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Earl S. Farmer

June 28, 2021 |

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

Earl S. Farmer, 95, of North Huntingdon, passed away Sunday, June 27, 2021 at Walden's View, N. Huntingdon.  He was born September 21, 1925 in Collier, PA, a son of the late Charles and Mabel Murphy Smith. Earl was a fan of FOX News. He enjoyed polka dancing, gardening, played the button box accordion and was a dog lover. He served our country during WWII with the U.S. Marine Corps, was a Purple Heart recipient and earned a commemorate unit citation for his service. He was preceded in death by one brother, Charles Smith and one sister Eleanor Aker (Chuck).  He is survived by his son, Barry Farmer and his wife, Sandy; daughter, Lori Cimino; four grandchildren, Aaron and Nick Cimino, Matthew and Tyler Farmer one sister, Linda Stokes ( James) and a longtime friend Mike Matievich.  Friends will be received from 2-8 p.m. Thursday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  A funeral service will be held on Friday 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Crossroads Cemetery, Monroeville.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to Animal Friends in Youngwood.

 
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Richard Poplawski

June 28, 2021 |

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

Richard Poplawski, age 67, of North Versailles, passed away on Friday, June 25, 2021. Born in Pittsburgh on November 20, 1953, he was the son of the late Alvin Poplawski and Eleanor Moran Rusnak. He is survived by his partner, Shauna Whipple of North Versailles; children, Aaron (Chloe) Whipple of Verona, Lindsey (John) Quear of Irwin and Kyle (Sam) Whipple of North Versailles; grandchildren, Cam and Millie; brother, Raymond (Elaine) Poplawski of Monroeville; aunt, Millie Moran of West Homestead and uncle, Eddie Moran of Muncie, IN; nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the MALOY-SCHLEIFER FUNERAL HOME, 915 KENNEDY AVE., DUQUESNE, 15110, 412-466-3300, WILLIAM B. SCHLEIFER, SUPERVISOR, WILLIAM BRIAN SCHLEIFER, FUNERAL DIRECTOR. Funeral service will take place at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Robert Seeman officiating. Interment will follow at St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cemetery, West Mifflin.

 


Robert "Bob" P. Hanicak

June 28, 2021 |

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

Robert "Bob" P. Hanicak, 67, of White Oak, passed away Friday, June 25, 2021 at Forbes Regional Hospital, Monroeville.  He was born March 14, 1954 in Wilkinsburg, a son of the late John and Rose Marie Kaftanich Hanicak.  Prior to his retirement, Robert was a maintenance worker for Boyce College.  He was a volunteer fireman for Rainbow VFD with 25 years of service and belonged to many social clubs.  He is survived by his brothers, Donald (Nancy), Ken (Robin), Jay (Julie); sister, Karen (William) Foster; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Friends will be received from 3-7 p.m. on Monday, July 5th at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, July 6th at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rainbow Fire Department in Bobby’s name.  Private interment in Visitation Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant, PA.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 


Kelly A. Estok

June 27, 2021 |

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

Kelly A. Estok, age 60, of Duquesne, formerly of McKeesport, died Saturday, June 26, 2021. She was born in McKeesport on May 22, 1961 and is the daughter of Suellen Lotz of Tampa, Florida and the late Andrew Bartko, Sr.

 
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Ruth E. Hershey

June 27, 2021 |

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

Ruth E. Hershey, 96, of North Huntingdon, passed away Saturday, June 26, 2021 at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital.  She was born April 27, 1925 in Clairton, a daughter of the late Richard and Bertha (Stevens) Stokes.  Before Ruth was married she was a secretary for Westinghouse in East Pittsburgh and a member of the Westinghouse Chorus.  After she was married she became an Avon consultant for many years.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Hershey, infant sister, Jean Doris Stokes, and brother, Richard Stokes.  She is survived by her son, Thomas Hershey and his wife, Joanne; daughter, Virginia Toretti and her husband, Richard; sister, Janet Dvorznak; grandchildren, Shelley (Phillip) Surgent, Scott Toretti, Sara (James) Wadsworth, Tara (Steven) Saunders, Ryan Hershey; great-grandchildren, Charles and Elizabeth Saunders and Abby and Emma Wadsworth.  Friends will be received on Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.  A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Mt. Vernon Cemetery.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Patricia A. Wheaton

June 26, 2021 |

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

Patricia A. Wheaton, 73, of North Huntingdon, passed away Friday, June 25, 2021 at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital.  She was born September 30, 1947 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late John and Olga (Petrosko) Lazar.  Prior to her retirement, Patricia was a welfare caseworker for the state of Pennsylvania.  She enjoyed golfing, gardening, spending time with her grandchildren and always giving of herself to others especially family and friends.  She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Claude Wheaton; daughter, Jennifer James and her husband, Richard; son, Tom Wheaton and his wife, Kara;  identical twin sister, Pauline (Jim) Saxman, sister, Mary Ann (Joe) Hart; brother, John (Cindy) Lazar; grandchildren, Gage, Gunner and Grady; and her beloved Yorkie, Maggie.  Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Monday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.  A funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Irwin Union Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pet Adoption League / Adopt A Pet - Yukon, PA,  www.petadoptionleague.org.   www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Louise E. Kemble

June 25, 2021 |

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

Louise E. Kemble, 90, of North Huntingdon, passed away Friday, June 25, 2021 at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital.  She was born September 21, 1930 in Wilmerding, daughter of the late Louis E. and Grace (Boyd) Brown.  Louise was a member of First United Methodist Church of Irwin.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Kemble, granddaughter, Amanda Yourick, and brothers, John and Edward Brown.  She is survived by her son, Louis R. Kemble and his wife, Patricia; daughter, Debra K. Marino and her husband, David; grandchildren, Lori Kemble, Lindsay (Daniel) Easly, Andrew Yourick and Josh (Rebecca) Marino; great-grandchildren, Avery Easly and Penny Marino.  Friends will be received from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA.  A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Irwin Union Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Irwin.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Kenneth Hoetzlein

June 25, 2021 |

By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes

Kenneth Robert Hoetzlein, 62 of Monongahela, passed away on June 22, 2021, at home. He was born in Pittsburgh to Ora Mae Cogswell Hoetzlein and the late Lawrence Albert Hoetzlein Sr. Kenneth was the loving partner of 22 years to Debbie Sarnoskie. He is survived by his mother Ora Hoetzlein and his fiancée Debbie Sarnoskie. He is further survived by his sons Matthew (Laurie) Hoetzlein, Robert Hoetzlein, and Jules (Nikki Eicher) Branch. Other survivors include his grandchildren Zane, Reannah, Jules Jr., Paige, Makenzy, Lydia, Hannah, and Bentley Hoetzlein. His brothers include Lawrence Jr., William, and Joseph Hoetzlein. He is also survived by his sisters Winifred Lynch, Mary Beth McClean, Rose Ann Riedell, and Maylena Rhinda. Kenneth was preceded in death by his father Lawrence Sr., his brother Timothy, and his sister Marguerite Ethridge. He was a member of the former St. Anthony’s Church. Kenneth owned and operated M&R Masonry, where he worked until his retirement in 2015. In his retirement, Kenneth drove for Roadrunner Services until 2021. Kenneth loved to cook, shoot pool, and play bar bingo. He also loved the Pittsburgh Penguins. Kenneth loved going to his son Jules’ house and spending time with his family. Family and friends will be received on Saturday June 26, 2021, from 5 pm-8 pm at S.M. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 432 N. 6th St, Clairton, PA 15025. A service will follow at the funeral home at 8 pm. A repass will occur on Sunday June 27, 2021, at Jim’s Bar in Monongahela. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Animal Friends by mailing your tribute information along with a check made out to Animal Friends to Animal Friends c/o Development Department 562 Camp Horne Road Pittsburgh PA, 15237. Donations can also be made by calling (412) 847-7051 or by going to thinkingoutsidethecage.org/donate-now/. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com.

 


Mary R. Sabol

June 24, 2021 |

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

Mary R. (Spirnak) Sabol, 94, of West Mifflin, died peacefully on Tuesday June 22, 2021, in Dumfries, VA., at the home of her daughter, Marian. Born August 30, 1926, in Duquesne, she was the daughter of the late John and Elizabeth (Balogac) Spirnak. Mary was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Holy Trinity Church, West Mifflin. For many years Mary was involved in Parish activities working in the kitchen with everything from fish fries, and funeral repast to baking ceregi. She was the beloved wife of the late John J. Sabol, and is survived by two daughters, Marian (Michael) Gross of Virginia and Audrey (Frank) Steiner of West Mifflin, a brother, Raymond (Marie) Spirnak of Munhall and a sister, Eleanor (Late Thomas "Tim") Marcinko of Whitaker, four grandchildren, Eugene Sabol, Rachael (Bill) Fike, Caitlin Steiner (Matthew Kanczes), Bethany Steiner, and four great grandchildren, Aiden and Ashton Fike, and Laura and Caroline Kanczes; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by a son, Eugene Sabol and a grandson, Jonathan Steiner.

 
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Kenneth “Kenny” Anthony Buckman

June 24, 2021 |

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

Kenneth “Kenny” Anthony Buckman, 58, was born on November 8, 1962, in McKeesport, PA to loving parents Dorothy Buckman Moody and the late Danny Howard. Kenny departed his earthly life on Thursday, January 14, 2021, at his home in Clairton, PA, and is now happily present with the Lord.

Kenny was educated in the Clairton, PA and Washington, DC Public School systems. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force. Kenny was a man of many talents and was not afraid to immerse himself into exploring his diverse interests. He was a tenor in a singing group, a bodybuilder, and for a short time tried his hand at construction. He even sold specialty vacuums, where he would eagerly visit customers in their homes and personally demonstrate the machines’ capabilities.

A common thread in Kenny’s pursuits was his love of people and his commitment to service. He worked as an EMT with the Clairton Medical Ambulance and was intent on making an impact by helping to save lives. He also served as an orderly at Jefferson Hill, PA Hospital, where he was a favorite among the elderly patients. He would tell them stories, read the books and Bible scriptures, and would sometimes sing their favorite hymns.

Over the years, Kenny became an avid cook, and would eventually channel this passion into a lasting career. He attended and graduated from Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts in Pittsburgh, PA, and from there worked as a professional chef for numerous restaurants, hotels, and private clients. Kenneth had a kind heart, a friendly smile, and was willing to go the extra mile for those in need. Even as he strived to make life better for himself, there was nothing that Kenny was too proud to do to help others.

 
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Paula A. Shufran

June 23, 2021 |

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

Paula A Shufran, age 63, of North Versailles, passed away shortly after midnight on Saturday, June 19, 2021 from complications due to pneumonia.  She was born in McKeesport on September 13, 1957 and is the daughter of the late Stephen and Wilda G. McGonigal Shufran.

 
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Wonnetah R. Janosik

June 23, 2021 |

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

 

Wonnetah R. Janosik, 84, of Celebration FL, died June 21, 2021.  She is the daughter of the late Andrew and Minnie Janosik.  She is survived by her son Michael (Carol) Mavilla; sister Dolly (Harvey Amoroso) Andersen; brother Bill (Peggy) Janosik; niece Dawn Barrett and nephews Robert Andersen, James Andersen, William Janosik and Michael Janosik.  She was preceded in death by her brothers Gene Janosik and Eddie Janosik and nephew John Andersen.  Wonnetah was a graduate of Carlow College and a retired telecommunication specialist for Westinghouse; an active member of Celebrators and a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Celebration, FL.  Friends received Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home, Duquesne, Pa on Sun. from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8.  A funeral mass will be held Mon. at 10:00 am at Holy Name Church.  Interment following Jefferson Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

 


Francis "Fran" Patrick

June 23, 2021 |

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

Francis “Fran” Patrick passed away suddenly on Friday, June 18th, 2021. He was born on January 11, 1944 in Clairton, PA, and is the son of the late Frank and Lila Thomas Patrick. Fran resided and raised his family in Dravosburg, PA, then in November of 2020 Fran achieved his goal of retiring in Florida with his wife, Regina, and his son, Addam and his family.

He was an electrical designer by trade and had a superior work ethic. He was a junior fire fighter and a lifelong member of Dravosburg Volunteer Fire Department.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 40 years and was past Grand Knight of Council 4210 Duquesne/West Mifflin, past Faithful Navigator of the Stephen P. Parry Assembly and District Treasurer of Master Sean Petriscko.

 
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Flora Evelyn (Castro) Klein

June 23, 2021 |

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

Flora Evelyn (Castro) Klein,  87, of White Oak, formerly of Port Vue, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. She was born May 26, 1934 in Duquesne and was the daughter of the late Frank and Clara (Fulks) Castro. She was the wife of the late Curtis H. Klein who passed away November 9, 2002. Flora was a longstanding member of Faith Lutheran Church in White Oak. She was a homemaker, worked at Johnston the Florist, and was active with the Girl Scouts, Port Vue Athletic Association, South Allegheny Football Boosters, Cub Scout Den Mom, and the Pastels Bowling League. She was also an Amateur Artist  and was a member of the McKeesport Artist Guild. She loved nature and enjoyed watching the birds, squirrels, chipmunks, turkey, rabbits, fox and deer in her backyard.

 
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Richard Michael Martchek

June 23, 2021 |

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

Richard Michael Martchek, 84, of North Huntingdon, passed away Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at Vista Springs Quail Highlands Assisted Living in Concord, OH.  He was born August 3, 1936 in Braddock, the son of the late Michael and Anna (Fialkovich) Martchek.  Prior to his retirement, Richard was a slab mill maintenance worker for US Steel Edgar Thompson Works and an electrician.  He was a veteran of the US Army having served in Germany from 1959-1962 and a member of Saints Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church.  Richard loved to tinker around his home, working on his cars, feeding the birds and animals and enjoyed being around people.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara (Morgart) Martchek.  He is survived by his daughter, Louise Sullivan and her husband, Ken; and 2 grandchildren, Kathleen Sullivan, Patrick Sullivan and his fiancee Kristen.  Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.  A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, P.O. Box 72101, Cleveland, OH  44192 or on-line www.hospicewr.org., or an animal shelter of your choice.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.  The family would like to thank Vista Springs and Hospice for their unspeakable kindness and care.