Mary Ann Cypher Alfonsi

September 16, 2018 |

By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes

It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Ann Cypher Alfonsi announces her passing on Saturday, September 15th at the age of 72 at her West Mifflin home supported by her loving family.  Born July 2, 1946 in Clairton, PA, she was the daughter of the late Margaret Edna and Charles D. Cypher Sr.  of Clairton, PA.  Mary Ann will be forever remembered by her loving husband of 50 years, Lee Alfonsi of West Mifflin and children, Melissa Lee (Christopher) Brannen of State College and Amy Lynn Alfonsi of West Mifflin.  Mary Ann was a loving grandmother to Emma and Sarah Rohan of State College.  She is also survived by  sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her brother, Charles D. Cypher Jr. and her favorite dog Lizzy, along with many more beloved pets. 

As a biology teacher and then department head at McKeesport Area High School for over 30 years, Mary Ann educated thousands of teenagers on the wonders of science and mentored new student teachers.  She tirelessly supported her daughters in extracurricular activities when they were young by volunteering her time and creative talents and continued that tradition by encouraging her granddaughters’ endeavors in academics, sports and the arts.  She loved video games and was active on social media where she always spoke her mind. She enjoyed a good argument almost as much as a good laugh.  Her granddaughter said it best in her memorial post; “I am lucky to have had this cool human as my grandma. She was a mom, a biology teacher, an avid scrapbooker, a surprisingly tech savvy baby-boomer, a consistent patron of my abandoned singing career, an amazing cook who really knew how to throw a party, and just a really creative person.”.  Mary Ann was blessed to be able to celebrate 50 years of marriage in July with her husband Lee who will forever miss their trips to the casino, preparing outlandishly huge holiday feasts, and co-hosting family and neighbors on the side porch with evenings filled with food, drink, and laughter. Her daughters and granddaughters are grateful to her for showing them, by example, how to be strong independent women.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at S.M FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 432 N 6^th Street, Clairton, PA 15025, from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 pm.  Mass will be held on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at 10:00 am, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2603 Old Elizabeth Road, West Mifflin,  PA  15122, followed by entombment at Lebanon Church Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Associations, 444 Liberty Ave #1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com

Donna Marie Kestler

September 15, 2018 |

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

Donna Marie Kestler, age 68, of McKeesport, died Sept. 8, 2018, at her home. Born July 23, 1950, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late George and Eleanor H. (Gayok) Olaison and the wife of Michael E. Sease, Sr.

David A. Makay

September 14, 2018 |

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

David A. Makay, 48, of White Oak, died Sept. 14, 2018.  He is the son of the late Albert and Ellen (Loir) Makay.  Dave is survived by his daughter Kathryn Makay; sister Janice (Bruce) Miller; brother Ed (Kelly) Makay and many dear friends.  A celebration of Life honoring Dave will be held Sunday, Sept 30th at Butler's Golf Course (Rock Run Inn) at 3:00 pm.  Please join us in celebrating Dave's life, love an friendsip.  Funeral arrangements by Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home, Duquesne.

William H. Owens

September 14, 2018 |

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

William H. Owens, age 91, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at UPMC McKeesport. He retired as a machinist and fire chief for U.S. Steel, Irvin Works. He was a member of St. Michael Parish in Elizabeth Twp. where he was a two-term church council member, usher, eucharistic minister, and an altar server. A Navy veteran having served in World War II, he was a member of American Legion Post 0712 of Pleasant Hills, the Knights of Columbus, Council 10077, Stephen P. Berry Council and its Color Corps. 

Norma Prokop Hall Sabol

September 13, 2018 |

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

Norma Prokop Hall Sabol, age 83, of Liberty Borough, died at peace with the Lord on Thursday, September 13, 2018. She was born December 23, 1934 in Port Vue, the daughter of the late Steve and Anna Pavlik Prokop.

Norma worked as an accounts payable clerk for the former R & J Furniture of McKeesport. She enjoyed baking, cooking, reading and watching Pittsburgh sports teams. She loved her family most of all, and family is all she ever really wanted.  

Norma was preceded in death by her husband and father of her children, John L. Hall; and her husband, Lawrence Sabol. She is survived by children, John N. (Pattie) Hall of Beaver, Janice L. (Todd) Jaussen of Greenville, Annamarie (Arthur) Campedel of Glassport, and George L. (Nancy) Hall of Belle Vernon; brother, John (Ann) Prokop of North Huntingdon; 17 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Linda M. Kiesell

September 13, 2018 |

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

It is with great sadness that the family of Linda M. Kiesell, age 66, of Liberty Borough, announces her unexpected passing September 10, 2018, at home. Born October 11, 1951, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Margaretta (Mastylak) Hirjak.

Matthew Perry Venturini

September 13, 2018 |

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

It is with great sadness that the family of Matthew Perry Venturini announce his sudden, unexpected passing on September 10, 2018 at the age of 36 years.  Matt had an extraordinarily kind heart, was dependable, and was quick to help those in need.  His quick wit and easy-going disposition made for fast and genuine friendships.  Matt valued family and community, which he demonstrated through his actions every day of his life.  

Katherine Solan

September 12, 2018 |

By Wojciechowski Funeral Home | Posted in: Wojciechowski Funeral Home

Katherine Solan, 97 of Glassport, died Sept. 12, 2018.  She is the daughter of the late Joseph and Alice (Freelander) Hopkins.  Beloved wife of the late Albert Solan.  She is survived by daughters Laurie (Jim) Austin and Tracey (Chuck) Austin; son Gerard (Cecilia) Solan; grandchildren Caitlin, Emily, Neil, Haley, Seth, Grant, Joel and Jordan; also nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by sisters Helen Marini, Mina DiSegi and Ruth Connors and brother Jack Hopkins.  Katherine worked at Westinghouse Electric and was a member of Queen of the Rosary Parish.  Funeral services were private.  Arrangements by Wojciechowski Funeral Home, Glassport.

Rod Brinker

September 12, 2018 |

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

Rod Brinker, age 63 of Rillton, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018.  He was born on Dec. 15, 1954 in Natrona Heights, the son of the late Sheldon and Shirley Neubert Brinker.  He was employed at Bettis Nuclear Power Plant in Dravosburg.  He enjoyed bowling, boating, softball, skiing, and all other sports but especially loved football. 

Ryan J. Winter

September 11, 2018 |

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

Ryan J. Winter, age 29, of New Kensington, formerly of North Versailles, died August 31, 2018, in Jeannette. Born March, 19, 1989, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Joseph C. Winter and Jodi (Joe) Pecze Jr., and the husband of Tanya (Kukic-Beiter) Winter.

Julia M. Dill

September 11, 2018 |

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

Julia M. (Kriss) Dill, 91, of North Huntingdon, passed away Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at Westmoreland Manor, Greensburg.  She was born June 20, 1927 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Peter and Mary (Pavelko) Kriss.  Julia was a homemaker, and was  the neighborhood "Avon Lady" for many years, and an avid bingo player.  She was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Dill; son-in-law, Ken Copeman; grandson, Michael Copeman; siblings, Helen Peroney, Eleanor Kubes and Peter Kriss.   She will be greatly missed by her children, Doreen Copeman, Audrey House and her husband, Edward, and Edward Dill Jr.; grandchildren, Chrissy (Jeff) Mastrangelo, Angie Sisko, Mark (Halle) Copeman, Susan (Mike) Martin, Debbie (Mike) Matthews and Allyson Copeman; and great-grandchildren, Madeline, Nathan, Sophia, Avery, Lucy, Kennedy; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Friends will be received on Thursday from 2-7 p.m. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.  A blessing service will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Fr. John Moineau officiating.  Interment to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles.  The family would like to thank all the staff at Westmoreland Manor for their compassionate care given to Julia over the last three years and most recently the staff of Bridges Hospice.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

John T. McGrath

September 11, 2018 |

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

John T. McGrath, age 55, of Latrobe and formerly of Hays, passed away on Friday, September 7, 2018 at home. Born February 17, 1963 in Pittsburgh, he was a son of the late Carl and Mary Ellen (Vaughan) McNickle. He is survived by his sons, Zachary and Michael McGrath, both of Latrobe; sister, Maureen (Matt) Caruso of Bethel Park; and brother, Ed McGrath of Elizabeth Twp. A memorial gathering will take place in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Saturday, September 15, 2018 from 1-3 PM. No services are planned. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

Debra Jean (Swartz) London

September 11, 2018 |

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

Debra Jean (Swartz) London, 59, of McKeesport, formerly of Elizabeth Township, died Sunday, September 9, 2018. She was born April 12, 1959 in McKeesport and was the daughter of Jean (King) Swartz of Louisville, OH, and the late Arthur Swartz. Debra was a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in McKeesport and was a nurse at Jefferson Hospital. She was a 1977 graduate of Elizabeth Forward High School. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her son, Jason London of Apple Creek, OH, daughter, Aimee (Andrew Jakub) London of McKeesport, and sisters, Brenda (Dennis) Daily of Louisville, OH, and Karen Swartz of Fl.

Pauline M. (Cline) Smith

September 11, 2018 |

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

Pauline M. (Cline) Smith, 89, of Irwin, died Sunday September 9, 2018. She was born June 19, 1929, in Turtle Creek, a daughter of the late Paul L. and Anne (Williams) Cline and was also preceded in death by her husband Robert E. Smith. She was a retired employee of Westmoreland County as a tax assessor and a member of West Hempfield Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing cards, and crocheting. She is survived by her children Karen L. (John) Reed of Irwin, Beverly (the late Joseph) Patton of Derry and Paul R. Smith of New Derry; her grandchildren Nicole (Drew) Reckhart, Jennifer (Matthew) Stephens, Matt Reed (fiancé Danielle), and Renee Root; eleven great grandchildren; and a sister Geraldine Shafley of London, OH.

Carol Lynne (Repass) Carper

September 11, 2018 |

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