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Glenda Lee (Bereczky) Busch

July 16, 2021 |

By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary

Glenda Lee (Bereczky) Busch, 68, of White Oak, finished her journey on this Earth today, July 15, 2021. She spent a little over a year bravely battling pancreatic cancer without ever showing how much pain she was in. To the end, she thought of others and did not want them to worry about her. She leaves behind her loving soul mate of 50 years, her husband, James. Two of her proudest accomplishments were her son, Jesse (Erin Morey) Busch, of Mt. Lebanon, and daughter, Rachael (Kathy) Morgan, of Versailles Borough.

Her eyes lit up every time she saw her only grandson, Max Busch, and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with him. He rightfully won the “My Glenda” debate in her life.

Glenda was the baby sister of twins, Sally (Frank) Shebeck, of Farrell, and Sue (Paul) Tkac, of White Oak. She was a good friend to sister-in-law, Peggy Rollason, of N. Versailles. She cherished her role as aunt to Bobby Rollason, J.P. (Pam) Tkac, Chris Tkac, Victoria (Jamme Magyar) Tkac, Stacey (Scott) Gill, Marcy (Nick) VanSickles, and Adam (Brittany) Shebeck.

She doted on her many great nieces and nephews, and even had a couple of great, great ones too. Glenda wanted her Toodle Bug to know that, “Toodle Bug will always love you.”

She appreciated the artistic eye of Gabriel Szafranski, who grew to be family over the last two years. She wanted to thank her anonymous angel, Susan Schonfeld, for having such a loving and generous heart. Her family would like to extend grateful appreciation to Amedysis Hospice and her primary nurse, Leslie Gore, for helping her through the end of the journey with love, respect, and dignity.

 
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Bonnie Clare (Como) Belton

July 16, 2021 |

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

Bonnie Clare Belton, 64, died July 8, 2021 at UPMC Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh, Uptown.

She was born at McKeesport, PA on September 4, 1956.  She received her education from public schools and served as a nurses’ aide while rearing her son, Omar, and Daughter, Tia.  She made time to help others who had no work.  She was married to Gerald Allen Belton, sharing their love for over for decades. She also enjoyed her friendships and loved playing bingo with her friends.  

Bonnie was not a stranger to trusting God and she put her faith and trust in Him during her bout with cancer, submitting her life to Jesus Christ when attending the McBLCOG as she sought healing, and was pronounced cancer-free over sixteen years ago.  She always remembered that our Lord hears and answers prayers and sought counsel from Pastor Bates in August 2020, about her spiritual needs.

 
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Helen C. (Matusz) Bargiel

July 16, 2021 |

By William Snyder Funeral Home | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Helen C. (Matusz) Bargiel, age 92, of White Oak, formerly of West Wilmerding, passed away Friday, July 16, 2021.  She was born February 7, 1929 in West Wilmerding.

She is survived by her children Elaine Kaminski of Baltimore, MD, Theodore F. (Michalene) Bargiel of Jefferson Hills, Richard (MaryAnn) Bargiel of White Oak and Diane Bargiel of Poultney, Vermont, 10 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and loving nieces and nephews. 

Helen belonged to St. Leocadia and St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Churches in Wilmerding, now part of St. Joseph the Worker.  She served both churches as a member of the choir, Rosary Society and Parish Council and as a lector and Sacristan. She had a beautiful voice and often sang as a soloist. She was the head cook when the ladies of the parish made pierogi and Polish sweet rolls. Helen received the 2011 Manifesting the Kingdom Award from the Diocese of Pittsburgh for her service to the church and was the keynote speaker at the final banquet at St. Leocadia. Helen was a lifetime member of the PNA and enjoyed listing to Polish songs and singing Polish Hymns. She was also a member of the West Wilmerding Civic Club.

 
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Frank H. Stratton Jr.

July 16, 2021 |

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

Frank H. Stratton Jr. age 55 of North Huntingdon died July 15, 2021 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. He was born September 23, 1965 in Greensburg, Pa., a son of the late Frank and Alberta Common Stratton. Frank was employed in the construction / home building business. He enjoyed riding dirt bikes and was an overall handyman. He is survived by his fiancee , Lora Moss, one brother, Thomas Stratton and his wife Beth, two nephews , Alan and Steven and one niece Amanda. There will be no public visitation. James W. Shirley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Louise Gabauer

July 16, 2021 |

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

Louise Gabauer, age 89, formerly of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at Norbert's Personal Care Home. A 1949 graduate of Clairton High School, she was a member of St. John the 23rd Parish, St. Francis of Assisi Church, and was a school crossing guard in Jefferson Hills. Born October 6, 1931 in Floreffe, she was a daughter of the late William and Theresia (Sommers) Rothbauer and wife of the late Charles R. Gabauer. She is survived by daughter, Jessica (John) Naspinski of Eighty Four; son, Gary (Sheila) Gabauer of Punta Gorda, FL; grandchildren, Gabriel (Isa) Naspinski and Marissa Esguerra; great-grandchild, Mateo Naspinski; also, nieces and nephews. Her family would like to thank Anova Hospice, and Oakleaf and Norbert personal care homes for their excellent care.

 
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Chester K. Stone, Sr.

July 16, 2021 |

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

Chester K. Stone, Sr., age 76, of McKeesport, formerly of Lincoln Borough died July 14, 2021, at AHN Jefferson Hospital. Born September 7, 1944, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late William, Sr. and Florence (Burchell) Stone.

Chester retired from US Steel, where he was a welder. He began his career at National Tube Works and retired from Irvin Works. Chester was a US Army veteran serving during the Vietnam War, he was also a welding instructor for the Army.  He was awarded the Golden Gloves Boxing Champion of 1963. Chester played semi-pro football, where he was known as the "Claw." He was also known as "Mr. Football" in his high school years. Chester enjoyed working, fishing, and enjoying a toast with friends.

 
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Timothy W. Stockdill

July 16, 2021 |

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

Timothy W. Stockdill, age 64, of Elizabeth, passed away on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at Jefferson Hospital. He was a retired electrician with IBEW Local 5. He was a member of Elizabeth Baptist Church, a social member of the Elizabeth Fire Hall and a former member of the Elizabeth Moose.

Born April 24, 1957 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Robert E. and Dorothy (McKenna) Stockdill. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Karen A. (Olasin) Stockdill; son, Timothy R. (Lisa) Stockdill of Belle Vernon; daughters, Melissa (William) Ruhl of Elizabeth and Jennifer (Matthew) Lewis of Elizabeth Twp.; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Aubrie, Jacob, Skyler, Ava and Alivia; sisters, Esther (Doug) Coy of Cynthiana, KY, Dorothy (Steve) Whitmer of Elizabeth, Rebecca DeAngelis of Clairton and Rachael (Richard) Emery of Dawson; brother, Robert Stockdill of Meridian, MS; also, nieces and nephews.

 
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Laura B. Bruno

July 15, 2021 |

By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes

Laura B. Bruno, 100, of Menlo Park, CA, formerly of Clairton, PA, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, July 5, 2021. She was born in Clairton on August 13, 1920, to the late Theodore and Bridget DiLullo Belfiglio.

While a resident of Clairton, she was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish and in Menlo Park the Church of the Nativity. Laura started every day with a crossword puzzle and walk, exercising her mind and body. She was a wonderful cook and baker known for her old country Italian specialties. Laura had a lifelong commitment to volunteering in her church and community. She also enjoyed adventurous travels, including a safari trek in Africa.

 
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Barbara L. Craig

July 15, 2021 |

By William H. Craig Funeral Home | Posted in: William H Craig Funeral Home

Barbara L. Craig, 71, of Elizabeth Twp, passed away on July 12, 2021 after a long battle with health issues.

 
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Anthony Christian Butler

July 14, 2021 |

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

 Anthony Christian Butler, age 34, of Pittsburgh, formerly of White Oak, died on Thursday, July 1, 2021.  He was born in McKeesport on September 3, 1986 and is the son of Toni Gonzales of White Oak and the late Vincent Simmons. 

 
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Ronald E. Peduzzi

July 14, 2021 |

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

On July 13, 2021, Heaven welcomed Ronald E. Peduzzi, husband, father, father-in-law, brother, uncle, cousin, teacher, principal, coach, friend and last, but certainly not least, Marine.  Simply put, Ron was an institution, a force of nature and a true example of a life well lived.  Even during these past few years, he remained a real fighter.  There is not enough room in this column to share all the wonderful stories about Ron but, luckily, those stories will live on in our memories.   

Ron's story began on August 17, 1933 when he was born to Reynold and Anna Peduzzi.  Ron and his twin brother, Rey, joined their brother Carl (Chief) and their sister Joanne (Sis) at the Peduzzi home in Trafford, Pennsylvania.  Ron loved working with his father and his brothers on their model trains and helping out at the family's garage, Reynold's Motor Company, in East Pittsburgh.  But Ron loved even more his mother's cooking, especially her renowned nut bread and chicken rice soup.  Ron excelled at sports, including football, baseball and basketball.  After graduation from Trafford High School in 1951, Ron went on to attend Geneva College.  During his time at Geneva, the football team had one of its best records ever and he was honored as a member of the Geneva College All-Time Football Team and the Tri-District College First Football Team.  After graduating from Geneva College in 1955, Ron was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps,  He served in Korea and retired from the Marine Corps Reserve, after a proud 30-year career, as a full-bird Colonel.  

His love of the Corps was rivaled only by his love for Carolyn, his beloved wife of over fifty-three years, and his love for his three beautiful daughters: Mary, Lauren and Anita.  Ron and Carolyn never lost the spark after meeting on a blind date in 1965, and his daughters idolized their father.  The stories of Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners surrounded by his family and friends could fill volumes.  Ron was a lucky man to have Carolyn and his daughters by his side these last few days.  

After receiving his Master’s Degree in Education from the University Pittsburgh, Ron went on to become Assistant Principal of Greater Latrobe High School and then served as Principal of his beloved Norwin Knights for 25 wonderful years (1971 to 1996).  Ron also received his principal certification from Duquesne University.  Ron served as President of the Association of Secondary School Principals, and was the recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award from the Norwin Rotary Club, which honored him for his distinguished service over the years to the community.  But, above all else, Ron was a true mentor to so many students and members of the faculty, whether he was teaching math, serving as a coach of the baseball and football teams or while at the helm in the role of Principal.  Indeed, the outpouring of support he received these past few months in cards and letters from students and teachers over the years illustrated how much he was loved by--and how much he truly loved--the Norwin community.   

After his retirement, Carolyn and Ron traveled the world, spanning Japan, China, Russia, and most of Europe.  In one epic adventure, he, Carolyn, along with his siblings and their spouses, drove up to the beautiful mountains of Northern Italy to visit, among other picturesque spots, the Peduzzi family province of Schignano.  Ron and Carolyn later moved to the sunny shores of Swansboro, North Carolina where they lived for 16 wonderful years. During that time, Ron honed his life-long love of racquetball by challenging much younger Marines on the courts at Camp Lejeune (and beating them).  He also volunteered at a men's shelter and lent his time and considerable wood-working skills to build a camp for children from under-served communities.  Ron continued to work in his garage, building beautiful pieces of furniture that proudly adorn Carolyn's and his daughter's homes. 

Importantly, Ron's story does not end here--it lives on.  Those of us who had the pleasure to know Ron know well how much of a positive influence he had on those around him.  He loved life, found joy in the simple things and would give someone the shirt off his back. He was an amazing presence and his legacy will live on in the innumerable lives he touched.  Ron was welcomed into Heaven by his loving parents, his older brother Carl and his wife Agnes, his Cousin Cel, Sis' husband Harry, his grand-daughter Janie Margaret Ryan, and countless other family and friends.  His receiving line at the Pearly Gates must have been remarkable.  

Ron had many wonderful sayings, but one in particular sums him up perfectly: "First class all the way."  Ron, you will always be "first class all the way" in our book. You will be truly missed.  Semper Fidelis and God Bless.   

Family and friends will be received from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday at 10 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, Irwin.  The funeral procession will proceed thru the Norwin Senior High School Campus at 9:30 a.m. for those students and teachers who would like to say farewell to Mr. Peduzzi.  Interment to follow after the mass in Irwin Union Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Lejeune Fisher House for Wounded Warriors, 4 Recovery Way, Camp Lejeune, NC  28547.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Jane A. (Johnson) Miller

July 14, 2021 |

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

Jane A. (Johnson) Miller, 70, of West Mifflin, died peacefully at home on Monday, July 12, 2021. Born on February 16, 1951, in Denver, Colorado, she was the daughter of the late Wilbur and Helen (Butler) Johnson. Mrs. Miller was a retired medical assistant and enjoyed crafting, ceramics, and painting. Beloved wife of the late Frank J. Miller, she is survived by a son, Reuben Joseph (Colleen) Miller II, a daughter, Melanie Kovalsky, a brother, James (Cynthia) Johnson, seven grand children, Vanessa, Bert IV, and Samantha Kovalsky, and Lance, Lexus, Reuben III, and Magnus Miller, and two great grandchildren, Skye and Raine Jordan. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Faith Miller.

 

In accordance with Mrs. Miller's wishes there will be no visitation or services at this time. Arrangements entrusted to the William S. Skovranko Memorial Home, Inc., 828 Richford Street, Duquesne, PA. 15110.

 
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Patricia Palm

July 14, 2021 |

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

Patricia Palm, 76, of North Huntingdon, passed away Sunday, July 11, 2021 at Upper Chesapeake Hospital, Bel Air, MD.  She was born April 2, 1945 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Betty Quear and John Drahusz, and stepfather, Gary Quear.  Patricia was a member of The Lutheran Church of Our Saviour and she enjoyed watching game shows, loved dogs and was an Elvis Presley fan.  She is survived by her husband, Donald Palm; daughter, Tracie Ulmes and her husband, Kevin; half-brother, John Drahusz; grandchildren, Abby and Patrick.  Friends will be received from 3-7  p.m. on Thursday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.  A funeral service will take place on Friday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Jefferson Memorial Park, Pittsburgh.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Mary Rose Crawford

July 14, 2021 |

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

Mary Rose (Gumina) Crawford, age 94, of Elizabeth Township, passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at Grandview Estates. Born November 11, 1926 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Lawrence and Sara (Giganti) Gumina. She worked for G.C. Murphy Company and Menzie Dairy, both in McKeesport. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, the late John T. Crawford; and siblings Cosmo and Stella Jane Gumina. Mary is survived by her daughters Mary Jo (Mark) Cieslewicz of Greenock and Laura (Matthew) Blanc of Gig Harbor, WA; son John Crawford of McKinney, TX; grandchildren Matthew Cieslewicz and Sara (Stephen) Mooney; step-grandchildren Michael and Daniel Blanc; great-grandson Lucas Mooney; siblings Madeline Tedesco of Carrolton, TX, Fred (Lorraine) Gumina of Pittsburgh, and Felix (Glenda) Gumina of Crest Hill, IL; aunt Margaret Anselmo of White Oak; and nieces and nephews. 

 
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Marilyn Wood Baldwin

July 13, 2021 |

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

Marilyn Wood Baldwin, age 92 of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, passed away on Friday, July 9, 2021, at Sycamore Estate in Duquesne, Pennsylvania. She was born December 15, 1928, in Wilmerding, Pennsylvania, also known as “Boyd Hill” to the late Percy “Sonny” Woods and Birdie Mae Woods Lodkey.  She relocated to Duquesne, Pennsylvania at an early age and was reared by her grandparents, the late Rev. William Woods and Sarah Winbush Woods.

The oldest of 11 children, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Eugene Baldwin; sister, Myrtle Hampton of California; and two brothers:  Charles Lodkey of Pittsburgh, PA and Franklin O. Lodkey of Wilmerding, PA. Marilyn was the sister of Eva (Clarence) Williams of Denver, CO;  Barbara J. Freeman (late James) of Jefferson Hills, PA;  Vera (Dave) Burke of Monroeville, PA:  Bhavananda Lodkey-Dekker (JanJaap Dekker) of Santa Cruz, CA;  Joseph A. Lodkey of San Francisco, CA;  and Doris Eleanor Lodkey of Monroeville, PA.

She was the mother of Faith Baldwin Bray (late Frederick A. Bray Sr.); and the love of her life, granddaughter Felicia Danita Bray.  She also was an inspiration to the children that she adored:  the late Betty Hughes Corbett, Beverly Hughes Knight (late Adolphus), Marva (Lewis) Haynes and John “Sonny” Hughes; “Special” Grandsons:  Elder Leslie E. Sandidge and Vernon “VJ” Cox Jr. She also was the godmother to Kim (Vaughn) Newberry; Marilyn Cotton; Dolores B. Sandidge; and Sidney Rae Eugene Tennon.

 Marilyn attended and graduated from Duquesne High School in 1946. She graduated from Duff’s Iron City Business College, Pittsburgh, PA in 1948. She furthered her education by attending Gary College and Indiana University Extension in Gary, Indiana from 1948-1950. She was employed by Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA, and retired in 1989 as an Administrative Secretary to Dr. Charles E. Copeland, Chief of General Surgery for 20 years. She also found time to share her musical talents and taught many children for years giving private piano lessons in her home.

 
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