December 15, 2023 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Hazel Irene (Airgood) Powanda, age 86, of North Huntingdon, passed away Wednesday, December 6, 2023. She was born November 19, 1937 in Pitcairn, a daughter of the late Roy and Clara (Bytheway) Airgood. Hazel was a past member of St. Michael’s Orthodox Church in McKeesport. She was a bookkeeper for Union Switch and Signal in Swissvale and then for B’Nai Israel in White Oak before retiring. She was a past Woman of the Moose member in Irwin and liked to bowl, polka dance, sing country western music, work crossword puzzles and read.
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December 15, 2023 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Frank E. Wall, 89, of Irwin, died peacefully with his wife by his side, Sunday December 10, 2023. He was born February 14, 1934 in McKeesport, a son of the late Ernest V. and Leila Mae (Case) Wall. Frank was the retired owner-operator of Wall Electric and an Army paratrooper veteran. He was a life member of the Norwin Elks, a member of the American Legion, Shidle Lodge No. 601, F. & A. M., Irwin, the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Pittsburgh, and Syria Temple, Pittsburgh. He was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Irwin, and the Jacktown Ride & Hunt Club. He was an avid golfer and loved to spend time with family and friends. Frank was a very generous man who gave to his church and community. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
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December 02, 2023 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Saveria “Vera” Barone, 88, of North Versailles, died Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at home surrounded by her loving family. Vera was a deeply loved Mom, Nonna, Carmen’s Vera (Sweetie Pie), and a friend and relative to many. She lived to care for her family and expressed her love with her passion for cooking and a “no-one goes hungry” attitude, even for visitors just stopping by. Vera would religiously host large family dinners for her family every Sunday, which she faithfully continued well into her 80’s. Her biscotti were a staple and requested for every family or friend’s function. She was born July 17, 1935, in Benevento, Italy, a daughter of the late Eustacchio and Maria Gigante. Vera was a member of Mary Mother of God Parish, St. Robert Bellarmine Church, East McKeesport. When she was able, Vera volunteered for various church functions and always the church fair where she was known for creating her tasty pizza fritta (fried dough) annually. In addition to raising her family, she assisted her late husband, Carmen, operating the family concrete business and was also an exceptional seamstress. She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Carmen Barone, in 1997. She was the matriarch of a growing family, the loving mother of her children: Anthony (Tina) Barone of Monroeville, Joseph (Helen) Barone of North Versailles, Mary Jane (Robert) Petrilli of Monroeville, Carmen (Marcie) Barone Jr. of North Versailles, and Michael (Tara) Barone of North Huntingdon; a loved and cherished Nonna to her grandchildren: Marissa (Cody) Calhoun, Nicholas (Lauren) Barone, Anthony (fiancé Cindy) Barone, Annamarie Barone, Angela Barone, Alexandra (Aaron) Cherok, Christina (Greg) Iversen, Gina Petrilli, Carmen (Samantha) Barone, Vincent (Taylor) Barone, Joseph Barone, Victoria Barone, and Michael Barone; great grandchildren: Gianna, Aubrey, Giovanni, Colton, Eliott, William, Carmen, and Ryleigh; loving sister of Augusto Gigante and Anna D’Ambrosio both living in Italy; also nieces and nephews.
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November 29, 2023 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Alvin G. West, 49, of West Mifflin, died Sunday November 26, 2023. He was born March 14, 1974 in McKeesport, the son of Alvin J. West of West Mifflin and the late LuAnn (Davis) West.
Al was a lover of life! He especially shared a love of helping animals with his partner in crime, Stephanie. He often gave to a local animal shelter called FurAllKittys. In lieu of flowers, please consider continuing his legacy by donating to them today! Furallkittys.org
Alvin was an extraordinary trivia novice, often beating the best Jeopardy contestants to the question. So good, that his father-in-law often accused Al of cheating. He also enjoyed playing strategy games with his best friends. A night out often included trivia nights around the Burg.
Al had such a bright sense of humor, always with a smirk on his face. Everyone loved Al and Al loved everyone. He was such a kind gentleman, always a person to lend a hand, give a one-up to someone in need or to make sure everyone at dinner was fed.
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November 29, 2023 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Joyce A. Wagner, 87, of North Versailles, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 26, 2023. She was born September 9, 1936 in Lewistown PA, a daughter of the late J. Clyde and Grace E. (Fisher) Randolph. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Donald B. Wagner and sons Randy and Rick Wagner, a granddaughter Zoe Williams; siblings Shirley Baker, David Randolph, and Glenda Harbst.
As a mother of 11 children Joyce’s entire life was dedicated to her family, spending time with them and selflessly taking care of others. She enjoyed making puzzles, rooting for her hometown sports teams and yard sales. Faith guided her throughout her life. Her children lovingly refered to her as an “Angel on Earth”.
She is survived by her children Robin (Tom) Vetter, Richelle Kasardo, Roger Wagner, Rita Ptaszkiewicz (John Price), Ralene (Kevin) Nesky, Ryan (Cheri) Wagner, Ranessa (James) Sudy, Rolinda (Patrick) Pawlak, and Rosanne (Rodd) Williams; and daughter-in-law Janelle Wagner; 26 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren and “one on the way”; brothers Gerald (Wanda) Randolph and Larry (Linda) Randolph; also nieces and nephews.
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November 27, 2023 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Robert J. Hill Sr., 81, of Manor, died Monday, November 20, 2023 at home. He was born May 5, 1942 in Pittsburgh, a son of the late William K. and Elizabeth (Cullighon) Hill. Bob was a Navy veteran and a retired electrician for Jeannette District Memorial Hospital. He was a lifetime member of the Irwin Sportsman’s Association, loved to hunt, and was a shooting enthusiast. He also enjoyed fishing. He loved working outdoors and always kept his lawn immaculate. One leaf on the lawn was one too many. He enjoyed Thanksgiving with his family and loved decorating for the Christmas Season. He was a member and past master of the McKeesport Lodge No. 641, F. & A.M. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his siblings Harry Hill, William Hill, Harriet McPherson, Virginia Elcock, and Gary L. Hill.
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November 16, 2023 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
J
ohn H. “Jack” Wolf, 86, of Monroeville, formerly of Wilkinsburg and Penn Hills, passed away on Saturday October 28, 2023. He was born December 2, 1936 in Pittsburgh, a son of the late John H. Wolf Sr. and Dorothy Mae (Ogg) Wolf. Jack was a graduate of Penn Hills High School, where he was the marching band drum major.
After high school he attended Brown University, on scholarship, to study Aeronautical Engineering. He Then finished his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Institute of Technology (now CMU), where he continued support of his Alma Mater, CMU, through lifelong giving as a Member of the Order of May.
Jack both began and retired from his career as a mechanical engineer at Bacharach Instrument Co. (recently acquired by MSA) where he designed combustible gas detection and monitoring devices that were used worldwide. His faith was very important to him. He was a member of the Wilkinsburg Baptist Church and later, with his wife Carol, joined Linway United Presbyterian Church, North Versailles, where he sang in the choir and served as a member of the church’s Session.
Jack was an avid bowler in his younger years and was a life-long music-lover. He appreciated several music genres including jazz, big band/swing, classic country, hymns, and musicals. Jack always kept up with current events, finance and politics by reading the Wall Street Journal daily. He was a passionate investor and passed that enthusiasm along to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, providing them books and articles, along with sharing his insights on investing. Jack spent hours creating plans and researching topics on his computer. He also enjoyed good food, watching the Steelers, spending time with family, and taking trips with his wife, Carol.
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November 16, 2023 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Ruth Carol Wolf, 86, of Monroeville, formerly of North Versailles, passed away peacefully at home on Friday October 27, 2023, surrounded by family. She was born June 1, 1937 in Johnstown, a daughter of the late Frank P. Schomaker and Ruth S. (Stanley) Schomaker, and was preceded in death by her sister Martha “Mardi” Hoofnagle.
Carol was a graduate of East McKeesport High School and attended Slippery Rock State College (now SRU). She worked briefly at Bell Telephone in the early 1960’s and spent several years volunteering with the Girl Scouts of SWPA. Carol was a registered Girl Scout for 35 years. She began as a Troop Leader and ascended through the ranks to serve two terms as First Vice President of the Girl Scouts of SWPA Council.
Carol’s faith was very important to her. She grew up in, and later rejoined Linway United Presbyterian Church, North Versailles, after Wilkinsburg Baptist Church – the church she joined upon marrying her beloved husband, John H. Wolf, closed in the early 2000s. Carol’s most cherished moments were spent with her family. She really enjoyed good cappuccino, shopping with her daughters, dining out with and attending events with her friends. Her most cherished times were spent vacationing with her husband on Martha’s Vineyard, Nags Head, and Amelia Island.
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November 06, 2023 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Nancy L. (Singler) Waibel, 71, of North Huntingdon, passed away peacefully on Sunday October 29, 2023 surrounded by her family and friends. She was born January 16, 1952 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Delbert L. and Dorothy M. (Wiggins) Singler. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by siblings Delbert L. Singler who was killed in action during the Vietnam Conflict, David J. Singler, and Mary Ann Daniels. She is survived by her children Kristy (James) Reddinger Jr. of Cheswick, Katie (Tracy) Yarbrough of St. Cloud FL, and Edward (Missy) Waibel III of North Huntingdon; her grandchildren Logan, Emma, Jalissa, Jada, and Isaiah; sisters Jeannette (Gordon) Stoves and Dorothy Mae Morris; her lifelong friend Ronald Pisarek; also numerous nieces and nephews.
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November 06, 2023 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Philip B. Szajnuk, Sr., 81, of Irwin, passed away at home on October 31, 2023, surrounded by family. He was born in McKeesport, January 11, 1942 and was a Navy veteran.
Phil loved music and dancing. He was most fond of the Doo-Wop music from the 1950’s era. For many years, Phil enjoyed golfing and the numerous trips he took to Myrtle Beach to play. You could often find him at the slot machines in a casino or playing the lottery.
Phil is preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Dorothy Kolodziej Szajnuk.
He is survived by his four children; Dorri (Ron) Miller, Philip Jr. (Leigh Ann), Terri (Scott) Good and Becky (Joe) Dombroski; grandchildren; Austin, Keaton, Chase, Dylan (Emily), Caleb, Ashley, Zachary, Patrick, Cassie, Nathaniel, Paige, Tyler, Amber, Lacey, Joey, and Jesse. He is also survived by his partner, Carole Lencoski and Bella, her granddaughter they have raised since birth.
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October 30, 2023 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Norma J. (DiGiorgio) Reza, 88, of East McKeesport, died Thursday, October 26, 2023. She was born February 19, 1935 in Elizabeth, a daughter of the late Joseph and Adeline (Cannelli) DiGiorgio and was also preceded in death by her husband Timothy Reza, her grandson Timothy Reza, and siblings Dora Jones, Carmella Ferraro, and Gennaro, Matthew, Joseph and Carl DiGiorgio. She retired at the age of 82 as the senior coordinator for Lifespan Steel Valley Senior Center. She is survived by her children Timothy Reza and Cindie Reza; her grandchildren Alexander and Nicholas Reza; also numerous nieces and nephews.
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October 30, 2023 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
James P. Benson, 58, of North Versailles, passed away Thursday ,October 26, 2023. He was born December 29, 1964 in McKeesport, a son of Katherine (McClellan) Benson of North Versailles and the late John F. “Benny” Benson, and in addition to his father he was preceded in death by his grandparents Joe and Anna Lengyel and a cousin Jeff Benson. He was a member of Mary Mother of God Parish, formerly St. Robert Bellarmine Church, East McKeesport, and he worked as an installer for Franklin Interiors, Pittsburgh. He had a passion for motorcycle riding, was a NASCAR fan, and was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting.
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October 30, 2023 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Nicoletta (Di Lucente) Contestabile, 88, of North Versailles, passed away peacefully, Friday, October 20, 2023. She was born January 1, 1935 in Monte Sant’Angelo, Italy, a daughter of the late Nicola and Linda Di Lucente. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Anselmo “Ozzy” Contestabile, her brother Joseph (Carmella) Di Lucente and sister Maria (Gaetano) Melocchi. Nicoletta was a member of Mary Mother of God Parish formerly St. Robert Bellarmine Church, East McKeesport, and had a long career working as a seamstress. She enjoyed cooking for family, sewing, and gardening. Nicoletta was a loving grandmother who cherished her grandchildren.
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October 18, 2023 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Frances Von Krug, 96, a resident of Broadview Manor, Pitcairn, formerly of Wilmerding, died Monday October 16, 2023. She formerly attended St. Jude the Apostle Church, Wilmerding and enjoyed playing cards and other games while she was able at Broadview Manor. She was preceded in death by her husband Edwin Von Krug, Jr. and siblings James, John, Joseph, Michael, Philip, Nellie, Mary, and Cecelia. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
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October 18, 2023 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Bruce R. Stewart, 73, of North Huntingdon, passed away Monday, October 16, 2023, with his wife and sons by his side. Born August 14, 1950 in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Robert and Jean (Sharp) Stewart.
A 1968 graduate of McKeesport High School, Bruce went on to graduate with both Bachelors and Masters degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. He retired after 40 years as a senior structural engineer for Wheelabrator Air Pollution Control. While an engineer by profession, he was gifted in so many other ways. Bruce could cook a 5-course meal to perfection, design and grow intricate landscaping, sing along to any musical, and quote corny Mel Brooks movies.
Above all, Bruce was called to teach. He somehow paired his unwavering Christian faith with his love of all things mathematical. He devoted his life to teaching the Lutheran faith, sharing his vast study and wisdom with others. Hundreds of children passed through Bruce’s carefully crafted Sunday School lessons – he could weave a story together not just with felt and glue, but with love. Over the years, more than 150 students solved impossible math challenges with him at the tutoring table one problem at a time. You didn’t meet Bruce and not learn something – his knowledge was boundless.
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