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Judith D. Beck

May 24, 2021 |

By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Judith D. Beck, 88, of White Oak, passed away Monday, May 10, 2021. She was born July 6, 1932 in McKeesport and was the daughter of the late William C. and Dorothy L. (Taylor) Krause. Judith was the wife to the late Dr. Donald S. Beck, who passed away December 16, 2015. She was a member of St. John The Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church. Judith was also a Republican & Democratic Committee Woman and was very involved in community activities. She attended the McKeesport School of Nursing, where she obtained her degree and worked as a nurse for many years.

 
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Penny Louise Smith

May 23, 2021 |

By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Penny Louise Smith, 73, of White Oak, passed away peacefully at home with her friends by her side. She was born April 27, 1948 on an Air Force Base in Germany. She was the daughter of the late Albert G. and Charlene "Dolly" (Lyons) Smith. Penny spent her childhood traveling all over Europe and Africa never spending more than a year at any AF Base. After her father's retirement, she moved back to the United States. She graduated from Westinghouse Memorial High School in 1966. Her first job was with the late Optometrist, Dr. Presser followed by Keystone Auto Parts in McKeesport. She began working at Equibank that became Integra then National City and retired from PNC Bank where she had been an Adjuster. She was an avid Miniature Collector, spending hours and years "playing" with her Doll House. Always bringing new treasures to the beauty shop to show and share, telling stories about the imaginary family that lived in her doll house. She was a Life-long Methodist who enjoyed going to church and also enjoyed going to church dinners. She was a # 1 Steeler fan never missing a game and always dressed in Steeler regalia for every game. She collected "Sister Friends" along life's journey and was ever loyal and true. She was a founding member of Daughters of  Mothers and enjoyed the monthly meeting. She will be remembered fondly by everyone who knew her.

 
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Frank Edward Philburn

May 22, 2021 |

By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Frank Edward Philburn, 68, of Finleyville, passed away Friday, May 21, 2021 at home. He was born March 2, 1953 in McKeesport and was the son of the late Bernard Francis Philburn Sr. and Jane Lenora (Keilbach) Philburn. He was a 1971 graduate of Elizabeth Forward High School. Frank worked as a painter for precoat metals for 25 years and was a member of the Clairton American Legion, the Glassport American Legion and The Eleventh Ward Club in McKeesport.  He is survived by his wife of 10 years, Beth (Menke) Philburn, daughters, Samantha Philburn of Monongahela and Tracy Davies of Georgia, son, Ryan Philburn of Elizabeth, step-sons, Neil Hufnagel of Seattle, WA and Kyle (Annie) Hufnagel of South Park,  grandson, Jude Hufnagel and other grandchildren, brother Bernard Philburn, Jr. of Illinois, sisters, Linda Snedden of West Virginia and Mary Jo (Shawn) of Elizabeth Twp., as well as nephews and numerous friends. 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.  Condolences may be made at GilbertFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

 


Donna Lynn Goretzka

May 21, 2021 |

By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Donna Lynn Goretzka, 52, of Liberty Borough, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, May 20, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. She was born October 28, 1968 in McKeesport and was the daughter of the late Mark and Joan (Zuzo) Malloy. Donna was a member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church. She is survived by her huband, Charles "Chuck" P. Goretzka, brothers, Mark (Lisa) Malloy of Shaler, Thomas Malloy of Liberty Borough, and Daniel (Chrissy) Malloy of Knox, sisters, Linda Carek of Greenock, and Shannon Malloy of Elizabeth Township and nieces and nephews.

 
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Mary Carulli

May 20, 2021 |

By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Mary Carulli, 72, of Elizabeth Township, passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2021. She was born October 11, 1948 in Ellwood City and was the daughter of the late Samuel and Sarah (Iozzi) Arabia. She was a graduate of Duquesne High School and was a member of Saints Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church. Mary was an amazing, beautiful and caring wife, mother and grandmother. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She will be greatly missed. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Richard T. Carulli, Sr., daughter, Renee' (Shawn) Ank of Elizabeth Twp., son, Richard T. (Jannette) Carulli, Jr., of Elizabeth Twp., grandchildren, Matthew Ank and Addison and Danniella Carulli, sister, Rosanne Vario of Jefferson Hills and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Rachel Carulli, granddaughter, Sarah Ank, brother, Frank Arabia and sisters, Lucille Ray, Theresa Stipp, and Sandy Arabia.

 
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Madeline M. Katko

May 19, 2021 |

By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Madeline M. Katko, 94, of Port Vue, passed away Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 27, 1926 in McKeesport and was the daughter of the late Michael and Carmella (Romano) Marinello. She was the wife of the late John C. "Sonny" Katko who passed away July 10, 1995.

 
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Nicholas "Nick" Vay

May 19, 2021 |

By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory


Nicholas "Nick" Vay, 82, of Lincoln Boro, passed away Tuesday, May 18, 2021. He was born January 31, 1939 in Lincoln and was the son of the late Domenico "Nick" and Gaetana "Tinney" (Giochi) Vay. He was the husband of the late Dorothy Marie (Moonis) Vay who passed away November 10, 2009. Nick was a member of Saints Joachim and Anne Parish - St. Eugene Church in Liberty Boro and was retired from the Carpenter Department of US Steel Clairton Works. He was a former Police Chief, Policeman, Mayor, Fire Chief, Road Crew Supervisor and Council member for Lincoln Boro. He loved taking care of the land and farming. 

 
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Thomas "Woody" Edward Paull, Sr.

May 16, 2021 |

By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Thomas "Woody" Edward Paull, Sr., 67, of Boston, passed away Saturday May 15, 2021. He was born August 5, 1953 in Uniontown and was the son of Nancy (Whoolery) Paull of Greenock and the late Rev. Wendell Eugene Paull. He was the husband of the late Idalynn (Morgenstern) Paull who passed away December 26, 2006. Tom was a member of the Greenock United Methodist Church, the American Legion, and the Audubon Society. Among the many hobbies that Woody had, he most enjoyed genealogy, photography, watching movies and was into the history of the Railroad and the Civil War. He was also a volunteer at numerous local Fire Departments. He worked for the former General Motors Fisher Body Plant in West Mifflin and was a US Navy Veteran.

 
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Laurie Lynn Rack

May 16, 2021 |

By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Laurie Lynn Rack, 54, of Pittsburgh, passed away Saturday, May 15, 2021 after a courageous battle with Ovarian Cancer. She was born April 14, 1967 in McKeesport and was the daughter of  L. Robert and Virginia B. (Gilleland) Rack of Elizabeth Township. She was a 1985 graduate of Elizabeth Forward High School, she obtained her Bachelors Degree from West Virginia University, her Associates Degree in Nursing from CCAC, her Bachelors Degree in Nursing, her Masters Degree in Nursing and her Doctorate of Nursing from The University of Pittsburgh.   Laurie worked as a nurse for over 30 years, primarily at UPMC Montefiore where she was Clinical Director for the last 15 years. . She was an avid Pittsbugh Pirates fan and enjoyed gardening. Laurie was known as a planner and organizer, whether it be for work, home or even black Friday shopping. She was a kind-hearted person who was always thinking of others, whether through charity or tying scarves around poles in the Pittsburgh area for the homeless.

 
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James Kendy

May 14, 2021 |

By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

James "Jim" Kendy, 62, of Elizabeth Township, passed away Wednesday, May 12, 2021. He was born October 31, 1958 in McKeesport and was the son of the late Alexander "Bud" and Dorothy (Yenega) Kendy. He was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish- St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Township. Jim was a retired truck driver and had previously worked for Basic Carbide and the former US Steel National Tube Works.

 
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Rose Marie Izydore

May 12, 2021 |

By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Rose Marie Izydore, 79, of North Versailles, passed away Tuesday, May 11, 2021. She was born July 13, 1941 in McKeesport and was the daughter of the late Anthony and Susan (Siansky) Miller. Rose Marie was also preceded in death by her daughter, Denise Halaszynski, of Alpharetta, Georgia. Rose Marie was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish.

 
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Ronald Samuel Gillie

May 10, 2021 |

By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Ronald Samuel Gillie, 82, of Versailles, passed away Saturday, May 8, 2021. He was born March 2, 1939 in Elizabeth and was the son of the late James Benjamin and Katherine (Thomas) Gillie. He was a retired policeman and worked for Elizabeth Borough. After retirement, he was a electrician, motorcycle mechanic and also worked for Advanced Auto. He was a Boy Scout, Eagle Scout and a Scout Master for Pack # 133.

 
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Milan John "Mel" Kesser, Jr.

May 10, 2021 |

By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Milan John "Mel" Kesser, Jr., 65, of North Huntingdon, passed away Sunday, May 9, 2021. He was born May 5, 1956 in McKeesport and was the son of the late Milan John Kesser, Sr.  and Rosemary M. (McKay) Kesser Gerondites.  Milan was a faithful and devoted member of St. Agnes Church in North Huntingdon.  He worked as a cab driver and also for the former National Tube in McKeesport.  Mel was a very religious and spiritual person who would pray for the world and for those who passed away everyday.  He was an excellent caregiver for his mother, Rosemary who recently passed away April 12, 2021.  He was also a member of the McKeesport Dartball League.

 
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Jonah Hercules Fite

May 07, 2021 |

By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Jonah Hercules Fite, 43, of Pittsburgh passed away peacefully at his home on April 30, 2021. Jonah was born on January 12, 1978 in Mexico City, Mexico. He was the son of James Mitchell Fite and Lucinda Brewer Fite McHolme. His young life was spent living and attending schools in State College, Elizabeth and later Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania. After one year at State High, Jonah spent his sophomore year of high school studying abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico before returning to the U.S. and graduating from Elizabeth Forward High School in Elizabeth Township, PA in 1996. An honors student and men’s varsity soccer athlete, Jonah went on to attend Carnegie Mellon University where he majored in International Business and Spanish. Jonah was a proud Brother of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity at CMU, as well. After being diagnosed with mental illness in 1998, Jonah was in a constant battle for his mental health and well-being. In the years that followed, Jonah selflessly donated his time helping others who suffered from similar afflictions.

 
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Michael Alwin Bill

May 04, 2021 |

By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Michael Alwin Bill, 58, of White Oak, passed away Tuesday, May 4, 2021. He was born October 8, 1962 in McKeesport and was the son of Alwin Michael and Barbara (Epolito) Bill of Port Vue. Michael was a member of Central Highlands Community United Methodist Church in Elizabeth Township. He was an Electrical Engineer and had previously worked for Bechtel-Bettis. He loved music and played guitar and harmonica. He enjoyed shooting and fishing and spending time with his parents, daughters, sister and his favorite dog Dylan.

Michael loved learning and creating. He enjoyed making others laugh and bringing joy to those around him. As is a tale, so is a life: Not how long it is, but How good it is, is what matters as we celebrate Mike's life and send him home,  Let us reflect on his favorite song by Bobby Bare- "Drop kick me Jesus, through the goal posts of life   End over end, neither the left or the right Straight through the hearts of them righteous uprights  Drop kick me Jesus through the goal posts of life".

 
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