August 23, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: James F. Kutch Funeral Home - Crematory
Carolyn Jean Marszalek Despotakis passed away peacefully, on August 17, 2025, in Baldwin with her nieces Janine Montgomery and Christine Szymarek by her side. Born in Wilmerding on July 1, 1942. Beloved daughter of the late Stanley and Regina (Kasprzyk) Marszalek. Loving Wife of Richard “Deppy” Despotakis, married on July 23, 1966. Mother of Mark Despotakis of White Oak, PA, grand cat Fleury, sisters Frances O’Donnell of Norristown, PA, Marianne Popyak of Westerville, OH; and Dorothy (Raymond) Szymarek of White Oak, PA.
Carolyn attended Robert Morris College for business, worked at the Greater Pittsburgh Drive In, was bookkeeper for Palmetto Home Builders and John Parker Construction, in addition to many years as a secretary at the Pribanic and Pribanic law office. Along with her husband, she owned The Lionheart Inn in McKeesport, PA from 1969-2000. She was a member of Mary Mother of God Parish.
She was affectionately called “Sweet Caroline” and was the aunt to many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Carolyn will be missed by her many friends and cousins. She is preceded in death by her sister, Jane Ebbitt; in laws, Betty and Mike Despotakis; nephews and brothers in law.
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August 23, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Carolyn Shavulsky, age 81 of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Friday, August 22, 2025 in The Residence at Arrowood, West Mifflin. Born November 13, 1943 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late John and Catherine (O'Donnell) Ford. A retired medical transcriptionist / billing coordinator, Carolyn was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish - St. Clare of Assisi Church. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, the late John Shavulsky, who passed away July 24, 2024. Carolyn is survived by her son John M. (Erika) Shavulsky of Austin, TX, her grandchildren Delaney and Mackenzie Shavulsky, and also a couple nephews & cousins.
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August 22, 2025 |
By Wojciechowski Funeral Home | Posted in: Wojciechowski Funeral Home
Lucille A. "Cookie" Craine, a/k/a The Guzda, died Aug. 22, 2025. She is the daughter of the late Joseph and Lucille (Karczewski) Aubrecht and step daughter of the late Stanley Stinner. She is the beloved wife of the late Harold Craine, Sr. and is survived by her daughter Victoria Gouker; sons Harold Craine, Jr. and Michael (Lisa) Craine; grandchildren Michael (Tiffany) Craine, Jr., Jonathan (Meghan Jones) Craine and Kory (Rachel Boody) Gouker; great grandchildren Lillie, Gage, Jordyn, Gia and Rylee and sister Marlene (the late Ronald) Caldro. She was preceded in death by her grandson Francis "Buddy" Gouker and brothers Stanley "Butch" Stinner and Joseph (the late Betty) Aubrecht. Lucille was a former member of St. Cecilia Church. Friends will be received at the Wojciechowski Funeral Home, Glassport on Sun. from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8. A funeral blessing will be held Mon. 10:30 am in the funeral home with Father Tom Burke. Interment following New St. Joseph Cemetery.
August 22, 2025 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Monica Pflugh, age 43, of Ellwood City, passed unexpectedly on August 19, 2025, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. Born December 18, 1981, in Beaver, she was the daughter of Diana (Charles) Pflugh, of Frisco, and Larry (Cindy) James, of North Sewickley.
A devoted mother, Monica poured her heart and soul into raising her beloved son. Monica's warm spirit and kind heart extended far beyond her immediate family. She was known for her selflessness and ability to care for others, often putting their needs before her own. This innate kindness touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know her.
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August 21, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Robert A. Harff, Jr., 77, of Glassport, formerly of McKeesport, passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. He was born on December 21, 1947 in McKeesport and was the son of the late Robert A., Sr and Anna Loretta (March) Harff. Robert was a US Army Veteran serving during the Vietnam War. He was the best HVAC Technician for over 35 years, working for several different companies during his career. He loved drinking beer while listening to oldies, watching classic TV shows and he was an avid talk show enthusiast. He was also a farm boy growing up. He was the loving husband of the late Correna Lynn Harff, who passed away on September 11, 2012.
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August 21, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
In Loving Memory of Ute Lundy (Eberhardt)1962 – 2025
Ute Lundy, beloved wife, cherished friend, and gentle soul, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025, at the age of 63. She was surrounded by care and compassion at Willows Nursing Home in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. Born in Mannheim, Germany, Ute carried with her a quiet strength and warmth that touched everyone she met. Her life was marked by kindness, resilience, and a deep love for those closest to her. Her parents, Georg Eberhardt and mother Else Eberhardt (Utz) preceded her in death.
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August 21, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
John P. "Jack" Hails, age 76 of North Huntingdon, passed away on August 20, 2025. He was born on March 6, 1949 in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Edward Hails and Ruth Watson Hails. Jack was a decorated veteran of the United States Army, having fought in combat during the Vietnam War. He served as a medic in the 82nd Airborne Division, and he was assigned to the Army's Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP). In his free time, Jack enjoyed collecting beer memorabilia at local flea markets, selling various merchandise on eBay and earning the title of Power-Seller, and reading science fiction novels. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his infant twin brother James, brother Eddie Hails, and two sisters, Jan Danchenko and Ruthie Lebron. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Susan Gordon Hails, one son, Jason Hails (wife Megan), one daughter, Mandie Wiltshire (husband Logan Scott), one brother, Richard Hails (wife Nancy), one sister, Valerie Riggen (husband Paul), two grandchildren Cheyanne Gess Brannan (husband Evan) and Zoey Hresko Leigh (husband Julian), three great-grandchildren Corey, Chloe, and James, and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, on Sunday from 1-3 PM and 5-7 PM with a service beginning at 6:30. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Jack's name to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), or to the Hails family. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
August 20, 2025 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Stewart Ekin, age 98, of Gibsonia, PA, formerly of North Huntingdon, PA, peacefully passed on Sunday, August 17, 2025. He was born in McKeesport, PA on August 12, 1927, and was the son of the late Albert and Elsie Heidle Ekin.
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August 19, 2025 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Joan Elizabeth Winters, affectionately known to all who loved her as “Toots” or “Aunt Toots,” passed away on August 10, 2025, at the age of 90. She was born in McKeesport, PA, on February 10, 1935, and is the daughter of the late Thomas and Josephine Ivanac Winters.
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August 19, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Charles J. Filiano, 95, of Elizabeth Twp, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at his current residence at Point Pleasant Retirement Community. He was born January 23, 1930 in Brooklyn, NY and was the son of the late Joseph and Emma (Farischon) Filiano. Charles was the husband of 67 years to the late Pauline L. (Donofe) Filiano, who passed away July 17, 2022. Charles was a US ARMY Veteran serving during the Korean War, for his service he was awarded The Army of Occupational Medal (Germany) and The Good Conduct Medal. Upon his completion of his military service he would go on to work for Bettis Atomic Laboratories. He was a member of the former St. Denis Church in Versailles and was a current member of Mary, Mother of God Parish. During his time at St. Denis he was an usher, altar server, "Mr. Donut" at the Parish Festival and also a gym teacher and softball coach; at St. Patrick, also served as an usher and altar server for many years. He enjoyed watching TV especially game shows, and sports, most notably the Pirates, Yankees and Steelers. Charles also enjoyed bowling, golfing, scratch off tickets, candy and his favorite wine, Riunite Lambrusco. He will be greatly missed.
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August 19, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Marie Catherine Brennan, 70, of West Mifflin, passed away Monday, August 18, 2025. She was born April 11, 1955 in Pittsburgh and was the daughter of the late Robert Paul Brennan, Sr. and Agnes (Rosepink) Brennan. She obtained a bachelors degree in Nursing from The University of Pittsburgh and another in Business From Carnegie Mellon University. She was a nurse for many years and later worked for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in the insurance side of health care as well. Marie was a very smart woman and good person. She was a great mother and grandmother, who raised her two sons on her own. She will be greatly missed. Romans 8:18 "For I consider that the sufferings of the present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us".
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August 19, 2025 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Shirley Harper, age 90, of West Mifflin, formerly of Duquesne, died August 15, 2025, at Southwood Assisted Living. Born February 22, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Blair and Elizabeth (Harrison) Morgan and wife of the late Robert "Bob" "Snuffy" Harper. Shirley lived a life rich in love, friendship, and community involvement.
Shirley spent many years working at the Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, where she contributed her talents and became a cherished member of the Bettis Bowling League. Her warm spirit extended beyond the workplace, as she was an active member of her card club and a member of Grace United Methodist Church of Christ, where she and her husband served as youth leaders, positively impacting the lives of many young people.
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August 19, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Jason T. Honick, age 32 of West Newton, passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Born November 16, 1992 in West Palm Beach, FL, he is the son of Jay Honick of Coulter and the late Dawn (Goodenow) Honick. A carpenter for TBI of Little Boston, Jason was a member of the Westco Highlands Four-Wheel-Drive Club. Besides his father, he is survived by his loving wife Kaitlyn (Guthrie) Honick and their two boys Jacob and Thomas; his sister Chelsi Honick of Pt. St. Lucie, FL; his half-brothers Timothy Cline of Urbana, OH and Edward Lopez of West Palm Beach, FL; his stepbrothers Jeremiah Williams of Gastonia, NC and Jason Cattlet of California; and his stepmother Cindy Honick of Coulter.
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August 18, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Laurence R. "Larry" Bell, age 79 of Irwin, formerly of Wilmerding died August 18, 2025, at Transitions Health Care. He was born November 4, 1945, in Pittsburgh, a son of Betty Gladfelter Bell and the late Robert Bell. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Debbie Kovaloski and Carolyn. Zgonc Larry is survived by a son David Bell and a daughter, Amy Blankenship, one brother, Thomas Bell and friend Sharon Sisco. There will be no public visitation.
August 18, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Michael (Mike) Kelly, 69 of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, transitioned to eternity on Sunday, August 10, 2025. Michael was born December 26, 1955, to the late Clyde C. Kelly Sr. and Viola Flowers Kelly. Michael was a 1973 graduate of McKeesport Senior High School and later attended the Community College of Allegheny County, South Campus on a basketball scholarship. He worked at LaRosa Boys and Girls Club, U.S. Steel Irvin Works, and retired from General Motors, where he worked for over 30 years.
Michael enjoyed sports of all sorts. He was an avid tennis player and golfer. He enjoyed the outdoors and started to try his hand at pickleball. Michael loved family time and enjoyed making up games and watching the kids and later the grandchildren compete for small prizes. He loved attending the grandchildren’s sports events and school activities and was very proud of their accomplishments.
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