All Obituaries

Richard M. “Buzzy” Toomey, 73, of Braddock Hills passed away suddenly on Friday September 8, 2023.  He was born in Braddock to the late Richard and Vivian “Pat” (Funk) Toomey.  He was also preceded in death by his brother Daniel Toomey, sister-in-law Nancy Toomey; the mother of his youngest daughter (Gabby) Maria Martino and his wife Jill (O’Masta)  Toomey.  Buzzy is survived by his children Kiersten (Bill) Gibbons, Danielle (Dave) Emerick,...

Dorothy M. (Brant) Hempfield, 99, of North  Braddock passed away peacefully to eternal life on Saturday July 29, 2023 surrounded by her family.  She was born in Derry, Pa to the late Samuel and Hattie Brant.  She was married to the late John Hempfield.  Her greatest love was her family and friends.  She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.  She leaves to celebrate her life’s legacy, her children. Carrie Washington, Clarence (Tanya)...

Marianna P. Blazina, age 84, of Rankin passed away on Friday, June 30, 2023.  She was a daughter of the late John and Helen (Ruyechan) Blazina.  She was preceded in death by her sister Elaine Koricich.  Marianna is survived by her siblings John Blazina (Lillian), Kathleen Carr (Robert) and Sister Carole Blazina  SC; her nephew Robert Carr and brother-in-law Joe Koricich.  Family and friends will be received from 10 am until the prayers of transfer at 12:30 pm. on...

Doris Thomas, 84, of North Versailles, died peacefully Monday June 5, 2023 with her family by her side.  She was born in McDonald, PA to the late William and Elizabeth Thornton.  She was also preceded in death by her 6 siblings; William Thornton, Elizabeth Lovell, Lena Batch, Richard Thornton, Peg Finley and Kenneth Thornton. She was a dedicated wife and mother.  Doris loved the Lord and her family.  She enjoyed cooking and shopping. On October 27, 1965, she married the...

Helen M. (Colaric) Bursick, 99, just a few months shy of 100, formerly of Swissvale, passed away peacefully on Sunday February 19, 2023.  She was born in Rankin to the late George and Mary Colaric.  She was preceded in death by her husband John Bursick, son Larry Bursick and her sister Margaret Colaric.  Helen was a member of the Christian Mothers in Visitation of the BVM Church in Rankin, a founding member of the Croatian Committee at Kennywood Park and a...

James A. Connelly, Sr. (Big Jim), age 73 of Melbourn, FL, previously of Verona passed away on Thursday January 19, 2023 after a long battle with cancer.  Much loved father of James (Lisa) Connelly and the late Sarah Connelly.  Beloved son of the late Arthur and Lorraine Connelly.  Dear brother of Thomas, Maureen Macquire, Richard, Elaine (Jim) Wolfe, Anita Madden, Keith, Kevin, Patrick and the late Gerald Connelly and Linda Maydak; also many nieces and nephews.  Jim...

Andy Munster (aliases: Chief Farting Fox, Dr Grandad) age 76, of Swissvale, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday January 5, 2023.  Andy enjoyed the simple things in life, including riding his bike on the C&O trail, playing the piano, and spending quality time with his family.  He is loved dearly and will be missed tremendously, both by those in his family and by the many others he touched during his life.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years Cheryl...

Laverne Mae Byzek, age 71, of Braddock Hills passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday January 13, 2023.  She was born in McKeesport to the late George and Vera Smith.  Laverne was preceded in death by her husband James Byzek.  She is survived by her son Paul (Denise) Byzek of Braddock Hills and her grandchildren Bridgett (Cris Sharpley) Byzek and Savannah Byzek, both from Braddock Hills.  Sister of Kathleen (Beach) Aten of...

James (Jim) C. Zeitlman, Jr., passed away unexpectedly on Saturday December 3, 2022, at the age of 52.  He was an avid motorcycle and car enthusiast and was passionate about his many "toys", including his RC hobby.  He enjoyed spending time fixing and riding his motorcycles, as well as spending time hunting.  James was a former police officer with the Rankin Police Department.  A job which gave him much joy before leaving the...

62 of Wilkins Township passed away suddenly on November 28, 2022.  He was employed at UPMC for 35 years.  David enjoyed going to Broadway musicals, polka dances, and traveling.  He especially enjoyed taking his mom “Char” out for date night.  He was the President of the Slavonic Social Club in Braddock and a member of the Polish Clubs of Braddock, Trafford, Connellsville, and the North Braddock Amvets.  David was preceded in death by his father Michael F....