William F. Gross

David Alexander Smith

1929-2023

Passed away peacefully Sunday, October 22, 2023, in Pittsburgh, PA at the age of 94. Barbara, his beloved wife of 59 years, was by his side. He will be dearly missed by his daughter Sharon; granddaughter Calyn (Matthew); great-granddaughters Jamie and Cameron; sister-in-law Doris and brother-in-law William; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. He was the son of the late George W. Smith and Elizabeth (Keenist) Smith and was predeceased by one brother, five sisters, and their spouses.

David–also known as Buddy, Smitty, Dave, and Pap–lived a life full of hard work, passion, boisterous conversation, and hearty laughter.  A true son of the Mon Valley, he formed an exterior of toughness, grit, and determination, which surrounded his big and kind heart.

He was the epitome of what it means to be a good neighbor in Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Never one to shy away from a project or puzzle, his generosity knew no bounds. He would mow a neighbor’s lawn on a hot summer day without a second thought, hand-build wooden creations to make his daughter's and granddaughter’s lives easier and more fun, donate his time and money to charity when he had little of both himself…the list goes on.

He loved the hills and mountains of West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania, and whenever he traveled, he couldn’t wait to get home. Happy being outside in nature, David would work in his garden and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was so deeply proud of his house and the life he built for himself and his family.

And boy, did he love to eat. Food was his love language, the dinner table was his domain, and those closest to him were always treated to seconds, thirds, and dessert.

A decorated veteran, David took the life lessons from his time in the army to heart. Whether serving his country, managing a dining room, or supporting his family, this soldier never left his post.

David will be laid to rest in a private service on Friday, October 27, 2023, at Homewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, as he never wanted anyone to go hungry, Kane Community Living Centers–Glen Hazel, in gratitude to the staff and nurses for their compassion and care, or the charity of your choice.

Kathleen “Kitty” McKenzie Conte

Our beloved mother, passed away peacefully October 4, 2023 in Tega Cay, SC. Preceded in death by her father, George McKenzie, mother, Loretta McKenzie, sisters Mae O’Leary, Geraldine Newell and brothers George and John McKenzie. She was also preceded in death by the father of her four children, Ralph D. Conte.

Survived by her children, Richard Conte (Laura), Joseph Conte (Cynthia), Pamela Conte (James Stultz), and Martin Conte (Jodie). She is also survived by her loving grandchildren, Michael Conte (Mary), Samantha Payne (David), Matthew Conte (Rina), Nicholas Conte (Cheryl), Zacharia Johnston (Rebecca), Taylor Johnston, Gabriella Conte and Francesca Conte. Additionally, she was adored by her ten great grandchildren Anthony, Madeline and Michael Payne, Adelina, Mary Josephine and Catherine Conte, Nathaniel, Luke and Hudson Johnston, and Francis Conte. Aunt Kitty was very close to her many nieces and nephews.

Kitty was born in Pittsburgh, PA January 29, 1931. She graduated from Mount Alvernia High School and later married her husband Ralph D. Conte in 1951. A devoted wife and mother, she was active in the community throughout her life both in Monroeville, PA and Palm Beach Gardens, FL, where she was a volunteer at Columbia Health Center, East Suburban Health Center and The Diocese of Palm Beach.

Many knew Kitty as a lovely woman who enjoyed entertaining, traveling, flowers, a good cup of tea and any shade of pink! Taking great pride in her organization skills, Kitty was a born leader holding offices in many of the organizations she served in. If you ever had a question as to how to set the perfect table, Kitty had the answer. “Miss Kitty” is surely enjoying a good cup of tea and straightening things out in Heaven. She will be missed dearly by all who loved her.

Friends received at William F. Gross Funeral Home 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Friday, October 13, 2023 from 3-7 p.m. Funeral Prayers will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 10:45 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish St. Bernadette Church, 245 Azalea Drive, Monroeville, PA 15146 at 11:30 a.m. followed immediately by an interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Penn Hills.

Lois “Vera” Sebastian

Age 97, of Penn Hills, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, Monday, October 23, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Louis J. Sebastian; mother of Louis V. (Virginia) Sebastian, Lois (Kenneth) Shirk, and Kenneth (fiancée Bernadette) Sebastian; grandmother of Louis, Michael, Alex, Sean, Kevin, Kenneth, Jr., and Katelyn; great-grandmother of seven; sister of the late Albert, Gerard, and Lorraine. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Gateway Hospice for their compassionate care. Lois was a loving and kind wife, mother, and grandmother who was devoted to her family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090.

Friends received at William F. Gross Funeral Home 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 3-8 p.m. Funeral Prayers will be held at the funeral home on Friday, October 27, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish St. Susanna Church at 10 a.m.

Patricia L. “Pat” Niemie

Age 89, passed away peacefully to return home to the Lord Sunday, October 1, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Philip Niemie; mother of Patricia (Paul) Karp, Philip (Judy) Niemie, Jr., Russell (Jamie) Niemie, and Rebecca (Rodney) Williams; loving grandmother of Paul E., David, James, John, Veronica, Melissa, Matthew, Kirsta, Jim, Joel, Kyle, Brianna, Erika, and the late Angela; great-grandmother of 31; great-great-grandmother of one; sister of the late Jan Kilmer and Jerry Gonce. Also survived by her Atascadero Bible Church Family. She found great joy in being the best homemaker and taking care of her family. She was fun and feisty, a great storyteller, and a fierce lover of her children. We will miss her greatly. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Atascadero Bible Church, https://pushpay.com/g/atascadero?src=hpp.

A private burial will take place at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Pittsburgh, PA. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at Covenant Church of Pittsburgh, 2110 Andrews Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15221 at 2 p.m.