February 03, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
John “Boots” Gwosden, age 95, passed away on Friday, February 3, 2017. Loving and attentive son of the late Steven and Mildred Gwosden (Obradovich) and the stepson of the late Joseph Obradovich. Born and raised in McKeesport, he was married for 72 years to Lillian Rezzarday Gwosden. Much loved father of Sandie McLaughlin and her husband Dr. Frank McLaughlin and the late Randy Gwosden and his wife Rebecca Banyasz Gwosden. He was the grandfather of Kelly Headrick (Adam), Daniel McLaughlin (Amy), Kerry Pringle (Michael), Brianna Shanty (Matthew), Brett Gwosden, and Matthew Bacco (Danielle). Great-grandfather “Bubba” to Bailey, Riley, Bryce and Macie McLaughlin, Kylie Pringle and Carson Bacco. He was an uncle to many nieces and nephews. Boots was the youngest surviving sibling of seven brothers and sisters many who lived into their 90’s. As a young man, he was quite a good dancer. He was the tall, dark and handsome guy “lighting” up the dance floor at many local clubs including the Palisades in McKeesport where he met his wife, Lillian. The jitterbug was his specialty. In the 40’s he played in the Pirate minor league organization as a second-baseman. He won the 1944 Pony League swat title playing for the Hornell Pirates with a .3383 average and was featured in the Louisville Slugger Yearbook. He was also featured in an article written by sportswriter, John Steadman for the Baltimore Sun Newspaper. Steadman related that Gwosden had all the qualities you look for in a prospect. He made all the plays, had excellent range, had a contagious spirit for the game and was a line drive hitter with power especially to right field. He was three years older than another second baseman that season, Nelson Fox, who was to play 19 years in the majors but at that point in their development, Steadman said that Gwosden was far superior! At seasons end, he was drafted into the Army. After that, he had an impressive start in the Eastern League in Albany but went home when the club refused to make payment on a bonus that had been promised in spring training. He quit, and walked out of baseball. He told Steadman that the bonus was just what he and his new wife needed to pay off their mortgage. Boots went on to work for the J & L Steel Company, Kelsey Hayes Wheel Company, National Tube Steel, and Equitable Insurance Company. He and his wife Lillian spent the last 45 years as owner/operators of the Traveler’s Rest Motel in Fayette County. Boots was talented as a sports figure playing, managing and mentoring McKeesport baseball teams, winning many league championships. He also showed expertise in all aspects of homebuilding and mechanics. His family depended on him to help cut trees, use his tractor to dig water lines or footers, and to be their plumber, electrician, carpenter and mechanic. He was so eager to lend a hand to family, friends or anyone he felt needed his help. He was strong and kind and was definitely the Rock of the family. We all learned so much from him and depended on his support. We will pull his determined spirit into our hearts and will cherish all these years that the Lord gave him to us. Many thanks to his loving caregivers at The Grove in Irwin. Services will be private and are entrusted to Willig Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
February 03, 2017 |
By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes
Lena Margaret Martin, 65, of McKeesport, formerly of West Elizabeth, passed away on Friday February 3, 2017 at UPMC McKeesport. She was born July 27, 1951 to the late James Howard and Sarah “Betty” Russel Everett. Lena was the wife of the late Paul Martin Sr., who passed away in 2010. Lena is survived by her close and loving friend Betty Provance. She is also survived by son, Regis (Kristy D.) Martin of Avon IN; granddaughters, Paige & Sophia Martin both of Avon, IN; brothers, James (Peggy) Everett of New London, CT, Markle (Irene) Everett of Palmyra, NJ, Thomas (Michelle) Everett of Turtle Creek; sisters, Ruth Ann (Harry) Brownfield of Finleyville and Janet Cogar of Matthews, NC. Along with her parents and husband, Lena was preceded in death by son, Paul F. Martin Jr. who passed in 1980; brothers, Jack, Rick & Paul Everett and sister, Betty Weight. She enjoyed taking on the task of solving puzzles, spending time with her loving family, opening her door to family and/or friends in their times of need. Family and friends will be received from 12 – 4 pm on Sunday February 5, 2017, at S. M. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 432 N. 6th Street, Clairton, PA 15025. Service will take place at the funeral home on Monday February 6, 2017 at 10:00 am followed by interment at Round Hill Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com
February 03, 2017 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Katherine “Kay” Sas Valerio, age 95 of Elizabeth Twp., died Thursday, February 2, 2017.
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February 03, 2017 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Mary Ellen Cowles, 95, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, February 2, 2017.
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February 03, 2017 |
By Robert A. Waters Funeral Home | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Walter Leon Thomas, Jr. was born on October 12, 1939 to Sallie Sills Thomas and Walter Leon Thomas in Braddock, PA. “Loss” as he was affectionately called, was reared in Whitaker, PA and attended West Mifflin Public Schools.
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February 02, 2017 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Mildred "Millie" Kasko, 88, of West Mifflin, passed away on Sunday January 29, 2017 at home. She was born December 6, 1928 in Munhall and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Panaiia Prologo. She was the wife of the late George Oliver Kasko who died September 6, 2004. Mother of Claire (Barry A.) Bryce of Elizabeth Township and Sandra Kasko of West Mifflin. Grandmother "MiMi" of Robyn Leigh Bryce of Prescott, AZ, and sister of Jane Majernik of Hilton Head, SC, formerly of Munhall, and dear friend and companion of James Sherts.
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February 02, 2017 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Willa Elizabeth Kovacs, 90, of Elizabeth Township, died Tuesday January 31, 2017 at home. She was born January 31, 1927 in Boston and was the daughter of the late Arthur and Hazel Gerschaut Jacklitch. She was the wife of the late Stephen Kovacs who died May 27, 2010. They were married for 65 years. Willa was a member of the Greenock United Methodist Church. She is survived by her sons, Allan (Nancy) Kovacs of Elizabeth Township and Steve (Jan) Kovacs of Canfield , OH, daughters, Nancy (Will) Lacey of Elizabeth Township and Betsy (Chris) Burd of Greenock, 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
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February 02, 2017 |
By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Carol A. Hammerstrom, age 76 of McKeesport, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at Southwestern Healthcare System in West Mifflin. Born October 26, 1940 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Jesse C. Snyder and Elsie (Lord) Snyder Muse, and loving wife of the late Gerald J. “Sam” Hammerstrom. Carol was a former member of the Beulah Park United Methodist Church, and most recently belonged to the McKeesport Alliance Church. She also was a member of the Red Hat Society where she enjoyed spending time with her fellow friends. She is survived by her children, Jeffrey (Tracye) Hammerstrom of Atlanta, GA, Laurie (John) Lapsley of Glassport, and Scott (Jennifer) Hammerstrom of Scott Twp.; grandchildren, Joseph (Shea) Lapsley, Cara Lapsley, Katie Lapsley, Jared Hammerstrom, Ellery Hammerstrom and Aria Hammerstrom; and her beloved maltese dogs, Benji and Ollie. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Marlene Moore. Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Friday, February 3, 2017 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 10a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Pastor Jason Wilson will officiate. Burial will follow at McKeesport-Versailles Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to the White Oak Animal Safe Haven, 2295 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131. Condolences may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
February 02, 2017 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
William E. “Butch” Hudak, age 69, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at Baldwin Health Center. He was a retired steelworker for U.S. Steel Irwin Works in West Mifflin. He was a member of St. Michael Parish in Elizabeth Twp. and was a die-hard Steelers fan.
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February 02, 2017 |
By Robert A. Waters Funeral Home | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Joan Deanna Dixon Williams Nickerson, 77, of Smithdale, Pennsylvania, passed away Sunday, January 29, 2017 in AHN Jefferson Hospital.
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February 02, 2017 |
By Robert A. Waters Funeral Home | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Frederick D. Brown, Jr., 43 years old of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2017 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. He was born May 12, 1973 in McKeesport, PA, son of Frederick D. Brown, Sr. and Rev. Clara D. Medlin Brown.
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February 01, 2017 |
By Robert A. Waters Funeral Home | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Adolph Davis, Jr., 85, of Clairton, Pennsylvania, passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2017 in Golden LivingCenter of Mt. Lebanon.
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February 01, 2017 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Nadine (Slepecki) Wallace , age 78 of Elizabeth, passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2017 in UPMC East, Monroeville. Born November 11, 1938 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Hilda (Goffus) Slepecki
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February 01, 2017 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
David E. Hachman, Sr., age 89 and formerly of Little Boston, PA, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 in Jefferson Hospital. Born August 16, 1927 in Cumberland, MD, he was a son of the late Edward and Mary (Michael) Hachman.
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February 01, 2017 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Thomas G. Tuttle, age 79 of Clairton, passed away in his daughters home in Wilmerding on Monday, January 30, 2017. Tom was burn on March 25, 1937 in
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