January 26, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
David A. Lycett Jr., age 75, of Port Vue, passed away on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at home. He retired as a bus operator for Lynx in Orlando, FL. A Marine veteran serving during the Vietnam War, he was a lifetime member of the Wilson VFW. Born April 15, 1946 in Castle Shannon, he was a son of the late David and Alberta (Robinson) Lycett and partner of the late Joseph “Bill” O’Brien. He is survived by his sisters, Shirley Trail of Port Vue and Mary Trail of Gordonville; also, nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Saturday, January 29, 2022 from 1-3 PM. Burial will be in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
January 26, 2022 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Edwin David Ruffing, 77 of Versailles, passed away Monday, January 24, 2022. He is enjoying the "High Life" (again). Son of the late William L. and Elizabeth "Betty" (Fleckenstien) Ruffing. Ed grew up along Route 48 in Boston. That was where his strong work ethic began, working in his family's farm. While attending Glassport High School, he set bowling pins in McKeesport, often walking both to and from in all weather. After graduation, Ed began working in the Steel Industry as a crane operator among many other positions at both National Tube and Tygart Steel until having to choose one mill. It was at Tygart that Ed became union president. It was at this time he also began working as a laborer and apprentice for masonry. He found this to be his true passion. He loved to build and create with brick, block, stone or concrete. His numerous masonry works can be found not only locally but in other states as well. He "lived to work and worked to live," always taking pride in what he created. Ed always said, "I'll be gone but my work lives forever." Homes, garages, apartments, businesses, you name it-he built it and loved doing it. In spite of the physical demands he continued to work. Ed's other passion was traveling. His fun free spirit led him hitchhiking across the states, while young, and there weren't many he missed. Although he hunted the mountains of Colorado and Pennsylvania, it was the ocean that held his heart. He loved vacations in Florida, especially the Florida Keys, and Key West with Amy and his dogs, Snuggles and Cocoa.
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January 26, 2022 |
By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory
Edward P. Wojdyla, age 77, of McKeesport, died January 24, 2022, at home. Born January 28, 1944, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Edward P. and Eleanor (Lipinsky) Wojdyla and husband of Janeen (Eckels) Wojdyla.
Edward worked for U.S. Steel as a grievance man and then for the Federal Government in maintenance eventually retiring as the head of maintenance in the William S. Moorhead Federal Building, Pittsburgh. He was a self-taught vocalist known for his deep bass voice and enjoyed singing sixty-minute man. Edward was a member of the PNA 352 in McKeesport.
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January 26, 2022 |
By Hunter Funeral Home | Posted in: Hunter Funeral Home
Agnes M. Sutter, 92, of McKeesport, died Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at West Haven Nursing Center, Apollo, PA. Born in Toronto, OH, August 3, 1929, she was the daughter of Robert M. and Catherine Hessler Campbell. Wife of the late David Sutter, she is survived by her 2 sons, Eric M. Johnson and Kurt E. Johnson, also by one grandchild. She was a member of the former Central Presbyterian Church in McKeesport. Private entombment will take place at a later date. Hunter Funeral Home, Inc., 1600 Coursin Street, McKeesport, PA 15132 is in charge of arrangements.
January 26, 2022 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Michael G. Pishko, 78, of North Huntingdon, passed away Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at UPMC McKeesport Hospital. He was born September 27, 1943 in McKeesport, son of the late Anthony and Mary (Hopey) Pishko. Prior to his retirement, Mike worked as a crew leader for Equitable Gas Co. He was a member of St. Agnes Parish, 11th Ward Club, McKeesport, TOSH Legion, Ligonier and enjoyed watching old black and white movies, yard sales, classic cars and listening to country music. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Russell Pishko. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen (Stinson) Pishko; and several cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 1-6 p.m. on Sunday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. A Blessing Service will take place on Monday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home. Entombment to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
January 26, 2022 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Johann N. Franciscus, 83, of White Oak, passed away Sunday, January 23, 2022. She was born October 26, 1938 in Pittsburgh and was the daughter of the late Thomas and Catherine (Johnson) Spratt. She was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish - St. Michael's and was a part of Christian Mothers, Lifespan, and Red Hats. She worked for McDonald's as a crew member where she retired from in 1997. On June 14, 1958, Johann married the love of her life, James J. Franciscus, Sr.
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January 26, 2022 |
By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes

Florence “Flo” Marie (Spencer) Oblak, 60 of Elizabeth, formerly of West Newton, passed away on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at Jefferson Hospital. She was born in McKeesport on June 17, 1961, to the late Benjamin Sr. and Kathryn (Vitale) Spencer. Florence was the loving wife of 21 years to Scott A Oblak. She is survived by her husband Scott, daughter Misty L. Jones of Uniontown, son Kenneth W. Mayfield III of West Newton, and stepchildren Estella Lewis of Greensburg, Franklin A. Oblak of Somerset, and Zachary D. Oblak of Arona. Further survivors include her sisters Lauri (David) Ehredt of Boise and Jennifer Spencer of Munhall and brothers Steven (Joy) Poorman of Elizabeth, T.J. Poorman of Glassport, and Paul Poorman of Clairton. She is also survived by grandchildren Owen, Lexus, Elizabeth, Aiden, Sookie, Gage, Salem, Danyel, and Theresa, and many nieces and nephews. Further left to mourn her loss is her beloved chihuahua Maxine. Other survivors include her best friend Stephanie (Rob) Short and her children Taylor and Maxwell, all of Irwin. Florence was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Gail Robertson, Brenda Warnick, and Ruth (Mark) Kimball, and brother Benjamin Spencer Jr. She was a generous, caring woman who spent over 25 years assisting adults in need of care at T.L.C. Adult Care Center in West Newton. Flo was also known for being a “red hat lady” at various nursing homes. She enjoyed playing bingo, attending art classes, traveling, and spending time with her beloved grandchildren. A memorial service will take place at S.M. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 432 N. 6th St, Clairton, PA 15025 on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the funeral home to defray costs. Online donations can be made at https://fundthefuneral.com/florence-oblak. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com
January 25, 2022 |
By Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home | Posted in: Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home

Deborah S. Stachowski, age 71, of White Oak, passed away on Monday, January 24, 2022, at home. Born in McKeesport on March 14, 1950, she was the daughter of the late Edgar and Genevieve (Procacina) Johnson. Debbie was retired from Allegheny County Veterans Administration and the Allegheny Health Department. She loved her grandchildren, cooking, gardening, walking and jogging. She is the mother of Rachelle (Gregory) Lockridge Sr. of Ann Arbor, MI and Jenny (late Brian) Stine of Westland, MI; life partner of Dr. Charles Sidun of McKeesport; grandmother of Gregory Lockridge Jr., Myles Lockridge, Jacob Lockridge, Brian Stine, late Brandon Stine, and Riley Stine; sister of Darlene Colo (Kenneth) Vicchio of Tennessee, Cheryl Oxford of Dover, DE and late Richard Johnson. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 27, 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 Friday, January 28, 2022, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, at 10:00 a.m., at Holy Name Church, Duquesne, of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, with Rev. Tony Gargotta officiating. Interment will follow in Grandview Cemetery, North Versailles.
January 25, 2022 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Mary Frances Artman, age 79, of West Mifflin, died on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. She was born in McKeesport on August 14, 1942 and was the daughter of the late Vincent E. and Margaret Babyak Drnach.

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January 25, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Towanda Cager, 58, of McKeesport, was born November 11, 1963, in Pittsburgh, PA. She was the beloved daughter to Douglas Carter and Frances (Stewart) Cager.
She attended school at Westinghouse High School. Towanda worked as a CNA for Riverside Nursing Home. Towanda and lived in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Towanda was a homebody, she the youngest of nine children. She enjoyed playing games and talking on her phone and watching old movies on the television.
Towanda departed this life on January 3, 2022, at UPMC Hospital in McKeesport PA. She was preceded in death by Her parents, father Douglas Carter and mother, Frances (Stewart) Cager, brother, Alfred Johnson, sister, Doreen Hall, brother, Randolph Stewart, sister, Deborah Thomas.
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January 25, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Garlen Larry Webb, 70, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania was born August 29, 1951, in Bluefield, Virginia. He was the beloved son of the late Bond G. Webb and Ruth (Swanson) Webb. Garlen was a graduate of the Pittsburgh Barber School. As a local Barber in the McKeesport area, he was well known. Garlen departed this life on January 18, 2021, at UPMC McKeesport Hospital in McKeesport, PA.
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January 25, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Phillip Leslie “Les” Gadson, 72, of Jefferson Hills, was born July 30, 1949, in McKeesport, PA. He was the beloved son of Eva (George) Robinson and Harold Gadson. He departed this life on January 13, 2022, in Jefferson Hills, PA.
Les spent his formative years in New York City where he acquired his thirst for city life and Afrocentric culture. He was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. He was also a graduate of Robert Morris University where he received a bachelor’s degree in journalism. As a life-long learner, he also attended Maharishi International University in Fairfield, Iowa where he studied consciousness and human potential.
Following his tenure in Iowa, Les created life in Washington, D.C. with a community of fellow meditators. While in D.C. he had a long career that enabled him to travel throughout the country to attend jazz festivals. Les was an avid jazz enthusiast and purist who also loved to read and study the impact of civil rights movements.
Les relocated to Pennsylvania in 2018 although he continued to travel to D.C. until his death.
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January 25, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
William “Bill” Kraus, Age 96, of Bethel Park, PA went to meet his loving wife in heaven on January 22,2022. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 55 years, Christina (Chapman) Kraus and his brother, Leo Kraus.
Bill was born on Pittsburgh's Southside on November 28, 1925. Bill graduated early from high school to serve his country with the Army Air Corps during WWII. He trained as a left blister gunner on the B-29 bomber. He served with the 382nd bomb group. He made life-long friends with his flight crew who were stationed in Havana, Cuba.
In 1941, he began working for the G.C. Murphy Company in downtown Pittsburgh when he was just 16 years old. Upon returning home from WWII, he resumed his career. He was well respected and quickly moved through the ranks: from stockroom clerk, store manager, toy buyer to Vice President (Merchandise Variety Lines). He retired after 44 years of service.
He was featured on the cover of Toys magazine (October 1972) and in the article "What Makes Murphy's Tick." In that article, he was called the "nation's toy salesman." He was also profiled in the book, "For the Love of Murphy's."
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January 25, 2022 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Hazel H. Irvine, age 97, of North Versailles, died on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. She was born in Pitcairn on August 10, 1924 and is the daughter of the late Harry and Mary Asbee Hollibaugh and the wife of the late William T. Irvine.

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January 25, 2022 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Edward G. Faulk, 94, of Elizabeth Township, peacefully passed on Saturday, January 22, 2022. He was born March 6, 1927, in Yukon, PA and was the son of John and Louise (McKasky) Faulk. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Trudy (Rozinsky) Faulk. Ed leaves two sons: Gregory, and wife, Rebecca (Miller) Faulk, of Ligonier, and Karl, and his wife, Jeannie (Grace) Faulk, of Bradenton, Florida. He also leaves his sister, Teresa Vukmanic, of Washington, PA. As well as being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, Ed was a gifted and passionate musician and teacher. He taught in the McKeesport Area School District for many years and also shared his passion with others giving private music lessons. He provided entertainment for weddings, dances, and parties throughout southwestern Pennsylvania playing piano in the Del-Ray Quartet and the Frankie Carole Band. Ed shared many happy memories from his childhood including working in the family grocery store, taking accordion lessons, and competitively racing pigeons throughout the Tri State Area.
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