June 06, 2022 |
By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory
John D. Semenko, age 59, of White Oak, passed away unexpectedly on March 2, 2022.
John was a 1980 Grad of E.A.H.S. and Forbes Road Vocational School. An avid gardener and animal lover, John was most at peace in his garden by the pond with his dogs and cats.
John was preceded in death by his parents, William and Alberta (Krajack) Semenko, his nephews Kyle and Logan Flodine, his dear friend Harry Stevens, and his mentor and friend William Taylor.
He is survived by his brother George Semenko of Pittsburgh, sister Mary Petro of Greensburg, nephews Shane, Tanner, & Cameron Flodine of Wilmerding, and very dear friend Janet Stevens.
On Sunday, June 12, 2022, there will be a Memorial Celebration at Dogwood Grove in White Oak Park, beginning at 1 p.m.
Arrangements were entrusted to Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.jaycox-jaworskifh.com
Supervisor, Chris Odasso
June 06, 2022 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Mary Elizabeth Carney, 89, of Elizabeth Township, passed away Sunday, June 5, 2022. She was born September 28, 1932 in Elizabeth Township and was the daughter of the late Nazareno Cipollone and Julia (Giulia) Martucci. She was the wife of the late John Anthony Carney, Jr. who passed away April 23, 2019. Mary was a member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Township, and was a former member of Elizabeth Township Seniors, Victory Ladies Auxillary and the Elizabeth Township Zoning Board. She was retired from Round Hill Regional Park and had previously worked for Allegheny County Treasurers Office and the former 7 Springs Par 3 Golf Course.
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June 06, 2022 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Harold N. Fawcett, 83, of Irwin, passed away Sunday, June 5, 2022 at Redstone Highlands, N. Huntingdon. He was born July 25, 1938 in McKeesport, a son of the late Edward and Betty Fawcett. Prior to his retirement, Harold was a production coordinator for Westinghouse Electric and was owner of Jo-Anne Laundry and various other laundromats. He was a follower of the Lutheran faith and was a loving husband, dad, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, square dancing and camping. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Donna (Miller) Fawcett. He is survived by his son, William Fawcett and his wife, Linda; daughters, Marilyn Nuckels and her husband, Larry and Susan Carothers and her husband, Joe; five grandchildren, Zachary and Noelle Nuckels, Matthew (Ashley) Fawcett, Scott (Tara) Fawcett and Katherine Carothers; two great-grandchildren, Easton and Jase Fawcett. Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment to follow in Irwin Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
June 06, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
William “Willie” Takacs, Sr., age 96 of North Huntingdon, passed away Friday, June 3, 2022 at his home. Born October 7, 1925 in Duquesne, he was a son of the late Steven and Catherine (Horvat) Takacs.
Willie was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish – St. Patrick’s Church in McKeesport and was a faithful Catholic who loved to sing hymns at Mass. “Pap” loved his family and was a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He especially loved gathering with everyone on Sundays for spaghetti dinner.
Willie retired after 38 years as a brakeman and conductor for the Union Railroad and loved to tell everyone that he retired for as many years as he worked. He was a member of the “Greatest Generation” and a Veteran of World War II, having served in the Navy aboard the heavy cruiser USS Louisville and was very proud of his service to his country. When asked, he proudly recalled his war stories and campaigns aboard the Louisville in the South Pacific.
Willie’s greatest joy, besides his family, was golf. He learned the game as a young boy caddying at Duquesne Country Club and played on the golf team at Duquesne High School. He lived to say that he had been playing golf for 85 years. He was a scratch golfer who first shot his age at 69 and continued to shoot his age well into his 90s. Willie played most of his golf at Butler’s Golf Course in Elizabeth and knew the course so well that he would hit his drive and immediately get the next club out of his bag for the second shot. Last summer, he could still be seen playing there on Tuesdays and Fridays with his “Bullchipper” buddies.
Willie lived a full life and in his later years loved to say: “Don’t worry about me; I had a great run.”
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June 06, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Ethel (Oliver) Allan, age 86, of Forward Twp., passed away on Friday, June 3, 2022 at Overlook Green Senior Living. She was an avid reader, volunteered with Meals on Wheels and enjoyed bowling. Born June 29, 1935 in Broxburn West Lothian, Scotland, she was a daughter of the late Alexander and Elizabeth (Wilson) Oliver and wife of the late George Allan. She is survived by daughters, June M. (Mark) Finnegan of Forward Twp. and Jacqueline Allan of Pittsburgh; grandson, Scott (Erin) Finnegan of Charleston, SC; great-granddaughter, Adalie Finnegan; brother, David Oliver of Scotland; sister, Renee Goodlad of Scotland; also, nieces and nephews. No visitation or services are planned.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 459, New York, NY 10163-4594. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
June 05, 2022 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Carmen A. Fennel, 66 of North Huntingdon died June 3, 2022 at Forbes Regional Hospital. He was born November 25, 1955 in Jeannette, Pa., a son of the late James and Mary FDevincentis Fennel. Carmen was employed by Mike Jupina at Jupina Landscaping. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Carmen loved classic cars, most especially his 1958 Chevy Impala. He enjoyed John Force drag racing and was a graduate of Penn Trafford High School, Class of 1974. He is survived by his beloved wife Sharyn Turkovich Fennel and his son Paul, two aunts, Gilda Procida and Elenora Patton, and numerous cousins. There will be no public vistiation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made ot the White Oak Safe Haven.www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
June 05, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Milton I. Mitchell, age 88 of Forward Twp., passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, June 3, 2022. Born June 25, 1933 in Ohiopyle, he was the son of the late Benjamin and Dolly (Fulmer) Mitchell. A US Army Veteran of the Korean War, Milton was a self employed carpenter. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, the late Shirley Mitchell, and his children Carole Pantoleo and William Wise. Milton is survived by his daughter JoAnn (Daniel) Budd of Elizabeth; his granddaughters Danielle (Charles) Meehleib of Elizabeth and Carole Bisleglia of Rostraver Twp.; his great-grandchildren Charles, Jr. and Daniel Meehleib and Hanna, Rebecca and Reese Biscleglia.
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June 05, 2022 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Dolores L. Black, 91, of Elizabeth Township, formerly of Port Vue, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 4, 2022. She was born March 7, 1931 in McKeesort and was the daughter of the late Edward J. Frantz, Sr., and the late Margaret (James) Frantz. She was the wife of the late Duane A. Black who passed away January 20, 2003. She was a member of Park Baptist Church, Versailles. In her early years, Dolores had worked at McKeesport Hospital and the former Menzie Daily Company. Dolores enjoyed Super Seniors at Church, gardening, and the support of her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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June 05, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Frank G. Helman, of Boothbay Harbor, Maine, died at home Thursday, June 2, with his beloved wife of 32 years, Martha (Peak) Helman, at his side. He was 92 years old.
Born and raised in Irwin, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Frank W. and Esther (Gootee) Helman. An early memory involved watching the construction crew at work on the western terminus of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Frank’s father was co-owner of Irwin’s print shop and editor of the “Republican Standard,” the town’s weekly newspaper. Frank fondly remembered his first job there folding newspapers, and by high school he had transitioned to running the linotype machine. Frank served as editor of both his high school and college newspapers. He graduated from Irwin High School in 1947.
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June 04, 2022 |
By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes
Cheryl "Lynnie" Rimsky, 66, a lifelong resident of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Friday, June 3, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born in McKeesport on August 30, 1955 to the late Harvey and Margaret Gilbert. Cheryl was the loving wife of twelve years to William H. Bickerton. She is survived by her sons, John F. (Tara) Rimsky Jr., of Jefferson Hills, Joseph M. (Kimberly) Rimsky, of West Elizabeth, step-daughter, Jennifer Bickerton, of Springhill, Florida, sisters, Lola Dupin, of McKeesport, Fran Lickert, of Elizabeth, June (Gary) Bickerton, of Jefferson Hills, Sharon (Anthony) Giansante, of Hudson, Florida, Ellen Williams, of Elizabeth, Sherry (Rob) Shuba, of West Mifflin, brothers Dale (Marianne) Gilbert, of Elizabeth, Harvey Gilbert, of Glassport and grandchildren, Joey, Ashley, Johnny and Emily, many nieces and nephews and her loving dog Rusty. Cheryl was preceded in death by her first husband, John F Rimsky, Sr., and siblings Tina Anderson, Larry Gilbert and Wilma Williams, and her dog JoJo. Cheryl worked for the West Jefferson Hills School District in custodial maintenance, and known to be a workaholic. She enjoyed watching and supporting her grandchildren at all of their activities. She also enjoyed having her family over for Sunday dinners. Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 from 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. at S.M. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 432 N. 6th St, Clairton, PA 15025. A service will follow at the funeral home at 8:00 P.M., presided by Rev. Brent Furlong. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com
June 04, 2022 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
David Allan Flading, 56, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina died on May 28, 2022 in a tragic accident while doing what he loved: flying. He was born in McKeesport on October 2, 1965 to Donald P. Flading and Janet E. (Miller) Flading of North Huntingdon. Dave graduated from Norwin High School in 1983 and from Penn State University in 1989. After that, in 1998, Dave decided to pursue his life-long dream of learning to fly, first attending the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics and later acquiring his multi-engine certification in Myrtle Beach. He was employed by UPS as a preloader/ package handler, by Barnstormers Aerial Advertising as chief pilot, by Pavillion Discount Beverages, and by the House of Blues as a bartender. In good weather, Dave could be found at the controls of his yellow and black plane towing advertising banners along the Myrtle Beach Grand Strand. His plane’s colors were an airborne symbol of his devotion to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a love undimmed by his move south more than 20 years ago. While David loved flying, Pittsburgh sports, and Penn State football, his greatest love of all was for his daughters Lyndie and Mattie, who were the center of his universe. To know Dave was to love him. With his generosity of spirit, his wonderful sense of humor and his infectious smile, he brought so much joy to those fortunate enough to call him family or friend. David is survived by his wife Jeanne Mabry and daughters Lyndie Mabry and Mattie Flading of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; by parents Donald and Janet Flading of North Huntingdon; by siblings Mark (Sherry) Flading of Jupiter, Florida, Pamela (Timothy) Dawson of Irwin and Jill (Bruce) Ingram of North Huntingdon; and by nieces and nephews Garrett Ingram, Jessica Flading, Sean Dawson, Shane Ingram and Kelsey Dawson. Friends will be received on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, Irwin. PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHURCH. Interment to follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
June 03, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Spencer Dell Hirshberg, Esq., passed in his sleep on May 25, 2022 at the age of 80. Born July 8, 1941, Spencer was the eldest son of Pitt football hero and Carnegie Tech coach Edward J. Hirshberg of McKeesport, and businesswoman Dorothy Dell of Duquesne.
A graduate of Shady Side Academy, Spence captained the 1959 varsity golf team and lettered in football and (allegedly) squash. Ever the cut-up, Spence was inordinately proud of manufacturing a fictitious Shady Side student, “Casper Schnootz,” who achieved passing grades in English and Science until faculty learned that Schnootz didn’t exist – Spencer and friends had been ghost-writing his reports and papers. At Shady Side, Spencer met Christiana McMahan Hoffman, eldest daughter of renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Franklin D. Hoffman and Mrs. Frances Cordes Hoffman.
Set up on a blind date, Spence and Christy spent the rest of their lives together and had a remarkable marriage of nearly 60 years. His father’s athletic reputation clinched Spencer’s admission to Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. However, upon arrival at Dartmouth, the head football coach immediately recognized that Spencer was 5 foot 6 rather than 6 foot 5; likely a purposeful transposition by the senior Hirshberg to pad Spencer’s application. Spencer graduated with honors from Dartmouth, a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and golf team, but not a football star.
Shortly after graduation, Spencer enlisted in the Navy during the Vietnam war. His father, a Marine veteran of the Pacific theater of WWII, advised him that “you’ll be drafted, so join the Navy and they’ll put you on a boat. The Viet Cong doesn’t have much of a fleet.” Spence married Christy in 1965. The young couple welcomed their first daughter, Lindsay, shortly before Spencer shipped off to the Gulf of Tonkin aboard the U.S.S. Arlington.
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June 03, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Vincent Surace, 90, of Hempfield Township, passed away Monday, May 30, 2022 at home. He was born May 2, 1932 in McKeesport, a son of the late Dominick and Anna (Jackson) Surace. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers and a sister Leo “Butch” Yost, Louis Surace, and Cathy Hadad. Vincent was an Army veteran that served during the Korean Conflict, and was a life time member of the American Legion Post 447, Port Vue. He enjoyed sports, skiing, and skydiving. He is survived by his loving wife of over 51 years LuAnn C. (Schiess) Surace, his children Cynthia Surace-Volpe of Greentree, Vincent D. Surace (Alyssa Gibbons) of Apollo, and Louis T. (Emily) Surace of Pleasant Unity, grandchildren Sabrina Volpe, Alena Surace, Isabella Surace, and Dominick Surace, sisters Emily Kroboth of McMurray and Sandy Binlein of Washington, also many nieces and nephews.
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June 03, 2022 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Born and raised in McKeesport, PA, James Thomas Downs, Jr. was the youngest of four children. His parents, James Thomas Downs, Sr., and Cassie Session Downs, both of whom preceded him in death, welcomed their only son on August 1, 1929. He was affectionately known as J.T. and was adored and “mothered” by his three older sisters, Alethia Downs Taylor, Kathleen Downs Smith, and Ruth Downs Le Mon. James Thomas joined his parents and siblings in eternal rest on May 25, 2022.
Several years after completing high school, J.T. joined the U.S. Army. He received an Honorable Discharge from Active Duty in 1953, at which time PFC Downs returned to McKeesport and temporarily shifted his career to the steel mill. Under the tutelage of his uncle, Henry Pierce, J.T. learned the art of barbering and was soon known as the best in the city. In addition to this craft, he built a career with UPS, making treks with the company for over 20 years. It wasn’t long after his retirement that he was back on the road as a school bus driver while still actively barbering in his shop and home. In its prime, J.T.’s Barbershop had become a school of sorts, as J.T. mentored and shaped the careers of many, including his late nephew, Shawn Taylor. In 2015 he bid farewell to the school system but continued cutting hair well into his 90s. In fact, he still had a couple of regular clients until a few short years ago.
J.T. was a man of many words and stories. Armed with the gift of gab and the memory of an elephant, he could hold lengthy conversations about anything—and he often did. It was likely his zeal for life that supplied material for his tête-à-têtes. Although he remained a lifelong resident of McKeesport, he traveled often as he enjoyed visiting family in other states. He especially loved boat fishing on the Chesapeake Bay and bringing ice-packed coolers of spot, flounder, croaker, and crabs back to McKeesport to share with family and friends. Arguably a close second to his barbering skills was his ability to leave people licking their fingers after tasting his famous smoked BBQ ribs.
He was a member of St. Paul AME Church for nearly his whole life and served his church family in various capacities. Over the years he had been a Trustee, Trustee Pro Tem and a member of the Finance Committee. Lending his unique and rich voice to worship services and church events for decades, he was most recently a member of the Senior Choir and the Ben Harris Singers. He was also a longstanding member of American Legion Post 666 in McKeesport.
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June 03, 2022 |
By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory
Barry Fred Jones, age 64, of White Oak, died June 1, 2022, at UPMC McKeesport Hospital. Born June 21, 1957, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Jack and Ethel (Hurst) Jones and the beloved husband of Terri (Swanson) Jones.
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