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Joan Gardell Taylor

August 08, 2019 |

By Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home | Posted in: Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home

Joan Gardell Taylor age 88, of Irwin, formerly of West Mifflin, on Wednesday, August 7, 2019; beloved wife of Clifford Taylor and the late John “Jack” Gardell, Sr; loving mother of Catherine (late Ralph) Eldridge of Middletown, CT, John (Mary) Gardell of Greenfield, Patricia Delserone of West Homestead, Mary (Jeff) Bedont of West Mifflin and Terri (Bill) Dearth of Bridgeport, WV; sister of Patricia Granny of North Huntingdon; also survived by grandchildren, Christine (Brian) Toomey, John (Kristin) Gardell, Amy Williams (Javier Ortiz), Richard (Rachael) Delserone, Joseph (Lisa) Gardell, Kimberly Gardell, Michael (Ashley) Gardell, Tracey Late, Alex (Emily) Delserone, Tyler Douglass and Matthew Dearth; Gigi to Brian, Jr., Shane, Kaylee, Laney, Jack, Gabby, Ava, Gavin, Gwen, Kacan; and great-great Gigi to Brooklynn.  Joan was retired as a catalog supervisor at JC Penney, member of the confraternity of Christian Mothers and a member of the McKeesport Choraliers.  Visitation on Friday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home, 915 Kennedy Ave., Duquesne, 412-466-3300, where a blessing service will be held Saturday at 12 noon, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph’s Church at 12:30.  Memorial contributions to the Alzheimer association. 

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Rita Yvonne Kolesar

August 07, 2019 |

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

Rita Yvonne Kolesar, age 80, of East McKeesport, died August 6, 2019, at Forbes Regional Hospital. Born April 24, 1939, in Braddock, she was the daughter of the late James and Elizabeth (Douglass) McMahon and wife of E. Richard Kolesar. Rita was a beautiful woman of strong faith and taught her wonderful family to be good Christians. She was a treasured blessing given by God to her family.

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Dorcas Jean Aulenbach O’Dell

August 07, 2019 |

By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes

Dorcas Jean Aulenbach O’Dell, 96, of Elizabeth, formerly of Clairton and Lebanon, passed away on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at the Southwestern Nursing Home. She was born in Lebanon, PA on September 29, 1922 to the late Anthony J. and Mabel Bohr Miller Aulenbach. Dorcas was the loving wife for 26 years to the late Melvin O’Dell. She is survived by her daughter, Jo-Ann M. (Jerry) Kach, of Elizabeth, and son, Dennis M. (Joyce) O’Dell, of Monongahela, seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and Tillie the cat. In addition to her parents and husband, Dorcas was preceded in death by her son, David A. O’Dell, brothers: Russell and Richard Aulenbach, sisters: Loretta Hutchinson, Jane Aulenbach, Ruth Aulenbach, Mary Ellen Batdorf, and Nancy Gaston, and Bubba the cat. She was a former member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Clairton, and was a member of the Altar guild and Esther Circle. Dorcas also enjoyed baking, flowers, and enjoyed spending time with her family. Family and friends will be received on Wednesday from 4-7pm at S.M. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 432 N. 6^th St, Clairton, PA 15025. A service will take place Thursday at 10:00, at the funeral home, presided by Pastor Allyn Itterly, of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, of Pleasant Hills. Interment at Jefferson Memorial Park will follow the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to: Animal Rescue League, 6620 Hamilton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com.

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The Rev. Gordon Peers Ray

August 07, 2019 |

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

The Rev. Gordon Peers Ray, 77, of White Oak, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 7, 2019. He was born June 21, 1942 in Rockford, IL, and was the son of the late Peers Foster and Mary Elizabeth (Stocking) Ray. He was a 1960 graduate of East Rockford High School, 1964 University of Dubuque, IA, 1968 Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, and was ordained in 1968 by the Illinois Synod of the LCA. In 1968, he began his ministry serving Gloria DCI Mission in Hagerstown, IN, followed by Leetsdale Wall Rose Parish in Leetsdale, St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Monessen, House of Prayer Lutheran church in Aliquippa, St. John Lutheran church, Carnegie, and Faith Lutheran Church in White Oak where he retired from in 2007.

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Liguori B. "Buck" Conley, Jr.

August 07, 2019 |

By Wojciechowski Funeral Home | Posted in: Wojciechowski Funeral Home

Liguori B. "Buck" Conley, Jr., 94, of South Park, formerly of Glassport, died Aug. 7, 2019.  He is the son of the late Liguori B. and Mary Conley, Sr. and beloved husband of the late Agnes D. Conley.  He is survived  by his sons James P. Conley, John F. (Janet) Conley and Robert T. Conley; Grandchildren Jennifer Sevier, John (Susie) Conley, Jr., Sara (John) Haver, Breanne Conley and Paige (Michael) Seelhorst; as well as 6 great grandchildren: John Francis, III (Kelsey), Frankie, Johnny, Sierra, Emery and Blake.  He was preceded in death by son Daniel; siblings Helen, Betty, Mary Agnes, Francis and Catherine; and daughters-in-law Jeanne and Susan.  In his life, Liguori was a member of the Queen of the Rosary Parish, American Legion, VFW and PNA.  He was also a Small Arms Expert while proudly serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII in the South Pacific. Family and friends received at Wojciechowski Funeral Home, Glassport on Sat. from 6-8 and Sun. from 2-4 and 6-8.  A funeral mass will be held Mon. 10:00 am at Queen of the Rosary Parish.  Interment following New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles.

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Frances R. Colonna

August 07, 2019 |

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

Frances R. Colonna, age 90 of Clairton, passed away at home on Wednesday, August 7, 2019.  Born November 7, 1928 in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late Mariano and Cleria (Calabrese) Rossi.  A member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish - where she was a former Lector, Eucharistic Minister and church council member - Frances was also a member of the former Sons of Columbus Ladies' Genova Council #6 of Clairton.  She joins her husband, the late Peter Colonna, who passed away August 12, 1992, and her siblings Michael Rossi and Norina D'Antonio.  Frances is survived by her children Thomas Colonna of Glassport and Andrea Bischoff of Hillsborough, NJ; her grandchildren Laura Elwell and Jennifer and Leland Colonna; her great-grandchildren Daniel, Benjamin, Sara, Mary, Anna, Holly, Joseph, and William Elwell; her nephew John and niece Claire D'Antonio; and her remaining nieces and nephews.

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Edward "Jerry" Benick

August 06, 2019 |

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

Edward “Jerry” Benick, age 85 of McKeesport, died Tuesday, August 6, 2019.  He was born in McKeesport on Oct. 31, 1933 and is the son of the late George and Rose Lechak Benick and the husband of the late Joyce Daerr Benick who died February 14, 2014. 

He was employed at National Tube in Duquesne until he retired.  He was a member of St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church and enjoyed travelling over the years.

He is survived by his brother, William Benick of McKeesport; sister, Margaret Evans of Rosemeade, California; nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.  In addition to his wife, Joyce, he is preceded in death by brothers, John and Albert Benick; and sisters, Elizabeth McCusker, Ann Francis and Rose Mihalo.

Family and friends will be received at Strifflers of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services, 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131 (Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412-678-6177), on Thursday, August 8, 2019 from 3:00 until 7:00 pm. (Parastas Services will be held at 4:00 pm).  Divine Liturgy will take place on Friday, August 9, 2019 at 10:30 am in St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church in McKeesport.  Burial will follow.   To share a memory or condolence visit strifflerfuneralhomes.com.   

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Allene Currie

August 06, 2019 |

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

Allene Currie, 100 of West Mifflin, died Aug. 5, 2019.  She is the beloved wife of the late Henry M. Currie, Sr.  Allene is survived by her children Carol Elaine Spencer, Henry McKinley Currie, Jr and Barbara (Kate) Currie Brown and was preceded in death by 15 siblings.  She was a former member of the Church of the Living God in Duquesne and volunteered at the Salvation Army.  Friends will be received at the Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home, Duquesne on Thur., Aug. 8, 2019 from 2-4 and 6-8.  A funeral service will be held Fri., Aug. 9, 2019 at 11:00 am in the funeral home with Rev. Barbara DeBruce officiating.  Interment following at the Holy Name Cemetery.

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David W. Benvin

August 06, 2019 |

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

David W. Benvin, age 62, of White Oak, died Thursday, August 1, 2019.  He was born in McKeesport on March 9, 1957 and is the son of the late William F. and Mary McNeilis Benvin. 

He was a journeyman who handled the asbestos removal of many building sites for Laborers’ Local Union #373.  He enjoyed hunting and collecting antiques but mostly loved camping with his children and grandchildren.

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Rosemary (Oeler) Shipe

August 06, 2019 |

By Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home | Posted in: Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home

Rosemary (Oeler) Shipe, born October 11, 1924, returned to the Lord on August 3, 2019.

Rosemary O. Shipe, née Oeler, 94 3/4 yrs., after nearly 44 years apart, is reunited with the love of her life, John J. "Jack" Shipe.  Simul in aeteraum.  Married just short of 20 years, they were blessed with 7 children.  She attended Thompson Business School in McKeesport and worked as a clerk at USS Duquesne Works prior to marriage and raising a family.

A never-ending curiosity and wonder of the world, love of language, and card playing kept her sharp her whole life.  She started the latter as a young girl, joining her mother's card club (her youth and her skill making her the least, well-liked player).  High school Latin aided her cross-wording, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy passions to the end.

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William G. "Bill' Barker

August 06, 2019 |

By Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home | Posted in: Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home

William G. "Bill' Barker age 63, of Upper St. Clair formerly of Duquesne passed away on August 3, 2019. He was a son of Patricia (King) Barker of West Homestead and the late William “Punch” Barker; Bill was the building superintendent at the Plaza on Mt. Washington. He was a Marathon runner having completed over 20 marathons. Beloved husband and best friend of Dee (Caldwell) Barker for 26 years; father of Bethany Barker of Hazelwood, Brooke (Jamon) Chavis of Tennessee and Billy John Barker of White Oak; grandfather of Tahyla Daniels, Solomon Barker, Margaus Barker, Elonna Walker, Brooklyn Chavis, Madison Chavis and expecting an additional grandchild; brother of Mary Ann (Richard) Dobos of Hunker, Wayne (Georgia) Barker of West Mifflin and Jean Marie (Dr. John) Swade of West Homestead. There will be no visitation or services. Arrangements entrusted to MALOY-SCHLEIFER FUNERAL HOME, Duquesne.

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Carrie S. Lester

August 06, 2019 |

By Editor | Posted in: Obituary

Carrie S. Lester, 90, died Aug. 2, 2019. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 8 at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 1350 Locust St., McKeesport, PA, where a funeral service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Aug. 9. Interment to follow at McKeesport & Versailles Cemetery, Fifth Ave., McKeesport. Arrangements in charge of Tunie Funeral Home, Inc., 218 E. 11th Ave., Homestead, PA 15120, (412) 462-6466.

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Marguerite Elizabeth Accoo

August 06, 2019 |

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

Marguerite Elizabeth Accoo, 92 years old of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, departed this life on Saturday, August 3, 2019, in UPMC Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

She was born December 3, 1926, in Long Branch, New Jersey, daughter of the late Joseph and Lena E. Smith Swain; She was also preceded in death by her husband, Rudolph V. Accoo, Sr. and daughter, JoAnn Accoo.

She worked as a Manager in the Uniform Department at Top Hat Cleaners in Long Branch, New Jersey.  She like going fishing and crabbing and also loved to watch Western movies.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Cecilia Crawford of Duquesne; son, Rudolph V. (Brenda) Accoo, Jr. of Saginaw, Texas; eleven grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren, thirty-three great-great-grandchildren, and one  great great great grandson; sister-in-law, Janie Accoo of Long Branch, New Jersey, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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Manuel “Manny” Grueso

August 05, 2019 |

By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes

Manuel “Manny” Grueso, 73, of Glassport, formerly of Clairton, passed away at home on Friday, August 2, 2019. He was born in Raysal, WV on November 9, 1945 to the late John R. and Emma Brown Grueso. Manuel is survived by his sisters: Marie Warren, of Lebanon, PA, and Grace (John) Bindas, of North Huntingdon, PA, as well as nieces, and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his brother, William E. Grueso, and brother-in-law, Eddie Warren. Manuel was formerly employed by U.S. Steel, and was known as a lover of cats. Private services have been entrusted to S.M. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 432 North 6^th Street, Clairton, PA 15025, to be followed by private inurnment at Round Hill Cemetery in Elizabeth. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to: Animal Friends, 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com.

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Angelo Santella

August 05, 2019 |

By James F. Kutch Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: James F. Kutch Funeral Home - Crematory

On Monday July 29, 2019, Angelo Santella, age 97 of North Versailles, son of the late Pasquale and Philomena (Orfitelle) Santella.  Beloved husband of Julia Santella.  Loving father of Angelo Santella, Jr., and Patrick Santella.  Brother of Anna Marie Hook and Elaine Soulier. Five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.  Preceded in death by sisters Mary, Margaret, and brother Anthony.

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