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William King

July 25, 2020 |

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

William King, age 90, of McKeesport, died Sunday, July 19, 2020. He was born in McKeesport on April 17, 1930 and is the son of the late John and Nettie Glover McFarlane King.  He was a draftsman and proprietor of former King’s Arco Garage in White Oak and then the proprietor of the former Kings Rent-All of McKeesport. He also drove a bus for the McKeesport Area School District.

 
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Jill L. Mattey

July 25, 2020 |

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

Jill L. Mattey, 65, of North Huntingdon, passed away Saturday, July 25, 2020 surrounded by her loving family,  at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital.  She was born August 24, 1954 in Mt. Pleasant, a daughter of the late George and Luella (Taylor) Opalenik.   Jill was a nurse’s assistant and later retired from Westmoreland County as a switchboard operator.  She was a member of Norwin Christian Church.  She closely followed politics, enjoyed shopping, going out to eat with friends, and taking vacations with her family.  She is survived by her son, John Mattey and his wife, Kristy; daughters, Jennifer Mattey-Limppo and her husband, Barry, Jaclyn Dogrul and her husband, Adam; brothers, Peter (Linda) Opalenik, Michael (Mary) Opalenik, George (Sandy) Opalenik; and five grandchildren, Azrael, Adam, Mason, Logan and Blake; and former husband, John “Duke” Mattey.  Friends will be received on Wednesday from 3-8 p.m. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  A funeral service will take place on Thursday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Olive Branch Cemetery, Belle Vernon, PA.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Betty Smith

July 24, 2020 |

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

Betty Smith, 63, of Clairton, was born on October 4, 1956, to the late Anne Conover (Gallop) in Greensboro, NC. Betty passed away on July 18, 2020, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA.

She was also preceded in death by her husband Thomas Smith Jr, mother and father Delma and Edmund Saunders, Anne Conover, aunt and uncle Hazel and Floyd Spellman, mother in law Willie Dean Smith, father in law Thomas Smith Sr, sister in law Emma Smith.

Betty graduated from Clairton High school. Before developing a career as a certified nursing assistant she worked in the Clairton Steel Mill. She moved to Frederick, Maryland where she started her CNA career at Beverly manor nursing home.  She worked as a CNA for Superior home health before she retired. She married Thomas Smith Jr on October 31, 1987, and to this union, daughter Zenaida Smith was birthed.

 
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Bernard M. Bubanic

July 24, 2020 |

By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Bernard M. Bubanic, age 88, of Port Vue, died July 23, 2020, at UPMC McKeesport. Born September 1, 1931, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late George and Anna (Pancurak) Bubanic and the husband of the late Roseann (Martin) Bubanic.

 
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Michael Mraz, Jr.

July 24, 2020 |

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

Michael Mraz, Jr., age 71, of McKeesport died Friday, July 17, 2020. He was born in McKeesport on January 3, 1949 and is the son of the late Michael and Teresa Soltesz Mraz. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He retired as an engineer from USS Clairton Works, and was previously employed at Duquesne Slag and Murphy’s warehouse.

 
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Mark Z. Pavlack

July 23, 2020 |

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

Mark Z. Pavlack, age 60, of Buena Vista, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at Jefferson Hospital. He was a retired patcher for U.S. Steel Clairton Works and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Born June 2, 1960 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Terry Lee and Nancy (Vilsack) Pavlack. He is survived by brothers, Eric Pavlack of Great Falls, MT, Terry Lee Pavlack of Buena Vista, Shawn (Adrianne) Pavlack of West Mifflin and Christian Pavlack of Elizabeth; also, aunts, uncles and cousins. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Thomas John Dineen

July 23, 2020 |

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

Thomas John Dineen, of Port Vue, age 77, died, Saturday, July 18, 2020. He was born in McKeesport, PA on November 23, 1942 and is the son of the late Thomas and Louise Villella Dineen. He is survived by his sons, Randy Dineen of Hilliard, Ohio and Ryan (Andrea) Dineen of Jacksonville, Florida, grandchildren, Katelynn, Preston, and Camryn, loving companion, Patricia Doctorick of Port Vue, and wife, Donna Smocer Dineen of N. Huntingdon.

 
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Stephanie A. Christie

July 23, 2020 |

By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Stephanie A. Christie, age 60, of McKeesport, died July 22, 2020, at home.  Born August 30, 1959, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Ruben and Caroline (Wargo) Madera and the wife of Roger Christie.  Stephanie worked as a cook for over 21 years at UPMC McKeesport Hospital.

 
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James Thomas Ferranti

July 23, 2020 |

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

James Thomas Ferranti. 78 passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 with his wife and daughters by his side. James was born on June 14, 1942 and resided in Quebec, Canada until he was adopted by an America Family at the age of ten. James overcame many challenges throughout life.

His American roots grew strong starting from the moment he stepped foot onto American soil. Learning the English language, becoming a US Citizen and becoming one of the most Patriotic Americans ever. His Patriotism went so deep that he chose to serve in the American Army. He served from March 1964 to July 1964 and served five years in the US Army Reserves. James lived most of his childhood years in Masontown, PA with his Guardians from the Ferranti Family.

He was a 1962 alumnus of Father Kolb Memorial High School, Masontown, PA. In 1970 after serving his Country, James met the love of his life, Gloria Jean (Molinaro) Ferranti who he married in 1971 and shared a life with for 49 years. James and Gloria have two daughters: Kimberly Jean Ferranti of North Huntington, PA and Jamie Lynn (Ferranti) Shuster and her spouse Chris Shuster of Butler, PA and four grandchildren: Samantha Shuster, Alexander Shuster, Sydney Shuster and Jordan Shuster.

 
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Keith Jones

July 23, 2020 |

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

Keith Jones, 20, of McKeesport, was born April 28, 2000, to Ephriem Wanzo and Dalia Scott in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He departed this life unexpectedly on July 16, 2020.

Keith, a student at McKeesport Area High School, impacted many people in his 20 years. He enjoyed basketball and was a loyal friend to whoever crossed his path. He was very protective of whomever he considered a friend. He loved all his Duquesne and McKeesport Family. He received numerous certificates for goals that he set and accomplished. Keith was very respectful toward elders. Above all, he enjoyed making music.

 
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Dale James Wright

July 22, 2020 |

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

Dale James Wright, age 73, of Coulters, died Friday, July 17, 2020 in UPMC McKeesport. He was born on June 18, 1947 in Guffey, PA and is the son of the late John and Chlora Tinney Wright.

 
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Craig A. Helsel

July 22, 2020 |

By Wojciechowski Funeral Home | Posted in: Wojciechowski Funeral Home

Craig A. Helsel, 53, of West Mifflin died July 20, 2020.  He is the son of Wayne and Linda (Harbst) Helsel; brother of Pamela (the late John) Relja and uncle of Sean Relja.  He is also survived by many friends.  Craig was an iron worker for Local 3; served in the US Navy  and was a former member of the Whitehall Church of Christ.  Friends received Wojciechowski Funeral Home, Glassport, Fri. from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8.

 


Roberta A. (Regan) Veverka

July 22, 2020 |

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

Roberta A. (Regan) Veverka, 74, of North Huntingdon passed away at her home on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. She was born May 29, 1946, in Braddock, a daughter of the late Robert and Agnes (Suprek) Regan. Roberta attended St. James Lutheran Church, Ligonier and was a former member of The Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, North Huntingdon.  She loved to bake, watching baseball and listening to music.  She is survived by her husband, Ronald R. Veverka; son, Robert Veverka and his wife, Jennifer; daughter, Roni A. Johnson; and three loving grandchildren, Ryan and Claire Veverka and Dannon M. Johnson.  Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Friday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.  A funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Irwin Union Cemetery.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 


Carol L. Ackerman

July 22, 2020 |

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

Carol L. Ackerman, 67, of North Huntingdon, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2020 after a courageous battle with Ovarian Cancer.  She was born October 17, 1952 in McKeesport, PA the daughter of the late Carl L. Ackerman Sr., and the late Jean Claire Magee Ackerman Rodman.  In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her sisters, Merry (David) Singler and Lisa (Quinton) Ackerman-Wimbs.

Prior to her retirement, Carol was a registered nurse and worked 25 years at UPMC Braddock and the last 14 1/2 years at UPMC McKeesport as a clinician.  Carol obtained her basic nursing degree at CCAC South in 1979, her Bachelor's degree in nursing from California University of Pennsylvania in 2005, and her Master's Degree in Nursing Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2007.  Carol was also a Certified Medical Surgical Nurse and Certified Gerontology Nurse.  Carols was the Chemo Trainer to Trainer on her unit and taught CPR.   She was an advocate for the patients for preventing skin breakdown.  She published an article titled "Not on my Watch-Preventing Skin Breakdown" in Med/Surg Nursing.  She also published a book titled "Chemotherapy for the Medical-Surgical Nurses".  Carol was also featured on the cover of Med/Surg Nursing administering chemotherapy to one of her patients.  Carol received the Clinical Leadership Award from the Academy of Medical Surgical Nursing in 2011. 

She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, N. Huntingdon and loved to travel to her favorite spots, especially Disney World and taking Disney cruises.  Carol was a veteran of the US Army, where she served in Alabama, Missouri and Kansas.  She was the first area married woman to join the US Army in 1973 while married to the John A. Orbin. In her memory, her grandson, Lucas Ackerman will receive her flag after the 21 gun salute.

Carol was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother.  She is survived by her two best friends; daughter, Dr. Bethany L. Ackerman; and grandson, Lucas G. Ackerman who were her pride and joy.  She was so proud of Bethany when she obtained her Doctor of Philosophy in 2018.  Lucas was her best friend and advocate while she was undergoing chemotherapy treatments and surgical procedures.  He always made her laugh and was truly her “best buddy”.  Both were her strongest supporters and were there when she was going through cancer treatments.  She is also survived by her two beloved dogs, Skyler and Mickey.

Carol is also survived by her eleven siblings, Linda Penn, Harry (Rosalinda) Ackerman, Patricia (Thomas) Maldonado, Carl (Denise) Ackerman Jr., Allen (Emma) Ackerman, Perry (Donna) Ackerman, Irene Alvarez, Bruce Ackerman, Kathy McNelis, Glenn (Frank), and Roberta (Jon) Rodman.  She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Our thanks to Carol's PCP Dr. John Smith, her oncologist Dr. Sarah Taylor and the UMPC Magee Gyn/Oncology and Cancer Center for the excellent care she received.  We would like to thank Dr. Grace Campbell and Teal Hearts Network (Ovarian Cancer Support Group) for the support and encouragement she received during her illness.  Friends will be received from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday and 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Friday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.  The funeral service is private for family members only. Interment will take place in Irwin Union Cemetery on Saturday at 11:15 a.m.  In honor of Carol and her courageous battle with ovarian cancer, she has requested that attendees wear teal clothing, if possible.  I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race.  I have kept the faith.  IITimothy 4:7   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethany and Lucas Ackerman.   www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Ruth C. Pastorik

July 22, 2020 |

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

Martha C. Pastorik, age 97 of Clairton, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 in Jefferson Hospital.  Born November 16, 1922 in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Matilda (Lesko) Geletko.  A devout member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish in Clairton and its former Christian Mothers Association, Martha was an excellent seamstress and, more importantly, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years John W. Pastorik, who passed away on April 7, 2009, and her seven older siblings.  Martha is survived by her daughters Jean (Warren) Stoffer of Canonsburg, Nancy Sims of Clairton, and Louise (James) Ganss of Decatur, TN; her son John (Becky) Pastorik of Punta Gorda, FL; her six grandchildren; her eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. 

 
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