---

Joanne Jordan

May 13, 2024 |

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

Joanne Jordan, 79, of McKeesport, passed away Sunday, May 12, 2024. She was born September 7, 1944 in McKeesport and was the daughter of the late George and Susan (Wankulitz) Lesko. She was the wife of the late Donald R. Jordan. She was a longtime member of Prayer Time Cathedral in White Oak. She spent her later years as a caregiver to her family members.

Read More

---

William E. Walicura

May 13, 2024 |

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

William E. Walicura, age 87, of McKeesport, died May 4, 2024, at Concordia at Cabot.  Born June 20, 1936, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late William and Margaret (Veronick) Walicura.
William served in the Navy and was an inspector at Christy Park Works.  He relished the thrill of watching horse racing at the Meadow's, with a particular fondness for the Kentucky Derby which was running the day he passed.  An avid golfer, he found joy in watching golf tournaments on TV and football games, immersing himself in the excitement of the sport.

Read More

---

Evelyn M. Miller

May 12, 2024 |

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

Evelyn M. Miller, age 97 of North Huntingdon, died May 12, 2024, at her granddaughter's home surrounded by her family. She was born March 24, 1927, in Pittsburgh, Pa., a daughter of the late Andrew and Florence Sylvis Graham. Evelyn was known as the candy lady at Walden's View. She enjoyed playing cards, bingo, and playing hymns on the organ. Prior to her retirement, she was employed by the Norwin High School cafeteria and as an office manager for Dr. Churma, D.C. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Howard in 1986, one brother, Donald Graham, one sister Betty Hunter. She is survived by two sons, Robert (Melinda), Miller, Thom (Lorraine) Miller, one daughter, Ginna Kraus (George), 10 grandchildren, Jeff Miller (Kelly), Christa Ricciuti (Scott), Jacquelyn Jared (Mike), Kaley Wood (Jim), Lindsay Lewis, Amy Kemper (Barry), Jodi Sawyer Kraus, Jayme Miller (Andrea), Sarah Forkner(Dan), Erik Miller, 17 great grandchildren, Leo, Sophie, Anthony, Brody, Noah, Cole, Colin, Mason, Tiegen, Graham, Grey, Julia, Ty, Capree, Maezee, Grady and Maddy , numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held in July. The family would like to thank Redstone Hospice for their care and compassion for Evelyn the past three months. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

---

Juanita "Nada" Sloss

May 11, 2024 |

By William S. Skovranko Memorial Home | Posted in: William S. Skovranko Memorial Home

Juanita "Nada" (Bickus) Sloss, 88 of West Mifflin entered into eternal life paecefully at home on Saturday, May 11, 2024. Born in Duquesne on January 12, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Barbara (Kostelnik) Bickus. Mrs. Sloss was a member of St. Joseph Church of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. Beloved wife of the late Charles "Chick" P. Sloss, she is survived by her loving children; Cheryl (Larry) Stefan, Beverly (John) Seba, Karen (Late Victor) Boytos, and Nita (Richard) Ignat. She is also survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren,  great great granddaughter and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by a son Charles J. Sloss. A wonderful and loving homemaker, Nada also found great happiness as a foster mother to two children.

Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Tuesday May 14, 2024 in the William S. Skovranko Memorial Home Inc., 828 Richford Street, Duquesne. A Blessing Service in the Memorial Home on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 9 AM will be followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 AM in St Joseph Church, Duquesne, with Rev. Thomas Lewandowski as celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Mifflin.

Read More

---

Eileen Waskowicz Proctor

May 11, 2024 |

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

Eileen Waskowicz Proctor, age 74 of Level Green passed away May 11, 2024, Eileen let God know that it was time to call her home to Heaven. She told God that she couldn’t make it another day with all of her health issues. He heard her prayer. Eileen told her daughters, Leslie Proctor Savage (Michael) of Irwin, PA and Kellee Birnstiel of Birmingham, England that she was going home. She said that she missed her husband C. Ray Proctor who beat her to the gate on January 19, 2024. She hadn’t seen her father, Frank Waskowicz in 66 years nor her mother, Rose Bielic Waskowicz in almost 9 years. Oh, and her beloved first grandchild Nathan Christian Thorne who left this Earth in December 2021. Most of all, Eileen finally got to see her Lord and Savior, Jesus. Eileen had continued her father’s mission to tell everyone, even total strangers that “JESUS LOVES YOU and He Has A Wonderful Plan For Your Life.” She gave out Bibles every chance she was given. Her greatest joy was to pray with people and share the good news of Jesus Christ. She would say, “It is not about what you have done in your life, good or bad; it is all about what Jesus did for you.” Eileen loved all of her surviving grandchildren; they called her “Doll.” Mikayla Birnstiel of Gainesville FL, Tristan Birnstiel of Edgewood MD, Trevor Birnstiel (Meagan) of Brockton MA, Dane Birnstiel of San Diego CA, Saxon Birnstiel of Cork, Ireland and Luke Michael Proctor Savage of Irwin PA. On the 9th of April 2024, Eileen became a step great-grandma to Emma of Brockton MA. Eileen did not have any siblings, but she was blessed to have many cousins and old friends who still remain quite close. Eileen graduated from Trafford High School in 1967. She worked for various companies over the years doing office work and sales. Just 10 or so years ago, she and C. Ray worked together providing interior home remodeling for Proctor Construction. Eileen loved to garden and cook & bake for family and friends. She lived her whole life in the house that her father built in 1950 in Level Green. It was there, Eileen took her very last breath and left her body to be “present with the Lord.” Amen! Amen! Amen! Her favorite chapter, Psalms 121. In lieu of flowers, Eileen would have loved for you to support her grandson’s memorial scholarship, The Nathan Christian Thorne Scholarship Fund, 603 Beech Drive, Trafford, PA 15085 www.NathanChristian.org Funeral Arrangements have been made by the James Shirley Funeral Home Inc. All Services and Burial Are Private. Interment will be at the Penn Lincoln Memorial Park in North Huntingdon PA.

---

Paul "Sparky" McGowan

May 11, 2024 |

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

Paul W. "Sparky" McGowan, 86, of North Huntingdon, passed away on May 10, 2024 at his home. He was born on October 11, 1937 in McKeesport, a son of the late Jess Hoak and Frances Gay. Prior to his retirement, Paul was employed as a tree trimmer for both Aspen and Davey Tree Companies. He was a veteran of the US Air Force, having served in the Korean War. In his free time, Paul was a jack-of-all-trades. He enjoyed working on projects around the house, and took pride in helping his neighbors. Paul always looked forward to camping with his wife, attending car shows, and creating pieces of art. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife Martha Hall McGowan, and his sons, Paul McGowan Jr. and Shawn Gregory McGowan. He is survived by his daughters, ShayLee Gonzalez, and Heather Mayer, grandchildren, Shando, Brianda, Rionno, Jessica, Joshua, Justin, Jake, Johnna, and Jordan, and great-grandchildren, Jackson, Wyatt, Aria, and Charlotte. Friends will be received on Tuesday from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday at 1 PM in the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

---

Francis Glenn Show

May 10, 2024 |

By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

Francis Glenn Show, of Pittsburgh, PA, formerly of White Oak, passed away on May 9, 2024. He was born on August 17, 1930, in Uniontown, PA, to the late Harold and Flora Herrington Show. He was raised in Farmington, PA where he attended a one room school, and then Masontown where he graduated from high school. After graduating from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, he served in the Korean War. Upon his return, he attended Penn State University and moved to the McKeesport/White Oak area. In 1956, he served as the Director of Business Operations at the Penn State McKeesport Center where classes were conducted at that time in a school located in Dravosburg, PA. As property was acquired by Penn State at the present location near Renzie Park, he took great pride in overseeing the construction, building, development, and business of the entire campus until his retirement in 1988. Francis was employed at Penn State for 32 years.

Read More

---

Buddy Wayne Spradlin

May 10, 2024 |

By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes

Buddy Wayne Spradlin, 71 of Glassport, formerly of Ohio, passed away on May 9^th, 2024 at Jefferson Hospital. Buddy was born in Sandusky Ohio on June 20^th 1952 to the late Bud and Florence Carver Spradlin. Buddy was the loving husband of 41 years to his beloved wife Deborah Sutton Spradlin. In addition to his wife Deborah, he is survived by his son Thomas W. Spradlin of Glassport, daughter Michelle Spradlin of Ruffsdale, brother David (Cindy) Spradlin of Canyon Lake Tx. grandchildren Brianna Schuster of Mt. Pleasant, Joshua Schuster, as well as his beloved pets Bailey, Shelby, Peanut, and Joel. In addition to his parents, Buddy was preceded in death by his sisters Cheryl Baxter, Sue Hagler, and Sandy Baldwin. Buddy worked as a roofer at D.H. Decicco Roofing for 30 years. He served his country and was an Army Veteran. Buddy was a hard worker but his favorite ways to relax was spending time with family and watching T.V. Family and friends will be received on Tuesday May 14^th 2024 from 2 P.M. – 4 P.M. at E.C. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 235 Monongahela Ave, Glassport, PA 15045. A service will take place 4 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com.

---

Ernest F. Buccini

May 10, 2024 |

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

Ernest F. Buccini, age 91, of McKeesport died Thursday, May 9, 2024 at UPMC McKeesport Hospital. Born November 30, 1932 in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Donato A. and Maria (Gatta) Buccini, and the devoted husband of 66 wonderful years to Helen A. (Marchetti) Buccini.

Read More

---

Carol Eckenrode

May 10, 2024 |

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

Carol Ann Eckenrode, age 75 of North Versailles, passed away on May 10, 2024 at Forbes Hospital. She was born on December 24, 1948 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Regis and Mary Sill Eckenrode. Carol graduated from Braddock School of Nursing, and received her Master's Degree in Education from Penn State University. Prior to her retirement, she was employed as a Registered Nurse at various local hospitals and long-term care facilities. Carol was an animal lover. She cherished the time she spent with her pets, especially her cat "Dude". In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her brother James Eckenrode. She is survived by her brother David Eckenrode (Jill), niece Jennifer George (Ryan), nephew Ryan Eckenrode, and sister-in-law Karen McDonald. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA, on Tuesday from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday at 11 AM., with a private interment to follow in Good Shepherd Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the White Oak Animal Safe Haven located at 2295 Lincoln Way, White Oak PA. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

---

Jack Caird

May 10, 2024 |

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

Jack Caird, age 77, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at UPMC McKeesport. He worked for several tool and dye companies as a finisher and was the former owner of Precision Finishing Systems, which he sold to Magdic Corp. in East McKeesport where he continued to work for several years before retiring. He was a member of Bethesda United Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth. He had a love for birds, especially blue birds, and could identify a bird by its chirp. He made blue bird boxes for the yard and fed them for years. He enjoyed fly/surf fishing, and loved his John Deere tractor and his dogs. Born November 1, 1946 in Elizabeth, he was a son of the late Mary Caird. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kathy J. (McNary) Caird; daughters, Pamela (Todd Jones) Caird of Wellington, New Zealand and Kristin (John) Klotz of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Paxton Jones, and Jacob, Zachary and Heidi Klotz; sister-in-law, Jill (Mitch) Connor of York; and nephews, John and Sam Conner. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

---

Betty J Evanich

May 09, 2024 |

By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes

Betty J. "BJ" Evanich, age 91, of Glassport, formerly of McKeesport. Passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.  Beloved wife of the late John Evanich for 60+ wonderful years. Loving mother of the late Vicki Miller. Dear Grandma of John and Andy Miller; Great Grandma of Victoria Miller. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Pansy Rager, and her siblings, Kenny, Ruth, Bud, and Barbara. She is also survived by her furry companion, Zasha, and many nieces and nephews. Betty and John raised their family in McKeesport. They had a passion for traveling the country and creating memories. She enjoyed teaching arts and crafts classes out of her home to the community. Betty devoted the last 22 years of her life to taking care of her great granddaughter Victoria. She loved teaching Victoria to bake and creating a lifetime of memories with her. Betty will always be remembered as a spirited and bold woman. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Arrangements have been entrusted to E.C. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 235 Monongahela Ave, Glassport, PA 15045. Family and friends are welcome Sunday, May 12, 2024 3 P.M.- 5 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. A funeral service will be held Monday, May 13, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. in the funeral home. Interment to follow at Round Hill Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com.

---

Edward A. Kennedy

May 09, 2024 |

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

Edward “Ned” A. Kennedy, age 91 of West Mifflin, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 9, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.  Born August 2, 1932 in Conception Harbor, Newfoundland, Canada, he was a son of the late Martin and Francis (Gushue) Kennedy.  Edward was married to his beloved wife of 60 years Pauline (Murphy) Kennedy, who passed away on November 13, 2019.  A lifelong resident of West Mifflin, Edward was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church in Clairton.  He is survived by his sons and daughters: Edward Kennedy of Owensboro, KY, David (Wendy) Kennedy of West Mifflin, Martin (Karen) Kennedy of Moreno Valley, CA, James (Tammy) Kennedy of Moreno Valley, CA, and Sherry (Tony) Mancuso of Vanderbilt; his grandchildren Juil, Alicia, Jordan, Luke, Jamie, Logen, Sam, Raegan Leo, and Patrick; and his great-grandchild Lucas.  Edward is preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Mary (Bill) Woodford, John Kennedy, and Martin Kennedy.  Also to mourn his loss are his sisters Theresa Wade, Ann Kennedy, and Joan (Hilary) Flaherty and their families along with his cousins, nieces, and nephews.  Edward came here from Canada to work as an ironworker for 65 years.  He was a proud retiree of the Ironworkers Local #3.  Ned enjoyed his daily five mile walks, fishing in Newfoundland, and spending time with his family.  He enjoyed a good game of “Scat” and his sense of humor knew no bounds.  Read More

---

Cheryl Joy Stipkovits

May 09, 2024 |

By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

Writing with a heavy heart, Cheryl Joy Lorincz Stipkovits lost her battle with multiple ailments, May 8, 2024, and will be sorely missed. Born January 15, 1962, she is the daughter of Elmer and June Lorincz of Elizabeth Township, PA.

Read More

---

Lucille S. Rippel

May 08, 2024 |

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

Lucille S. (Lucy) Rippel, age 91, of Forward Township, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at The Residence at Hilltop. Lucy was born on March 17, 1933, in Elizabeth, and was the daughter of the late Robert and Sara Jane (Roberts) Swisher. In 1954, she married Albert P. “Bud” Rippel, and they enjoyed a long and happy life together at their home, Rippel Farm, in Forward Township, until his passing in November 2018. Throughout her life, Lucy made sure to note the beauty around her, and encouraged others to notice it too.  Some of her favorite things included:  fragrant lilacs, the beautiful night sky, the soft pink blooms of dogwood trees, and the beating wings of the ruby-throated hummingbirds that flocked to her feeders every spring and summer.  Her memory lives on each time we notice one of these beautiful things too. Lucy’s Christian faith was very important to her, and she shared it with many.  In her later years, she spent time ministering to others by sharing a favorite book, Jesus Calling, with those she thought might need some extra encouragement.  There is no doubt she impacted many lives with this thoughtful gift. She was a dedicated mother and an especially gifted grandmother.  Lucy had a special habit of praying for her many family members each day— in order, from oldest to youngest.  She was always thrilled when she was able to add another family member to her list with the addition of great-grandchildren over the years! She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert P. “Bud” Rippel.  Lucy is survived by her daughters, Nancy Ann (Kenneth) Hall of Picayune, MS and Cindy Lou Halliday of Acworth, GA; and her sons, Ronald A. (Debbie) Rippel of Forward Township, and C. David Rippel of Forward Township.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Summer (Jonathan) Pepe of Elizabeth Township, Joel (Julie Anne) Rippel of Forward Township, Kristine (Blake) Gibasiewicz of Irwin, Jason Rippel of Forward Township, Jeremy Rippel of Forward Township, Douglas (Kristen Hunter) Hall of St. Louis, MO, Julie (Trent) Marchman of Jackson, MS, and Logan Halliday of Acworth, GA; as well as her great-grandchildren, Parker and Peyton Pepe, JD and Jolene Rippel, Danielle and Andi Gibasiewicz, Rudy and Jaclyn Hall, and Carter and Ava Marchman.  She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to her compassionate and dedicated caregiver, Zoe Forsythe. Lucy was deeply loved and will be forever missed. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Friday, May 10, 2024, from 6 to 8 PM.  A funeral service will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 11 AM in the funeral home chapel with Chaplain Donna Schmoyer officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery in Elizabeth Township. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com