Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Classifieds: Obituaries (2024)

PANYKO RUSSEL T. Age 72, of McKees Rocks, passed on Thursday, March 16, 2017. Beloved husband of Marlene (Amantea); loving father of Danielle (B.G.) Gubba and Christian Panyko; dear son of Dolores; Pap Pap to Cam, Wil, Sky and Bre; brother of Alan (Mickey) Panyko, Ron (Stacy) Panyko, Don Panyko and Debbie (Gary) Galilei; also survived by nieces and nephews. Russel loved watching his grandkids play sports. Family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. MONDAY at McDERMOTT FUNERAL HOME, INC., 1225 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 a.m. TUESDAY in Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Robinson Twp. Burial to follow in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies with US Navy Military Honors. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb

BELL CHRISTOPHER JOHN Age 31, of West Mifflin, passed away on March 15, 2017. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on June 12, 1985, to John (Melissa) Bell and Denise (Ron) Cope. Christopher is survived by his brother, Wayne (Mia) Bell; grandparents, Robert Bell and Richard and Alice Roth; uncle, Robert Bell; and aunt, Debbie (Mike) Slepian. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mary Bell, and uncles, Richard and Russell Roth and James Bell. Christopher was a veteran in the United States Air Force, earned his Bachelors of Nursing, volunteered at the Pittsburgh Food Bank, and was an avid collector of movies. If the people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them; he will be dearly missed. Family and friends will be received on Sunday from 4 - 8 p.m. at the JEFFERSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, Pleasant Hills. A Funeral Ceremony will be conducted Monday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the D.A.R.E Program, www.dare.org. Condolences may be left at: www.jeffersonmemorial.biz Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb

TOKARSKI EDWARD E. Age 88, of Ross Township, on Tuesday, March 14, 2017. Beloved husband of 50 years to Dorothy (Bartek) Tokarski; father of Linda Tokarski of New Castle and Donna (Dave) Bauer of Ross Township; grandfather of Jessica and Allyson Bauer; brother of Henry Tokarski, Theresa Marchwinski, the late Cecelia Kaczmarczyk, Stanley Tokarski, Frank Tokarski, Joseph Tokarski, Victoria Jaketic, Anthony and Vincent Tokarski; also many nieces and nephews. Friends received at the WALTER J. ZALEWSKI FUNERAL HOME, 216 44th Street, Lawrenceville, on Saturday 6-8 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral Mass at St. Sebastian Church on Monday at 10 a.m. Ed retired from Bennett Wholesale Lumber and Supply Co. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb

LINKE JOSEPH C. On Saturday, March 11, 2017, formerly of South Side. Father of Taylor Linke; brother of Normie Linke, Georgie Costello, Davey Linke, Diane Linke, Lucy Seigworth, Steve Linke and the late Glenn Linke. Friends received at the JOHN J. GMITER FUNERAL HOME, LTD., 119 South 15th Street, South Side on Monday from noon to 3 p.m. at which time funeral services will be held. gmiterfuneralhome.com Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb

HARNYAK GREGORY JOHN “SONNY” Age 78, of Sun City, AZ, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Agnes (Balchunas) Harnyak. Survived by sister, Barbara (Bernie) Butchko; brother, David Harnyak; and companion, Connie Connell; as well as many cousins and friends. Greg was a graduate of North Catholic H.S. While attending Duquesne University he had a calling to enter into the priesthood. He was ordained June 1963 into the order of Franciscan Friars, O.F.M. After ordination he taught in secondary school for a year, then was assigned to be Chaplain at Indiana State Prison. In 1968, he joined the Air Force as a Chaplain and served our country honorably for 30 years (active and reserve,) ending his military career as a Major. He was a decorated “VIETNAM VETERAN,” while in the service and thereafter he obtained a B.A. degree in theology and philosophy and a Master's degree in family counseling. Upon leaving the priesthood, Greg entered into a long and successful career as a Job Search Consultant, eventually forming his own company, Realty Job Search. After retiring he wrote and published a book, “Step Up Your Job Search.” He enjoyed horse racing, swimming, jogging and traveling. Most of all he liked being with family and friends. He was very active in veteran affairs in his community in Sun City. He will be missed by all. Friends received 2-8 p.m. on Sunday at the THOMAS P. KUNSAK FUNERAL HOME, INC., 3552 California Ave. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Cyril of Alexandria Church on Monday, March 20, 2017, at 10 a.m. Interment in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, PA. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb

UNDERWOOD OSCAR WILBERT, Jr. Age 68, formerly of Braddock, passed away suddenly on Saturday, March 11, 2017. He leaves to cherish his memory, wife, Thelma Harper Underwood; children, Lamontae, Daniel, Javon, Elton, Toby, and Chad Underwood; four grandchildren; mother, Lucille Webster Underwood; siblings, Larry (Verna), Derrick, Tony, and Diane Underwood; and a host of other relatives and friends, too numerous to mention. Visitation 4 - 8 p.m. Sunday, March 19, 2017 at the TUNIE FUNERAL HOME, 218 E. 11th Ave., Homestead where services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday. Interment at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville. tuniefuneralhomeinc.com Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb

WILLIAMS DONALD J. Age 81, of Altadena, CA, died Dec. 12, 2016, after a long illness. He was preceded in death by parents, James R. and Ida M.; siblings, Yolanda, Hugh and Mildred. Survived by beloved Willie; children, Tina and Charles; granddaughter, Courtney; siblings, Alice Hall (A.D.), Janice Warren, Audrey Williams, William Williams (Jackie), Daryl Gregg, Brady Williams; and numerous relatives and friends. Arrangements were by INGLEWOOD PARK CEMETERY, Los Angeles, CA. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb

MAJEWSKI HENRY J., Sr. Age 91, of Kennedy Twp., passed peacefully with his loving family by his side, on Thursday, March 16, 2017. Beloved husband of Ann (McColskey) Majewski; loving father of Robert (Sharon), Henry (Helen), Richard (Tracy) and William (Cindy) Majewski; dear grandfather of Melissa Majewski, Amy (Richard) Berger, Robert (Nicole) Majewski, Andy Majewski, Shawn Majewski, Katherine (Ian) Morris, Richard (Leah) Majewski, Rebecca (Matt) Baker and Nicole (Shaun) Kilmeyer; also 11 great- grandchildren; brother of the late Dolores (surviving Edmond) Librecht. Family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. MONDAY at McDERMOTT FUNERAL HOME, INC., 334 Forest Grove Rd., Kennedy Twp. Mass of Christian Burial 12:30 p.m. TUESDAY in St. Malachy Church. Burial to follow in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies with US Army Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org/Donate. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb

SMITH CYNTHIA LEE (LENERT) Of Charlotte, NC, formerly of Dormont went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, February 24, 2017. Loving wife of Richard A. Smith; beloved mother of Rebekah Heilman and Heather Kay; cherished “Mimi” of Hannah, Emma, Lilly and Olivia; beloved sister of Beverly Rechtorik and Dora McKinsey of Pittsburgh; daughter of the late John and Lillian (Kinger) Lenert. Visitation and services were held in Charlotte. Donations requested to Levine Ovarian Cancer Research, P.O. Box 32861, Charlotte, NC 28232. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb

CROOKS HARRY McINTYRE “MAC” Age 93, of Fox Chapel, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2017, after a brief illness. Beloved husband of 41 years to the late Jerilea Crooks. Preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Esther Crooks and brother, William H. Crooks. Beloved brother of Mary Jane Rech of Chatham, New Jersey; and father of Diane Bogan (Jim) of New Kensington; grandfather to Greg Bogan of Virginia. He was a wonderful, caring, and generous uncle to William (Donna Edmiston) Crooks, Jr., Linda (Jerry) Ayres, Robert (Josephine) Crooks, Beverly (Michael Culpepper) Anderson, Gary (Maggie) Crooks, Susan (Marc Sarnow) Rech, Tim (Darla) Rech, Kimberly Rech Driscoll, and Peter Rech; loving “great-uncle” to Kyle, Nathaniel and Lily Sarnow, Taylor and Mackenzie Rech, Eliane and Thomas Driscoll, Michelle Rua, John and Rebe Ayres, Rebecca and Ted Dougherty, Bill and Shavonne Ayres, Robert J. Crooks, Kelley Anderson, Lauren (Reid) Brignac, Parker and Paxton Crooks; and numerous great-great-nieces and nephews. He was a special friend to neighbor, Greg Zoller, who watched out for him daily, and to many members of his wife, Jeri's, extended family. He was fondly called “Ace” by both friends and family due to his superior athletic ability both in high school and college. He graduated from Aspinwall High School and was a mechanical engineering graduate from the University of Pittsburgh. He was employed by United States Steel for his entire career. Harry was a World War II veteran, serving in the Naval Air Corps. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, golf, going to his camp in Tidioute, PA, and was a huge fan of all Pittsburgh sports, but his first love was his family. He never forgot a birthday, Christmas, and other holidays and was always there to help in time of need. He was kind, generous and loving to everyone. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him. Visitation will be on Monday from 2-8 p.m. at the THOMAS M. SMITH FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY LTD., 930 Center Avenue, Blawnox, where family and friends will gather Tuesday at 10 a.m., followed by Funeral Service at Aspinwall Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m. www.thomasmsmithfh.com Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb

HILE JOHN ALBERT Age 79, on March 8, 2017, in Naples, Florida, formerly of Scott Township. John was the beloved husband of Linda (Gibson) Hile for 54 years; cherished father of Lorrie (Michael) Dunlap of Naples, Florida and Cheryl (David) Mitchell of Zelienople, Pennsylvania; proud and loving grandfather to Megan and Grace Mitchell; uncle to Mary Beth and Henry Hile; son to the late Henry Forrest and Mary Edna (Harley) Hile and brother to the late Henry Edward Hile. John was born June 22, 1937, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and grew up in Hazelwood. He graduated from Allderdice High School in 1955. He met and fell in love with his sweetheart, Linda, at YAP (Young Adults of Pittsburgh). John served proudly in the US Army Reserve, attended night school while working and raising his young family, and graduated from Robert Morris University. He worked as Controller for Koppers Company most of his adult life. His faith was always an important part of his life, and John served in many roles in the Church during his lifetime. John was a longtime member of the Mt. Lebanon Evangelical Presbyterian Church. He was also an active member of The Shriners and was Past Master of the Washington Lodge of The Scottish Rite of Free Masonry. Throughout his life, he enjoyed tending his garden, tinkering at his workbench and spending time with his family. He will be missed by his family and friends and his little buddy “Salty”. John will be laid to rest in Forest Lawn Gardens in McMurray, PA. At his request, there will be no visitation, but a celebration of John's life will be held at Mt. Lebanon Evangelical Presbyterian Church on June 22, 2017. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb

WORKMAN DAWNE A. Age 48, on Sat., March 11, 2017. Loving mother of Timothy Workman and Danna Cupp; daughter of Grace and the late George Workman; sister of Dave Workman (Chris), Georgia Schreiber (Harry), Gordie, Chuck and Mike Workman and many neices and nephews. No VISITATION. Arrangements by BRADY FUNERAL HOME, INC., 412-321-0495. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb

REA JAMES GORDON Age 89, of Rockville, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 12, 2017. “U.S. Navy World War II Veteran.” James is survived by his wife, Catherine of 55 years; four children, James Rea, Jr. (Luzviminda), Mary Kaye (David), Thomas Rea (Lynsey, deceased), William Rea (Ann); seven grandchildren, J.R. and Benjamin Rea, Emily and Abby Kaye, Naomi Rea, Samuel and Elizabeth Rea; sister, Elsie Rea of Bethel Park, PA; nephew, Andrew Edwards and his two children, Pierce and Caitlin of Portland, Oregon. Preceded in death by three sisters, Helen, Ann and Lois Rea. A private family memorial service with burial will be held in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Scott Twp., PA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to the LEO J. HENNEY FUNERAL HOME, Carnegie. leohenneyfuneralhome.com Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb

KINNEN WARREN A. On Wednesday, March 15, 2017, age 87 of Shaler Twp. Beloved husband of 63 years to Elizabeth “Betty” Nemeth Kinnen; father of Denise (Joe) Barry, Judy Kinnen, Patti Kinnen and Mary Haertel; grandfather of Christopher (Angie) Barry, Brandon Grupp, Lisa Barry, Josh (Kayla) Payor and Emilee Haertel; great-grandfather of Ian Barry, Brielle Payor, and Oliver Barry; brother of the late Chuck and Arthur Kinnen and Anna Lau; best friend of Bella. No Visitation. Mass of Christian Burial Holy Spirit Church at a later date. Arrangements by HAHN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 123 North Avenue, Millvale. Memorial contributions may be made in Warren's name to The Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb

MARQUETTE WILLIAM A. “BILL” Of Pittsburgh, went to be with the Lord on March 15, 2017, at age 91. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, June K. Marquette; grandson, Todd Russell Coldren; parents, William O. and Ruth Marquette; and siblings, John and James Marquette. He is survived by his loving children, Susan R. (Russell) Coldren, William A. (Sandra) Marquette, Jr., Denise J. (the late Gary) Broadhead, and Janice L. (the late Robert) Bain; as well as grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Bill was a veteran of the United States serving in the US Coast Guard during WWII and the US Navy during the Korean War. He was an active member in his community and church, and a longtime member of the Board of Directors of Jefferson Memorial Park. He was also a Director Emeritus of the Penn State McKeesport campus. He will be missed by many. Services entrusted to the JEFFERSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, INC., 301 Curry Hollow Rd., Pleasant Hills 15236. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Please contact the funeral home for more information. Memorial contributions may be made to The Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation (Dept. 560, Washington, DC 20042-0560). Condolences may be left at: www.jeffersonmemorial.biz Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb

PRICE JUDITH B. Age 80, of Mt. Lebanon, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 14, 2017. Daughter of the late Carl and Vera Zimmerly Bjurstrom; beloved wife of the late Joseph B. Price, Jr. (1989); devoted mother of Lyndsey Price Bartoo and her husband, Bruce Bartoo; loving "Mimi" of Sarah and Emma Bartoo; sister of Janice Ferrari (the late Michael). Judith was a longtime elementary school teacher for the Mt. Lebanon School District. Judy was laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Joe, in a private family committal service in Mt. Lebanon Cemetery on Friday, March 17, 2017. All are welcome to attend her Memorial Service in Beverly Heights Presbyterian Church, 1207 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon, on Saturday, April 29, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. The family will receive friends following the service. NO FLOWERS, PLEASE. If desired, memorials in her name may be made to the Joseph Price Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Mt. Lebanon School District (ATTN: Finance Department), 7 Horsman Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15228. Arrangements entrusted to LAUGHLIN MEMORIAL CHAPEL, Mt. Lebanon. laughlinfuneralhome.com Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb

VERNILLO MICHAEL T. Age 98, of North Side, Pittsburgh, PA, on Sunday, March 12, 2017. Born April 20, 1918, in Burgettstown, PA, a son of the late Dominic and Julia Vernillo; uncle of Cynthia Wright, John Vernillo and the late Donald Vernillo. Preceded in death by his brothers, Dominic and John Vernillo. Michael proudly served in the U.S. Army in the 29th Infantry Division during WW II. He served in the Battle of the Bulge and received France's highest award the Medal of Honor. He had a long career in cosmetology and was a prominent hairdresser for the Horne's Department Store, also at Towers Boutique in Gateway Towers, Pittsburgh. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at 10 a.m. in St. Columbkille R.C. Church, Route 30, Imperial. Interment Grandview Cemetery, Florence, PA. Arrangements by HERRICK COMPASSIONATE FUNERAL SERVICE, PC, Edward M. Herrick, Supervisor/Owner, 951 Cliff Mine Rd., N. Fayette Twp., Imperial, PA, 724-695-7332. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb

HOPKINS DIANE L. Age 66, of Penn Hills, passed away peacefully, on Thursday, March 9, 2017. Devoted wife of Earl R. Hopkins, Jr.; beloved mother of Gregory (Antoinette) Hopkins and Garrett (Heather) Hopkins; loving grandmother of Selena, Steven, Zachary and Abigail; sister of Linda (Eric) Bartko, Art Buxton and Rick Buxton; sister-in-law of Vera Himes; aunt of Darren Bartko, Douglas Himes, Dean Himes and Dawn Marie; niece of Betty Barrett; cousin of Jimmy and Michael Barrett. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb

REISING MARY COLLEEN Peacefully, in Jacksonville, FL, on Monday, March 13, 2017, Mary Colleen Reising, age 94, formerly of Pittsburgh where she lived for 62 years, married, and raised her family prior to moving to NC and then FL. Beloved wife of the late George Reising; mother of Jim (late Madge) Reising of KY, Dan Reising of TX, Bill (Debbie) Reising of AZ, Sally (Bob Kaufmann) Reising, of OH, and the late Mark Reising; mother-in-law of Eileen Herbert Reising of Chalfont; sister of Sally Szarmack of FL, Bob (Patricia) Reynolds of MD, Ned (Shirley) Reynolds of CT, and the late Jack, Dick, and Jean Reynolds; also survived by six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Colleen was a devout Catholic, frequent volunteer, and an avid reader. She loved to travel, shop, dine out, and most of all laugh. Family was always first for her. Spending as much time as possible with her family was her favorite past time. Colleen will be remembered for her enduring kindness, good humor, and caring ways. Friends are welcome to meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at SIMONS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 7720 Perry Hwy., Pgh., PA 15237 to leave for a committal service at Christ Our Redeemer, North Side Catholic Cemetery. Flowers are greatly declined. Memorials may be made to National Hospice Foundation, 1731 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314 or your preferred charity. simonsfuneralhome.com Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb

KERN MAYA L. Age 64, of West Deer Twp., on March 14, 2017. Wife of the late John Michael Kern, Jr., M.D.; mother of Lynsey Sturges (Robert), Jennifer Kern and John Michael Kern III; daughter of Walter and the late Nayda Horner; sister of Karen Shepard (Bill) and Harry Horner; grandmother of Skylar and Riley Sturges. Maya absolutely adored her family, the beach and her animals. She was truly one of God's most beautiful creations and is unequivocally one of the smartest, funniest and wittiest women most of us have ever known. Her laugh, that smile and her sense of humor were her trademarks and will leave us with so many fond memories. She will be missed by so many. Until we meet again. No visitation, service and interment private. Arrangements by NEELY FUNERAL HOME. Please visit us at: neelyfuneralhome.com Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb