CLAIRTON HIGH SCHOOL - Class of 1956
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Last Updated: 06/17/2017
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Zona Jean Shaffer, age 78, of Bunola, passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at home. She was a member of Bunola Church of the Nazarene where she was a former organist. Born July 12, 1938 in West Elizabeth, she was a daughter of Margaret (Kibe) Hood of Pleasant Hills and the late Leroy Hood. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband of 60 years, Charles E. Shaffer; sons, Charles L. (Theresa) Shaffer of Youngstown, OH, and Brian (Margaret) Shaffer of Bunola; granddaughters, Jillian, Jennifer, Lindsey, Stephanie, Brenda and Courtney; great-granddaughters, Alexis and Maddox; sister, Sandy (David) Todd of Pleasant Hills; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by sister, June Marnell. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Friday, June 9, 2017 from 2-4 and 6 until the time of service at 7:30 PM in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Ronald Doran officiating.
Laura Ann (Grimenstein) Stetar, age 79, of Belle Vernon, formerly of Elizabeth, passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at Jefferson Hospital. She was a homemaker and a former member of St. Michael Parish. Born July 14, 1937 in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late Alfred and Stella(Kunz) Grimenstein and wife of the late Edward Daniel Stetar. She is survived by sons, Edward Alfred Stetar of Kansas City, KS; David Lee Stetar of Kansas City, KS; Gary M. (Becky) Stetar of Elizabeth; and Kenneth Martin Stetar of Rostraver Twp.; grandchildren, Candice, Edward Jr., Michael, Jennifer, Trista, and Kenneth Jr.; sister, Helen Lee Berchok of Elizabeth Twp.; brother, Larry Grimenstein of Cincinnati, OH; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by siblings, Alfred, Kathleen, Thelma, Mildred, Robert, and Jane. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Thursday, February 23, 2017 from 3-8 PM. Friends will gather at the funeral home on Friday, February 24, 2017 at 9 AM followed by a processional at 10 AM to Jefferson Memorial Park, Pleasant Hills.
Charles R. Jobe, 79, of Port Vue, died Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017. Born April 15, 1937, in North Braddock, he was a son of the late Peter C. and Velma Christy Jobe and husband of the late Cecilia Anna Sharf Jobe. He served in the Marine Corps and was a graduate of the Pittsburgh Barber School. He retired from U.S. Steel as a quencher pump tender after 35 years of service, was a member of St. Mark Parish, an active member of SOAR and Port Vue Senior Citizens, square-danced with the Franklin Squares and really enjoyed swing dancing. He is survived by his daughters, Charmaine Ann (Don) Greco, of Beaver Falls, and Shelley Meyers, of Pleasant Hills; and grandchildren, Donnie, Marcus, Cara Marie and Cecilia.
Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, at STRIFFLER'S OF WHITE OAK CREMATION AND MORTUARY SERVICES INC., 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131, Sue Striffler Galaski, Supervisor, 412-678-6177. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017, at St. Mark Parish, Port Vue, with Father Daniel Straughn officiating. Burial will follow.
Condolences may be made at www.strifflerfuneralhomes.com..
GARCHAK SONIA M. "SUNNY" (MANNS) Age 78, of Jefferson Hills, passed peacefully in her sleep at home on Friday, January 27, 2017. Wife of the late Robert J. Garchak, Sr.; beloved mother of Bob (Tracy) Garchak, Jr., Ron Garchak and Ann Marie (Stephen) Jacobs; loving grandmother of Samantha and Jason Garchak and Stephen A., Joseph and Lauren Jacobs; daughter of the late John "Joe" and Mary (Paskert) Manns. Sunny is survived by her sister, Ann (Joe) Kibelbek and sisters-in-law, Doris Manns, Norma Manns, and Dorie Manns; she was preceded in death by her siblings, Raymond Manns, Charles (Helen) Manns, Sr., Wilhelmina "Sis" (Willie) Thomas, Clair (Marg) Manns, Rose Marie (Al) Murer, Martha (Alex) Wallace, Ken Manns, David Manns, Wesley (Julia) Manns, Fritz Manns, Lucius (Lee) Manns, and Don (Scotte) Manns; she is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Sonia was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church as well as AARP - Wilson. She was an avid reader, loved crossword puzzles and was devoted to her children, grandchildren and family. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 4, 2017, at 11 a.m. in Holy Spirit Church. Interment to follow in Jefferson Memorial Park. Arrangements entrusted to JEFFERSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, INC..
John A. "Bugsy" Lattanzi, age 78 of Clairton, passed away on Monday, October 24, 2016 in Jefferson Hospital. Born December 27, 1937 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Lorenzo and Vienna (Moretti) Lattanzi. A member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, John was one of the true "Civil Servants" of our area, giving his time and effort to make his hometown a better place. A current member of Clairton City Council and Administrator of the Fire Department, John was involved in firefighting for over 58 years. He began at Station 885 in Jefferson Hills, where he served as chief for a time. In 1988, he founded the Clairton Volunteer Fire Department and served as its chief as well. John also served as Clairton's Director of Homeland Security and its Director of Public Safety. He is survived by his brother Larry (Eva) Lattanzi of Clairton, his sister Jean Karloski of Clairton, and many nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the A.J. Bekavac Funeral Home, Clairton, on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 from 6 to 9 PM and Thursday, October 27, 2016 from 12 to 4 and 6 to 9 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 28, 2016 at 10 AM in St. Clare of Assisi Church in Clairton. All those attending the Mass: PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH. Processional with fire livery and entombment will follow to Jefferson Memorial Park, Pleasant Hills. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions in Bugsy's name be made to the Clairton VFD, 551 Ravensburg Blvd., Clairton, PA 15025.
MARY LOUISE (BARANESKY) RUFFING, Our Mom, Mary Louise Ruffing passed away on October 13, 2016 after a short battle with metastatic lung cancer in Middletown, New York near her home of Monroe, New York. Mom was born on October 8, 1938 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. She attended Clairton High School, in Clairton, Pennsylvania and The College of Notre Dame in Maryland, where she graduated in 1960 with a Math degree and minors in Chemistry and Religious Studies. Our Mom was one of the first women to be hired by US Steel as an industrial engineer and was considered a pioneer for equality in the workforce. She met our Dad, Regis, in the summer of 1959 at a dance in McKeesport, PA. She later married Dad in 1962. Together, they raised 3 children: Melinda Ruffing, Marcia (James) Kania, Regis M. (Tonia) Ruffing. Mom thoroughly embraced being a grandmother.
She retired from US Steel after the birth of her first child and later transitioned to a focus on the computer sciences. She worked for Rust Engineering in Pittsburgh until our family relocated to Monroe in 1983. She then worked for Pan American Airways, where she enjoyed taking her family on their first foreign travels. With her family, she enjoyed many adventures; sliding down the muddy hill of a castle in Ireland, watching her son jump off of a bus in London, getting locked out of hotel room in Italy by her jet-lagged children, and many more. She also enjoyed traveling to Germany with Dad; Austria and Rome with her daughters and Guatemala.
After leaving PanAm, Mom worked for FootStar as a project manager, where she happily retired in 2002. After her retirement, Mom fully embraced her “Ferrari” of a sewing machine by quilting and sewing, making curtains, table runners, holiday decorations for her daughters, and participating with Sacred Heart Quilters and Crafters.
She was a member of the Greek Catholic Union, lodge 288 in Clairton and a devout parishioner of Sacred Heart Parish in Monroe. She also was a participant with the Christian Services of Sacred Heart Parish.
Mom was a wonderful person who cared immensely about her family and took pride in the accomplishments of her children. She adored her grandchildren and was happy to make doll clothes and matching pajamas, as well as custom doll bedding. Her focus was on making her family happy and she was willing to try new adventures, many of which appeared on our holiday dinner table. She always put others first and considered herself last. She proved to be a leading example for her daughters that women can achieve success in a male-dominated world. Mom championed her son and was so proud of his accomplishments. She left many legacies that her children and her grandchildren will follow: a love of reading, macaroni salad, nut roll, halupki, black olives for Easter dinner, Easter bread and other special Christmas traditions.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Regis, who showed great love and tenderness during her illness; her children: Melinda of Richmond, Virginia, Marcia (James) and their children Casey and Jordan of Peterborough, New Hampshire, Regis (Tonia and her sons, Raymond and Devin) of Highland, New York; her sister, JoAnn (Joseph) Sharkey of Richmond, Virginia, sisters-in-law, Leota Ruffing, Jean Ruffing and Kathleen (Chick) Yaksick and brother-in-law Ronald Ruffing and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was pre-deceased by her parents: Walter and Mary (Kraynak) Baranesky.
Will will all miss her deeply, but are comforted by the fact that she is now at peace and in her Heavenly home in the arms of our Lord.
Family and friends will be received in the Stephen D. Slater Funeral Home 1701 Route 51, Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania on Monday, October 17, 2016 from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 AM on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 in St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 101 McLay Drive, Elizabeth, Pennsylvania 15037,
The family kindly requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
LUCILLE MILLS LIPPZER, Age 89, of Jefferson Hills, peacefully passed to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 27, 2016. She was born March 15, 1926, in Wilson to the the late Clyde and Edna Finley Patterson. Lucille is survived by daughters, Marcia (late Greg) Unrath, Leslee (Rick) Hinkle; and granddaughters, Lindsey and Jesse Hinkle, who lovingly named her "Ammy Lucille". Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Warren, Wally and Sam Patterson; husbands, Guy Mills, Bill Lippzer; and companion, Bob Franz. Lucille graduated from Clairton High School, where she returned to teach after attending University of Pittsburgh. She retired as a professor at CCAC South Campus, was a lifetime member of Wilson Presbyterian Church, Past Matron of Eastern Star #316, Clairton AARP #2016 and Delta Kappa Gamma Professional Educators Society. Lucille loved her church, music, dancing, singing with AARP Yankee Doodle Dandies, traveling the world and her beloved family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to Wilson Presbyterian Church, 400 N. 4th Street, Clairton, PA 15025. The family would like to express their gratitude for the compassionate care provided by Mt. Vernon of Elizabeth along with their supporting health agencies. Family and friends will be received from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. on Sunday, January 31, 2016, at S.M. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 432 N. 6th Street, Clairton, PA 15025. Service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, February 1, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. presided by Pastor Ben Robinson. Entombment will follow service in Jefferson Memorial Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com. Published in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Jan. 29, 2016,
EDWARD D. GIBSON SR., 77, of Elizabeth, died Sunday, May 17, 2015, in Excela Health Frick Hospital, Mt. Pleasant. Born Jan. 23, 1938, in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Thomas W. and Anna (Dewey) Gibson. He was a self-employed marine surveyor of Three Rivers Marine Surveys, Elizabeth, He was a former member of Wilson Presbyterian Church. He was a member of Polish National Alliance 356 in McKeesport; member and Past Master of both Free and Accepted Masons - Stephen Bayard Lodge 526 of Elizabeth and Wilson Lodge; former president of Monongahela Area Chamber of Commerce; former owner of Eddie Gibson Body Works in Monongahela and former employee of Devereaux Chevrolet in McKeesport. Edward was voted Monongahela Citizen of the Year in 1992; was a former member and president of Monongahela Rotary; member of Society of American Marine Surveyors (SAMS) and National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS); past commander of United States Power Squadron; member of Oakmont Yacht Club and Fox Chapel Yacht Club; Polish Cultural Council; Rolls Royce Club of Western PA; Karuzela Chorus; Holy Family Polish National Catholic Church choir and Old Time Fiddlers. He loved music and enjoyed playing with several polka and bluegrass bands. He also loved his boats and being on the rivers. Ed truly enjoyed people and people really liked Ed. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Christine (Dobies) Gibson; son, Ed (Debra) Gibson Jr., of Jefferson Hills; three grandchildren, Justin (Beth) Gibson, of Acme, Carly (Brandon) Hanratty, of Port Vue, and Edward M. (Sasha Henderson) Gibson, of Clairton; six great-grandchildren; sister, Linda (Andy) Stavres, of Winter Haven, Fla.; brother, Thomas W. (Jane) Gibson, Jr., of Winchester, Ohio; and nieces and nephews.. Friends will be received from 12 and 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 2015, in PAUL E. BEKAVAC FUNERAL HOME, 221 N. Second Ave., Elizabeth, PA 15037. 412-384-4344. Funeral service will begin at 8 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Bruce Sleczkowski officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League, 6620 Hamilton Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206..
PAULETTE A. BRADFORD, 69, of Clairton, departed this life peacefully at home Tuesday, April 7, 2015. She was born Dec. 27, 1945, in Clairton, daughter of the late Mary Lee Wade Gainey and the late Josh Miles. She was also preceded in death by son, Joseph E. "JoJo" McKenzie Jr.; brother, Willie Paul Gainey Jr.; and stepfather, Willie Paul Gainey Sr. She was a 1963 graduate of Clairton High School and also attended the Bradford Business School. She was a retired Travel Agent for B.C.D. Travel (formerly Mon Valley Travel). She had been employed in the United States Steel Clairton Works and was the first female electrician journeyman. She was a lifelong member of Mt. Olive First Baptist Church where she served faithfully in many capacities; among those were choir director and chairperson of the Pastor's Anniversary Committee. She was a member of the Community Chorus and member of the former God's Special Edition. She was a member and vice president of the Clairton School Board and member and chairperson of the Athletic Committee. She was very active with the Clairton youth football and basketball leagues, member and president of the Champion Club, founding member of the CDC and member of the Clairton Recreation Board. Surviving are her husband, William "Bee" Bradford; daughter, Artrena McKenzie (Derrick Hamlin), of Clairton; three stepsons, William Bradford, of Brooklyn, N.Y, Kevin (Lolisa) Bradford, of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and Darius (Kawaki) Bradford, of New Carrolton, Md.; three stepdaughters, Shaun Sanders, of Tacoma, Wash., Cecelia Nelson, of Princeton, N.J., and Rose (Christopher) Bradford-Gardner, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; 21 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Patricia Gainey, of Pasadena, Calif., and Mary Lou Bradford and Mary Alice Bradford, both of Clairton; brother-in-law, Jackie Bradford, of Clairton; and aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2015, in Mt. Olive First Baptist Church, 451 Park Ave., Clairton, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2015, with the Rev. Charles Wade presiding. The Rev. Dr. William C. Callaway, Pastor, will bring the eulogy. Interment will follow in the Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth. Arrangements are entrusted to the ROBERT A. WATERS FUNERAL HOME INC., Clairton.
WARGO, James A. (“Jim”). On January 9, 2015. Of Cherry Hill, NJ. Age 76. Beloved husband of 53 years to Mary "Dee" Wargo (nee Bernarding). Devoted father of James J. Wargo, John N. Wargo (Carol), Mary Michelle Kaznicki (Ed) and Joseph A. Wargo (Kelly). Dear brother of Mary Ann Kazimer (Bill), John Wargo (Jackie), Paul Wargo (Barbara) and the late Joseph Wargo (survived by sister-in-law Lois Anne). Loving grandfather of Christopher (April), Christie (Jay), Johnie, Jill, Adam, Joey, Summer Joy and Emily; and great-grandfather of Christian..
Jim was born at home on November 4, 1938 in Clairton, PA to Anna and Joseph Wargo. He attended Clairton High School where he was the captain of the swim team (class of ‘56), leading the team to compete in the State championship; and was a lifeguard at the city pool. After graduation Jim enlisted in the US Marine Corps, serving as a military police officer and aircraft mechanic..
In 1958, Jim met the love of his life, Dee Bernarding, and they wed in 1961. Jim returned to school in 1968 and earned a BS in Mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh in four years, attending night school while working full time with four young children at home..
Jim served as Superintendent of Maintenance and Shops for Clairton Works while employed by the United States Steel Corporation. In 1985, he accepted a position with the University of Pennsylvania and served as Executive Director of the Physical Plant. After retiring from the University, Jim established his own company working as an independent facilities management consultant..
Jim enjoyed spending time with his family, working on home improvement projects, and was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer. He was a member of the Fort Dix Rod and Gun Club, Mon Valley Leathernecks, The Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers, Building Owners and Managers Association of Philadelphia, and the Delaware Valley Sub Contractors Association..
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Friday, January 16 from 6-8 PM, and on Saturday, January 17 from 9-10 AM at the Bradley Funeral Home, Rt.73 and Evesham Rd., Marlton, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 17 at 11 AM at Christ Our Light Catholic Church, 402 Kings Highway North, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034. Interment will be private. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Rd. SW, Lilburn, GA 30047 or online at https://donate.lbda.org/..
Maxine M. Valenzesi, 76, of Clairton, passed away Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, at Overlook Green Senior Living in Whitehall. Born Aug. 29, 1938, in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Alessandro and Yolanda (Medori) Valenzesi. A retired bookkeeper for the USW Local No. 993 in North Versailles, Maxine attended St. Clare of Assisi Parish in Clairton. She is survived by her sister, Sundae Kerr, of Jefferson Hills; her nephews, Chris, Larry and Shawn Kerr, and and her four great-nieces and great-nephews. Friends are welcome to a visitation with the family from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014, in the A. J. Bekavac Funeral Home, 555 Fifth St., Clairton, PA 15025 Z(412-233-5700). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12, 2014, in St. Clare of Assisi Church. Procession and interment will follow to St. Clare Cemetery, Clairton. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Clare Parish, 460 Reed St., Clairton, PA 15025.
Donald J. "Red" Desiderio Sr., 75, of Elrama, passed away Friday, June 28, 2013, at his home. Born June 14, 1938, in Clairton, he was a son of the late James V. and Louella (Golloway) Desiderio. A retired electrician for 39 years at U.S. Steel's Clairton Works and parishioner of St. Isaac Jogues Roman Catholic Church in Elrama, Red was an Army veteran, having served as a military policeman. He was a member of Amvets, the VFW No. 803 in Wilson, the American Legion Daniel Keffer Post No. 75, in Clairton, the Wilson American Citizens' Club and the Wilson Joppa Masonic Lodge No. 714. He was also an honorary member of the Clairton VFD, a former City of Clairton councilman, constable and committeeman. Red is survived by his wife of 53 years, Patricia A. "Patsy" (Keleman) Desiderio; daughters, Kelly (Mike) Fodella, of Elizabeth Township, and Danielle (Robert "Bub") Rossi, of Clairton; two grandchildren, Michael and Jaime Fodella, of Elizabeth Township; two step-grandchildren, Ryan and Max Rossi, of Clairton; brother, Charles R. (Marilee) Desiderio, of Clairton; other brothers and sisters; and also nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by one son, Donald J. Desiderio Jr. Friends will be received 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, June 30, 2013, in the PAUL E. BEKAVAC FUNERAL HOME, 221 N. 2nd. Ave., Elizabeth, Pa. 15037 (412-384-4344). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Monday, July 1, 2013, in St. Isaac Jogues Church in Elrama, with Father Richard Tusky as celebrant. Procession and burial will follow to Round Hill Cemetery in Elizabeth Township.
The following obituary for our classmate, Jim Paluti, was taken from the Bekavac Funeral Home website on 11/11/2011.
James Paluti, age 72, of Clairton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 6, 2011 in Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born December 16, 1938 in Clairton, he was a son of the late Patsy and Anna (Calametti) Paluti. He was a member of St. Therese of Lisieux Roman Catholic Church in Munhall, a former millwright for U.S. Steel, Clairton Works and also employed by Allegheny County Maintenance in Elizabeth Boro and Strifflers Funeral Home in McKeesport as an assistant. He was a graduate of Clairton High School and attended Douglas Business School in Pittsburgh. A U.S. Army veteran, he was past president of the Men's Century Club of St. Clare Parish in Clairton and a volunteer at Clairton Food Bank. He was an avid Steelers fan and loved listening to his favorite music of the fifties. He is survived by his beloved wife of forty-six years, Rose K. (Trocheck) Paluti; beloved daughters, Tina, Lori and Gina Paluti (fiance, Raymond Kuhn and his son, Alex Kuhn); brother, Donald Paluti of Pittsburgh; sister, Linda Yochum; many nieces and nephews; best buddy, his dog Teran and all of his beloved cats. Friends will be received in the A.J. Bekavac Funeral Home, Clairton on Wednesday and Thursday from 2-4PM and 6-8PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00AM in St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, with Rev. James G. Young officiating. Burial will follow in St. Clare Cemetery, Clairton. Memorial contributions may be made to: American Cancer Society, SW Region, 320 Bilmar Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 or Fallen Timber Animal Shelter, 1680 Fallen Timber Road, Elizabeth, PA 15037.
The following obituary for our classmate, Art DiFrancesco, was taken from the Frye Funeral Home website.
ARTHUR F. DiFRANCESCO.
Arthur F. Di Francesco, 72, of New Eagle, peacefully passed away on Thursday, September 7, 2011 in his home with his family at his side. The youngest of six children, Art was born in Clairton to the late Floyd and Mary Paolini DiFrancesco.
He adored his family and friends and was loved back by them all. He was married to his loving wife, Linda Vinton DiFrancesco for 51 years. In addition to Linda, he is survived by son Arthur F. DiFrancesco, Jr. and wife Marie of Bogart, GA; daughter, Judith A. Hufnagel of New Eagle; grandchildren, Timmy and Tyler Hufnagel, Anthony and Natalie DiFrancesco; brother, Joseph DiFrancesco of New Eagle; sisters, Elvira Williams of Elizabeth, Thelma Bartolini of New Eagle, Rose Sakas of New Eagle, Norma Milas and husband Steve of South Park; sister-in-law Ruth Walters of Elizabeth; brother-in-law, James and wife June Vinton of Hawaii. Being born into a large devoted family, Art was also blessed with many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, all of whom he truly cherished and enjoyed. Art had a large circle of friends who he was completely devoted to. They included his church friends (First United Methodist Church of Monongahela), his golfing buddies, his fellow musicians and his neighbors.
Immediately after graduation from Clairton High School in 1956, Art served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, and loved the Corps for the entirety of his life. He retired from Trans World Airlines in 2000, after 35 years of service. Art was active in sports, (primarily golf), both by participating and watching on television. He was proud and thrilled to watch his grandchildren perform in their many endeavors and sports. One could accurately describe Art as a soft spoken, caring person who was always looking for ways to help other people. Learning to be a musician later in his life, he especially loved playing his bass fiddle in church with his wife Linda on autoharp. He and Linda also made many new friends playing in Bluegrass and country jam sessions in the area.
A greeting of family and friends will be held on Friday, September 9, from 11 AM to 1 PM in the Frye Funeral Home Inc., 427 W. Main Street, Monongahela, where services will be held at 1:00 PM with the Revs. Ronald Fleming and Michael Milinovich co-officiating. Committal services and interment will follow in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, McKeesport.
The family suggests contributions to Washington City Mission, 84 W. Wheeling Street, Washington, PA 15301 or to Hospice Care of The Washington Hospital, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301.
From the McKeesport Daily News, June 2, 2011. Ronald Isaac Shaheen, 72, of Baldwin Borough, formerly of Clairton, passed away quietly at his home Wednesday, May 18, 2011. Born July 5, 1938, in Clairton, he was a son of the late Nazara (Jacobs) Shaheen. A retired steelworker at US Steel's Irvin Works, in West Mifflin, Ronald was a 1956 graduate of Clairton High School and a member of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral, in Pittsburgh. He is survived by his sister, Arlene Schaller, of Abington; his brother, Jack (Bernice) Shaheen, of Hilton Head Island, S.C.; a niece; two nephews; aunts; an uncle; and many cousins. Friends will be received from 11 a.m. Saturday until a memorial service at 1 p.m. in the A.J. BEKAVAC FUNERAL HOME, 555 Fifth St., Clairton, PA 15025, with Father John Abdalah officiating. Private interment will follow. Ronald's family asks that any memorial contributions in his name be made to St. George Cathedral, 3400 Dawson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
It is with deep sadness that we report the death of our fellow classmate, Ed Wesson in San Antonio, Texas, on November 24, 2008. The following obituary appeared in their local newspaper.
WESSON, Edward Donald (Pie) Wesson Sr. born 24 Mar 1938 passed away on 24 Nov 2008 at the age of 70. He was preceded in death by his parents & one brother. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Catherine; two sons Edward & Michael; two daughters Cheri & Phyllis; one brother; two sisters; 11 grandchildren & one great-grandchild. Visitation: Castle Ridge Mortuary, 2 Dec 2008, 5-7PM. Funeral Services: Rainbow Hills Baptist Church, 2255 Horal, 3 Dec 2008 - 12:30PM. Interment: Ft Sam Houston National Cemetery. Arrangements:
CASTLE RIDGE MORTUARY SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 210 645-6000.
There was an article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about the death of Ron Lancaster, a 1956 graduate of Clairton High School.
It is with deep sadness that we report the death of Tony Lotto's wife, Jill, on Tuesday, October 30, 2001, from cancer. There was no viewing, but a Mass will be held for her, at a date/time not yet determined.
CHS Reunion 45 Magnets
The magnets distributed with the December 2000 mailing have an incorrect e-mail address for Rita. The correct address SHOULD BE hrlaf@comcast.net.