Duane James Gantt

July 17, 2023 |

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

Duane James Gantt, 63, of Buena Vista, passed away Friday, July 14, 2023. He was born March 6, 1960 in McKeesport and was the son of the late Durant and Eileen (Craine) Gantt. Duane was a member of New Hope Assembly of God and worked in the Construction Industry.

Patricia "Pat" Dancak Funk

July 16, 2023 |

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

Patricia “Pat” Dancak Funk, 83, of White Oak, formerly of West Mifflin, died at home, Saturday, July 15, 2023, surrounded by the love of her children. A 1958 graduate of Duquesne High School, she was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, St Joseph Church, and a past president of the Confraternity of Christian Mothers. Pat was a former medical secretary in the offices of Dr. Fontana and Dr. Gordon, and employee of Matta’s Florist, G&K Bakery and Pat Catan’s.

As a member and past president of the YWCA Garden Club of McKeesport, she was instrumental in the creation and care of the award-winning Butterfly Garden at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Works, served as a Director for District VII of the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania and was a member of the Joyful Bloomers and other local garden clubs. An accomplished floral designer, Pat was generous with her talents and received awards for her creations. She was also a past president of the GFWC Women’s Club of Duquesne.

Mary Ann Prontiker

July 16, 2023 |

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

Mary Ann Prontiker, 85, of Elizabeth, passed away Saturday, July 15, 2023. She was born in McKeesport on February 1, 1938 and was daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Kish) Prontiker. Mary Ann was a McKeesport High School graduate, US Air Force Veteran and stayed within the Reserves for a few years after. She worked many years with Westinghouse as a Secretary before retirement and was a long time member of St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church in McKeesport. In her younger years, she loved traveling, especially to her favorite spot, Aruba! In her later years, she enjoyed her nights out playing bingo, and loved to go shopping.

DeVon Anthony Alexander

July 16, 2023 |

By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

DeVon Anthony Alexander, 33, of Coraopolis, was born September 8, 1989, in McKeesport, PA. He was the beloved son of Paul and the late Aurelia (Foster) Alexander.

DeVon grew up in McKeesport and was the youngest of five siblings. He attended and graduated from McKeesport High School. After graduation, he furthered his education at Point Park University and received a bachelor’s degree in business management. He was a Basketball Coach and a Small Business Owner, currently owning a Game Room and previously owned a Salon & Barber Shop.

Devon was highly ranked in basketball in both high school and college. He loved basketball. He loved playing basketball, watching basketball, and helping kids perfect their basketball skills. He has coached hundreds of youths including traveling teams with DAP2KK that traveled around the country to compete against the best of the best. He was still actively playing in several local leagues, including No Smoke in Pittsburgh.

Elizabeth "Betty" C. Fisher

July 15, 2023 |

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

Elizabeth "Betty" C. Fisher, 87, of Irwin formerly of Edgewood, passed away, Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Walden's View, North Huntingdon. She was born September 11, 1935 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Paul and Rose (Sangl) Kelly. Betty was a homemaker and raised six children and was the bookkeeper for E.R & D.J. Fisher Construction. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Fisher; son-in-law, Francis Michaux; brothers, Terrance and Kenneth Kelly. She is survived by her sons, Donald Jr. (Catherine), Ronald (Barbara), Jeffrey (Tina) and Kevin (Anna); daughters, Susan Fisher her dedicated caregiver and Christine Michaux; sister, Paula (Gerald) Logue; grandchildren, Laura (Adam), Amy, Aileen, Ryan, Domenic (Brenda), Anna (Grant), Nicole (Adam), Morgan (James), Carly, Madison, Sarah, Katie, Anna, Kevin; and 11 great-grandchildren. Services are private. Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

Nancy M. Thomas

July 15, 2023 |

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

Nancy M. Thomas, 86, of North Huntingdon, passed away Friday, July 14, 2023 at UPMC East, Monroeville.  She was born May 12, 1937 in North Braddock, a daughter of the late Anthony and Mary (Shuble) Rozanec.  Nancy was a founding member of St. Agnes Church and active with Christian Mothers.  She volunteered countless hours in St. Agnes School cafeteria and was a Girl Scout Leader.  After moving to Virginia in the '80's she was an active member of Christ the Redeemer Parish in Sterling, VA and was very faith driven.  Nancy was a caring and compassionate woman and an inspiration to us all.  She had patience of a saint and had enough love in her heart for every person on earth.  Family meant everything to her, always putting their needs before her own and was the glue of the family giving hugs that held everyone together.  She loved cooking and baking life changing pies, spending time with her family, reading, working puzzles and gardening.

Sophie Balawajder

July 14, 2023 |

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

Sophie Balawajder, age 95, of Elizabeth Twp., died peacefully at home on July 13, 2023.  Born April 8, 1928, in Wilmerding, PA, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Apolonia (Szczypek) Lorenc and wife of the late Bruno Balawajder, to whom she was married for 44 years.  Sophie was a 67-year member of St. Mary of Częstochowa Church, now Mary, Mother of God Parish, Corpus Christi Church, in McKeesport, and was a past President of the Confraternity of Christian Mothers.  She had a love of family and friends, her faith, and her Polish heritage.  Her activities included ceramics, quilting, volunteering for the church, and baking.  Her quilts are cherished keepsakes for all her family members.  Many of the family celebrations had her cookies on the Cookie Table.  The family would like to thank everyone who made her years later in life comfortable by stopping by, making a phone call, or sending a birthday card.  Her long-term friends, known as the “Church Ladies,” always made her day, as well as her many nieces and nephews.  Her caregivers also are to be recognized for the comfort they provided.

Jeffrey Joseph "Jeff" Holub

July 14, 2023 |

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

Jeffrey Joseph "Jeff" Holub, 62, of McKeesport, passed away Monday, July 10, 2023. He was  born May 7, 1961 in McKeesport an was the son of the late John J. and Rita Mae (Gallagher) Holub.  Jeff owned and operated JJH Landscaping since 1979, and did many landscaping jobs over the years.  He is survived by his brother, Jordan D. Holub of McKeesport, an aunt, an uncle and cousins.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John Bradley "JB" Holub, who passed away June 21, 2016. There was no visitation. Private burial took place at St. Joseph Cemetery in North Versailles on Thursday, July 13, 2023.  Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township.  Condolences may be made at GilbertFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Patricia J. Reola

July 13, 2023 |

By Administrator | Posted in: James F. Kutch Funeral Home - Crematory

Patricia J. Reola, age 83, passed away on July 8, 2023. She is survived by her two daughters, Pamela Haubrick (Edward), and Cheryl Wilson (Robert), and two grandchildren who she loved and adored, Nicole Javorski and Thomas Javorski (Jenna) along with 4 great grandpuppies; brother, Paul Yurigan; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Reola; and parents, Anna and Paul Yurigan. No visitation, service private.  James F. Kutch Funeral Homes & Crematory 433 Lincoln Highway East McKeesport, PA 15035 (412) 823-4054  Please leave condolences at the website.

Nigel Christopher Wayne Hogan

July 13, 2023 |

By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Nigel Christopher Wayne Hogan, 33, of Braddock, was born October 22, 1989, in Greensburg, PA. He was the beloved son of the late Natalie Carol Hogan and stepson to James Bailey.

Nigel attended school at Gateway High School. He was the oldest of four siblings, James Hogan, Jared Harris, and Stevin German.

Nigel liked to make people laugh and had a good sense of humor. He always reached out to family, though dispersed, and worked to keep our ties strong. He was the hub of our wheel and kept up our tabs all around.

Phillip Daryl Hampton

July 13, 2023 |

By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Phillip Daryl Hampton, 56, died July 7, 2023. Friends will be received from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, July 14, 2023 at Robert A. Waters Funeral Home, Inc., 2326 Jenny Lind St., McKeesport, where a service will be held at 11 a.m.

Michael O. Berkovitz

July 13, 2023 |

By Hunter Funeral Home | Posted in: Hunter Funeral Home

Michael O. Berkovitz, 78, of Lakewood, CA, died Friday, July 7, 2023 at Lakewood Regional Medical Center, Lakewood, CA.  Born in McKeesport, PA on July 3, 1945, he was the son of the late Leonard M. and Irma Ruth Odle Berkovitz.  He was the owner of the former Chestnut Inn on Fifth Avenue in McKeesport, and most recently worked at Salton Industries, maker of the George Foreman Grills. 

He was a member of the Congregation Shir Chadash of Lakewood, CA and a former member of the Temple B’nai Israel in White Oak, PA.  He was a graduate of the University School, Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA. 

He is survived by sons, Daniel Berkovitz of Rawlins, WY and William Berkovitz of Belle Vernon, PA; grandson, Wyatt; granddaughter Kayla Berkovitz of Hawaii, sisters, Idelle (Richard) Roth of Walnut Creek, CA and Susan Sabin of Pompano Beach, FL, and by his partner of 20 years, Gloria Pelenato of Lakewood, CA.

John Aiken

July 13, 2023 |

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

John Aiken, age 67, of Elrama, formerly of Chicago, IL, passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at Jefferson Hospital. He was a retired employee at the University of Chicago. He was an avid reader and loved movies and stage plays. Born September 11, 1955 in New Eagle, he was a son of the late Samuel J. Aiken Jr. and the late Elaine (Estaque) Aiken. He is survived by his sister, Debbie (Wayne Sr.) Wilson of Elrama; nephew, Wayne (Kristy) Wilson Jr. of Strabane; great-niece, Elaina Wilson; aunt, Estelle Livingston of Monongahela; also, cousins.

Private services are pending. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Four Gateway Center, 444 Liberty Avenue, Suite 1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

Virginia Pons

July 13, 2023 |

By Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home | Posted in: Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home

Virginia Pons, 84, of Whitaker, passed away on Thur. July 13, 2023.  She is the daughter of the late John and Mary Gretz and beloved wife of the late Mickey Pons.  She is survived by her daughter Jennifer (Richard) Marecic; sisters Beverly and Stephanie; brothers John and Frank; grandchildren Jonathan, Melissa, Jake, Paige and Vincent and great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her sons Michael and Gino Pons.  Virginia was a member of St. Rita's Church in Whitaker.  Funeral arrangements by Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home, Duquesne

S. Howard Pittard

July 13, 2023 |

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

S. Howard Pittard, age 82, of Mooresville, NC, formerly of Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, July 10, 2023 at Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center. A Marine veteran, he retired as the founder and CEO for East Texas Coatings in Nash, TX, and was a lifetime Mason through the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

Born November 28, 1940 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Howard Wilson and Ida (Breckenridge) Pittard. He is survived by his wife, Virginia "Gin" Blake; sons, Raymond D. (Rhonda) Pittard of Johns Island, SC and Robb E. Pittard of Mooresville, NC; Lori (Todd) Price of Monroe, NC; grandchildren, Lauren (Sean) Murphy of Kansas City, Lindsey Dissinger of Bozeman, MT, Ethan Dissinger of Belgrade, MT, Aiden Price of Monroe, NC, and Grayson Price of Monroe, NC; great-grandchildren, Graham and Madeline Murphy; also, nieces and nephews.