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Janet L. Ducar

January 14, 2024 |

By William S. Skovranko Memorial Home | Posted in: William S. Skovranko Memorial Home

Janet L.Ducar (Palmer), 88, of Whitaker peacefully rested in the hands of the Lord surrounded by her loving family on Friday, January 12, 2024. She is preceded in death by her son Bernard J and her parents Mary and William Palmer.  Left to cherish her memory is her beloved husband Bernard E. Ducar of 68 years and her loving children William (Joanne), Robert, Denise (late Dean), Deborah (Ronald), and Mary Beth; Grandmother of Christi (Billy), Jessica (Jason), Katie, Joshua, Jared (Kalea), Courtney, Deana and Alexis; great grandmother to Annabelle and Alexandria.  Sisters Mary Lu (late Ross) and Margaret “Marge” (John), Sisters-in-law Frances, Martha (Tom), Dolly (Don).  Also survived by many nieces and nephews.  Janet had a strong work ethic and always did whatever she could to help others. Her caring nature, generosity and kindness were treasured by everyone who knew her. Janet lived her life with a great sense of humor and memories of her will surely bring a smile to her loved ones faces. She never met a baked good she didn’t like and loved reading, going to the movies, shopping, and spending time with her family.

Family and friends will be received in the William S. Skovranko Memorial Home Inc. 828 Richford Street, Duquesne, on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, from 11 A.M. until a Blessing Service at 3 P.M. with Rev. Andrew Deskevich officiating.

A mom like no other

Who took on everyone’s worries

Bakeries were your favorite place

And you handled life with such grace

We are all so lucky

To have had all of these years

As we look through these tears

We won’t see anything but a wonderful mama bear

 
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Juanita Denise (Matuschek) Betters

January 14, 2024 |

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

Juanita Denise (Matuschek) Betters, 68, of North Huntingdon, formerly of Duquesne, precious daughter, cherished sister, beloved wife, devoted mother and joyful grandmother, passed away Saturday, January 13, 2024. Juanita was an avid reader who enjoyed her flower garden and cross stitching. Her true passion, that she shared with her husband was college basketball, better never bother her during March Madness!! One of her greatest loves were pug dogs. Her own dog "Sparky" brought her such happiness. Juanita was a graduate of Duquesne High School where she met her beloved husband, Vince. Having children, making a home in North Huntingdon and being close to family completed her dreams. Trips to Disney World with family made her very happy. Juanita was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Vince "Vinni" Betters and her father William "Bill" Matuschek.

 
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Kathryn Louise Casciole

January 14, 2024 |

By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes

Kathryn Louise Kerchner Casciole of Clairton, formerly of Emmaus passed away on Saturday January 13th, 2023 at Jefferson Hospital. She was born in Emmaus on May 9th, 1955 to Lotte Metz Kerchner and the late Marvin Kerchner. Kathryn was the loving wife of 22 years to Robert Casciole. In addition to her husband, she is further survived by her children Michael Kuder of Allentown, Kyle (Emma Crosbie) Casciole of Carrick, and Catiee (Stephen) Casciole Reynolds of Plano Tx, her mother Lotte Kerchner of Macungie, her siblings Sheryl Kerchner of Breiningsville, Susan (Scott) Beiber of Emmaus, Raymond (Linda) Kerchner of Breiningsville, and Marvin (Barbie) Kerchner Jr. of Macungie, and grandchild Eleanor Casciole of Carrick, as well as many nieces and nephews and her beloved pets Mollie and Ari. Kathryn was preceded in death by her father Marvin Kerchner. She enjoyed collecting the finest jewlery, gardening, and taking care of all animals. Kathryn especially loved turtles. She worked as a supervisor for Kraft Food Services for most of her life. Arrangements have been entrusted to S.M. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 432 N. 6th St, Clairton, PA 15025. A service will take place in Emmaus/Easton at a later date. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com.

 


Robert Kitta

January 13, 2024 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Robert W. Kitta, age 64 of North Huntingdon peacefully passed away on January 12, 2024 at his home while surrounded by family. He was born on April 8th, 1959 in Mt. Pleasant, a son of the late Peter and Wilma May Fisher Kitta. Bob was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School, Class of 1977. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Bob was a retired night-shift Clinical Technician at UPMC Western Psych and Resolve Crisis Center. His most cherished hobby was being Pap-Pap to his granddaughter Sophia (Squidget). He also enjoyed long Sunday drives and rides on his Indian motorcycle with his beloved wife Monica. Bob was a member of several charity-based biker organizations. He always looked forward to golfing with his brothers, Dan and Pete. Bob will be greatly missed by his cavachon Dusty. He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law Carol Mesiarik and sister-in-law Helen Ann Chabanik.  He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Monica Chabanik Kitta, daughter Ashley (Blake Lloyd), son Adam (Brittany Kluegel), brothers Dan (Patricia), and Peter (Donna), father-in-law William Chabanik, sisters-in-law Linda Carlson, Margaret Ursta, and Roseanne Debruyn, granddaughter Sophia Belle, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Bob never met anyone who wasn't a friend. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 18th from 2-8 PM at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A Funeral Mass will take place on Friday at 9:30 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church with interment to follow at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 


Judith Long

January 13, 2024 |

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

Judith Long, age 79 of Clairton, passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024 in Jefferson Hospital.  Born October 7, 1944 in Meadowlands, she was a daughter of the late Fred and Margaret (Cholak) Piasante.  A member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish (the former St. Paulinus Church), Judith worked as a school bus driver for the Bamford Motor Coach of Duquesne.  She will be remembered as a great mother who always put her family first.  They remember her as always having a forgiving love and for going without so that they could have what they needed and wanted.  When she became a grandmother, Judith was always there with unwavering support in their lives, be it for majorette competitions, football games, parades, or anything.  They will love and miss her always.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of thirty years, Melvin W. Long, who passed away April 6, 2021, her son Anthony B. Koontz, who passed away January 21, 2021, and her daughter-in-law Erin Koontz, who passed away January 29, 2016.  Judith is survived by her children Randall (Ruth) Koontz, Jr. of Donora, Christopher (Brenda) Koontz of Mt. Pleasant; and Brian Koontz of Clairton; her grandchildren Krista, Bryson, Taafe, Morgan, and Taylor; her brothers John Piasante of Meadowlands and Joseph (Joyce) Piasante of Washington; nieces and nephews; and her daughter-in-law Nicole Koontz. 

 
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Joyce D. Brown

January 12, 2024 |

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

Joyce D. Brown, age 68 of Clairton, passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024 in UPMC Mercy Hospital - Pittsburgh.  Born June 23, 1955 in Richmond, she is the mother of Michelle A. Brown and Von D. Brown of Clairton and the grandmother of Devondre Brown of Clairton, Aymilyon Carter of New Jersey, and Daysia Brown of Clairton.  A member of Bible Baptist Temple in Jefferson Hills, Joyce worked for over 20 years in the customer service department of Giant Eagle.  She raised her family in the former Blair Heights projects in Clairton and was beloved and active in that neighborhood.  Joyce worked at the community center there, looked out for everyone, always had a piece of candy for the children, and was an integral part of the community.  She will be remembered as a fun-loving, caring, and respected woman who will be missed by all, but by her family especially.

 
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Robert Kistler

January 12, 2024 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Robert Kistler, age 61 of Irwin, passed away on January 11, 2024 at his home. He was born September 17, 1962 in Greensburg, a son of Arthur and the late Sandra Wilson Kistler. He was a 1981 graduate of Coulter Road Baptist School. Robert was self-employed as a mechanic. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, watching Nascar, WWE wrestling, and collecting model cars. He is survived by his beloved wife Tammy Roycroft Kistler, three sons Robert, Christopher (Brooke), and Adam Kistler, daughters Louisa Carney (Dominique Brown Sr.), April Polansky (Matthew), brother Michael (Edith), and grandchildren, James, Serenity, Dominique Jr., Jacob, Jackson, and Jameson. Friends will be recieved on Sunday from 2 to 6 PM at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


James Quashnock

January 11, 2024 |

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

James Joseph Quashnock, age 80, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at home. He retired as an adjuster for Allstate Insurance Company. A veteran of the Air Force and the Reserves, he was a member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. He loved cars, especially his PT Cruiser, and enjoyed boating on Lake Erie and vacationing in Las Vegas. He was a lifetime member of the Elks and a member of the Moose and American Legion Daniel Keffer Post 75 in Clairton. When all is said and done, he’ll tell you he did it “my way.” Born March 9, 1943 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Joseph F. and Marie G. (Jones) Quashnock. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Natalie M. (Magiske) Quashnock; daughter, Jamie M. (Brendan C. Holly) Quashnock of Henderson, NV; brother, David J. (Donna) Quashnock of Jefferson Hills; sister-in-law, Barbara L. Quashnock; and nieces, Erica Kroll, Autumn (Anthony) DeMarco and Lisa Quashnock. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother, Richard W. Quashnock. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Monday, January 15, 2024, from 4-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 10 AM in St. Michael Church with the Rev. Thomas J. Burke officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Four Gateway Center, 444 Liberty Avenue, Suite 1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or online at donatenow.heart.org. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Janice D. Kasony

January 11, 2024 |

By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

Janice D. Kasony, age 69, of Trafford, PA, formerly of McKeesport, died on Monday, January 8, 2024. Born in McKeesport on February 19, 1954, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Lena DelCotto Demase. She was the wife of the late Dominic Anthony Kasony, who died on November 30, 2023.

 
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Clifford G. "Cliff" Taylor

January 11, 2024 |

By Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home | Posted in: Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home

Clifford G. “Cliff” Taylor, age 89, of North Huntingdon, formerly of West Mifflin, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at Redstone Highlands, Greensburg. Born in McKeesport on July 31, 1934, he was the son of the late Frederick and Freda (Schmidt) Taylor. He was a retired Maintenance Utilities Manager for U.S. Steel-Duquesne Works and was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish-St. Joseph Church. He proudly served his country in the Navy during the Korean War. He was the husband of the late Jacqueline (Vogt) Taylor and the late Joan C. (Gardell) Taylor. He is the father of Terri (Bill) Dearth of Morgantown, WV, Catherine (late Ralph) Eldridge of Middleton, CT, John (Mary) Gardell of Greenfield, Patricia Delserone of West Homestead and Mary (Jeff) Bedont of West Mifflin; grandfather of Matthew (Rachel) Dearth, Christine (Brian) Toomey, John (Kristin) Gardell, Amy Williams (Javier Ortiz), Richard (Rachael) Delserone, Joseph (Lisa) Gardell, Kimberly (David) Frishkorn, Michael (Ashley) Gardell, Tracey (Michael) Warywoda, Alex (Emily) Delserone, and Tyler Douglass; great grandfather of Amelia Dearth, Brian Jr., Shane, Brittany, Kaylee, Laney, Jack, Gabby, Ava, Gavin, Gwen, Rylee, Kacen & Teagan; great great grandfather of Brooklynn; and brother of James Taylor of Florida and the late Harold Taylor, William Taylor, Earl Taylor and Gladys Bear.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024, from 3-6 p.m., at the MALOY-SCHLEIFER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 915 KENNEDY AVE., DUQUESNE, 15110, 412-466-3300, WILLIAM B. SCHLEIFER, SUPERVISOR, WILLIAM BRIAN SCHLEIFER, FUNERAL DIRECTOR. A Blessing Service will take place at the Funeral Home on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Joseph Church-Duquesne, with Rev. Nick Mastrangelo, officiating. A private family burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery.

 


Patricia Kowalsky

January 11, 2024 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Patricia A. Kowalsky, age 84 of Wendel, Pa, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Independence (Excela) Hospital. She was born September 4, 1939 in Westmoreland County and resided there her entire life. She was the oldest daughter of the late Anthony J.Andrews and the late  Eleanor (Helen) Andrews Kolikowski of Wendel, PA.  She was retired from the First National Bank in Herminie where she served as a teller for many years. She enjoyed oldies, music, and spending time with her friends, "The Golden Girls." In the summertime , she enjoyed planting her flowers. She was a member of several oldies music groups including, P.O.R.C.C and S.O.C.. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, John S. Kowalsky in 2015 and a brother, Edward Andrews of Mt. Wolf. She was the loving mother to  Antoinette "Toni"  Dezorzi (Ted) of Candler, AZ and, Leslie Brough (Tim) of North Huntingdon. She was the very proud grandmother of 4 grandsons, Christopher Dezorzi, Keith Dezorzi, Mason Brough, and Trevor Brough. She is survived by her sibling William Andrews (Brockway, Pa and Rose Lapina (John) of Irwin, sister-in-laws, Marica Andrews of Mt. Wolf, Pa, Agnes Gabonay of West Newton and Barbara Bracovich of Orange City,Fl and many nieces and nephews. Per Pat's wishes, there will be no viewing, a visitation and celebration of life will be held privately. James W. Shirley Funeral  Home 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements.

 


Patricia Starner

January 11, 2024 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

 

Patricia M. "Patti" Starner, age 79 of Westmoreland City died peacefully on January 10, 2024 at her home. She was born February 9, 1944 in West Mifflin, a daughter of the late Robert and Barbara Bost Moffat. Patti was the owner of the former Hempfield House and Huntingdon House. She was a member of the Women of the Moose, Irwin, American Legion of both Manor and Claridge, and a social member of the Larimer firehall. Patti enjoyed spending time with her family, was a Mickey Mouse enthusiast, enjoyed polkas and oldies music on Sundays, and loved traveling to Aruba. Patti and her husband were also named Ambassadors to Aruba. She is survived by her beloved husband of 32 years Charles A. Jr, one son, Michael J. Long (Kimberly), one daughter Romi Long Swank (Rob), one brother Robert Moffat (Helen), 4 grandchildren, Nicole Kwaczala (Jon), James Harbulak, Madison Long Kleinwaks (Justin), Marissa Long, and great grandchildren Jaxson, Charlotte, and Jonathan. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA on Sunday from 2-6PM with a service at 6. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ardara Church. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 


Shirley Ann (Brown) Auld

January 11, 2024 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Shirley Ann (Brown) Auld, 91, formerly of Irwin, PA, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024, in St. Andrews Village, Indiana, PA. She was born in McKeesport, PA, on March 18, 1932, to the late William and Alice (Donmore) Brown. She graduated from East Pittsburgh High School as valedictorian of the class of 1949, then attended Slippery Rock University, graduating in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education. Shirley taught health at Norwin Jr. High West for three decades.
After retiring, she lived in Florida and South Carolina, returning to Pennsylvania in 2014. She attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Derry. In her free time, Shirley was an avid reader, sometimes finishing an entire book in a day. She loved all things
to do with cowboys and the Wild West and was a big fan of Clint Eastwood westerns. Always a learner, she spent time googling history, geography, nature, movies, and music. She had an amazing sense of humor, and the thing she enjoyed most was laughing with family and friends. Surviving Shirley are her children, daughter Lynne (Steve) Bassler of Indiana, son
Gregg (Natalie) Auld of Lancaster, SC., grandchildren Arwen and Brendon Bassler, Christine Auld, and Ross Hebrank, and great-grandchildren Nathanial Clarkin and Maven Bassler. Besides her parents, Shirley is preceded in death by her husband James Auld, Jr., a daughter Suzanne Hebrank, and her sister Janet Kott. She was a light and a joy to know. Heaven will
enjoy her! Friends will be received by the family on Friday, January 19, 2024, from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 12:00 noon, in the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. To send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.shirleyfuneralhome.com or www.bowserminich.com.

 


Rosalind J. Gabin Kopelman

January 11, 2024 |

By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

Rosalind J. Gabin Kopelman, age 89, of Yardley, PA, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2024 with her loving family by her side at Chandler Hall hospice, Newtown, PA.

 
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Helen D. DeAngelis

January 09, 2024 |

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

Helen DeAngelis, age 93, of Jefferson Hills passed away peacefully into eternal life on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at Arden Courts. Helen graduated from Clairton High School in 1948 and went to work as a mail clerk for Allegheny County Kane Hospital until her retirement. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, crocheting and tending to her house plants and flowers. She was an excellent baker - her Lady Locks and rolled Pizzelle cookies with cream are a family favorite. As a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, she played a pivotal role in helping to raise her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with her sisters. She was deeply spiritual and always had a prayer list for those in need. Helen loved to quote Italian folk lore and sayings that were passed down to her from her mother. Her favorite past time was being with her family, where she was always a shelter of unconditional love and support to all her loved ones. Her greatest gift was being a deep listener and always knowing exactly what to say, and how to say it, when you needed her most. Born May 12, 1930, she was a daughter of the late Salvatore and Antoinette (DeFlavis) DiClemento of Clairton and wife of 74 years to her loving husband, the late Virgil DeAngelis. She is survived by sons, Barry (Carol) and Bryan (Doreen) DeAngelis; she was the cherished grandmother of Wayne (Karie) Fussaro, Matthew (Chelsea) and Michael (Erin) DeAngelis, and Stephanie and Jessica (Tyler) DeAngelis; great-grandmother of Jake Fussaro, Nick Fussaro, Elizabeth Fussaro, Jude DeAngelis and Helen C. DeAngelis; sisters, Elsie Richards, Arlene Slavik and Natie Antonelli; also, many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her loving daughter, Sandra (the late Ron) Fussaro, and dear sister, Argentine Sikorski. A special thank you to Barbara Leone for providing kind and loving care for Helen and Virgil. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 9:30 AM until the time of blessing at 11 AM with Deacon Victor DeFazio officiating. Burial will be in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.