January 07, 2026 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Karen L. Jordanhazy, 69, of Irwin, died Friday, January 2, 2026, at UPMC Montefiore Hospital. She was born November 14, 1956 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Robert E. and Helen L. (Popeck) Jordanhazy and was also preceded in death by her partner in love and life, Bill Zahratka, brothers Alan, Keith, and Bruce Jordanhazy and brother-in-law Charlie McCauley. She is survived by her sister Lori McCauley, nieces and nephews, Sarah Jordanhazy, Martin (Emily) Jordanhazy and Ryan (Katie) Jordanhazy, Jordan (BethAnn) McCauley, Kate (Kyle) McCauley, and Emily (Jared) Sherman, her best friend forever Gloria and dear friend Joyce. She is also survived by great nieces and nephews and cousins. She was a member of the Hungarian Reformed Church, McKeesport. Karen was simply herself and you accepted her as that. Karen was your friend for life who loved fiercely and was loved in return, not for being perfect, but for being authentically herself. From jigsaw puzzles, decorating cakes for her nieces and nephews, her love of Mountain Dew and Wise potato chips, Karen was a true I Love Lucy enthusiast and owned every episode. All of you that knew her love of Seinfeld also knew Karen for her sarcasm and witty personality that always left you laughing. Karen loved the Wizard of Oz and knew every word. Karen was deeply blessed by a family whose hearts knew no boundaries. To have met any of them was to become a lifelong friend and cherished member of their extended family. All arrangements are private. The William Snyder Funeral Home, Irwin, is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Karen L. Jordanhazy please visit our Sympathy Store.
January 07, 2026 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Andrew Means, 71, of Duquesne, PA, departed this life on December 30, 2025, at UPMC Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA.
Andrew was born on October 7, 1954, in Montgomery, Alabama, to the late Kattie Mae Means.
Andrew is survived by his sisters, Lillie Means, Manice Means, Janetta Means, and a host of nephews, nieces, extended family, and friends.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Andrew, please visit our floral store.
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January 07, 2026 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Michael Edward "Pap" "Whiffer" Shoemaker, 61, of West Elizabeth, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026. He was born June 19, 1964 in New Eagle and was the son of the late James Benjamin Shoemaker, Sr. and the late Luella Virginia (Werner) Shoemaker. After graduating from high school, He spent many years working as a skilled carpenter with High Performance Builders and also lent his talents to landscaping work. He loved to build and create things. Pap was a simple man with a rich spirit. He found joy in riding his Harley, tending to his gardens filled with flowers and vegetables, and spending time outdoors. A true outdoorsman, he loved hunting and fishing at the family camp in Huntingdon County. He was a diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, had a love for Ford Mustangs, and was always quick with a wise crack or a joke that left everyone laughing. He was known for his generosity and heart of gold, Pap would help anyone who needed it, no questions asked. But above all else, he cherished his family. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family deeply. He will be greatly missed.
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January 07, 2026 |
By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory
Judith Lynn (Weyman) Steff, of Erie, formerly of McKeesport and New York City, died on January 6, 2026, at Nightingale Nursing and Rehab Center. Born June 11, in McKeesport Hospital, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Ruth (Herrington) Weyman and the wife of John Steff. Judith went to Highland Grove School, graduated from McKeesport High School, and graduated from Duquesne University School of Music as a voice major. She went to New York City to continue her education in classical music. She graduated from the Mannes School of Music, where she excelled in operatic music. She was then selected to be in the City Opera in New York City. Her operatic career took her to many countries around the world, where she performed the operas she loved. Some of the countries she performed in were Edinburgh, Scotland, Tel Aviv, Israel, and Sydney, Australia. After being very successful but wanting to do more, she returned to school and became a Registered Nurse, following in her sister's footsteps. She and her husband left New York City and moved to Erie, PA, to be with family. There she worked at the Veterans Hospital until her retirement.
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January 07, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Eirik Bendiksen, age 73 of North Huntingdon died January 6, 2026, at Brookdale in Murrysville. He was born March 1, 1952, in Moskenes, Norway, a son of the late John and Thorb Jorg Bendiksen. Prior to his retirement, Eirik was employed by J.C. Penny in sales. He enjoyed playing guitar, carpentry, computers and folk music. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Elaine A. Bendiksen, one brother, Einar Bendiksen (Sandra), and one sister Gerd Correll (Jack). He is survived by one son, Allan Rose Jr. (Stacy), three daughters, Margie Jurich (John), Mindy Stevenson (Ted), Cindy DiNunzio (Robert), one sister Wenche Griffith (Robert). He was loved by his grandchildren, Julie (Brad), Chris, Heather, Matthew (Jess), Alexis, Nicholas, Laura and Emily. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on January 17, 2026, from 10-11 AM. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to ViaQuest Hospice Foundation 525 Metro Place, North Dublin, Ohio, 43017
January 07, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Glenn David Gilmore, age 75 of North Huntingdon died January 6, 2026, at his home. He was born February 4, 1950, in Allegheny County, a son of Peter Frederick Jordon and Ada Metz Gilmore. Prior to his retirement, Glenn was employed as a Correction Officer for Westmoreland County. He was a member of the Pitcairn-Monroeville Sportsman's Club where he enjoyed target shooting. Glenn was among the first graduating class of South Allegheny High School. He was also a member of the Polish Club of Westmoreland City and proud of his Irish Heritage. One of the fondest memories his family has of him is playing Santa Clause at Christmas. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marlen Olenik Gilmore, brother and sister-in-law, two sisters, nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews and family pets. There will be no public visitation. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.
January 07, 2026 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Jean P. Katrick, a beloved resident of Port Vue, passed away on January 3, 2026, at Jefferson Hospital, just a few months shy of her 93rd birthday. Born on June 13, 1933, in McKeesport, she was the cherished daughter of the late Alexander Palesko and Eleanor (Pasko) Palesko and the devoted wife of the late Kenneth Katrick.
Jean dedicated over 20 years of her life to being a stay at home mom, always available for nieces and nephews, then went on to her career, retiring from Daugherty Tool & Die, Inc., where she served as the friendly receptionist. Earlier in her life, she worked with the Gulf Oil Co. in Pittsburgh, a time that was filled with the spirit of hard work and community.
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January 07, 2026 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Francis Paul Ruffing, age 84, of Clairton, formerly of West Mifflin and McKeesport, died after a long illness on January 6, 2026. Born April 6, 1941, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Frank and Mercedes (McElhinny) Ruffing.
He was a member of the former Holy Spirit Catholic Church and was known for his unwavering faith. Over the years, he made significant contributions in various roles, serving as a warehouse manager for American Bionics and dedicating two decades of his life to Western and Southern Life. He also worked at Isaly's, where he endeared himself to many through his kindness and work ethic. Francis had a passion for jigsaw puzzles, often losing himself in the challenge and joy they brought.
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January 07, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Donna L. Whitehead, age 93 of North Huntingdon, passed away on January 5, 2026. She was born on February 22, 1932, in Ardara, a daughter of the late Harry Redinger and Lucinda Confer Redinger. Prior to her retirement, Donna was employed as a district manager for Avon Cosmetics. In her free time, she looked forward to reading books and working on crossword puzzles. Donna was a worldwide traveler, and she cherished the time spent with her grandchildren in Myrtle Beach. In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Whitehead, and one son, Scott "Dean" Whitehead. She is survived by two sons, Wesley Whitehead (wife Mary Etta), David Whitehead (wife Valerie), one daughter-in-law, Mary, one sister, Beth, four grandchildren, David (wife Leah), Wendy (husband Craig), Jonathan (wife Melissa), and Nathan (wife Jennifer), and four great-grandchildren, Ava Grace, Bennett, Lilly, and Bella. Friends will be received at the JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Friday from 10 AM to 12 PM. A funeral service will take place at 12 PM. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
January 06, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
(nee McCullough) passed into the presence of her Lord Monday, January 5, 2026. She was born April 8, 1931, in Pittsburgh, PA, to Alex and Ruth (Brady) McCullough. She married William Seale, Sr., May 8, 1951. During her sixty-five years of marriage to her beloved husband, they had four children. Son, William Allen, Jr. (wife Mary); daughter Karen Lynn Mizener (husband Philip); son Daniel Robert; and son Timothy Joel (wife Sherry). Jean is survived by ten grandchildren: Beth (husband Mark) Haigh; William (wife Nancy) Seale, III; and Rachel (husband Orencio) Partida; Scott (wife Cara) Mizener; Sam (wife Denise) Mizener; Sean (wife Rachel) Mizener; Sarah Mizener; Kristal (husband Ray) Wilhelm; Holly (husband Joel) Hawley; and Kim (husband John) Miller. And she is survived by thirty-three (another on the way!) great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by one brother, Samuel Alexander McCullough (wife Kay) of Naples, Florida.
Jean trusted Christ as her Savior on February 16, 1948. Like many of her peers, she had heard the Gospel all her life, knew her spiritual need and wanted someday to be saved. She didn’t understand the truth that she needed to be saved “NOW”! When she understood the urgency of her need, she desperately wanted to know that her sins were forgiven! With her mother sitting with her on her bed and with an open Bible, she recounted to her the story of the Ethiopian man in his chariot and the evangelist, Philip, who had been sent by God to bring him the Gospel. The man was reading from Isaiah 53 where he would have read verse 5; “He (Jesus) was wounded for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brings peace was on Him, and with His stripes, he was healed.” Lifting up her arms in joy, she said, “I’ve got it! I see it now!” She discovered that the Lord Jesus had suffered and died for HER sins. She was baptized as a believer April 24 of the same year and from the late 1950’s was a member of a fellowship of believers that met in the Friendship Avenue Gospel Hall and later, the McKeesport Gospel Hall.
Her priorities in life were her family and the things of God. She loved her family and she prayed with her husband for each one every day. She would tell her children, “I pray for you every day!” and she did. Her prayers will be greatly missed. She loved those around her as well, caring for their spiritual needs, and so she sponsored Bible studies in her home for ladies in the neighborhood. She was a Sunday School teacher of teen girls for many years. She loved the Word of God and was happy to talk about the Scriptures. She loved to hear the Gospel preached and was always interested in campaigns where the Word was going out.
Jean loved doing crossword puzzles and did them daily until the very end.
Visitation and services will be held Thursday, January 8, at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, Irwin, PA. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:30 AM. The funeral service follows at 11:30 AM. Interment will be at the Penn-Lincoln Memorial Park, 14679 U.S. Rte. 30, Irwin, PA, for the immediate family only. A luncheon at Antonelli’s in Irwin will be served following the cemetery service.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Lord’s servants (local & abroad) and the Lord’s work through organizations such as Truth & Tidings Gospel Trust (truthandtidings.com).
January 06, 2026 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Sara (Sally) Miller Strait, age 90, of North Huntingdon, PA, passed away on January 5, 2026 at Redstone Highlands, North Huntingdon. She was born on February 6, 1935, in McKeesport, PA, a daughter of the late James and Olive Miller. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years, Robert Strait, and grandson, Taylor Robert Strait. Sally is survived by sons, Scott and wife Diane Del Signore, Kenneth and wife Kimberly McKown Strait, Steve and wife Anna, David and wife Doretta, by her daughter Sara Mayo and husband Richard, and by eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren, Braxton, Lena, Owen, Will, and Jettson. Sally was a 1953 graduate of East McKeesport High School and attended Thiel College, class of 1957. She was a member of Brush Creek Lutheran Church, where she served as treasurer for 25 years, Handbell Choir Director for over 30 years and assistant organist. She was a former piano teacher and quilting instructor, and a world traveler of seven continents and 85 countries. There will be no visitation. A memorial service to celebrate Sally’s life will be held on Friday, February 27 at 11AM at Brush Creek Lutheran Church with The Reverend Roger L. Steiner presiding. Memorial donations may be given to Brush Creek Lutheran Church, 177 Brush Creek Rd, Irwin, PA 15642. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
January 06, 2026 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Patrick Goodfellow, 75, of West Newton passed away Saturday, January 3, 2026. He was born at home in McKeesport on December 22, 1950 to the late Paul Aloysius and Marcella Ann (Skiffington) Goodfellow. A Wounded Combat Army Veteran, Pat served during the Vietnam War, for Company A 4th Battalion 1st Brigade USAARMC. Handling many advanced recon missions, Pat earned himself the National Defense Service medal, Vietnam Service medal, and the Vietnam Campaign w/ 60 device medal, as well as 2 purple hearts. After his discharge in 1971, he worked for VISTA Metals and Basic Carbide as a machine operator. He was also a member of the Owl's Club and the firehall in Buena Vista, as well as the WIMBU firehall, and the Sutersville Moose. He is survived by his siblings, Paul A. (Debbie) Goodfellow of Ligioner, Gerald Goodfellow of Buena Vista, and Carol Ann (Craig) Southern of West Newton; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and a brother-in-law, Jack Blaha. In addition to his parents, Patrick is preceded in death by his sister, Rosemary Blaha. There is no visitation. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. A private inurnment will take place at Round Hill Cemetery at a later date. Donations can be made in Patrick's honor to the Wounded Warrior Project via support.woundedwarriorproject.org or to the Disabled American Veterans via https://help.dav.org/. Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
January 05, 2026 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Harriet S. Amabile, age 100, of McKeesport, died January 4, 2026, at Riverside Nursing Home. Born December 1, 1925, in Cleveland, OH, she was the daughter of the late Adolph and Dora (Nathan) Samuels.
Harriet dedicated her life to caring for her family and home. In her early years she worked at the former White Star Laundry. She belonged to the Gemilas Chesed Synagogue, where she was a part of the Sisterhood, preparing meals for weddings and events. She loved attending bingo and cooking. Although, her greatest joy was spending time with her grandsons.
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January 05, 2026 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
William R. Wareham, Jr., 79, of McKeesport, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at UPMC McKeesport Hospital. He was born June 26, 1946 in McKeesport and was the son of the late William R. Sr., and Sara (Filtz) Wareham. He was a retired US Navy Veteran serving during the Vietnam War. He was a retired employee for Westinghouse Air Break Company (WABCO) and VA Nursing Home in Aspinwall in dietary. He was a member of St. Mary's Russian Orthodox Church in McKeesport. He was also a member of the White Oak American Legion, East McKeesport VFW and the McKeesport Duquesne Masonic Lodge.
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January 05, 2026 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Robert Lee "Bobby" Upperman, age 54, of McKeesport, died on January 2, 2026. Born April 20, 1971, in McKeesport, he was the son of Richard and Nancy Diane (Raine) Hunter and Harry "Shorty" Florence Upperman.
Bobby was a man who embraced life with an infectious spirit and a warm smile, captivating everyone he met with his genuine kindness and generous heart.
Bobby reveled in the joy of fishing, often making trips to Lake Erie, where he not only found solace in the water, but also imparted his passion for the sport to others. He liked to repair and ride dirtbikes. A dedicated scrapper, he had a unique talent for flipping vehicles, from dirtbikes to lawnmowers, showcasing a resourceful spirit.
Bobby was best described as a gatherer; he had the uncanny ability to gather people to him. He was a steadfast protector, the kind of person who would stand by you through thick and thin. His presence was a haven for every child who crossed his path, as he adopted them, always looking out for their well-being. It was in the comfort of his warm hugs that many found solace, knowing they could confide their deepest secrets with complete trust.
Though he faced many challenges and hard times, Bobby triumphed over adversity and emerged stronger. He spent his final years radiating joy and fulfillment, the happiest he had ever been, surrounded by loved ones who cherished him deeply.
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