Leonard James Baklarz
Age 96, of Penn Hills, passed away Friday, May 13, 2022. Husband of the late Anne Marie Baklarz; father of Donalee (Tom) Benish, Leonard J. (Elizabeth) Baklarz, Jr., and Lisa-Jo (Ronald) Rygelski, and the late Karianne Baklarz Gleason. Len is survived by brothers Ralph Baklarz and Clarence Baklarz, grandchildren Natalie Jackson, Christopher Trunick, Leonard J. Baklarz, III, Melissa Bruning, Lauren Tomasino, Michael Baklarz, Matthew Rygelski, II and nine great -grandchildren. Len is a World War II Navy veteran having served in Pacific theatre from 1944-1946. He earned a BA from Duquesne University and worked for General Motors until his retirement in 1985. Len loved his family, ballroom dancing and the Pittsburgh Steelers and was a dedicated volunteer for the Compassionate Friends, Pittsburgh Chapter. In lieu of flowers contributions acknowledged to New Haven Court at Linwood, Attention: Lori Grant, 100 Freedom Way, Greensburg, Pa. 15601. Friends received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, LTD., 11735 Frankstown Rd, (at Rodi Road) Penn Hills, Tuesday only, May 17th, 3-7 p.m. Funeral Prayers will be held at the funeral home Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Christ the Divine Shepherd parish, St. Susanna Catholic Church, 10 a.m.
Mark C. Reed
Age 61, of Plum Borough, surrounded by his loved ones, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 8, 2022. He is preceded in death by his parents Charles C., Jr. and Dolores C. Reed; bother of David C. Reed and Thomas C. Reed, Sr. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and a plethora of close friends especially Michelle Harrison, Mark and Lori Petri, Keith Kondrich, Mike Brinza, Mary Beth Styslinger, and Jim Styslinger. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Light of Life Ministries 913 Western Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15233 or Little Sisters of the Poor1028 Benton Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212.
A memorial mass will be held at Holy Family Parish Our Lady of Joy Church on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 11 a.m. Everyone please meet at church. A private burial will take place at St. Vincent Cemetery.
Irene Stacey Bender
of New Castle, PA born on April 2, 1926 in Pittsburgh, PA and died on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at the Avalon Nursing Home, New Castle. She was a graduate of Penn State University, Class of 1947 and was a homemaker. She was a member of Mt. Hope Presbyterian Church in Penn Hills. Her favorite hobby from childhood was reviewing movies. Irene was the daughter of Charles M and Nettie L. Stacey and grew up in Donora. She was the wife of Lawrence Bender for over 60 years (died 2009) and mother of Gregory S. Bender (died 2016) and Lauren Stacey Hurray (Don). She was the grandmother of Stefan Lawrence Hurray (Washington DC) and Matthew Walter Hurray (Lauren) (Newtown Square, PA). She was the sister of Dr. Charles Stacey (Susan) (died April 2022) and Mary Janet Henry (Edward).
A private funeral service will be conducted by her son-in-law Rev. Don Hurray Mt. Hope Cemetery. This service will also include the service and burial of Irene’s son Gregory S. Bender.
Emanuel “Manuel” V. DiNatale III
Age 33, of Indiana Township, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, May 7, 2022. Beloved son of Manny and Carla DiNatale; brother of Laura (Jerod) DiNatale-Krueger; nephew of Blaise (Dianne) DiNatale, Jimmy DiNatale, Maria (Bob) Winklmann, Jane (late Alex) Gionta, and Linda (Ray) Mooney. Also survived by numerous cousins and friends. He will be deeply missed by his dear friend and guardian angel Lauren Books, his best friend Ryan Blettner, and his unofficial godson Benjamin Ray Blettner. Manuel leaves behind so many broken and shattered hearts. He also had a deep love for animals. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Humane Animal Rescue League at 6926 Hamilton Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15208.
Friends received in the William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. 11735 Frankstown Road (at Rodi Road), Penn Hills, on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 10 a.m.
James E. Murdock
Born in Montrose Hill, PA on September 20, 1923 and passed away in Mountain View, CA on April 15, 2022. Beloved husband of the late Edith Rote Murdock and Catherine Conley Murdock. Father of Laureen Coldiron (Dan), the late James R. Murdock, and Patricia Backus (Bob). Grandpa of Crystal Cervantes (Victor) and Debbie Aiken (Al). Great Grandpa of Brayden and Parker Cervantes. Brother of Fred Murdock (Nancy) and the late Leonard Murdock (Ann), Alexander Murdock III (Joan), Betty Murdock Rote (Larry), and Dorothy Murdock Rote (Richard). Also survived by many nieces and nephews. James was a proud US Army Veteran that served during WWII. Friends received in the William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. 11735 Frankstown Road (at Rodi Road), Penn Hills, on Saturday, May 7, 2022 from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12:30 p.m.