July 29, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Linda Jaye Morningstar, 76, of North Huntingdon, passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025. She was born November 9, 1948 in McKeesport and was the daughter of the late Walter and Ruth (Nelson) Wells. She was the loving wife of 48 years to the late Robert John Morningstar, who passed away October 4, 2019. She was a retired Registered Nurse and Administrator at South Hills Health Systems. She recieved her nursing degree at Homestead Hospital School of Nursing, Bachelor's degree in education from California University of Pennsylvania and later attended Empire Beauty School, where she also taught for many years after her nursing career.
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July 28, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Anna Mary Manz, 92, of White Oak passed away Saturday, July 26, 2025. She was born in Pittsburgh on November 23, 1932 to the late Erwin and Elizabeth (Steimels) Goertler. She was the loving wife to the late Raymond Anthony Manz before his passing in 2016. Ann was an incredibly talented pianist/organist, and musical educator. After graduating from Elizabeth Seton High School, Ann attended Duquesne University for her Bachelor and Master's Degree in Music Education. As the Director of Music Ministries, she taught among many catholic grade & high schools, as well as Point Park University. Anna was also a member, for more than 15 years, of the sisters of St. Francis in Millvale, Pa.
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July 28, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Shirley Flanigan, 77, of Elizabeth Township passed away Thursday, July 24, 2025. She was born at home in Blythedale on May 23, 1948 to the late William and Ann (Frabizio) Coffer. She was the loving wife to the late Francis "Butch" Flanigan, who passed away October 22, 2017. She worked 40+ years as a lab technician for UPMC McKeesport Hospital, and held other caretaker positions with local nursing homes, even after retirement in 2007. Shirley was a WMBU Social Club member, as well as a member at the Sutersville Moose - always surrounded by great friends and family. She was known to be a huge social butterfly, and had a funny personality. She is survived by her sister, Rosalee "Cookie" Rodgers of Meadville; and various cousins, nieces, and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley is preceded in death by her son, Thomas William Flanigan; and by her brother, John Coffer (surviving wife, Peggy). Friends are welcome Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 5-8pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, PA 15135. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert director. Private interment will take place at West Newton Cemetery. Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
July 25, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Nancy Cox Cochrane, 96, of Elizabeth Township passed away peacefully in her home of 60 years, surrounded by her children. She was born on November 4, 1928 in McKeesport, PA to William J Cox Jr and Elisabeth Young Cox. After attending McKeesport Public Schools through 10 th grade, she went to Grier School, a boarding school in Tyrone, PA where she enjoyed horseback riding and was proud to make the first team in field hockey. She started college at Western College in Oxford, Ohio (now part of Miami University of Ohio), and after two years, she convinced her mother to let her transfer to Pennsylvania State College in State College, PA (now Pennsylvania State University). She joined the Delta Delta Delta sorority and graduated in 1952 with a bachelor’s degree from the School of Home Economics where she focused on early childhood education. Nancy married George A Cochrane, whom she had met at Penn State, and together they raised four children in Elizabeth Township. Known for her abundant energy, Nancy filled many volunteer roles over the years including PTA fundraiser, Brownie troop leader, and local American Field Service member bringing foreign exchange students to Elizabeth Forward High School and sending EF students abroad. She served in many capacities at Mt Vernon Community Presbyterian Church, including as Deacon and Elder. She volunteered for decades at the McKeesport Hospital Gift Shop (and later the UPMC McKeesport Gift Shop) raising money for the hospital as part of the Junior Committee. She also worked for 25 years as the office manager of her husband’s business. In later years she joined the Garden Club of McKeesport, working in the rose gardens at Renziehausen Park through her 80’s. Nancy was predeceased by her husband George and her brother William J Cox III.
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July 24, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Rose Mae Izydorczyk, 92, of Port Vue, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. She was born September 17, 1932 in McKeesport and was the daughter of the late Anthony and Mary (Tomaino) Molinaro. She graduated from McKeesport High School in 1950. She was a member of the former St. Joseph Parish in Port Vue. She was the loving wife of the late Eugene A. Izydorczyk, who passed away on May 26, 2022. Her husband and family were her entire world, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend.
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July 24, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Joseph A. Villi, Jr., 53, of Elizabeth Township passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2025. He was born in McKeesport on February 16, 1972 to Joseph A. Villi, Sr., and the late Ruth (Beahm) Villi. Joe graduated from Elizabeth Forward High School, attended Pitt University, followed by becoming a licensed Master Plumber - working for Mongiovi & Son, leading up to his illness. In his youth, Joe was a sports fanatic, playing baseball from a young age all the way through college. He also wrestled, played football, and competitive darts. In high school, he was a 4x State Champion and National Champion in Academic Games. He is survived by his father, Joseph A. (Kathleen) Villi, Sr., of Elizabeth Township; a daughter, Kendra Villi-Rauch of Wagener, SC; siblings, Valerie Villi of Elizabeth Township, and Chris (Jennifer) Villi of Pittsburgh; as well as nieces and nephews, Ashley Wojcik-Mancini, Jonathan Wojcik, Aaron Villi, and Caleb Villi; and great-nieces and great-nephews, Madelyn & Addison Mancini, and Hunter & Jaxon Wojcik. Friends are welcome Monday, July 28, 2025 from 2-4 & 6-8pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, PA 15135. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. Funeral Service will take place Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 10:00 am in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Jefferson Memorial Park. Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
July 18, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Beverly G. Filson, 86, of Buena Vista, passed away Friday, July 18, 2025. She was born April 12, 1939 in Frank and was the daughter of the late Michael and Rosella (Lovacello) Tedesco. Beverly started her working career on the production line at the former Thurman's Candies and went on to work for over 40 years at the former KJ Stickrash Plumbing. She attended mass at both Sts. Joachim and Ann - St. Michael Church and The Divine Redeemer, both in Elizabeth Township. Beverly was a very caring and loving person, who knew someone everywhere she went. She was very active and enjoyed shopping. She loved her family, especially her nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews and her great-great niece and nephew! She will be greatly missed.
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July 17, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Sara Margaret Sproul peacefully left this world on July 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on December 9, 1939, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, Sara grew up in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, where she graduated as the Salutatorian of her class at Glassport High School in 1957. She later earned her degree in accounting with honors from Tidewater Community College, a testament to her lifelong dedication to learning and excellence.
Sara built a remarkable career as a controller in accounting, working in the field for more than 45 years. She was known for her integrity, precision, and unwavering work ethic.
To know Sara was to love her. She was one of the kindest souls you could ever meet and never knew a stranger. With a warm heart and generous spirit, she touched the lives of everyone around her.
Sara had a passion for life’s simple joys — she loved baking, the Outer Banks in North Carolina, gardening, and cheering on her beloved Pittsburgh and Penn State sports teams. Whether it was the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates, or Nittany Lions, you could always find her tuned in and cheering them on. Her top sports memory was attending Super Bowl XL in Detroit, Michigan, where she watched the Pittsburgh Steelers win — an experience she cherished deeply.
Sara also found joy and peace in writing poetry, and her strong faith was a guiding light she carried with grace throughout her life. She had a special love for cardinals, often seeing them as comforting signs from above.
Baking was one of her greatest joys — she made cookies year-round and you could always count on her to know everyone’s favorites. But at Christmas, she brought out her signature nut rolls, a beloved holiday tradition that was as special as the season itself. Her warmth and generosity came through in every batch, making those around her feel loved and at home.
Above all, Sara loved her family and friends deeply and unconditionally.
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July 14, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Bernard Charles "Bernie" Linkhauer, 82, of McKeesport passed away Sunday, July 13, 2025. He was born in McKeesport on January 19, 1943 to the late Charles Theodore and Ruby Clair (Wardropper) Linkhauer. Bernie worked for many companies as a CDL Truck Driver, and had the personality of a truck driver through and through. He was retired Teamsters Local #30, as well as a member of the National Railroad Historical Society - Horseshoe Curve Chapter, since the 80's. He also thoroughly enjoyed hunting, and train excursions. He is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Carol Lee (McLean) Linkhauer; his 2 sons, Bernie Lee (Lisa Coulson) Linkhauer of Elizabeth Township, and Curt (Christy) Linkhauer of Yorkhaven, PA; grandchildren, Brittney (Corey) Wahl, Kyle (Courtney Stickler) Linkhauer, and Carrie Linkhauer; great-grandchildren, Hudson & Weston Linkhauer; as well as a sister, Eileen Linkhauer; and nieces and nephews. Friends are welcome Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 4-8pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. Funeral Service will take place Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 10:00am in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at the Mount Vernon Cemetery. Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
July 10, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Kenny Edwin Kleber, 74, of Liberty Borough passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2025. He was born August 16, 1950 in Pittsburgh to the late John and Esther (Powell) Kleber. A proud veteran, Kenny served honorably in the US Air Force from 1970 - 1974. Afterwards, he worked for General Electric before obtaining a CDL license to drive trucks for USPS, where he retired from. He enjoyed golfing and was a member of the HOP'S golf league for a very long time, as well as a football and Star Trek fan. He was also an extremely proud grandfather, and loved to spend time with his granddaughter too.
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July 10, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
William Sylvester Farmer, Jr., 78, of Elizabeth, passed away at home on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. He was born August 3, 1946 in Elizabeth Township and was the son of the late William Sylvester Sr., Lavinia Jean (Cummock) Farmer. William was a Machinist at Carbidie and Kennametal for 40 years. Bill graduated from Elizabeth Forward High School in 1964 and went on to the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. He was a member of the NRA and had a passion for hunting with archery, flintlocks and muzzleloaders. He lived from hunting season to hunting season, spending time in between seasons gearing up for the next one.
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July 10, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Charles William "Chuck" Shidel, 86, of North Huntingdon, passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2025. He was born October 19, 1938 in McKeesport and was the son of the late Emil and Madeline (Skiffington) Shidel. Chuck was a US ARMY Veteran, stationed in Greenland and worked in the motor pool repairing vehicles. Upon completion of his military service, he worked in the local steel mill then began taking classes on appliance repair. He had his own business, Shidel Appliance Service for many years where he worked weekends and evenings, and also worked for various other companies including Kelly & Cohen and Sears.
He was a religious man, who was originally raised Catholic and attended the former St. Peter School and Church in McKeesport. During the later years of his life he attended The Norwin Christian Alliance in North Huntingdon, where he volunteered, visiting parishioners in need, assisting with various events and being a handyman, of course. He also volunteered for Meals on Wheels. Charlie was the man that shoveled the driveways of his elderly neighbors without asking for thanks. He showed all of us how to truly be a servant of his fellow man, by his deeds.
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July 10, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Sue Ann Flowers, age 95, of Hampstead, North Carolina, passed away on July 8, 2025. Sue was born at home on September 20, 1929, to Helen and John Paul Wood in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. After graduating from McKeesport High School, she attended Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, and the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was a member of the Adelphi Sorority. In 1949, Sue married Carl Albert (Bud) Boe Jr. and had two children, Paula and Carl (Skip) . After Bud’s death, Sue married an old high school friend, George Lee (Posey) Flowers Jr. in 1953. She and George had a son, John. A homemaker all her life, Sue’s life centered around her family. She sent her children off to school every morning with a hot breakfast and had a hot supper waiting for the family in the evenings. She attended every school function of her children and encouraged them in their studies. Sue loved animals and adopted numerous unwanted cats and dogs, later focusing on German Shepherds. She was also a member of The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Sue and George enjoyed boating on the Monongahela River and vacationing on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Wherever they were, one of their favorite pastimes was frequenting local restaurants and conversing with good friends, regular customers, and the owners. After George’s death and after spending more than eighty years in the McKeesport area, Sue moved to North Carolina where her two sons reside. She was a member of the Topsail Presbyterian Church in Hampstead. Sue loved Jesus. She talked to Him each day as her Friend, and brought her concerns and cares to Him. Although we will miss her here, we know she is with Him and that we will see her again someday.
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July 08, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Daniel J. "Unc" "Cap" Capner, Jr., 94, of Elizabeth Township passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2025. He was born in McKeesport on January 17, 1931 to the late Daniel J. Capner, Sr., and the late Anna (Rengowski) Hamburg. Despite a rocky childhood; severely burned, placed in St. Paul's Orphanage and later injured in the tornado of 1944, Dan spoke fondly of his youth, especially his newspaper days while attending McKeesport High School. Months after graduation he was drafted in the Air Force, and stationed in Texas. After he was discharged he had many jobs - from the coal mine, the junk yard, and eventually to finishing his career as a "B" man at Continental Can in West Mifflin. He loved fishing and treasured his Canadian trips, often reflecting he was born in the wrong era. His tough guy attitude didn't stop all the kids he knew from calling him "Unc". He leaves behind nieces / nephews and their extended families including Debra Spishock of Swissvale, Darla (Bob) Lynn of White Oak, Scott (Dottie) Spishock of Greenock, Donna (Larry) Poole of Indiana, Mike (Norma) Moses of New Mexico, Steve (Marlena) Moses of Baden, and Shell (John) Whortney of Economy Boro. Cap was preceded in death by his sisters and their husbands Bertha (John) Dvorsky, Mary (Steve) Spishock, Regina (Ernie) Moses Noss, his nieces Karen Moses, Pamela Moses, and Mildred Bobuk, and by his nephews Stephen Spishock, and Jeff Spishock. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him and we will never forget his "to make a long story - short!" Friends are welcome Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 10-12pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. Funeral Service will take place at 12pm in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at the Mount Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth Township. Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com
July 08, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Albert George Lebedda, 89, of White Oak, passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at home.
He was born July 15, 1935 in Homestead, PA, the oldest son of the late Albert and Edith Mae (Rushnik) Lebedda. A US Army veteran, he was a passionate student of history, especially the American Civil War and World War 2. Albert channeled that passion into teaching middle school social studies for Bethel Park School district. Albert was a past District Deputy Grand Master of the 49th Masonic district and an active member of the Duquesne-McKeesport Masonic Lodge #731. He was also a member of the White Oak Borough Planning commission for over a quarter century.
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