February 17, 2025 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
In loving memory of Nelda Mae Newman Renner, age 92, of Dravosburg, PA, who died on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Nelda was born in Duquesne, PA, on March 25, 1932, to the late Calvert Omar and Martha Wilson Newman.
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February 17, 2025 |
By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory
Gwen Catherine Lang, age 78, of Liberty Borough, died February 15, 2025, at Kane Community Living Center in Mckeesport. Born September 9, 1946, in Baldwin, she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Florence (Littel) Hardesty and wife of the late David Lang, Sr. Gwen was a member of the Liberty Presbyterian Church. She dedicated countless hours to supporting her son, David Lang, during his school years, proudly serving as a band parent for the South Allegheny High School Marching Band. Her unwavering encouragement and spirit resonated with both students and families alike. An avid bowler, Gwen enjoyed spending time at Miracle Lanes in Monroeville, where she was a member of a local bowling league. Her passion for bowling was only matched by her love for her feline companions, Mittens and Banjo, who brought joy and comfort into her home. In her leisure time, Gwen found great joy in scrapbooking, capturing precious memories and moments that reflected her love for family and friends.
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February 17, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Robert J. King, age 87, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away Friday, February 7, 2025 at home. A Navy veteran, he retired as a foreman at Equitable Gas and was an avid Steelers and Penguins fan. Born October 7, 1937 in Braddock, he was a son of the late Joseph and Grace (Mimnaugh) King and husband of the late Shirley Ann (Torockio) King. He is survived by his son, Eric A. (Alison) King of Westminster, MD; granddaughter, Carolyn King; grandson, Benjamin King; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his siblings. A memorial gathering will take place at the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Monday, March 10, 2025 from 10 to 11 AM. Burial will follow at Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to Humane Animal Rescue Pittsburgh, 1101 Western Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
February 16, 2025 |
By Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home | Posted in: Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home
Eric Carl Peterson, age 72, of West Mifflin, PA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones on Saturday, February 15, 2025. He was born in McKeesport on June 13, 1952. He was a devoted husband to Denise for 37 years; father to Benjamin and Kelly (Matt); and grandfather to Katelyn and Kelsey.
A U.S. Navy Veteran during the Vietnam War, Eric worked at P&LE Railroad and John J. Kane Regional Hospital. He was known for his kindness, love of trains, and cherished trips to the Outer Banks.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walfrid and Ginette, his brother David and his sister Jenny. Besides his wife, children and grandchildren, he is also survived by his sister, Christine “Cappy” Peterson and many loving relatives.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 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, where a Funeral Service will take place at 8:00 p.m., with Rev. John Gropp, officiating. He will be buried at The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of the Funeral Home.
February 16, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Dorothy Elizabeth Kaler, 94, of White Oak, formerly of Liberty Boro, passed away Thursday, February 13, 2025 at her home at The Oaks. She was born August 14, 1930 in Liberty Boro and was the daughter of William B. and Anna (Whitehead) Kaler. She was a graduate of McKeesport High School and went on to work for the former GC Murphy Store #1 as bookkeeper and later for Stratigo's Catering. Dorothy was a lifelong member and elder of The Liberty Boro Presbyterian Church. She was also a member of The Liberty Church Women, The Senior Sonshiners, and the White Oak Ladies Auxillary Post 701. She had a special belief in Angels and had a vast Angel collection. She loved living at The Oak's in White Oak for the last 20 years where she made many friends that became like family.
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February 15, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Patricia L. (O'Hara) Fletcher, age 77 of Jefferson Hills, passed away at home on Thursday, February 13, 2025. Born November 18, 1947 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late William and Joanne (Cartwright) O'Hara. After attending the St. Joseph's School of Nursing and receiving her B.S.N. from California University of PA, Patricia worked as an registered nurse for UPMC Home Health. She was also a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish. Patricia is survived by her children Lisa (Scott) Getsy of Pleasant Hills, Chuck Richnafsky of Jefferson Hills, Brandon Richnafsky of Jefferson Hills, and Shannan (Curtis) Saffer of Pleasant Hills; her grandchildren Breanna Paulson, Dylan Saffer, and Adara and A.J. Getsy; and her two great-grandchildren.
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February 14, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Sharyn Leaha Chervon, 72 of Port Vue died February 14, 2025, at Monroeville Post Acute Care. She was born January 27, 1953, in McKeesport, a daughter of the late Ray and Ruth Singleton Casey. Sharyn was a former member of St. Eugene Church, Saints Joachim and Anne Parish in Liberty Borough. She enjoyed shopping, dancing and music. She was a graduate of East Allegheny High School Class of 1970. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Ronald in 2014, three brothers, Jimbo, Raymond and John Casey, and a sister Darlene. She is survived by three sons, Ronald (Christy), Brian (Sandra), and Todd Chervon, one brother Edward Casey, two sisters, Kimberly Gatto (Blaise), Debra Kasony, grandchildren, Ashley (Matt Albensi), Jasmine, Laila, Alexander and Abigail, one great grandchild, Maverick Albensi. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Monday from 2-4, 6-8 p.m. A blessing service will be held on Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel followed by interment at Jefferson Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
February 14, 2025 |
By Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home | Posted in: Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home
John E. “Jack” Lees Jr., age 83, of Duquesne, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2025, in UPMC Presbyterian. Born in McKeesport on August 25, 1941, he was the son of the late John and Sylvia (White) Lees Sr. He was retired from U.S. Steel-Irvin Works, was Presbyterian by faith and loved to do crossword puzzles. He proudly served his country in the Army.
Jack was the husband of the late Pamela (Brevko) Lees; father of Heather Lees, at home, John (Shannon) Lees of Spencer, Ohio and Jaclyn (Clint) Jones of West Newton; grandfather of Gunner Lees, Dallas Lees, Summer Lees, Jordan Lees, Taylor Winterhalter, Hunter Jones and Brooke Jones; great grandfather of Ivy and Zeke; and brother of the late Sondra (late Pat) Kennedy and late Carol Dachille. He is also survived by his dog, Teddi.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, from 2-7 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, where a Funeral Service will be held at 6:30 p.m., followed by presentation of Military Honors.
February 14, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Lois M. Puglia, age 98 of McKeesport died February 14, 2025, at Golden Heights Personal Care Home in Irwin. She was born August 9, 1926, in Pottsville PA, a daughter of the late Irvin and Priscilla Gauntlet Horn. She was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish in White Oak where she was a devoted Christian Mother. Lois loved her family, taking care of her husband and trips to their camp in Cameron County. Lois always gave the best hugs. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Charles Puglia in 2017 and brother William Horn. She is survived by her son Joseph Puglia (Beverly), two daughters Judy Riley (Robert) and Carol Lieberum (Mark), 9 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Friends will be received on Monday from 3-8 p.m. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Mary, Mother of God Parish - Corpus Christi Church with interment to follow at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to a veteran charity of your choice. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
February 13, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Charles E. Kinner, 90, of Elizabeth Township, departed this earth on February 12, 2025 after a brief illness to be united with his 3 sons in heaven. Charles was born Jan. 6, 1935 in Duquesne and was the son of the late John Andrew and Mary (Varga) Kinner of West Mifflin. He leaves behind his devoted wife, partner and soul mate of over 70 years, Dorothy A. (Vovolka) Kinner. Charles was retired from US National Tube Works in McKeesport where he worked as a crane man and was a member of St. Michael Roman Catholic Church of Elizabeth Township.
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February 13, 2025 |
By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory
Kindhearted Mathilda J. Bendl Benson, age 105, of White Oak, died at home on February 11, 2025, under the care of Heartland Hospice. She was born at home on December 27, 1919, in Latrobe, PA, the daughter of Joseph and Philomena Bendl of Latrobe, PA. Beloved wife of the late Ralph A. Benson; mother of Ralph A. Benson Jr. (Jane) of Bethel, OH, Lewis B. Benson (Linda) of Sewickley, Joseph G. Benson (Martha) of Murrysville, and John F. Benson of White Oak. Grandchildren include Anne Louise Benson of East Rochester, John Robert Benson (Shannon) of Portland, Oregon, Joshua Arnott Benson of Austin, Texas, Joseph William Benson of Murrysville, and Emily Benson Reis (Patrick) of Howell, Michigan; great-grandchildren include Vincent Benson, Joseph Patrick Reis, Julie Therese Reis, Gemma Marie Reis, Gianna Faustina Reis, Bella Lucia Reis, and Michael Paul Reis. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Ralph A. Benson; her brothers, Joseph, Anthony, Richard, and Lewis, who was a WWII casualty who served in the United States Navy; her sisters, Marie Monaco, Regina Bendl, Rose Umansky, Catherine Sweeney, and Ruth Myers.
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February 13, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Brandon Michael Schmeltz, age 44 of Herminie passed away February 12, 2025, at Allegheny General Hospital. He was born January 2, 1981, son of the late Art Schmeltz and Karen and Pat Mohan. Brandon was a loving husband, father, son, brother and grandfather. He was an exceptional man who loved life to the fullest and was always the life of the party, dancing, laughing, causing havoc and always out to have a good time. He loved his family, friends and most of all his grandchildren. He was proud of the plaster business he had built for himself and was a great provider for his family always going above and beyond. Brandon was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan and loved all Pittsburgh sports. He enjoyed watching Yough High School sports and supporting the kids. He was a baseball coach for Sewickley Recreational Baseball for 9 years. He enjoyed coaching and bonding with the kids. He enjoyed spending time with his dog Clair who he loved very much, "Thats my B...". The memories we have created will last a lifetime. You will always be in our hearts; may you protect and watch over us all until we meet again. We love you and will always love you. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his sister Valgene and brother John Schmeltz. He is survived by his wife of 19 years Delaine Oblak Schmeltz, son Hunter Schmeltz, daughter Haley Morris (Braden), grandson Braden Zvara, granddaughter Lilyan, brothers, Brian Schmeltz, Pat Mohan Jr., Mike Mohan, Dee Schmeltz and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received on Saturday from 3-8 PM at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Yough High School Athletic Department. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
February 12, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Kathleen A. Raszewski, age 66, of Forward Twp., passed away Friday, February 7, 2025 at home. She was a retired mammographer and bone density technologist for UPMC and a member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. She was a hard worker, and enjoyed socializing with friends and shopping with her mother. Born October 30, 1958 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of Pauline (Squires) Raszewski and the late Louis Raszewski. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her brother, Michael A. Raszewski, with whom she resided with her mother; and cousins. Visitation and services were private. Memorial contributions can be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, 1028 Benton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
February 12, 2025 |
By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory
Martha J. Vesonder, age 90, of White Oak, was unexpectedly called home to our Lord and Savior on February 9, 2025. She was predeceased by her parents, Marion (Sokol) and Floyd G. Okeson, and her husband of 17 years, Regis F. Vesonder. She is survived by her sister, LaVerne Roidt of North Versailles; daughters Paula Greenwald of White Oak and Laura (Chris) Karpinsky; her beloved grandchildren, Stephen and Michelle Karpinsky of North Versailles; nieces and nephew, Marie Ruby of McKeesport, Sarah Boyd, Ruth Towns and Saul Vesonder all of Peoria, Illinois. She is also survived by many cousins in the Sokol and Vesonder families. She remained in close phone contact with Sue Ellen Lind, Claudia Misage, and Joy Kushnir and met with Tim Vesonder upon occasion over a plate of Tillie's spaghetti. She was fond of her cousin Roseanne Kinzler, her good friend Richard Andracki, and his (late) mother Flo.
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February 12, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Stella Godlesky, age 100, of Forward Twp., formerly of Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025, at home surrounded by her children. She was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp., where she was a former member of the St. Michael Christian Mothers and the church sacristan. Stella happily shared memories of her personal and family history throughout her life. Living through the Great Depression and World War II impacted her greatly. She worked at Westinghouse Corp. during World War II. She was inducted into the Rosie the Riveter Association for her work during the war effort, something she was very proud of. Born May 15, 1924, she was the daughter of Polish immigrants, the late Anthony and Katherine (Cheskawich) Levdansky, and she was the wife of the late Stanley P. Godlesky. Stan and Stella loved country music and they loved dancing, especially the polka. Stella had an adventurous spirit. Summer vacations to Nantucket, Maryland, DC, Florida, Colorado, and visiting Ellis Island for the first time were highlights. Stella was always open to new experiences: trout fishing with her son, taking long drives through the mountains, hiking, swimming, water sliding, and actively taking part in the annual camping trips at Black Moshannon State Park for more than four decades. She loved to cook and bake and she enjoyed Polish food, especially her own: stuffed cabbages, halushki, pierogi and her homemade rolls. She is survived by children, Teresa (Robert) Modrak of Mt. Lebanon, Thomas (Karen) Godlesky of Huntsville, AL, Christine (Bud) Schubel of Franklin Park, Kathleen Godlesky of Rockville, MD, Janice Godlesky of Forward Twp. and Monica (Lou) Davies of Vanderbilt; Stella always considered her three sons-in law, Bob, Bud and Lou, and her daughter-in-law, Karen, her “sons” and “daughter” and was so very grateful to have them in her life. She is also survived by her nine wonderful grandchildren, Ryan, Eric and Kevin Modrak, Katie and Cara Godlesky, Nick and Laura Schubel, Trisha Adams and Cassandra Davies; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by siblings, Anne (Anthony) Belak, Helen (George) Emsurak and Joseph, Walter (Irene), Charles (Jean) and Anthony (Joan) Levdansky. Stella loved family above all else. Her role in life was to be a loving Mother and Grandmother (Grammy) to her children. She succeeded in her mission. When Stella celebrated her 100th birthday last May, her final words at the celebration were: “I’d do it all over again!” Our mother's secret to longevity: "Be happy, laugh, and have fun!" Part of the Greatest Generation, our mother was a woman who worked hard her whole life and never complained. She was a true role model and gift to us all. "Mom, you are our Queen, and we love you with all of our hearts." There will be No Visitation. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, February 14, 2025, at 12 Noon at St. Michael Church, 101 McLay Drive, Elizabeth Twp. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH. Burial will be in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.