December 24, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Joseph A. Santora, 79, of McKeesport, passed away on Friday, December 5, 2025. He was born August 13, 1946 in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Anthony and Mathelia (Guy) Santora, in addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Mary (Holsinger) Santora, son T.J. Santora, and grandson Brian Santora. He loved music and enjoyed playing guitar. His other hobbies included coin and stamp collecting. Joseph is survived by his daughter Ann Santora Bartko (Ken Bartko); grandchildren Hailey Bartko (Seth Stetar), Casey Bartko, and Aubrey Bartko; great granddaughter Ilah Stetar; sister and brothers Casandra Benzel, Leonard “Lenny” (Kathy) Santora, Ross Santora; also many nieces and nephews. Services are private, and are being handled by William Snyder Funeral Home, Inc. , 521 Main Street, Irwin, 724-863-1200. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com (http://www.snyderfuneralservices.com/).
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joseph A. Santora please visit our Sympathy Store.
December 24, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
James P. Blake, Sr., 87, of North Irwin, formerly of Finleyville, died Friday, December 19, 2025. He was born April 5, 1938 in McKeesport, a son of the late William and Pearl (Wyant) Blake and was also preceded in death by his first wife Bonnie (Forbes) Blake, his second wife Daisey (Kemp) Blake, and brothers William and Gary Blake. Jim was a 1955 graduate of McKeesport High School, was a Vietnam veteran who served 22 years in the Army. He then retired as field operations manager for Icee Co., Bridgeville. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 212, Donora and the White Oak Rod & Gun Club. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and rode with the American Legion Riders in Monroeville, Charleroi, and Donora and also with the Patriot Guard.
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December 24, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Robert A. Waters Funeral Home
Alyssa A. Martin, 38, died December 21, 2025. Friends will be received from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Dec. 30 at Creative Ministries Berachah, 1422 Evans Ave., until the time of the funeral service. Arrangements in care of Robert A. Waters Funeral Home.
December 24, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home
Lois (Bittinger) Karaffa, 92, of North Huntingdon, died Tuesday, December 23, 2025. She was born May 21, 1933 in South Greensburg, the daughter of the late Ervin and Ethel G. (Smith) Bittinger and was also preceded in death by her husband Andrew B. Karaffa and a brother James Bittinger. She was a retired operator for Bell Telephone and a member of First Presbyterian Church, Irwin. She is survived by her daughters Susan (Karaffa) Lobur and her husband Daniel of Monroeville and Amy Karaffa of North Huntingdon; and her granddaughter Kaitlyn Karaffa. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, December 26, at the William Snyder Funeral Home, 521 Main St., Irwin, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 27. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Lois (Bittinger) Karaffa please visit our Sympathy Store.
December 24, 2025 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
In Loving Memory: With heavy hearts we announce the passing of the beautiful Joan Leonardo of Westminster, MD. Joan departed this life on June 19, 2025 after a long and heartbreaking battle with Alzheimer’s Disease at the young age of 81. She was a cherished wife, mother, and friend whose kindness, generosity, warmth and love touched the lives of all she knew.
Joan was born in McKeesport, PA on October 5, 1943, to the late Harry and Edna Brooks. She graduated from McKeesport High School in 1961 and went on to meet her husband of 60 years, Rudolph Leonardo. They started a family and in 1967 relocated to Maryland. She was a homemaker until their children were old enough for her to begin a rewarding career at the Social Security Administration, in Woodlawn MD, where she worked for over 20 years.
Before the onset of her illness, she hosted annual family holiday dinners and parties over decades that are so fondly remembered and appreciated. Joan enjoyed traveling, shopping, and playing Mahjong with her friends. Towards the end of her life, she lived with her son Dario and his girlfriend Brenda where they enjoyed long walks, dancing, laughing, good food and family. She spent her final and most difficult days in memory care.
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December 24, 2025 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
John “Jack” Stephen Dobranski, Sr., age 68, of North Versailles, PA, died on Sunday, December 21, 2025. He was born in McKeesport, PA, on July 22, 1957, and was the son of the late Dell Tackis.
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December 24, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Mary A. Havel, age 75, of Lincoln Borough, passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at home. A graduate of Elizabeth High School, she attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. Soon after graduation, she was hired by the Elizabeth Forward School District to teach a newly created kindergarten at Greenock Elementary School, where she attended as a child. After four years, she went to Elizabeth Elementary where she taught kindergarten for 26 years before transferring to William Penn Elementary where she continued teaching kindergarten until she retired. She was a Steelers fan and enjoyed traveling and going to the casino. Born February 3, 1950 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late John and Louella (Johnson) Peers. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, James W. Havel, and cousin, Jim Peers of Perryopolis. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Friday, December 26, 2025 from 3-6 PM. Private burial will be in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial contributions may be made payable to EFAFA (EF Alumni & Friends Association, Scholarship Fund) in care of Sadie Masters, 801 North Whitmore Road, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. Offer condolences at
http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
December 24, 2025 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Edward L. Gary, age 75, of White Oak, died December 22, 2025, at UPMC Shadyside Hospital. Born September 9, 1950, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Walter and Gertrude (Smith) Gary and husband of Darlene Gary for 54 years. Ed honed his skills as a machinist at National Carbide, Dura Metal, and ultimately Compacting Tooling. His remarkable talent and dedication to his craft left an indelible mark on those who had the pleasure of working alongside him.
Besides his professional accomplishments, Ed found immense joy in nurturing his garden. A dedicated gardener, he delighted in growing tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, corn, radishes, beets, and beans. The fruits of his labor were not just sustenance but a testament to his nurturing nature and love for the Earth.
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December 23, 2025 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Shirley Ann Korenic, age 92, of North Huntingdon Twp., died on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Walden’s View Senior Living. She was born in McKeesport, PA on August 10, 1933 and was the daughter of the late Emil Wetzler and Margaret Simons Herr. She was the wife of late Joseph Korenic, Sr.
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December 23, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Rita (Sisley) Gallo, 75, of White Oak, passed away Saturday, December 20, 2025. She was born January 22, 1950 in McKeesport and was the daughter of the late Leonard Raymond and Rose Annete (Salopek) Sisley. Rita dedicated many years of service working in the financial department of the former GC Murphy Warehouse. She was known for her warm smile and quick wit, she truly enjoyed being around people and had a wonderful sense of humor that brought joy to friends, neighbors, and all who knew her. She enjoyed watching the neighborhood kids play outside on warm summer days. She had a lifelong love of crocheting and knitting and was an active member of several crocheting and knitting clubs throughout the area. Rita was also a devoted member of the Duquesne Women’s Club, where she proudly served on the GFWC Education and Libraries Community Service Program. One of her happiest places was the White Oak Senior Center, where she especially enjoyed Wii Bowling alongside her friends. Despite facing numerous health challenges over the years, Rita remained a generous, giving, and social person who always found ways to help others. Her kindness, resilience, and friendship left a lasting impact on everyone she met, and she will be deeply missed.
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December 23, 2025 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Gregg Saputo, age 63, of Clairton, died at home on December 21, 2025. Born March 19, 1962, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Nick and Joan (Wiggins) Saputo.
A graduate of Clairton High School, Gregg enriched his high school years as a member of the school band and the Royal Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps, deepening his love for music and camaraderie. He carried this spirit of service forward as he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, a commitment he held dear throughout his life. After returning to civilian life, Gregg found his calling as a plumber and worked tirelessly in construction, showcasing not just his skill but also his unwavering work ethic and determination.
He is survived by sons, Anthony (Heather) Saputo and Nicholas Saputo; grandchildren Liam and Kingston: siblings, Dan (Cathy) Noga, Scott Saputo, Valerie (Bill) Mitchko, Nicole (the late Anthony) Koontz, and Andrea (David) Kehoe. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.
Arrangements were entrusted to Willig Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com.
Charles Danforth, Supervisor.
December 22, 2025 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Lawrence “Larry” John Laird, age 84, of McKeesport, PA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Born on January 21, 1941, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late John and Alma (Ramstrom) Laird.
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December 22, 2025 |
By Wojciechowski Funeral Home | Posted in: Wojciechowski Funeral Home
Alex A. Johnson, 71, of Glassport, died Dec. 20, 2025. He is the son of the late Alex and Christina (Sica) Johnson. He is survived by his wife Denice (Przywarty) Johnson; daughter Bailey (Larry Marshall) Johnson; grand fur babies Pnut, Teddie, Sophie, Oliver and Zero; siblings Leonard (Nancy) Johnson, Kelly (Crash) Carper and Chris Johnson; nieces and nephews Alex and Megan Carper, Darla Trunzo, Bill Green, Bethanne Mordecki, Michelle Bringe, Elsie Huber, Melissa Thornton, Jim Reed, Zach Reed and Lacey Siess; sister-in-laws Linda (the late Bill) Green, Renee (the late Bill) Arre and Sharon (Jim) Reed; brother-in-law Carl (Helen) Przywarty; also 20 great nieces and nephews. Alex retired from Jefferson Hospital in 2019 as a journeyman plumber and was a member of the Glassport American Legion. His biggest and best accomplishment was his daughter Bailey. Their love for music and attending concerts was a highlight for both of them. He loved to fish and hunt and enjoyed a good wild turkey and ginger ale. He also enjoyed shooting pool, concerts and any science fiction movie he could find. Most importantly he loved his family more than anything in this world. Funeral arrangements by the Wojciechowski Funeral Home. As per Al’s wishes, there will be no visitation.
December 21, 2025 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Kenneth Edward Abels, 76, of Elizabeth Township, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025. He was born February 23, 1949 in McKeesport and was the son of the late Samuel Edward Abels and Agnes (Mayher) Econovich. He was the loving husband of 53 years to Patricia (McBurney) Abels. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Business from Penn State University. He was a supervisor for Eastman Chemical Company in West Elizabeth. Kenneth was a Pittsburgh sports enthusiast and held season tickets for the Steelers for over 20 years. He was also an avid hunter, bowler and golfer.
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December 21, 2025 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Sylvia Carol Estok, age 85, of McKeesport, PA, died on Friday, December 19, 2025. She was born in Kittanning, PA, on November 2, 1940, and was the daughter of the late John and Helena Cogley Laird.
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