June 13, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Taylor Elizabeth Mehalcik, 29, of McKeesport passed away June 11, 2025. She was born November 29, 1995 in McKeesport to the late Scott Mehalcik, and to Kristie Pratt-Braun, and Paul Braun of McKeesport. Taylor was a loving mother, daughter, and friend - she was kind, funny, and had a beautiful soul, who was always surrounded by so many that cared about her. She enjoyed fishing, taking walks, and just being outside. She is survived by her daughter and absolute best friend, Alaya Rae Savage; her sister, Kelsey Hornfeck-Mutkus; brother, Cameron Mehalcik; grandparents, James & Debbie Pratt, and Judy Mehalcik; nieces, Izzy, CeCe, and Addison; nephew, Kyler; and so many aunts, uncles, and cousins. In addition to her father, Taylor is preceded in death by her grandfather, George Mehalcik; and by her grandmother, Elizabeth Susan Pratt. Friends are welcome Wednesday, June 18, 2025 from 4-8pm , with a Memorial Service starting at 7:30pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, and Samantha D. Murphy, directors. Private Inurnment will take place at McKeesport Versailles Cemetery at a later date. Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
June 13, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Joseph E. "Joe" Gallo, Jr., 91, of Elizabeth Township, passed away Thursday, June 12, 2025 at home. He was born August 16, 1933 in Elizabeth Township and was the son of the late Joseph E. Gallo Sr. and Emma Irene (Breegle) Gallo. He is reunited with his wife of 72 years, the late Norma Jean (Mayfield) Gallo, who passed away May 15, 2025. Joe worked as a carpenter for most of his life and was an avid outdoorsman, who loved to hunt, fish and camp. He also was a square dancing caller in his younger years. Joe was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and his family meant everything to him. He will be greatly missed.
Read More
June 11, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Albert "Bud" Palochko, 82, of McKeesport passed away Wednesday, June 11, 2025. He was born in McKeesport on August 29, 1942 to the late Albert T. and Theresa (DiBattista) Palochko. He was the loving husband to his late wife, Diane C. Palochko, before her passing in August 2021. Bud was a proud Navy Veteran, who served from 1960-1963, and worked most of his life and retired from the City of McKeesport in the Parks Department. During his employment he was a proud member of the Teamsters Local Union No. 205, where he was honored to serve as a Union Steward and Board Trustee.
Read More
June 11, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Howard W. Dempsey, 92, of North Versailles passed away Monday, June 9, 2025. He was born in Braddock, PA on November 24, 1932 to the late Arnold and Amelia (Soles) Dempsey. He was the husband to the late Mary Catherine (Heil) Dempsey before her passing in November 1990. Howard served in the US Army from 1953-1955 and was honorably discharged with the National Defense Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He then went on to working as a telecommunications installer for AT&T for many years following his service. Howard was a member of the Pioneers Organization, NRA, as well as being an avid bowler and golfer.
Read More
June 09, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Linda M. McEvoy, 70, of Pittsburgh, formerly of Elizabeth, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. Linda was born August 31, 1954 in Pittsburgh and was the daughter of the late Robert E. and Alberta J. (Stock) Sherman. She was the wife of 24 years to the late Ronald F. McEvoy Jr., who passed away November 12, 2018. She was a dedicated wife and mother, who had a smile that could light up a room and would do anything for anyone. She had a deep love for The Renaissance Festival in Pittsburgh, where she was very loved, and felt at home. She was affectionately known as "Mum" to her renaissance family. Linda also enjoyed card games like 31 and solitaire, crocheting and pop culture. Some of her favorites being Star Wars, Harry Potter and 80's films. She was also an avid Pittsburgh Sports fan, especially the Pirates. She will be greatly missed.
Read More
June 09, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Rose Marie (Theis) Zuro, 94, of Greenock, passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2025. She was born May 10, 1931 in Gratztown and was the daughter of the late Herbert G. and Ida Ruth (Hamilton) Cadman Theis. She was the loving wife of the late Paul Zuro, who passed away on March 6, 2013. Rose was a 1949 graduate of Sewickley High School in Herminie. She was a member of Saints Joachim & Anne Parish, St. Michael Church, an associate member of McKeesport Hospital Union Committee, hospital gift shop volunteer for 45 years, member of the Youghiogheny Country Club and prior to 2023 she was a member of the YCC Golf Association. She spent many years there as a Publicity Chairwoman until retiring from playing golf. She was a long time member of McKeesport Symphony Auxiliary and member of Buena Vista Social Club 145. She was also a Girl Scout leader in Greenock for many years and room mother at Greenock Elementary School for 4 of the 6 years of her daughter's elementary school education there.
Read More
June 06, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Patti Jo Pershing, 64, of Duquesne, formerly of Blaine Hill, passed away June 5, 2025, at Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA. She was born February 28, 1961, she was the daughter of William S. Pershing and Nancy Jean "Jean" (Lape) Pershing and stepdaughter of Laurel J. Pershing, who passed away December 8, 2020. Patti graduated from Elizabeth Forward High School. She attended culinary school and worked at local restaurants. Patti will always be remembered by her witty sense of humor and her love for children and pets. She was a very caring and loving person. She is survived by her loving father, William S. "Bill" Pershing; uncle, Richard "Rich" Pershing; aunt, Rebekah "Becky" Pershing; many cousins; and friends. Rest in peace, sweet Patti Jo There will be no visitation or service. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, Director. Condolences may be made at GilbertFuneralHomeandCrematory.com
June 04, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
James P. Craig, 75, of McKeesport, passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. He was born April 30, 1950 and was the son of the late William H. and Alice (Luehm) Craig. He was the loving husband of the late Barbara (Laughin) Craig, who passed away on July 12, 2021. He was a retired Funeral Director for the former William H. Craig Funeral Home in McKeesport. He was a member of Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church, the McKeesport-Duquesne Masonic Lodge, Lion's Club and the Kiwani's Club. He loved his family especially his granddaughters.
Read More
June 02, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Rev. Robert Michael Walney, also known as, Robert Eschelbacher, 86, of Greenock, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025. He was born May 8, 1939, and was the son of the late Edward and Pearl Eschelbacher. He was the loving husband of 39 years to the late Rev. Ruth Walney, who passed away on May, 8 2001. He was a 1958 graduate of Clairton High School. Pastor Bob touched the hearts and lives of many people during his 6 decades of ministry at Prayer Time Cathedral, alongside his wife. He loved traveling to Maui frequently, where he had made many close friends, throughout the years.
Read More
June 02, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Jacqueline "Jackie' Cohen, 79, of Pittsburgh passed away at home Saturday, May 31, 2025. She was born in Pittsburgh on December 24, 1945 to the late Irwin and Sara (Verbofsky) Katz. She is survived by her loving husband, Gary Cohen; daughter, Robyn (David) Brown of McDonald; grandchildren, Abigayle and Parker Brown, and Tori Cohen; her brother, Richard (Susan) Katz; her sister, Ellen (Scott) Grosser; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her parents, Jackie is preceded in death by her son, Matthew Cohen who passed away in 2016. There are no services. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, PA 15135. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
June 02, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Melissa Lou Stefanic, 63 of Elizabeth Township, formerly of Glassport passed away Sunday, June 1, 2025. She was born in McKeesport on February 21, 1962 to the late Frank and Kathleen (Dunlap) Ventresca. Melissa was a woman of many hobbies, talents, and careers. Starting her journey as a Ballerina at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, then going to Chatham University to become a teacher, attending St. Margaret's School of Nursing, and finally achieving a Master's degree at Waynesburg University while working as and RN for the VA Hospital in Oakland. Melissa was a member of the White Oak American Legion Auxiliary #701, as well as the American Legion Riders. She enjoyed her trips on the motorcycle, camping, and also loved crafting and being a dog mom. She is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Robert J. "Bob" Stefanic; her 2 sons, James F. (Angela) Stefanic of Pittsburgh, and Samuel R. (Sasha) Stefanic of Upper St. Clair; her grandson, James R. Stefanic; nephew, John (Crystal) Goldsworthy; and many loving friends. In addition to her parents, Melissa is preceded in death by her sister, Patricia Goldworthy. Friends are welcome Thursday, June 5, 2025 from 2-4 & 6-8pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 1638 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131. (412) 672-6322 Troy J. Gilbert, director. Funeral Service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Friday, June 6, 2025 at 10:00am. Interment will follow at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
May 31, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Darril Clark Bill (“D.C.”), 59, was a lifelong adventurer who called many places
“Home”- McKeesport, PA; Peachtree City, GA; Orlando FL; and Blue Ridge, GA.
His final days were spent making his mark in Chattanooga, TN, where he passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
_______
Darril was born in 1966 in McKeesport, PA to Faik D. Bill and Janice M. (Grimes) Bill.
Driven by his love of Country and passion for aviation, Darril graduated from The U.S. Air Force Academy in 1988 and fulfilled his dream of becoming an Air Force pilot. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and retired after 22 years of service.
In 1997, Darril joined Delta Airlines as a commercial airline pilot. At the time of his death, he was a newly-minted A-350 Captain flying all around the world.
A dedicated student of life, Darril’s love of learning made him a jack-of-all-trades, and his work ethic made him a master of most. You were just as likely to find him in his workshop repairing an antique pinball machine as you were to encounter him absorbed in a book on history or government. He had a movie quote for every occasion, and legend has it he would sometimes moonlight as Batman.
Whether he was enacting elaborate pranks he devised, researching & documenting the story behind a cherished collectible he had tracked down, or helping his daughters perfect their résumés, Darril always lived up to his playful ideal of “if it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing”. (Reader note: he also applied this life motto when pouring powdered sugar onto his pancakes.)
Of all his remarkable endeavors, Darril was most proud of the loving family he and his wife, Kimberly (Pasternak) Bill, built together over their nearly-37 years of marriage. The births of their daughters, Katelyn and Nora, led Darril to discovering his greatest life purpose: loving his girls and raising them to do good in the world.
Darril dreamed of retiring with his wife to his beloved cabin in the mountains of Blue Ridge, where they could watch the breathtaking sunsets and continue creating joyful new memories with their daughters, extended family, and dear friends.
Through his outstanding devotion as a husband & father, his loyalty and goodness as a family member & friend, and the kindness and respect he showed to everyone he met, Darril left the world a brighter place than he found it. Although his time on Earth was far too brief, his legacy will span generations.
For all who love him, we can honor his memory by having more adventures, pursuing our passions, spending more time with the people we love, and enacting more good in the world.
As for Darril, “Mischief Managed”.
(at least for now)
Read More
May 29, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Donn Kight, 93, of Elizabeth, passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. He was born August 1, 1931 and was the son of the late Clarence Lehr and Mildred (Mutterer) Kight. He was the loving husband of the late Janet "Dawn" Kight, who passed away on May 4, 2004. Donn was a US Army Veteran who served during the Korean War. He was involved with Round Hill Church as an elder, member of the choir, food pantry volunteer, "Around the Hill" newsletter staff, youth fellowship, and the strawberry festival. He loved watching movies, especially "Gone with the Wind," which he had an entire room dedicated in his house for memorabilia. He loved animals, especially his best friend, Lucy, a golden retriever, and he would always feed stray cats. He also loved painting, drawing, shopping, and decorating for the holidays.
Read More
May 23, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
William "Bill" Howard Gonder, 87, of North Huntingdon, passed away peacefully at The Palms at O'Neil Personal Care Home on Thursday May 22, 2025. He was born June 18, 1937 in Chalfont Borough and was the son of the late Maron Gonder and Sylvia Lewis. He attended Turtle Creek High School and the University of Pittsburgh for a year. He was an Engineering Draftsman at Fahringer, McCarty and Gray for 21 years until his retirement in 2003.
He was also a proud US Army Veteran who served our country and was stationed in Korea for a year during his service time.
William was also involved in the East Suburban Friendship Club, Norwin Area Meals on Wheels and he enjoyed playing the lottery, golfing, lifting weights, dining out and happy hours with his favorite drink, martinis, in his younger years. He enjoyed dancing with his beloved best friend, Carol Boros of 23 years. Their friendship blossomed into travel time together and many memories with Carol and her children, Sean Boros of North Versailles Township and Alicia Boros (James LaFosse) of El Paso, TX. He was very dedicated to feeding and caring for feral cats and was involved in TNR with the assistance of Donna Petrill of Community Angel Network throughout the years. He enjoyed watching war movies, western movies, Name that Tune, Golf and Football. Also napping in his favorite recliner with his rescued Tuxedo cat, Sylvester Kitty in his cat bed beside him.
Read More
May 21, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Kathy Eileen Ulbrich, 69, of Houston, Texas, formerly of Elizabeth Township, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025. She was born May 10, 1956. She was the daughter of the late John and Stella Ulbrich. Kathy was a 1974 graduate of Elizabeth Forward High School and went on to attend Theil College, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She was a resident of Houston, Texas for over 40 years where she taught secondary education for over 25 years and retired at age 56. She traveled throughout Europe and the U.S. She loved the beaches.
Read More