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Jerome J. "Jerry" Olack

January 20, 2022 |

By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Jerome J. "Jerry" Olack, age 83, of Liberty Borough, died January 19, 2022, at UPMC McKeesport Hospital.  Born July 9, 1938, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Joseph A. and Mary (Cverna) Olack and husband of the late Carol (Thompson) Olack.  Jerry was a member of the former Blue Rock Club, Jack Ham Dobre Shunka Fan Club, and the Port Vue Athletic Association.  He was active in many local bowling leagues and was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan.  He is survived by his significant other for over 30 years Sally Williams; children, Cindy Olack, Shelley (Jim) Supinsky, Joe (Marianne) Olack, Tim "Stitch" (Barb) Olack, and Jerome "J.J." Olack, Jr., all of Port Vue; grandchildren, Joseph Olack, Bill Stearns, Sami Olack, Mandi Olack, D.J. Olack, Jamie Olack, Deanna Jakubek, Josh Miller, and Kyle Miller; great-grandchildren, Jacob Hutchinson and Jayden Olack.  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.  He was also preceded in death by a son, Ronald "Ron" Olack, and sister, Joanie Farmer.  Arrangements were entrusted to Willig Funeral Home & Crematory.  Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com.
Charles Danforth, Supervisor

 


Samuel G. Coccia, Sr.

January 19, 2022 |

By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Samuel G. Coccia, Sr., age 81, of Elizabeth Twp., formerly of McKeesport, died January 17, 2022, at UPMC East Hospital. Born September 7, 1940, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Larry, Sr., and Scolastica Rose (Phillips) Coccia and the husband of the late Carol J. (Heveker) Coccia.

Sam was owner-operator of Larry's Hotel, serving the McKeesport community for over 58 years, where he was inducted into the Bartender Hall of Fame. He was a US Army veteran serving during the Korean War. Sam was a former member of the former St. Perpetua Church of McKeesport. He was also a member of the McKeesport Area Tavern Association. Sam sponsored Larry's Hotel Softball Team, which won the 2012 Class E Global Softball League World Champs, along with sponsoring many other local youth sports teams. He was an avid Steelers football fan and enjoyed all sports. Sam and his beloved wife loved to travel and shared 52 trips to Las Vegas together.

 
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Richard A. Gash

January 14, 2022 |

By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Richard A. Gash, age 80, of White Oak, died January 11, 2022, at Forbes Hospital.  Born September 25, 1941, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Balint John and Margaret Hilda (Chontos) Gash and the husband of Joan (Kraus) Gash.  Richard was a Navy Veteran and retired from Westinghouse Air Brake Company.  He was a member of the PNA Lodge 352 in McKeesport as well as the White Oak American Legion Post 701.  He cherished spending time with his grandchildren riding bikes, trips to the airport to watch the helicopters and planes, and then going to McDonald's.  He enjoyed family cookouts on the deck of his daughter's home, listening to jazz music, and cheering for the Steelers.

 
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Dolores "Dee" Connor

January 12, 2022 |

By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Dolores "Dee" Connor, age 85, of McKeesport, died January 11, 2022, at home. Born July 14, 1936, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late George and Jennie (Bradley) Naysmith.

Dee Naysmith Connor left this world to be with the Lord. Now reunited with her beloved grandson, Matthew; and parents. Former employee of Better Business Bureau, and Kane Regional Center of McKeesport. Former member of Irish National Caucas, Sr. Sonshiners, ACRA, Democrat Committee, former President of the Hill Task Force, First Christian Church, Lions (Mon River Fleet), Jerico of McKeesport and the Ministerium, S.H.I.P. McKeesport, McKeesport Zoning Board, Redevelopment Authority of McKeesport, Renzie Park Seniors Board, and S.O.C.A.P.

 
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Kenneth Harold Castor

January 11, 2022 |

By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Kenneth Harold Castor, age 74, of North Versailles, died on January 9, 2022. Born on March 22, 1947, in McKeesport to Frank and Ann (Hayduk) Castor.
He attended McKeesport High School and shortly after enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy. Ken enjoyed fishing and tending to his garden.
He is survived by his brother, Gary (Bonnie), and sister, Marcia; also nephews and a niece.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, George Castor; and infant son, Matthew.
Arrangements were entrusted to Willig Funeral Home & Crematory.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com.
Supervisor, Charles Danforth

 


Kenneth R. Mansfield

January 07, 2022 |

By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Kenneth Richard Mansfield, age 88, of Port Vue, passed away on January 5th, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 18th, 1933, to Merle and Anne Webster Mansfield in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. He was the cherished husband of 70 years to the late Shirley Ann Mansfield, who passed away on September 30th, 2021. A loving father to his four children, and a caring pappy to all of his grandkids. Ken was a retired Head Clerk in the Accounting Office for U. S. Steel, Irvin Works, with 44 years of service. He was the chairman of the grievance committee and Vice President of Salary Local #4090 and a member of S.O.A.R. #15-7 Irvin. He was also a member of the Port Vue Old Timers softball league and the Tuesday night pinochle crew. He was a little league baseball coach for many years at Port Vue Athletic Association, coaching his sons and then later his grandson. He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed trips to the Meadows Casino and taking his family on annual vacations to the mountains. He was his grandchildren’s biggest and loudest fan, relishing in all of their endeavors. Ken had a boisterous personality and a witty sense of humor. His heart was made of gold and melted every time his grandchildren and great-grandchildren entered the room.

 
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Nicholas "Beam" W. Rucker

January 05, 2022 |

By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Nicholas "Beam" W. Rucker, age 58, of McKeesport, passed away suddenly on January 3, 2022, at UPMC McKeesport Hospital. Born June 6, 1963, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late John and Shirley (Fuller) Pattakos and the husband of Sharon (Gessner) Rucker.
Nick retired from Ros-Mar Construction Company as a laborer. He coached McKeesport girls softball and was a member of the "Tuesday Night Strikers" bowling league. Nick loved fishing and would spend time at Shawnee Lake. He was an animal lover and took care of the neighborhood strays. Nick was a family man and would do anything for anyone. He enjoyed cheering on his team, the Pittsburgh Penguins. "Let's go, Pens!" Nick was a regular 'Facebook jail' inmate. In his spare time, he also enjoyed scratching lottery tickets.
In addition to his wife Sharon, Nick is survived by his daughters, Jessica (Chris) Harrison of Trafford and Julie (Josh Smidansky) Rucker of McKeesport; granddaughter, Ryleigh Harrison; brother, Edward Roney of McKeesport; nephew, Michael; godson, Jason Roney; mother-in-law, Helen Gessner; brother-in-law, Duane Gessner;  also many other nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who he called his family.

 
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William "Bill" S. Fazekas

January 04, 2022 |

By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

William "Bill" S. Fazekas, age 88, of Port Vue, passed away at home on January 1, 2022. Born July 30, 1933, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Aaron and Esther Fazekas and the loving husband of the late Shirley A. Fazekas.  
Bill retired from the U. S. Steel Service Center in Pittsburgh, then he went on to drive a school bus for the Wilson Christian Academy for many years and was fondly known by the children as "Mr. Bill."  He was a U. S. Army Veteran where he was stationed in Germany. Bill dedicated his life to caring for his family. He enjoyed cheering on his Pittsburgh sports teams, the Pirates, Penguins, and Steelers.
Bill is survived by his daughters, Barb Menzies of Port Vue and Jan (Todd) Jarrett of North Huntington; grandchildren, Michelle Darrell, Doug and Jay Jarrett; great-granddaughter, Lilly and also a niece and nephews.
Private arrangements were entrusted to the Willig Funeral Home & Crematory.
Inurnment will be at the McKeesport & Versailles Cemetery.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com.
Supervisor, Charles Danforth

 


Sandra J. Farrell

January 04, 2022 |

By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Sandra June Farrell age 77, of Dravosburg, died December 24, 2021, at Baldwin Health Center. Born April 12, 1944, in Marion County, WV, she was the daughter of the late Larry L. Miller and Elinor M. Huffman and the wife of the late Richard Farrell.
Sandy graduated from McKeesport High School in 1962  and Duff's Business Institute in 1963. She retired from Williams Home Improvement in 2004 as a bookkeeper. Sandy and her husband owned a used book store called The Frugal Bookworm. She enjoyed reading, going to bingo, and sharing stories around the campfire with friends. Sandy was always there to lend a helping hand.
Arrangements were entrusted to Willig Funeral Home & Crematory.
A memorial gathering will be held at a later date.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
Supervisor, Charles Danforth

 


Joanne Lorraine Bryer

December 28, 2021 |

By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Joanne Lorraine Bryer, age 91, of Dravosburg, died December 26, 2021, at home with her loving family by her side.  Born November 30, 1930, in Etna, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Mabel (Creeks) Banister and wife of the late Herman Joseph Bryer.

Joanne was a member of the Dravosburg United Methodist Church and the Dravosburg Senior Citizens.  She cherished her time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Joanne enjoyed the flowers in her garden, working on word search books and reading cards created by her son Paul.

Joanne is survived by children, Paul Bryer, Carol Bryer, Debra Bryer, and Joseph (Kim) Bryer; grandchildren, Clint (Zane) Parsons, Courtney (Lovell) Jackson, Kaili (David Seda) Bryer, Ansleigh Bryer, Joseph Bryer and Aarianna Bryer; great-grandchildren, Presleigh, Peighton, Carter, Cy, and Eva; cousin, Claudette (Ralph) Bonadio.

 
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Geraldine Trump

December 27, 2021 |

By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Geraldine Trump, age 85, of McKeesport, died December 26, 2021, at home. Born May 29, 1936, in Connellsville, PA, she was the daughter of the late William and Gertrude (Sanner) Smith and the wife of the late Dallas F. Trump.

Geraldine retired from McKeesport Area School District as a Teacher's Aide. She also worked in home health care throughout her life. Geraldine enjoyed gardening, cooking, and caring for all the children in her life.

She is survived by her son, Dallas S. Trump of McKeesport; daughter, Beverly Hott of WV, granddaughter, Jamie (Joseph) Forbes of McKeesport; grandsons, Carl Hott, Shawn Trump, Christopher Trump, many great-grandchildren, special great-granddaughter; Autumn Forbes, great-great-grandchildren; and nephew, Wayne Smith.

 
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Walter L. Gibson

December 27, 2021 |

By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Walter L. Gibson, age 82, of McKeesport, died December 23, 2021, at home.  Born January 20, 1939, in Tuskegee, AL, he was the son of the late McDaniel Gibson, Fletcher Fisher, and Mary Francis (Jenkins) Fisher and husband of Anna (Dorsey) Gibson for 56 years. 

Walter worked for U.S. Steel in Duquesne and then went to work for the Arlington Public Schools in Virginia.  He enjoyed watching western movies, NBA games, and watching shows about nature on the Discovery Channel.  He was a member of the Booker T. Washington Lodge and loved spending time with his grandchildren.

 
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Michael J. Ondike

December 22, 2021 |

By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Michael J. Ondike, age 47, of McKeesport, died December 20, 2021, at home.  Born October 11, 1974, in McKeesport, he was the son of Kenneth Ondike and the late Roseann Walker and step-mother, the late Peggy Ondike.  
Michael was known as a "jack of all trades," working on cars and remodeling homes.  He also collected model cars from his favorite movies and ones that he just personally liked.  He enjoyed testing his luck and traveling with his wife, Carrie.  Michael was a former member of the Croatian Club in Duquesne.

 
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Duane Albert Gessner

December 21, 2021 |

By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Duane Albert Gessner, age 85, of McKeesport, died December 20, 2021.  Born October 30, 1936, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Edward Gessner and Dorothy (Baker) Harding and husband of Helen (Haulman) Gessner.
Duane retired from Peter Movic Appliance Parts in McKeesport and then went on to work at Sunray Electric Supply.  He was known as a "tinkerer" and "fixer" of motors and worked on many cars in his spare time.  He also enjoyed spending time in his backyard.

 
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Billie Jean Pavlic

December 21, 2021 |

By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Billie Jean Pavlic, age 66, of Derry, PA, formerly of McKeesport, died December 18, 2021, at Latrobe Hospital. Born November 15, 1955, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late William and Leona (Kalkbrenner) Callahan and the wife of Joseph S. Pavlic Sr. of 50 wonderful years.
Billie Jean worked at numerous jobs through the years, such as the Four Seasons dry cleaner and Charlene Manor. She also worked at Woody's Restaurant, Renzie Lounge, and the Viking Lounge, all formerly of McKeesport. Billie Jean enjoyed crocheting, crafting, gardening, interior decorating, playing bingo, camping and vacations to Ocean City, MD. Most of all, she loved to cook for her family, friends, and those in need. Billie Jean looked forward to planning all her family gatherings and would make enough food to feed an army. Dressing up and going out for dinner was one of her favorite things to do. She was active with her daughters' softball teams and cheering them on at their games. Billie Jean was very proud of her Irish heritage and always considered family her greatest accomplishment.

 
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