July 07, 2025 |
By Wojciechowski Funeral Home | Posted in: Wojciechowski Funeral Home
Josephina "Peanuts Dabruzzo Metz, 90 of North Huntingdon, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Monday, July 7, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born April 10, 1935 in Glassport, Pa. The daughter of the late Anthonio and Maria (DiPaolo) Dabruzzo. She is survived by her daughter Lisa Garancsi Knapton (Eric) and son Michael Garancsi (Janeen). Grandsons David, Michael and Vincent Garancsi, Jack Knapton and Michael Gray; great grandson Ozzy Garansci; brother-in-law Edward Metz; sister-in-law Loretta Dabruzzo; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald O. Metz of Bethel Park; brothers Anthony, Quirino, James, Guido and Nicholas Dabruzzo and sisters Ida Null and Gina (Jean) Todaro. Peanuts loved watching football and was a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan. She was a true patriot and loved her country. Enjoyed shopping and meeting with her friends for coffee. Her faith meant everything to her and she had so much love for her family and friends. Friends will be received at the Wojciechowski Funeral Home, Glassport on Wednesday, July 9th from 4 to 7. A funeral service will be held Thursday at 10:00 am. Interment following at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.
July 07, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Charles Cole Jr., age 89, of Menallen Twp., passed away Sunday, July 6, 2025 at home. An Army veteran, he was a self-employed mechanic for more than 60 years and owned and operated Phil’s Auto in Elizabeth for 15 years. He collected antique cars, was a huge John Wayne aficionado, and enjoyed going to the casino with his wife. Born June 24, 1936 in Uniontown, he was a son of the late Charles Cole Sr. and Rosalee (Teets) Cole. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Susan M. (Gibson) Garber Cole; daughters, Cheryl Cole of Smithton and Eva (Wayne) Holland of Georgia; son, Daniel (Chris) Garber of North Huntingdon; grandchildren, Robert Buchina, Cole Buchina, Alora Marie Holland (Mark) Butler, Wayne Dean Holland, Kelan Garber and Ginerva Garber; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchildren; brother, Ray Metts; also, many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Clarence “Budd” Garber; granddaughter, Sarah Holland Nichols; sisters, Pattie (Ronald) Lewis, Mary Jean (William) Thomas and Shirley Coulson; and best friend, Robert Pirc. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Thursday, July 10 from 2 PM until the time of funeral service at 5 PM. Private inurnment will be in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson Foundation of Western Pennsylvania, 850 Cranberry Woods Drive, Suite 2222, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
July 07, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Sharon L. (Keeler) Schork, 72, of Jeannette, passed away Saturday, July 5, 2025. She was born October 10, 1952 in McKeesport and was the daughter of the late H.E. “Red” and Irene M. (Rudd) Keeler. She was the wife of 37 years to the late Gary S. Schork, who passed away March 10, 2016. Sharon worked at The former Cut and Curl Beauty Salon in Norwin Shopping Center for over 20 years and also The Norwin School District for many years. She was a loving wife and mother and loved spending time with her family and friends. Sharon was an excellent cook, and was known for her lasagna, potato salad and macaroni salad. She loved using her mother’s recipes and making them her own. Sharon also enjoyed any chance to go shopping.
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July 07, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Francis W. “Frank” Oates Jr., age 89, of Forward Twp., passed away peacefully at his son’s home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, July 6, 2025. A Marine Corps veteran, he was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth and the Bricklayers Local Union 9 in Pittsburgh. He owned and operated Frank Oates Masonry Inc. in Elizabeth for 50 years and was a hard worker all his life. He enjoyed farming as a hobby and raised beef cows. Frank was a loving guy who was all about his family and friends. Born March 22, 1936 in Finleyville, he was a son of the late Francis Oates Sr. and Clara (Barton) Oates and husband of the late Glenda Ann (Trumpe) Oates. He is survived by his children, Glenn (Tammy) Oates of Elizabeth, Frank (Renee) Oates of Forward Twp. and Debbie Oates of Elizabeth; grandchildren, Timi Lee (James), Glenn David, Frankie IV and Shane; great-grandchildren, Daniel, DeJuanna, Danika, Bo James, Zander, Nyiah and Juliete; siblings, Gary (Kathy) Oates, Bruce (Helen) Oates and Clara DeMaio; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Daniel Lazar, and brother-in-law, Russell DeMaio Sr. Friends will be received at the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will be in the funeral home chapel Thursday July 10, 2025 at 10 AM with Pastor Benjamin Schneider officiating. Burial will follow at Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
July 06, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Hope (Phillips) Gaebel, age 74, of North Huntingdon, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Born on January 15, 1951, in Braddock, she was the daughter of the late Leonard and Charlene (Baldwin) Phillips.
Hope was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 51 years, Thomas J. Gaebel, and her brother Chris Phillips.
Hope’s greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she absolutely adored. She cherished every moment spent with them, whether she was doing crafts, sharing laughs, or leading their annual tie-dye and ginger bread house traditions. Hope was the heart of her home—a loving “drill sergeant” who kept Tom, Owen, and Kurt in line with her signature mix of yelling, firmness, and love.
She loved spending time with her friends—lunch outings, gym visits, and long chats were some of her favorite pastimes. A Disney fan and a lifelong lover of ice cream, she never passed up a chance to enjoy a chocolate/vanilla twist cone on her way home from the family’s Dairy Queen store.
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July 06, 2025 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Peter J. Contakos, age 83, of McKeesport, died peacefully at his home on July 3, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones. Born November 3, 1941, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late James N. and Catherine (Jevis) Contakos and husband of the late Lisa Contakos. Peter is survived by his children, Eric (Jenny) Contakos, of Pittsburgh, Jim (Christina) Contakos, of South Park, Chris (Sarah) Contakos, of Greenwood, SC, and Kate (Chris Mera) Contakos, of New York, NY; grandchildren, Sly Mera-Contakos, Nika Contakos, and Mathew Puckey (Rebecca) and family; nephews, Greg Haretos, James Contakos, and Will Green; nieces, Stephanie Shoemaker and Melissa Dersham; great-nieces, Charlea and Chloe Yonan; great-nephews, Carson and Tyron Shoemaker; sisters-in-law, Judi (Chuck) Dersham, Kim (Dennis) Seidel, Stacy (Doug) Green, and Shelly Johnson. In addition to his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by siblings, Stephanie Ellerman and Nicholas Contakos. A life beginning in the streams of Pennsylvania and travelling around the world, Peter fished from Alaska to Patagonia, from the Snake River in Montana to the Everglades in Florida. He was an outdoorsman extraordinaire, a lover of nature and an appreciator of the great circle of life that we're all part of. Whether hunting or fishing in Alberta, Colorado, or Montana he always paid respect to the people and the animals that made his life so rich. He rubbed elbows with grizzlies and wrestled with fish big and small, always aware of his place in nature and the balance he brought to it. He always honored the people he met and the places he went. It is hard to find any soul that encountered Peter that didn't walk away with something. He gave something to everyone, whether it was advice, money, something that he won at the casino..and he hated no one. He was generous in many ways but most importantly with his time. He took the time to care for the people who needed it and the people he loved.
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July 06, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Bruce David Yerecic, age 68 of North Huntingdon, passed away on July 3, 2025. He was born on December 4, 1956 in Pittsburgh, a son of the late George Yerecic and Sylvia Mrdeza Yerecic. Prior to his retirement, Bruce was employed as an educator at Bechtel-Bettis in West Mifflin. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, and also a member of several local sportsman's clubs. In addition to his parents, Bruce was preceded in death by his son Matthew Yerecic. He is survived by his beloved wife Marsha Weslowski Yerecic, one daughter Nicole Yerecic, one sister Roberta Welsch, and four grandchildren Emma, Trevor, Jacob, and James. There will be no public visitation. James W. Shirley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
July 06, 2025 |
By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory
Louise “Weeze” Moon, age 82, of Greenock, died on July 4, 2025. Born on January 31, 1943, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Lottie (Matykiewicz) Daczkowski and the wife of the late Norman D. Moon. Louise’s life was centered around her family and friends. She attended St. Mary Czestochowa School and Church and graduated from McKeesport High School. Norman first noticed Louise while she was dancing, and together they shared a lasting appreciation for the dance floor. After taking time to raise her daughters, she had a successful career at Nash Kinema, where she proudly served for decades. Outside of work, Louise loved to golf. The time and friendships she shared on the course meant so much more than the numbers on the scorecard. She participated in several leagues—with her husband and her girlfriends in “The Bags” and “Chicks with Sticks”—forming lifelong friendships along the greens of Butler’s Golf Course. Her passion for the game led her to take on a role at the golf course in retirement, where she served others while looking out over her favorite nine. Louise also treasured her lifelong card club, where friendships flourished for over 50 years. She remained active throughout her later years, continuing to golf, take classes at Alpha Fitness, and make new friends.
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July 05, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Sandra Lee "Sandy" Lehner, 75, of Elizabeth Township, passed away Friday, July 4, 2025. She was born February 11, 1950 in McKeesport and was the daughter of Louis and Lillian Broder. Better known as Sandy or Anny, she was the best, most unique person most of us will ever have the privilege of knowing. And as such, this story needs to demonstrate her moxie, humor, kindness, generosity, and depth of love. The friends and family who really knew her understand she would want nothing less than a funny tribute about how awesome she was. So, enjoy the inside jokes. She is survived by her devoted husband Russell Greg Lehner (who does not like vanilla cake), her daughters: Amy (Todd) Wood and Trudy (Jeff) Pzynski, her favorite granddaughter: Samantha Wood, and her favorite grandson: Connor Wood, Spenser Wood, and Oliver Pzynski. Her sisters: Susan (Bob) Keeler and Beth (Jack) Karos, Sister-in-law Penny (Jay) Natale, chosen family: The Pasquales, too many nieces and nephews to name, and too many cats to list.
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July 05, 2025 |
By Wojciechowski Funeral Home | Posted in: Wojciechowski Funeral Home
Yvonne M. Harper, 77, of Elizabeth, died July 3, 2025. She is the daughter of the late Leo and Martha (Bill) McConeghy and wife of the late Harry Harper. She is survived by her son Lonnie (Donna) Ambrose and daughter Heather (Tim) Hallas; grandchildren Tim Jr., Jeremy, Jim, Kristen and Valerie. Yvonne was a retired secretary for UPMC for over 21 years. Funeral arrangements by the Wojciechowski Funeral Home, Glassport.
July 04, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Elmer L. Herman Funeral Home
Arlene Frances (Ondovchik) Buchanan, 73, of Swissvale, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on the morning of June 28, 2025, at UPMC Mercy Hospital.
She was born on August 22, 1951, in Braddock, Pennsylvania, to Helen Agnes (Zajac) and Joseph William Ondovchik.
Arlene graduated from Scott High School in 1969, and spent 50 years as an Office Assistant at Duquesne University’s Computing and Technology Services (CTS). Arlene was known for her dedication to her work and her students. She never shied away from a job to be done, and made it a point to welcome all who passed through the doors of CTS.
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July 04, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Elmer L. Herman Funeral Home
Isiah Anthony McCarthy made his departure to heaven on June 26th, 2025.
He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on June 5th, 2009 to Tempestt Monet Booker and Eugene James McCarthy.
Isiah was a student at Clairton HighSchool. He was a passionate football player earning his title as an "All Star Player".
Isiah was also an aspiring musical engineer and rapper. He spent a lot of his downtime in the studio with his friends creating music.
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July 04, 2025 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
John M. Fisher, age 59, of McKeesport, PA, died on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. He was born in El Paso, TX on March 7, 1966 and was the son of the late Donald H. and Adelle Roberts Fisher. He was employed as an engineer for his entire career.
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July 04, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Wilfred (Butch) Patrick Wichelmann, age 82 of North Huntingdon, passed away on July 3, 2025, at UMPC East. He was born on March 1, 1943, in Homestead, PA. a son of the late Wilfred and Cecelia Donnelly Wichelmann. Wilfred was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Irwin. Prior to his retirement, he was employed on the assembly line for General Motors. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, socializing with friends at the Shafton Firehall, and spending time with his daughters and grandchildren. He was a graduate of Norwin High School in 1961. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Parker Wichelmann, loving daughters Kim Kintigh (Richard) and Jennifer Grottenthaler (Richard Scherff). two sisters, Elizabeth Wichelmann, Ruthann Valimont (Edward), grandchildren, Nicole Stalvey (Chris), Ashley Kintigh (Justin), Hayley Kintigh, Brionna Wichelmann, Nathaniel and Brandon Grottenthaler, Savannah Bashioum, and great-grandchildren Reed, Levi and Cameron. There will be no public visitation. Services will be private. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
July 04, 2025 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Danielle L. McCann (Wilson), age 53 of North Huntingdon passed away July 3, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle of 13 years with MSBC. She was born December 15, 1971 in McKeesport, a daughter of Daniel Wilson (Norma) and Nancie Muro (Nicholas). Danielle was a member of Norwin Christian Church. She graduated from Norwin High School class of 1989 where she was cheerleading captain for the 88-89 school year and also the Secretary of the Spanish Club. Danielle graduated the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown Campus in 1993 with a bachelor’s in psychology and was a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority. She had then worked at Adelphi Village in Latrobe which is where she met her then supervisor Jennifer DiVittis turned best friend, and after over a decade of CYS work Danielle attained her Master's in Education from Duquesne University. Danielle was then an intern at Franklin Regional High School. Her first day was 9/11/2001, the following school year she was employed and remained for 20 years as a School Counselor, until she regretfully had to retire due to her 9-year battle with breast cancer. She had worked with children for over 35 years. Her work family became her second family. The children’s lives that she had been honored to work with were like family to her. Danielle enjoyed shopping with Nancie (Ma), as well as having stomach hurting breath taking laughing moments all of the time when they were together. Danielle and her father Daniel (Papa Smurf) had a bond stronger than most fathers and daughters share. Danielle was known as Snow White due to her love of animals. Her boys Vinnie, Luca, Daniel, and Bo will miss their mother very much. Over the 32 years Danni and Eric have been together they’ve rescued over 6 dogs and 4 cats and 1 rabbit. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband of over 26 years Eric T McCann, brother Nicko (bites all)Wilson (Emily) ,in-laws Rev. John Pressler (Suzanne), brother-in-law John McCann (Kristen), Sister-in-law Julia Pressler (Mike), step siblings Harry Castine (Amanda), Bryan Castine (Carey), Mellisa Weller(Bryan) as well as many aunts and uncles, cousins, relatives and friends. The service will be officiated by the Rev. Brenda Barnes. Friends will be received on Monday July 7, 2025 from 2 to 8 p.m. at the JAMES W. SHIRLEY FUNERAL HOME, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon. A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Union Cemetery in Irwin. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to the pet charity of your choice. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
