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John Daniel Bonga

January 20, 2020 |

By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary

John Daniel Bonga of Duquesne, a resident of Juniper Village in Forest Hills, age 98, on Sunday, January 19, 2020. He was the first American child born to Andrew and Anna (Rinyik) on December 30, 1921 in Rankin.

Beloved husband of the late Mildred (Tankosic) Bonga. Loving father of Dan (Nancy) Bonga, David (Monika) Bonga and Nikki (Tom) Stoner. Dearest grandfather (Pap Pap) of Dr. Lily Bonga and Jonathan Bonga; Nathan Stoner and Sally (Stephen) Paul; and the late Amanda Lyn Bonga.

Proud great-grandfather of McCarthy Rae Poljak and Everett Paul. John also was the beloved fiancé of Magdalene “Madge” Seman.

John was a 44-year employee of Westinghouse in East Pittsburgh. Although he rarely spoke of his military service, John proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II as a sergeant with the 338th Infantry Regiment combat Team in North Africa and Italy. He was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in ground combat.

John was a lifetime member of St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church in Rankin and the White Oak American Legion.

 
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Deborah L. Vasko

January 20, 2020 |

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

Deborah L. Vasko, age 68 of North Huntingdon died January 19, 2020 at Excela Health, Westmoreland Hospital. She was born July 19, 1951 in McKeesport, Pa., a daughter of the late Joseph and Dolores Emert Senko. Deborah attended St. Stephens Church in North Huntingdon. She was a devoted wife and mother who enjoyed crafts, jewelry making , cooking and music. She is survived by her beloved husband Daniel Vasko, two sons, Adam Vasko (Tina) and Matthew Vasko. A Divine Liturgy will be held Saturday, February 1  at 5:00 p.m. at St. Stephens Byzantine Catholic Church, North Huntingdon. A funeral service will follow at 7:00 p.m. Per Debbie's wishes,please do not send flowers. Memorials in remembrance of Deborah may be made to a charity of your choice or St. Stephens Church for Divine Liturgies. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 


George J. Rocknage

January 20, 2020 |

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

George  J. Rocknage,  93, of McKeesport, PA, formerly of Steubenville, OH, passed away at home on Sunday, January 19, 2020. He was born May 23, 1926 in Steubenville and was the son of the late James (Dmitar) Rocknage and Helen (nee Rokos) Rocknage. He was the husband of the late Mika (Reznicak) Rocknage. George was a life long member of the Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church in Steubenville , and served as an officer of the church for many years; as well as a charter member of the Petar Krstich Choir and the Holy Resurrection Men's Club. The past 6 years, George was a devout member of the St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in McKeesport, beloved by all! He was also a life-long accomplished bowler. George worked in many varied fields, from working as a general laborer for Starvaggi Coal, and as a Water Engineer for the Jefferson County Water Department; also was a long-time custodian for the Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church.

 
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Mary Jane "Janie" Kratzenberg-Senn

January 20, 2020 |

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

Mary Jane "Janie" Kratzenberg-Senn, 72 of West Mifflin, PA died January 18, 2020.  She was born August 16, 1947 to the late Jacob and Genevieve Ann Weber Kratzenberg.  Ms. Senn was preceded in death by her brothers Junior, Jack, Chuck and Don Bowers, Bud and Jimmy Kratzenberg and sisters Elsie, Toots, Lucille and Mary Victoria Kratzenberg.  She enjoyed researching and tracking family history.  She especially loved to visit the cemetery where her family is buried and tending to the upkeep of the graves.

 
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Rick Sallinger

January 20, 2020 |

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

Rick Sallinger, age 64, of Clairton, formerly of McKeesport, passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2020 at home. He was a caregiver for Comfort Keepers in Pittsburgh and a former performer at Community College of Allegheny County, McKeesport Little Theatre and the South Allegheny Players, to name a few. Born November 24, 1955 in McKeesport, he was a son of Rudolph C. Sallinger of White Oak and the late Isabelle (O'Hare) Sallinger. In addition to his father, he is survived by his beloved wife of 14 years, Michelle L. (Roper) Rivas; brothers, David (Marybeth) Sallinger of Penn Hills and Steven (Mimi) Sallinger of North Huntingdon; niece, Elizabeth Sallinger; nephew, Nicholas Sallinger; uncle, Harry H. Smith; cousins, Elaine and Karen Smith, and John Sallinger. A private celebration of life will be forth coming. The family requests no flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to an animal rights charity of your choice. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Jeffrey Alan Darragh

January 20, 2020 |

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

Jeffery Alan Darragh, age 67, of White Oak, formally of Penn Boro, died January 13, 2020.  He was born in Greensburg on June 24, 1952 and is the son of the late Donald and Dorothy Linsenbigler Darragh. He was retired from USS Clairton Works, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing and was a member of the Penn Rod Gun Club, a lifetime member of the Penn Boro Fire Department., and a former Mayor of Penn Boro.

 
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Lois E. Gogolya

January 19, 2020 |

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

LOIS E. GOGOLYA age 73, of Pleasant Hills, formerly of Duquesne, on January 18, 2020. She was born April 4, 1946 in McKeesport to the late Joseph and Anna (Seiiterlin) Gogolya. She worked in the accounting department at US Steel. Lois liked to read and was a dog lover. She is survived by many longtime friends. Visitation Tuesday, January 21st from 12-6 p.m. at the MALOY-SCHLEIFER FUNERAL HOME, 915 Kennedy Ave., Duquesne 412-466-3300, where a blessing service will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Rev Nick Mastrangelo officiating. Burial will be in Jefferson Memorial Park.

 


Virginia Mikula

January 19, 2020 |

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

Virginia "Jean" Mikula, 89 of North Huntingdon died January 18, 2020 at The Grove at Irwin.  She was born November 27, 1930 in McKeesport, daughter of the late John and Mary Pamaibo Yagan.  She was a member of St. Agnes Church and enjoyed playing Bingo.  In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Mikula Sr. in 2013; daughter, Karen Clark and her husband Ted; and sister, Mary Louise Squires.  She is survived by her son Joseph Jr.  and his wife Shelly; daughter Susan Rhodes and her husband Lenny; sister, Pat Fredley; grandchildren, Geoff, Noel, Dawn, Melissa, Tara, Joseph, Nathan and Zachary; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.  Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on  Wednesday  from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.  A blessing service will be held on Thursday at 10 a.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment in Calvary Cemetery, Port Vue, PA.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Rose C. Badstibner

January 19, 2020 |

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

Rose C. Badstibner, age 104, of McKeesport, died January 18, 2020, at Kane Regional Medical Center. Born December 30, 1915, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late George and Ida (Robertson) Glaub and the wife of the late Herman Badstibner.

 
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Jean E. Fitzpatrick

January 19, 2020 |

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

Jean E. Fitzpatrick, age 94 of North Huntingdon died January 17, 2020 at UPMC East, Monroeville. She was born June 8, 1925 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late D.J. and Elizabeth Biddlestone Roderick. Jean enjoyed golfing, traveling, cooking, pinochle, and was a lifelong bridge player. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a grandchild, baby boy Fitzpatrick; great-granddaughter Chloe; sister, Doris McDonough; niece and nephews, Betsy, David and Kevin. She is survived by three sons, William (Donna), Jack (JoAnn), Tom (Kathy); five grandchildren, Scott Fitzpatrick (Tammy), Kim McGauley (Eric), Meghan Fitzpatrick (James Lynch), Erin Fitzpatrick (Jeff Dyke), Katelyn Brady (Tim); 12 great-grandchildren, Gavin, Haleigh, Aubrianna, Chase, Chyler, Grady, Brinley, Kiera, Aubrey, Samuel, William and James; nieces and nephews, K.D., Margie, Judy, John and Mike, Patty, Sue, Mark; special friends, Cecelia, Danny, Kylie Sedlock. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Friday 4-8 pm. with additional visitation Saturday 9 a.m. 10 a.m.  Interment to follow in Jefferson Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to a pet charity of your choice. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 

 


Thomas H. Spahr

January 19, 2020 |

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

Thomas H. Spahr, age 74 of North Huntingdon died January 18,2020 at his home. He was born May 23, 1945 in Greensburg, a son of the late Charles and Alice Herold Spahr. Tom was the store manager of Miller Feed Store in Irwin for many years. He was the past president of the Norwin Lions Club, 11th Armored Calvary Association, Norwin VFW Post 781 and a veteran of the Vietnam War having served in the U.S. Army. He was preceded in death by a sister, Patricia Miller,  He is survived by his wife Donna Dunkle Spahr, one daughter Maryah Spahr,one sister Bonnie Koury, brother in law Bill Miller, sister in law, Susan Dunkle, numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Thursday 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 


Paul David Krise Jr.

January 18, 2020 |

By Administrator | Posted in: Deaths Elsewhere

Paul David Krise Jr., age 67, passed away Thursday, January 16, 2020 at his home.

Born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, Paul was the son of Ruth Lord Krise and the late Paul David Krise, Sr. and son-in-law of the late Nick and Agnes Bruno. He was a retired Postmaster with the United States Postal Service.

Paul was an avid golfer who never met a stranger. He lived his life with zest and passion even when facing the fight of his life. He had a passion for sports and watching his grandchildren was the joy of his life. His family and friends will always remember that Paul always had a smile on his face and he was the life of the party. The manner in which he lived his life in general will resonate with them forever. He won!

Surviving are his wife of 49 years, Denise Marie Bruno Krise; his son, Ben Krise; his daughter, Paula Painter and her husband Frank Painter; two sisters, Bonnie Sari (husband Tom) and Beverly James (husband Denny); brother John Krise (wife JoAnn); sisters-in-law Nikki Washburn and Monica Young (husband Terry); brother-in-law James Bruno (wife Debbie)  and four grandchildren, Felicia Painter, Frankie Painter, Nicholas Krise and David Krise along with many nieces and nephews.

 
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Patricia L. Tucci Pollock

January 18, 2020 |

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

Patricia L. Tucci Pollock, 59, of Irwin, passed away Friday, January 17, 2020.  She was born May 2, 1960 in Jeannette, a daughter of the late Leonard and Mae (Piovesan) Tucci.  Patty enjoyed being outside doing yard work and tending to her flowers, going to the beach, playing cards and loved being with her children and grandchildren.  She is survived by her husband, Dennis Pollock; son, Zach Pollock and his wife, Courtney; daughter, Misty Pollock; sisters, Barbie (Jerry) Gibasiewicz, Suzie (Kevin) Robinson; sisters-in-law, Connie Pollock and Patricia (Jerry) Freeman; brother-in-law, Karl (Colleen) Pollock; grandchildren, Savannah, Trinity, Beau; numerous nieces and nephews; and her fur babies.  Friends will be received from 2-8 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 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in West Newton Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

 


Alfred J. "Ike" Huwalt Jr.

January 18, 2020 |

By Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home | Posted in: Jefferson Memorial Cemetery Funeral Home

Alfred J. "Ike" Huwalt Jr., age 91, of McKeesport, formerly of Duquesne, passed away surrounded by his loving family on January 15, 2020.

Alfred is survived by his beloved wife, Veronica M. (Pearson) Huwalt of 70 years; Four Children, Patrice H. Bennett, Mark A. Huwalt, Lynne M. (Michael) Mercilliott, and Lisa H. (Jeff) Lampo; Brother, Thomas Huwalt; Grandchildren, Ian (Bridget O'Neil) Bennett, Mark (Elaine) Bennett, Sean (Stephanie) Mercilliott, Kevin Mercilliott, Matthew Atwood, Jesse Huwalt, Brenden Lampo; and Great-Grandchildren, Elizabeth, Helena, and Patrick Bennett.

Alfred served his country honorably with the U.S. Navy as a Seaman First Class. He was employed for many years and retired from U.S. Steel National Tube and worked for University of Pittsburgh in the benefits department. Alfred enjoyed the outdoors, crossword puzzles, cowboys/westerns and was a member of the Liberty Borough Vets Club.

 
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Sophie Andrejkanic

January 17, 2020 |

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

Sophie Andrejkanic, 93, formerly of White Oak, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2020.  She was born April 28, 1926 in White Oak, a daughter of the late George and Anna Kitz.  Sophie was a member of AARP Versailles Chapter 9211, St. Robert Bellarmine Church, and former member of the Wilmerding YMCA.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, George Andrejkanic; sons-in-law, John Kostik and Robert L. Brown; brother John Kitz; and sister Annette Hoffman.   She is survived by her daughters, Jane Kostik and Carol Brown; grandchildren, Jennifer (Mark) Linderman, Carrie (John) Page, Janet Landry, Robert M. Brown; great-grandchildren, Ava, Ethan, Joshua, Jacob, Jenna, Zachary, Tyler, Robert, Michael; and great-great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Michael; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Family and friends will be received from 2-8 p.m. on Monday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday at 10 a.m. in St. Agnes Church.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.