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Sally Joy Irwin

November 13, 2023 |

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

Sally Joy Irwin, 84, of North Huntingdon, passed away, Monday, November 6, 2023 at Juniper Village in Monroeville. She was born May 4, 1939, a daughter of the late Rev. Lawrence Robert and Ruth (Brown) Van Horn. Her father was the former pastor of East McKeesport Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. She was valedictorian of the 1957 graduating class at East McKeesport High School and a 1960 graduate of Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing. Prior to her retirement, Sally worked as a registered nurse at various facilities in numerous home health capacities. She was a member of First Evangelical Free Church, McKeesport. She’s survived by her husband of 63 years, Karl F. Irwin; a sister, Laurel Ruth Stoner and her husband, James C. of Cabot, PA,: three cousins and many friends. A time of remembrances with family will be from 1-2 p.m. on Thursday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. by the Rev. Kirk Albrecht.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Martha P. (Geletko) Rosko

November 13, 2023 |

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

Martha P. Rosko, age 96 of Clairton, passed away on Saturday, November 11, 2023 in Sharon Regional Medical Center.  Born October 8, 1927 in Uniontown, she was a daughter of the late Charles W. and Mary J. (Donesec) Geletko.  A member of Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church in Clairton, Martha worked as a secretary for A.T. Spence and Son insurance in Clairton.  She was the wife of the late John Rosko who passed away June 9, 2021.  Martha is survived by her children David J. Rosko of Phillipsburg, Kathleen R. (Frank) Book of Pawleys Island, SC, Linda J. (Thomas) O’Brien of Bethel Park, and Robert J. (Michele) Rosko of Lake Ariel; her grandchildren Matthew Rosko, Alexis (William) Vespers, Erin (Christopher) Bruno, Lyndsay (Robert) Ward, Kirsten Book, Patrick and Sean O’Brien, and Meghan Rosko; her great-grandchildren Joey, Norah, Roman, Aurora, J.J., Bennett, and Adrian; and also many nieces and nephews.  Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her grandson Brendan Rosko; her brothers Charles J., Robert C., and Donald “Doc” Geletko; and her sister Lucille Toth.  Those are merely the basic facts about Martha; we leave the rest to her granddaughter Erin:

My Grammy’s hands made a life for her husband and four children, after helping her own mother raise her younger siblings. These hands rolled countless halupki and nut/apricot/poppyseed rolls, and wrote infinite birthday cards in her impeccable handwriting. They prayed over her loved ones while she sang in her beautiful wavering vibrato in church. They clutched her grandchildren and great grandchildren to her while she sang “tindy lindy” and polka’ed around the room to hush their cries. They bowled a mean game, and golfed a slightly less mean one. They would gently flutter to your arm while she breathlessly told you a funny story and then threw her head back to laugh. And now, after 96 years of toil and strife, love and laughter, travel and loss, they get to rest now. Those hands built a legacy and are the strongest objects I’ve ever seen. Rest well, Grammy. You have more than earned it.

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Joshua A. Holliday, III

November 12, 2023 |

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

Joshua A. Holliday, III, 49 of Belle Vernon, passed away Saturday, November 11, 2023, at home. Josh worked for the past 24 years at Texas Roadhouse in Pleasant Hills as a butcher and cook and had a love for football, fishing, and fireball. Born in Washington on December 24, 1973, he was a son of the late Joshua A. Holliday, Jr., and the Debbie Randolph who survives. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Angela C. (DeFrances) Holliday; three children, Joshua Holliday, IV of Washington, Brehanna (Ryan) Leech of Elizabeth, and Dianne (Zach) Bugaile of Avella; three grandchildren, Levon, Jade, and Caiden; a sister, Jody Holliday of Washington; his father in-law and mother in-law, Dominick “Nick” (Bonnie) DeFrances, Sr. of Elizabeth; brother in-law, Dr. Dominick (Tanya) DeFrances, Jr. of Monroeville; his best buddies, Titus and Loki; several nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother in-law, Gary DeFrances.  No viewing or services are planned. Memorial contributions can be made to the family. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 N Second Avenue, Elizabeth. Offer condolonces at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com 

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Dennis Richard Halaszynski, Sr.

November 12, 2023 |

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

Dennis Richard Halaszynski, Sr., age 92, of McKeesport, died on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2023. He was born in McKeesport on January 5, 1931 and is the son of the late Thomas and Josephine Wisniewski Halaszynski. He was the husband of the late Mary E. Tobias Halaszynski, who died on January 13, 1988. Dennis proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. Dennis retired as Captain of Detectives with the McKeesport Police Department. He was also employed at GM Fisher Body and Cox’s Department Store. Read More

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Raymond Paul Wojtowicz Sr.

November 12, 2023 |

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

It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of Raymond Paul Wojtowicz Sr., 73 of North Huntingdon. Raymond passed away Friday, November 10, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 29, 1950 in McKeesport, a son of the late Ted and Rose (Dudek) Wojtowicz. Growing up on his family farm in Elizabeth, PA he developed a strong work ethic, which he carried throughout his life. After working for U.S. Steel, he became a Store Director for the family business, Scozio Supermarkets. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Ron Wojtowicz, mother and father in-law John Sr and Vi Scozio, and brother in-law John V. Scozio. During the summer you could always find Ray on his boat spending time with his Carousel Marina family. He also enjoyed gardening, working outdoors, and displaying his Lionel train collection. He loved to decorate his house for all holidays, especially for Christmas and entertain his family and friends. Ray was a devoted husband, caring father, and grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Sharon Scozio Wojtowicz. Ray was so proud of his children, sons, Ray Jr. (Jamie), Marc (Olivia), Matt, (Hillary), and daughter, Gina (Ryne). Pappy adored his four beautiful granddaughters, Harper, Hayden, Hadley, and Celine. Ray was very close to his  family; Jean Porco, Kathy and Terry McGinty, Kelley McGinty and Matt Saunders.  Mark and Tracy Scozio, Andy and Sandy Popojas, Robyn Scozio, Marlene Wojtowicz and numerous nieces and nephews.  A private visitation will be on Tuesday, November 14 at 10 am to 1 pm at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A service at 1pm will be held in the Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will follow at Irwin Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy or the National Kidney Foundation. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Robert A. Haywood, Sr.

November 11, 2023 |

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

Robert A. Haywood Sr., age 76, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2023. An Army veteran having served during the Vietnam War, he retired as a welder for Consol Coal and J & L Steel and as a driver for Lowe’s in Belle Vernon. He enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with family. Born July 24, 1947 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late John H. and Ruth (Williams) Haywood and husband of the late Carole (Stockdill) Haywood. He is survived by son, Robert A. (Becky) Haywood Jr. of Wexford; daughter, Michelle (John McLeod) Haywood of Elizabeth Twp.; grandchildren, Dante (Robyn) Haywood, Raven Martin, Annie Haywood and Lauren Haywood; brothers, Ronald (Kay) Haywood of Lake Lynn and Gene (Maggi) Haywood of Pittsburgh; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Dennis Haywood. Friends will be received at the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Monday, November 13, 2023 from 4-7 PM. No services are planned. Share condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

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Michael Carl Pribanic

November 10, 2023 |

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

Michael Carl Pribanic, age 68, of Elizabeth Township, died on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. He was born in McKeesport on May 5, 1955. This auspicious birth date presaged a rich and passionate yet tragically foreshortened life.

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Dorothy Sorick

November 10, 2023 |

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

Dorothy Sorick, 91, of Forward Township, formerly of Glassport, passed away Friday, November 10, 2023. She was born October 8, 1932 in Glassport and was the daughter of the late Nicoli and Millicent (Incean) Peterson. She was the wife of the late William E. Sorick who passed away August 13, 1984. She was a member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish-St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Township, Blaine Hill Seniors, Elizabeth Township Seniors, and the Elizabeth Borough Bingo. She was a 1950 graduate of Glassport High School and was the organizer of the 1950 Lunch Bunch.

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Margaret O. Steelnack

November 10, 2023 |

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

Margaret O. Steelnack, 95, of White Oak, passed away Thursday, November 9, 2023. She was born October 16, 1928 in McKeesport and was the daughter of the late William and Irene (Toth) Orris. She was the wife of the late William K. Yotter and also the wife of the late Edward Steelnack. Margaret was a member of First Evangelical Free Church in McKeesport. She loved bike riding, reading, bingo, trips to Ocean City New Jersey, helping raise her grandkids, and she loved her great grandchildren.

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Florence M. Celigoi

November 10, 2023 |

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

Florence M. Celigoi, 90, of North Huntingdon, passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Redstone Highlands, Greensburg. She was born May 18, 1933 in North Braddock, a daughter of the late John and Mary Pavlik Hreha. She was a graduate of Scott high school and was employed by Westinghouse before she became a full time mother and homemaker. Florence was a member of St. Agnes Church where she volunteered in the school as a cafeteria worker and librarian. She was later employed by Norwin Public Library. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rudy Celigoi, brother, Robert Hreha, and a sister Arlene DeRubbo. She is survived by her son, Mark Celigoi; daughter, Beth Meteny and her husband, Dennis; grandchildren, Jonathan (Erin) Meteny, Jason (Jaclyn) Meteny, Alex Celigoi and Alison Celigoi; 3 great grandchildren Jack, Cate and Will Meteny; brother George (Debbie) Hreha, sister in law Johanna Hreha and brother in law, Lou DeRubbo and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be remembered for her uncomplaining nature and tremendous loyalty to her family. Friends will be received from 3-7 p.m. on Tuesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in St. Agnes Church. Interment to follow in All Saints Braddock Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Redstone Highlands. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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John Mario Naccarato

November 10, 2023 |

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

John Naccarato, age 88 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2023 in Grandview Estates, Elizabeth Twp.  Born August 31, 1935 in New Kensington, he was a son of the late Nick and Louise (Runco) Naccarato.  A US Army Veteran, John was the former owner of 17 years of Dom's Shoe Service, worked for 18 years at the Elizabeth Twp. Road Department, and lastly worked for over a decade with Bekavac Funeral Homes. A member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael's Church, he was a member of both the 11th. Ward Welfare Association of McKeesport and the CFU Lodge 146 of Versailles.  In his spare time, John loved to bowl and golf.  John is survived by his wife of 63 years Carol (Thompson) Naccarato; his children John (DeAnn) Naccarato of Dallas, TX, Lori (Joe) Tobasco of Elizabeth Twp., and Dean Naccarato of Allison Park; his grandchildren Megan (Ethan) Brown, Kylie Tobasco, and Nic and Mia Naccarato; his siblings Dom (the late Dolores) Naccarato of Elizabeth Twp., Arthur (Sally) Naccarato of Harwick, Mary Ann (Ron) Boyd of New Kensington, Rose (the late Renny) Monteleone of New Kensington, and Carmella (Bill) Acre of New Kensington; and also nieces and nephews.  

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Patricia Gelman

November 10, 2023 |

By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory

Patricia Gelman, age 74, of Washington, PA, formerly of Irwin, died November 7, 2023, at Transitions Healthcare of Washington, PA. Born November 10, 1948, in Oakland, she was the daughter of the late John and Sophia (Kurstopic) Kovalsky and the wife of the late Howard Gelman.

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Rae Ann Szarmach

November 09, 2023 |

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

Rae Ann (Pape) Szarmach, age 67, of McKeesport, died November 4, 2023, at The Grove at Irwin.  Born May 31, 1956, in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Francis E. and Betty Jean (Miller) Pape.  Rae Ann worked as a cashier at Save A Lot Grocery and as a waitress for many years and always enjoyed spending time around the holidays with her family.  She is survived by siblings, Frances (Donald) Campas, Kim Pape, and Frank Pape; nephews, Justin Pape, Zack Buchleitner, and Donald Campas, Jr.; and a niece, Franki Pape.  Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Saturday, November 18, 2023, from 1 p.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 3 p.m.  Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com.  Charles Danforth, Supervisor

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Gloria Mae (Carlson) Trachsel

November 09, 2023 |

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

Gloria Mae (Carlson) Trachsel was called home to the Lord on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Transitions Healthcare, North Huntingdon following a brief illness. She was born on May 13, 1926 in McKeesport, PA, daughter of the late Alfred and Marie (Langsdorf) Carlson. Gloria survived the Great Depression, supported the WWII war effort by working as an IBM keypunch operator at Firth Sterling, worked as a sales person at a local specialty gift shop, ran her own home-based business, and supported her family owned commercial printing company in finishing operations for many years. She enjoyed gardening, home canning, china painting, home decorating, crafting with friends, and family excursions but what made her happiest was cooking and baking for gatherings with friends and family. Gloria is survived by her children, Laurel Humbert (Ken Shipes) of Claridge, Christopher (Rita) Trachsel of North Huntingdon, Grandchildren Jeremiah (Amanda) Trachsel, and Constance (Sebastien White) Humbert as well as several great nieces and nephews. Gloria was preceded in death by her loving husband Bruce, her sister Evelyn Campbell (Herbert), and two nieces. Friends will be received from 11:00 am till 1:00 pm on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, Inc., 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA for a memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Pittsburgh, https://www.alz.org/pa. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Dolores A. Karako

November 09, 2023 |

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

Dolores A. Karako, 88, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, November 9, 2023.  She was born March 2, 1935 in Duquesne, a daughter of the late Steven and Mary Medulic.  Prior to her retirement, Dolores worked as a sales clerk for Scozio's Bakery.  She was very family oriented and enjoyed traveling and visiting casinos.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Karako; brother, John Pavlic; sisters, Helen Vircik and Olga Bonay.  She is survived by her son, Steven Karako and his wife, Charlotte; daughter, Karen Watson; sisters, Mary Pearson, Margaret Dupal;  grandchildren, Quentin, Kristopher, Becky, Mandy; great-grandchildren, Luna and Oren; and son-in-law, Kenneth Watson.  There will be no visitation.  Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com