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Byron G. Wardropper

July 05, 2021 |

By William Snyder Funeral Home | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Byron G. Wardropper, 75, of North Huntingdon, died unexpectedly June 29, 2021. He was born April 16, 1946 in McKeesport, a son to the late Harry James and Edna Samantha (Littleton) Wardropper and was also preceded in death by his brothers Tom and Gerald Wardropper and his brother in law Colin Hemus. He was the CEO and founder of Innovative Carbide in Irwin. He spent over 57 years in the tungsten carbide industry and started his own business in 1987. He also owned IC Recycling Solutions in Irwin, and Action Roof Tile Tooling in Lake Wales, FL. His legacy will live on through his wife and children.

Byron had a love for aviation and was known as “El Lobo'' among his pilot friends. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association, and Cirrus Owners and Pilot Association. He was also an avid outdoorsman and life member of the National Rifle Association and a member of the McKeesport Gun Club.

 
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Eleanor Mitrik

July 04, 2021 |

By Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home | Posted in: Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home

Eleanor Melnichak Mitrik, 97, originally from McKeesport, now residing in West Mifflin, died July 3, 2021.   God has another angel.  Beloved wife of the late Frank A. Mitrik; mother of Lucille (Bill) Holloway and Mary Lynn (Klink) Hudack; sister of the late Mary Lundie, Michael Melinchak, Helen Karpinsky and Albert "Corky" Melnichak; grandmother of Melissa, Rebecca, Daniel, Aaron and Elise; great grandmother of Isabella, Alexander, Madelyn and Alexa; aunt to numerous nieces and nephews and remembered by other special friends  She was our beloved matriarch who put her family above all else.  Friends received at the Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home, Duquesne on Wed. from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8.  A funeral liturgy will be held Thurs. 10:00 am at St. Elias Byzantine Catholic Church.  Interment following St. Joseph Cemetery, West Mifflin.  The family would like to thank Kane Community McKeesport for their compassion and love for Eleanor.  We would also like to thank Bridges Hospice for all of their care and a special thank you to Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar for going above and  beyond ensuring Eleanor's best health and comfort throughout the years.

 


Dorothy M. Miller

July 03, 2021 |

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

Dorothy M. Miller, age 82, of White Oak, formerly of Coulter, died July 2, 2021, at Transitions Healthcare North of Irwin. Born March 23, 1939, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Kathryn (Harris) Robertson and the wife of the late Clarence D. "Kite" Miller.

Dorothy retired from the former Lincoln Hills Country Club, where she worked in the kitchen. She was a member of the former Penns Woods United Methodist Church of Irwin. Dorothy enjoyed walking, riding her bicycle, and spending time outdoors.

 
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Raymond Sydeski

July 03, 2021 |

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

Raymond John Sydeski, aka ‘Mr. Ray,’ ‘Legs,’ Sydeski, age 94, died in Naples, Florida on October 24th, 2019.  He was born in Glassport Pa. on January 4, 1925, to the late Mary Bogush Sydeski and John Paul Sydeski.  He was survived at the time of his death by his loving spouse of 74 years, Virginia (Gina) Malacki Sydeski, whom he met at the roller skating rink in Glassport, Pa.  In addition, he is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Raymond J. Sydeski (Becky) who reside in Minnesota, and his three daughters and their spouses, Marilyn Sydeski Johns (Chris), Joanne Sydeski Gray (Walt), and Adell Sydeski Cotter (Tim), all of whom reside in Florida.  His great loves were his grandchildren who survive him and include: Lora R. Johns, Gregory R. Johns, Matthew R.  Sydeski and his spouse Amber, Jonathan C. Sydeski, Faith G. Cotter, and also the newest great granddaughter, Emma Sydeski. He is also survived by a sister, Gert Ormand and a brother Robert Sydeski, both from Glassport, Pa.  He was preceded in death by his daughter, Patricia Rae, his brothers, Steven, Edwin, John and his sister Connie.

 
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Virginia Sydeski

July 03, 2021 |

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

Virginia “Gina” (Malacki) Sydeski, age 94, died in Naples, Florida on May 29th, 2021.  She was born in Clairton, Pa. on October 23, 1926, to the late Katherine Drwiega Malacki and Tomas Malacki.  She is survived by her brother, Frank Malacki, and her four children, including daughters, Marilyn Johns (Christopher), Joanne Gray (Walt), Adell Cotter (Tim), all of whom reside in Florida, and  her son, Raymond J. (Becky) of Minnesota.  Also surviving are her grandchildren, Lora Johns, Gregory Johns, Matthew Sydeski (Amber) Jonathan Sydeski, Faith Cotter and great grandchild Emma Sydeski.  She was preceded in death by her daughter, Patricia Rae, brother, Lou Malacki, and sisters, Helen Kristan, Josie Petrulak, Hazel Fasekas, and Sister Marilyn Malacki VSC. 

 
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John M. "Jack" Walkmeyer

July 03, 2021 |

By Hunter Funeral Home | Posted in: Hunter Funeral Home

John M. “Jack” Walkmeyer, Jr., 76, of North Huntingdon, died Friday, July 2, 2021, at UPMC Presbyterian. Born in Pittsburgh on June 30, 1945, he was the son of the late John M. and Helen A. Chada Walkmeyer.  Husband of the late Carol Cronin Walkmeyer, he is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Brandon) Diehl of Greensburg, 2 sons, John M. (Michelle) Walkmeyer of Murrysville and Sean M. (Amy) Walkmeyer of Houston, TX; 2 granddaughters, Shana Walkmeyer and Rachel Diehl; 2 grandsons, Austin and Dominik Walkmeyer; 3 nieces, Lori Tuite, Dana Kelly, and Terri Finch; sister, Roberta Connelly of California; and friend and companion, Linda DiLucente of Glassport.  A U.S. Army veteran, he was a mail clerk at the Pittsburgh Distribution Center of the U.S. Postal Service.  Friends will be received in the Hunter Funeral Home, Inc., 1600 Coursin Street, McKeesport, PA  15132 on Tuesday from 12-2 and 5-8 PM.  The family suggests contributions to Hospaws of Youngwood or All But Furgotten of North Huntingdon.

 


Mary Margaret Capp

July 02, 2021 |

By Wojciechowski Funeral Home | Posted in: Wojciechowski Funeral Home

Glassport resident, Mary Margaret Capp, 91, died July 2, 2021, at Canterbury Place Nursing Home in Pittsburgh, PA. Born in New Castle, PA on May 20, 1930, Mary was the daughter of the late John Joseph and Marcella Reott Marcus, Sr. One of 12 children, she is survived by three sisters, Pauline George of Bethlehem, PA, Carol Cushman of W. Columbia, SC, and Darlene Adkins of Gilbert, SC. Formerly married to the late James F. Czapp, of West Mifflin, Air Force veteran; they were wed in Alexandria, LA. She began a career in nursing at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and later worked as a personal caregiver. Mary Capp is survived by her son, James F. Capp, and wife Maureen (nee Hays) of Pittsburgh, PA, and her one and only grandchild, Daniel James Capp. She was preceded in death by her first child, Lawrence W. Capp (41), who was dearly missed by her and the entire family. Mary was also preceded in death by four brothers, Floyd, Thomas, John and Donald Marcus; and four sisters, Winifred Black,  Roberta Marcus, Annamae Bejger, and Grace Gebhart Banfield. In addition, Mary is survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Mary was actively involved with the Red Hat Society, Blueroof Technologies, Mon-Yough Healthy Aging Team (MYHAT), the Scrappy Scrabbler Club, and Glassport community affairs. Visitation is Tuesday, July 6, 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., at Wojciechowski Funeral Home, 640 Vermont Ave., Glassport, PA 15045. A funeral service will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 7 at 11:00 a.m.,
performed by Pastor Chuck Owston, of Bryn Mawr Church of Christ, White Oak, PA. She will be laid to rest at Round Hill Cemetery in Elizabeth, PA, alongside her dear son Larry.

 


Audrey A. Mihalko

July 02, 2021 |

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

Audrey A Mihalko, age 91 of Clairton, passed away on Friday, July 2, 2021 in Jefferson Hospital.  Born March 21, 1930 in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Anna (Dora) Mayzel.  Audrey was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church, and the former St. Joseph's Parish, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector and was a member of St. Joseph's Women's Guild.  She was also a former officer of Jednota (First Catholic Slovak Union) Branch #454, Sisters' Place in Clairton, a volunteer at Meals on Wheels, and a member of the Wilson Civic Center.  In her spare time, Audrey enjoyed crocheting and needlepoint and was an excellent cook and baker.  Most importantly though, she was an amazing Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and all-around woman and lady.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years Michael F. Mihalko, Jr., who passed away July 28, 2007; her sons Michael W. Mihalko, who passed away August 9, 2007 and Ronald J. Mihalko, who passed away December 15, 2010; and her brothers Joseph, Armand, and Frank Mayzel.  Audrey is survived by her daughter Carol A. (Robert) Mathews of Clairton; her son Mark F. (Cary) Mihalko of South Park; her daughter-in-law Cathy Mihalko; her grandchildren Kelly Mathews Perony, Misty Ward, Sarah Kurzeja, Steven Mihalko, Robert Mathews, Katelyn Mathews, Justin Martin, and Kevin Mathews; her thirteen great-grandchildren; her sisters Elsie (Naz) Rondinelli, Evelyn (Tony) Frataroli, and Anna Marie (Terry) Cevetan; her sisters-in-law Gloria (Sal) Barela and Barbara (Joseph) Mayzel; and also nieces and nephews.

 
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Gregory S. Petty

July 02, 2021 |

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

Gregory S. Petty, 63, of Wilpen, passed away Thursday, July 1, 2021.  He was born, September 13, 1957 in Ligonier, a son of the late George and Louise (Labuda) Petty. Prior to his retirement, Gregory was a mixer for Pelikan Imaging Systems.  There will be no visitation.  Private interment in St. Ann Cemetery, Wilpen, PA.  Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Geraldine "Gerry" R. Reed

July 02, 2021 |

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

Geraldine "Gerry" R. Reed, 80, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Brookdale Senior Living, Export, PA.  She was born March 24, 1941 in Hays, PA, a daughter of the late Nicholas and Rose (Bonacci) Rota.  Prior to her retirement, Gerry was a beautician and a faithful member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.  She enjoyed trips to the casinos and playing Bingo.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Reed.  She is survived by her son, William J. Jr.; daughter, Deborah Ann Feczko and her husband, Jim; daughter-in-law, Jacqueline; brother, Anthony Rota; grandchildren, Christopher, Nicholas (Emily), Brian, Nathan; great-grandchildren, Lily and Addy.  There will be no visitations.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.  Interment to follow in Restland Cemetery, Monroeville.  The family would like to thank Brookdale Senior Living and Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.  Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Dorothy M. Graboski

July 02, 2021 |

By Wojciechowski Funeral Home | Posted in: Wojciechowski Funeral Home

Dorothy M. Graboski, 93, of Glassport died July 2, 2021. She is the daugther of the late Stephen and Cecilia Kwiatkowski. She is the beloved wife for over 66 years of Raymond Graboski. She is survived by her daughters Lynn (Robert) Barnes and Laurie Graboski; grandsons Robert (Katie) Barnes and Michael Barnes; great-grandson Roman Barnes; sisters Patricia (John) Gatto, and Irene Gusty; also nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death her son Raymond Graboski; brothers Stephen and Robert Kwiatkowski and sister Barbara Kwiatkowski Larkins. Dorothy was a member of Queen of the Rosary Parish. A funeral mass will be held Wednesday 10am at Queen of the Rosary. Interment following at Round Hill Cemetery. Arrangements by Wojciechowski Funeral Home.

 


Raymond A. Cielieska

July 02, 2021 |

By Wojciechowski Funeral Home | Posted in: Wojciechowski Funeral Home

Raymond A. Cielieska died peacefully on June 30, 2021 at Riverside Care Center, McKeesport, Pa.

He was a resident of Glassport, PA for 65 years. He was proceeded in death by his wife of 56 years, Julia Cielieska (Hruska). He is survived by his only son, Ronald R. Cielieska (Christine) of Houston TX and his last remaining brother, Walter Cieleska of White Oak, Pa.

Ray was employed by Swoager Heating for 35 yrs as a contractor and was also self-employed until his retirement. Ray and Julia were avid travelers following their retirements and traveled throughout Western Europe, Hawaii and on several cruises, including a memorable one through the Panama Canal.

An enthusiastic ice hockey t fan, Ray and his wife were enthusiastic supporters of the Pittsburgh Penguins and members of the Penguins Booster Club, traveling with the club to many away games. They also were volunteers during the Pittsburgh Vintage Gran Prix.

A lifelong Catholic, Ray was an usher for many years at St. Cecilia’s and St. Martin de Tours.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the staff and care givers of Community Life and also, to Riverside Care Center. They both gave him the care and comfort he required during his last few months until his passing.

For those who wish to pay respects, the viewing will be held at Wojociechowski Funeral Home on Friday, July 9 from 9 -10 AM, Glassport, PA. Mass of Christian burial will be held at Queen of the Rosary Catholic Parish Glassport, PA. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Port Vu, PA.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Alzheimer’s Association in Ray and Julia Cielieska’s name.

 


Kenneth M. Kmetz

July 02, 2021 |

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

Kenneth M. Kmetz, 73, of Irwin, passed away Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.  He was born January 16, 1948 in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Andrew and Agnes (Wrignovicz) Kmetz.  Prior to his retirement, Ken was  a steelworker for J&L Steel and a safety officer for Forbes Tower and Western Psych.  He was a veteran of the US Army stationed in South Korea as a military police officer during the Vietnam Era and was a member of St. Edward Parish, Knights of Columbus, St. Jude Council 9019.  He enjoyed traveling, trips to the casino, and playing Sudoku.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, George Price and Andrew, Kmetz, and sister, Kathryn Rentfro.  He is survived by his loving wife, Patty Kmetz; son, Jacob Kmetz; daughter, Amanda Kmetz; sister, Cheryl (Kenneth) Petruska; and his beloved cat, Rooney.  Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Monday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday at 1 p.m. in St. Edward Parish.  Interment to follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Irwin.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation, PO Box 368, Woodland Hills, CA  91365.    www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


DorisJean Kearns

July 01, 2021 |

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

DorisJean Kearns 89, of Dunedin, FL formerly of White Oak and McKeesport, PA went to be with Jesus and her husband Bill on Valentine's Day Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021 at North Naples Community Hospital. Born March 9, 1931 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Marshall D. and Leah N. (Bumbaugh) Biddle Sr. and the loving wife of the late William J. Kearns Sr. In her younger years, DorisJean made some of her own clothes and all of her Rainbow Girls gowns. She was a devoted housewife and mother and when her husband was laid off from his job and he had to take a cut in pay at his new job she went to work in customer service and retail for G. C. Murphy's, Gimbel's and Kaufmann's department stores and retired 35 years later. DorisJean was an excellent cook and she loved to entertain. She volunteered for years as the secretary for the Mon-Yough Adult Retardation Center (MYARC). DorisJean was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, mother-in-law and friend. She always made beautiful lasting relationships. She loved Jesus and in 1995 she and her husband were baptized at Riverview Baptist Church where she was an avid volunteer for many years. In 2014 she moved to Florida to live near her son and his family. There she grew to love the beach, went on many adventurous road trips with them and furthered her Biblical education with their ministry, King's Gate Church. She supported their ministry and volunteered there as well. She never stopped, she was full of life, full of love, very honest and firm in her beliefs, a great encourager, very generous, leaving a piece of her heart with all those she knew. She is forever in our hearts and greatly missed.

 
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Patricia Ann Dippolito

July 01, 2021 |

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

Patricia Ann Dippolito,  85, of Port Vue, passed away Wednesday, June 30, 2021. She was born March 16, 1936 in McKeesport and was the daughter of the late Thomas J. and Marie Ann (Erickson) Clayton. She was the wife of the late Frank Nicholas Dippolito who passed away October 23, 2018. Patricia retired from Rite Aid and had previously worked at South Hills Health System, Sears, and the Bettis  Atomic Lab. She enjoyed shopping, cooking, baking, word searches, and having a glass of beer at the end of the day. Patricia was an avid Pittsburgh Sports Fan.

 
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