A free service provided by your local funeral professionals and The Tube City Almanac, your independent, non-profit news source.

McKeesport Area News from Tube City Almanac


Advertising

Finney Funeral Home CREMATION Simple Direct Dignified  1-800-448-9899

This service is supported by donations and advertising. To advertise here, call (412) 614-9659 or email McKeesportObituaries@gmail.com.


Vincent Surace

June 03, 2022 |

By Administrator | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

Vincent Surace, 90, of Hempfield Township, passed away Monday, May 30, 2022 at home. He was born May 2, 1932 in McKeesport, a son of the late Dominick and Anna (Jackson) Surace. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers and a sister Leo “Butch” Yost, Louis Surace, and Cathy Hadad. Vincent was an Army veteran that served during the Korean Conflict, and was a life time member of the American Legion Post 447, Port Vue. He enjoyed sports, skiing, and skydiving. He is survived by his loving wife of over 51 years LuAnn C. (Schiess) Surace, his children Cynthia Surace-Volpe of Greentree, Vincent D. Surace (Alyssa Gibbons) of Apollo, and Louis T. (Emily) Surace of Pleasant Unity, grandchildren Sabrina Volpe, Alena Surace, Isabella Surace, and Dominick Surace, sisters Emily Kroboth of McMurray and Sandy Binlein of Washington, also many nieces and nephews.

 
Read More


James Thomas Downs, Jr.

June 03, 2022 |

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

Born and raised in McKeesport, PA, James Thomas Downs, Jr. was the youngest of four children. His parents, James Thomas Downs, Sr., and Cassie Session Downs, both of whom preceded him in death, welcomed their only son on August 1, 1929. He was affectionately known as J.T. and was adored and “mothered” by his three older sisters, Alethia Downs Taylor, Kathleen Downs Smith, and Ruth Downs Le Mon.  James Thomas joined his parents and siblings in eternal rest on May 25, 2022.

Several years after completing high school, J.T. joined the U.S. Army. He received an Honorable Discharge from Active Duty in 1953, at which time PFC Downs returned to McKeesport and temporarily shifted his career to the steel mill. Under the tutelage of his uncle, Henry Pierce, J.T. learned the art of barbering and was soon known as the best in the city. In addition to this craft, he built a career with UPS, making treks with the company for over 20 years. It wasn’t long after his retirement that he was back on the road as a school bus driver while still actively barbering in his shop and home. In its prime, J.T.’s Barbershop had become a school of sorts, as J.T. mentored and shaped the careers of many, including his late nephew, Shawn Taylor. In 2015 he bid farewell to the school system but continued cutting hair well into his 90s. In fact, he still had a couple of regular clients until a few short years ago.

J.T.  was a man of many words and stories. Armed with the gift of gab and the memory of an elephant, he could hold lengthy conversations about anything—and he often did. It was likely his zeal for life that supplied material for his tête-à-têtes. Although he remained a lifelong resident of McKeesport, he traveled often as he enjoyed visiting family in other states. He especially loved boat fishing on the Chesapeake Bay and bringing ice-packed coolers of spot, flounder, croaker, and crabs back to McKeesport to share with family and friends. Arguably a close second to his barbering skills was his ability to leave people licking their fingers after tasting his famous smoked BBQ ribs. 

He was a member of St. Paul AME Church for nearly his whole life and served his church family in various capacities. Over the years he had been a Trustee, Trustee Pro Tem and a member of the Finance Committee. Lending his unique and rich voice to worship services and church events for decades, he was most recently a member of the Senior Choir and the Ben Harris Singers. He was also a longstanding member of American Legion Post 666 in McKeesport.

 
Read More


Barry Fred Jones

June 03, 2022 |

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

Barry Fred Jones, age 64, of White Oak, died June 1, 2022, at UPMC McKeesport Hospital.  Born June 21, 1957, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Jack and Ethel (Hurst) Jones and the beloved husband of Terri (Swanson) Jones.

 
Read More


Marie R. Petrulli

June 03, 2022 |

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

Marie R. Petrulli, 100, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, June 2, 2022 at her daughter's home. She was born January 21, 1922 in Monessen, a daughter of the late Samuel and Margaret (Rosa) Lopresti.  Prior to her retirement, Marie worked for National Tube during WWII and later worked for Joe Schemms Catering.  She was also co-owner of M&M Catering. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Port Vue and enjoyed baking, gardening, crafting and writing.  She wrote her own autobiography called Ontario Street and children book, The Adventure of Betsy Beemer.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Peter E. Petrulli; son-in-law, Tim Yalich; brothers, Joe and Tony Lopresti; sister, Tina Minardi.  She is survived by her son, James Petrulli and his wife, Kathleen; daughters, Lynette Moisey and her husband, Larry and Sheila Yalich; grandchildren, Dan Glunt, Peter Glunt, Carla Petrulli, Melissa Kramer (Shawn), Gregg Glunt, Christopher Moisey, Matthew Glunt; great-grandchildren, Ian, Megan, Jennifer (Rock), Harley, Alyssa, Jonnie, Katie, Elizabeth, Charlotte; and  great-great-grandchildren, Travis, Raymond, Ivy and Amelia.  Friends will be received from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday at 9:30 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, Irwin.  Entombment to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles, PA.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Georgeann Degelman

June 03, 2022 |

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

Georgeann Degelman, age 80, of McKeesport, died on Thursday, June 2, 2022. She was born in Duluth, Minnesota on July 11, 1941 and is the daughter of George and Irene Sundquist Blackwood. She was employed as a Customer Service Representative for Fingerhut.

 
Read More


Francis M. Sincak

June 03, 2022 |

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

Francis M. Sincak, 80, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, June 2, 2022 at his home.  He was born August 18, 1941 in Braddock, a son of the late Francis R. and Elizabeth (Hornak) Sincak.  Prior to his retirement, Francis worked for US Steel and was a veteran of the US Marine Corps.  He was a member of St. Agnes Parish and enjoyed golfing with his friends and spending time with his family.  Francis was a strong, loyal and giving man.  He had a huge heart and was a loving man to his family and friends.   In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John Sincak.  He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Carol (Andrzjewski) Sincak; son, Michael Sincak and his wife, Beverly; daughter, Jennifer Howley and her husband, Eddie; grandchildren, Michael Alexander and Jake Francis; sister-in-law, Marlene Sincak;  nieces and nephews, Lori and Rob Painter, Carrie and Rich Koziarski; great nieces and nephews, Sidney, Logan, Luke, Caylie, Noah and Gabriel.  Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Sunday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday at 10 a.m. in St. Agnes Church.  Interment to follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Irwin.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

 


Frank Joseph Halas

June 02, 2022 |

By Hunter Funeral Home | Posted in: Hunter Funeral Home

Frank Joseph Halas, 87, of McKeesport, died Thursday, June 2, 2022 at Forbes Regional Hospital, Monroeville.  Born in Duquesne on September 28, 1934, he was the son of the late Michael and Mary Andre Halas.  He is survived by his wife, Carolyn J. Orris Halas, his daughter, Carriella Halas of McKeesport, his brother, William Halas of North Huntingdon, also by a niece and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Kmetz.  A tire serviceman at B.F. Goodrich in McKeesport, he later was a school bus driver for Laidlaw.  Mr. Halas was a member of the Free Hungarian Reformed Church of McKeesport, a member and past president of the Twin Lakes Sportsman’s Association, was a member of the 11th Ward Club in Christy Park, and was a U.S. Army veteran.  A memorial service will be held at his church on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at noon with the Rev. Daniel Borsay officiating.  Hunter Funeral Home, Inc., 1600 Coursin Street, McKeesport, PA  15132 is in charge of funeral arrangements.  The family suggests contributions to the Free Hungarian Reformed Church in his memory.

 


William S. Sturkie Bowser, Sr.

June 02, 2022 |

By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

William S. Sturkie Bowser, Sr., age 62, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, passed away on Sunday, May 29, 2022. Will crossed over peacefully in the comfort of his home.
Will was born in McKeesport on July 22, 1959, to father Archie Sturkie and the late Judy (Bowser) Paxon. The oldest of eight siblings, Will didn't have the opportunity for much formal education. At the age of 14, he left home and met his life partner and wife, Kathy (Barton) Bowser. They married on May 4, 1979. In the early years, he provided for his family by working any small jobs he could find while still obtaining his general education degree (GED). Will retired from a career at Ankor Industrial of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, where he was an operator in the refinery.
Will is best known for being the neighborhood father figure, a witty and charming prankster who always had a trick up his sleeve. Will loved a good cookout, fishing, and most of all, being in his castle with his family.

 
Read More


Lovella Dowden

June 01, 2022 |

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

Lovella "Lovie" (Sakol) Dowden, age 72, of Belle Vernon, formerly of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at UPMC Presbyterian. She retired after 25 years as a housekeeper at UPMC McKeesport. She was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church in Clairton. She enjoyed spending time at her camp in Pymatuning. Born November 18, 1949 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late John A. and Julia M. (Hrezo) Sakol and wife of the late Robert M. Dowden. She is survived by daughter, Regina Hansen of Belle Vernon; son, Harry J. (Shannon Dewitt) Hansen of Fayette City; grandchildren, Melisa (Brett) Hart of Belle Vernon and Jimmy (Brooke) Andreoli of Liberty Borough; great-grandchildren, Brayden Hart and James Andreoli; and many granddogs. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by daughter, Stacey Andreoli, and brother, Ronald W. Sakol. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 Nort Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Friday, June 3, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 12 Noon in St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. with the Rev. Thomas A. Wagner officiating. Private burial will be in St. Clare Cemetery, Clairton. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Marva Ann Mosby

May 31, 2022 |

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

Marva Ann Mosby, 84, of McKeesport, was born May 12, 1938, in McKeesport, PA. She was the beloved daughter to the late Jesse and Anne E. (Johnson) Young.

A lifelong resident of McKeesport, she was a graduate of McKeesport High School (1956). In her youth, Marva played softball and played clarinet in the McKeesport High School band.

Marva was baptized at an early age and was a member of Zion Baptist Church for more than 70 years. She began what became her life’s passion, teaching Sunday School, while in high school and did so for more than 50 years. In addition to teaching her class, she also served as Sunday School Superintendent.

 
Read More


Adam Tyler Hancharik

May 31, 2022 |

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

Adam Tyler Hancharik, 36, of Versailles, passed away Sunday, May 29, 2022 at home. He was born January 17, 1986 in McKeesport and was the son of Kenneth E. and Kathy Jean (Hancharik) Dansak of Lincoln Borough. He was a member of St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, McKeesport. He was a General Manager of Chili's in Greensburg. Adam loved to golf and ski.

 
Read More


Curtis Lee Naulder

May 31, 2022 |

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

Curtis Lee Naulder, 59, of Glassport, formerly of Elizabeth Township, passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2022. He was born August 11, 1962 in McKeesport and was the son of the late Wayne Thomas and June Marie (Kostrick) Naulder. Curtis was a former construction worker and love to play his guitar.

 
Read More


Donna M. Winn

May 31, 2022 |

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

Donna M. Winn, age 58, of Duquesne, passed away on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at UPMC McKeesport. Born in McKeesport on July 19, 1963, she was the daughter of the late Ronald J. “Pete” and Theresa “Terri” (Yonek) Seigh Sr.  Donna was a deli worker at the Buttermilk Hollow Shop and Save and a member of St. Joseph Church of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. she enjoyed hunting and fishing and once desired to be a professional wrestler. She was the wife of the late Thomas Winn; mother of Michael T. Winn of Duquesne; friend of John Odoski; sister of Ronald (Pam) Seigh Jr. of West Mifflin, LuAnn (John) Miller of Greenville, Thomas “Butch” (Sherrie) Seigh of West Mifflin, late William (surviving spouse Debbie) Seigh of Latrobe and late Terrance Yonek. Visitation will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, June 1, 2022, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., at the MALOY-SCHLEIFER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 915 KENNEDY AVE., DUQUESNE, 15110, 412-466-3300, WILLIAM B. SCHLEIFER, SUPERVISOR, WILLIAM BRIAN SCHLEIFER, FUNERAL DIRECTOR. A Funeral Service will also be held tomorrow, Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at the Funeral Home, at 2:00 p.m., with Seminarian Dan D’Antonio officiating.

 


Ronald E. Peterson

May 31, 2022 |

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

Ronald "Pete" E. Peterson, age 79, of Clairton, passed away on Monday, May 30, 2022 at home. He was a retired welder for Pete's Welding. An Army veteran, he was a member of Pine Run United Methodist Church in Clairton. He played softball into his 70s and enjoyed fishing, hunting, duckpin bowling, and gardening. Born July 13, 1942 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Carl O. and Mildred (Johnson) Peterson. He is survived by his wife, Ruth E. (Inks) Peterson; sons, Ron (Nina) Peterson of Jefferson Hills, Lon Peterson of Upland, CA, Carl (Kristin) Peterson of Derry and Nick (Micaela) Peterson of Clairton; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; also, nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Harry Samuel LeWinter

May 31, 2022 |

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

Harry Samuel LeWinter, 82, of McKeesport, passed away at home Sunday, May 29, 2022, with his son and daughter at his side.  He was born December 15, 1939, in McKeesport, the son of the late Edward and Jean (Hertz) LeWinter. Harry was preceded in death by his two sisters, Goldie and Gloria.   Harry was a graduate of McKeesport High School.  He served in the Army Reserves as an E-5 between 1957 and 1967.  Harry later pursued a Master of Education with the University of Pittsburgh, graduating in 1970.  Harry met his wife, the late Janice (Wilson) LeWinter, during his studies at the University of Pittsburgh, where she worked as an executive secretary.  They were married 55 years before she passed away in 2017.

 
Read More