Betty Mitchell
January 31, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Betty Mitchell, age 99, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 23, 2025 in the home she shared in Pittsburgh with her daughter and son-in-law, Tina and John Stare. She was born Betty Marie Kline on February 12, 1925 in Langdondale, PA to Charles Wesley Kline and Mary Kushto Kline. She was a graduate of Broad Top High School. She married Reid Joshua Mitchell on July 27, 1945 in Baltimore, MD where she worked for Social Security. Throughout their marriage they lived in Trenton, NJ; Alexandria, VA; Monroe, CT; and lastly Harrisburg, PA. They were married for 50 years until Reid’s passing in April of 1996. She was also preceded in death by her parents; 4 siblings: Theda, Willard, Loretta and Bill; and her daughter-in-law, Carol. She is survived by her four children: Karen (Bud) Fini of Wilmington, DE; Reid (Cindi) of Griswold, CT; Tina (John) Stare of Elizabeth Township, PA; and Brad (Carol) of Carlisle, PA. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Karen’s children, Lisa and Joe; Reid’s children, Gabriel, Jeffrey and Melissa; and Tina’s children, Ryan, Evan and Shannon. She also had 12 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Betty had the most generous and loving heart and touched many lives with her sweet presence and beautiful smile. She loved all of her family dearly and they were the joy of her life.
Stacy R. "Peanut" Ryan
January 31, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Stacy R. "Peanut" Ryan, age 56 of Smithton, passed away on Sunday, Janaury 26, 2025 in Excela Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg. Born June 20, 1968, Stacy worked as a home health aide for many years. She was an animal lover and volunteer with the Westmoreland County Humane Society. She also loved the outdoors and nature, going camping and holding bonfires. Stacy will be loved and missed very much by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband Richard Ryan, her step-daughter Melissa (Sean Snyder) Ryan of Wexford, her father and mother-in-law Richard and Nancy Ryan of Port Vue, her sister-in-law Patty (Chris) Kaylor of Port Vue, her aunt Beverly Gelsdorf of Youngwood, and many friends and other extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents Stephen and Sandra (Cox) Smartnick; and sisters Susanne and Sherri.
Debra Lee Szucs
January 30, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Debra Lee Szucs, age 69 of White Oak, passed away at her sister's home on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Born December 8, 1955 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Earl and Wilma (Grdich) Szucs. A member of the Class of 1974 of McKeesport High School, Debra worked for both McKeesport National Bank and McKeesport Hospital. She is survived by her sister Donna (Jeff Dainty) Miladinovich of White Oak, her nephew and godson Christopher (Lauren) Miladinovich, her caregiver and friend Jenn, and many cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Ann C. Pergantis
January 30, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Ann C. Pergantis, age 91 of White Oak, passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 in UPMC East. Born March 23, 1933 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Juraj and Bara (Canjar) Bokulic. A member of the former Sacred Heart Church in McKeesport and the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge #3, Ann worked at the former G.C. Murphy's Warehouse in McKeesport. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, the late Nick Pergantis, who passed away December 29, 2020, and her brothers George and Joseph Bokulic. Ann is survived by her children Linda (Kenneth) Prokop and Nicholas (Katie) Pergantis.
James Robert "Jimmy" Chesleigh
January 30, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
James Robert "Jimmy" Chesleigh, age 33 of West Mifflin, passed away at home on Monday, January 27, 2025. Born August 2, 1991 in Pittsburgh, he is a son of Calvert E. Chesleigh of West Mifflin and Kim Brook of Pittsburgh. An electrician and handyman, Jimmy loved animals and taking his bicycle on trails around the area. Besides his parents, he is survived by his siblings Calvert A. Chesleigh of Pittsburgh, Sarah (Eric) Campbell of Pittsburgh, John (Krista Margliotti) Chesleigh of Baldwin, and Emmet Chesleigh of McKeesport; his niece Millie Chesleigh; and also many cousins. Jimmy was also preceded in death by the love of his life Diane Cercone.
Ernest R. Oatneal
January 29, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Ernest R. Oatneal, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, departed this life on January 12, 2025. Born on June 29, 1947, in West Newton, Pennsylvania, Ernest was the cherished son of Daniel Grady Oatneal and Elizabeth Oatneal. He lived a life filled with purpose, love, and unwavering dedication. He served his country honorably as a member of the Army in Vietnam, embodying courage, integrity, and a deep sense of duty.
Ernest’s charismatic personality lit up every room he entered, making him the life of every gathering. He had a remarkable ability to connect with people, bringing laughter, warmth, and joy wherever he went. His charm was matched only by his generosity, and he had a gift for making everyone feel valued and loved. His family and friends will always remember his ability to bring laughter, warmth, and unwavering support into their lives.
A man of simple joys and profound wisdom, Ernest found happiness in storytelling, spending time with family, and community work. He dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his family and community, leaving a legacy of care and devotion that will be carried on by those who were blessed to know him.
He retired from the VA Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where his hard work and dedication touched countless lives. His wisdom, humor, and endless love made him the cornerstone of his family and a treasured friend to all who knew him.
Ernest is survived by his loving wife, Gloria Oatneal; his children Corey Whindleton and wife Michelle, Wade Whindleton and wife Candace, Shannon Green, Eugene Brown and wife; his brother Harry Oatneal and his wife Patricia; his sister Josephine Oatneal Scott; his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many, many friends.
He was preceded in death by his siblings Florence Oatneal-Parris, Grady Edward Oatneal, Richard Oatneal, Etta Oatneal, Juanita Oatneal-Turner, and Stanford Lee Oatneal, who now welcome him into eternal peace.
Ernest’s legacy of love and laughter will forever remain in the hearts of those who cherished him. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.
A devoted man of God, Ernest’s life was guided by the comforting words of Scripture. As we celebrate his remarkable journey, we find peace in the promise of Psalm 23:6:
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ernest Raymond Oatneal, please visit our floral store.
Donald F. Austin
January 29, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Donald F. Austin, 87, of North Huntingdon, passed away Monday, January 20, 2025, at AHN Forbes Regional Hospital. He was born August 1, 1937, in McKeesport, a son of the late Julius and Elizabeth (Smith) Austin and was also preceded in death by a brother Julius J. Austin, a sister Elizabeth E. Tkac, grandson Jared Lee Hooke, great grandson Jett Roman Austin, brothers-in-law John, Frank, and Bill Patterson, Bob Cornell, and Steve Cindric, and sisters-in-law Gay (Bost) Austin, Carol (Maley) Patterson, and Dorlee “Geege” Patterson. He is survived by his wife of 68 years Shirley J. (Patterson) Austin; ;their children Tracy Hawley (Bill) of Irwin, Donn (Cindy) Austin of Penn Township, Erin Hooke (Bill) of North Huntingdon, and Chad (Dr. Curren Katz) of Titusville, NJ; his grandchildren Joey (Sara), Joshua (Samantha), Andy (Dr. Katrina), Jonathan (Carley), Ryan (Claudia), Colin (Katelynn), Jesse (Amber), Devin (Lindsay), Jadon, Aidan, Caelan, and Emiliana: great grandchildren Jayce, William, Charlotte, Lyam, Lily, Marshall, Maeve, Celine, and Silas. He is also survived by his Goddaughter Valerie (David) Luehm, and many nieces and nephews and their families. After graduating from McKeesport Vocational High School, Class of 1955, Don began working for Thorofare Markets, a local grocer, where he was manager of produce. After 15 years in retail Don fulfilled his lifelong dream of a career in law enforcement. He joined the North Huntingdon Township Police Department as a patrolman, and later, working with youth as a Juvenile Officer, advancing to the rank of Sergeant. Don was instrumental in implementing the Field Training Program used by the department. He retired from the force with 30 years of service. After retirement form the police department he was elected Commissioner of Ward 7 of North Huntingdon Township and served for 12 years. Don was a member of the Allegheny Valley Lodge 39, Fraternal Order of Police, New Kensington Division, the Penn’s Woods Civic Association, and Irwin First United Methodist Church. Don was an honest, hard-working man. In addition to always having a full time job, he also held second and third jobs as a means of providing for his family. He worked in construction, as a cab driver, and funeral attendant and hearse driver, just to name a few. He was also a jack-of-all trades as evidenced by his countless renovations to the family home, fixing cars, and putzin’ around the house. He enjoyed deer hunting and the outdoors and he’d tell you he never bagged the “big one”. After retirement Don took great pleasure in attending the activities of his grandchildren, spending time at the football field, track, and gymnasium. He also enjoyed watching sports, especially his Pittsburgh teams the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates. Relatives and friends of Don will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the William Snyder Funeral Home, 521 Main Street, Irwin, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday with Pastor Alex Ielase of First Evangelical Free Church, McKeesport, officiating. Interment will follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park, North Huntingdon. In lieu of flowers a contribution can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.
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