Frank “Pap” Cinefra
Born May 4, 1953, in Pittsburgh, beloved father and grandfather Frank “Pap” Cinefra passed away Friday, November 10, 2023, at his home in Penn Hills.
Frank is survived by his daughter Lindsey (Brian) Haberl and grandchildren Rowan and Aria, sons Michael (Shiloh Gauthier) and Christopher (Chelsea Koontz) Cinefra, and many extended family members and friends. Frank is predeceased by his wife, Deborah Stockey Cinefra, his brother, Gary Cinefra, and his sister, Sandra Nicassio.
Frank was a lifelong resident of Verona and graduate of Penn Hills High School, class of 1971, and the University of Pittsburgh, class of 1976. On May 2, 1975, Frank married his sweetie, Debbie, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Verona.
Frank, taught by his father, started working for John Ruscella at the East Liberty furniture and upholstery studio in 1973. As Frank honed his skills under John's mentorship, he excelled in all aspects of the craft, from constructing frames to fabric cutting and spring tying. Eventually, Frank took charge of production, quality assurance, and a team of 6 employees at the shop. By the mid-80's, Frank had become the sole owner of Ruscella's Fine Upholstery. In 2018, Frank "semi-retired" from the business and his sons now operate Ruscella's in Verona, preserving the family name.
Frank, a skilled handyman and avid fan of the Steelers and Pirates, was known for his deep laugh and gentle demeanor. In addition, Frank’s meatloaf couldn’t be beat. But don’t ask for the recipe. Frank never followed one. He measured with his heart.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lupus Foundation of America, 2121 K Street, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20037, Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090, or Parkinson’s Foundation, 100 South Commons Suite 102, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.
Friends received at William F. Gross Funeral Home 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Friday, November 17, 2023 from 9 a.m. until the time of the Blessing Service at 10 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, 8th Street, Verona, PA 15147.
Mark C. Baker
Age 62, of Plum Borough, passed away peacefully Thursday, November 9, 2023. Beloved husband of Michele (Mastay) Baker; father of Ryan Baker; brother of Carrie Stilphen and Spencer Baker. Also survived by nieces and nephews.
Service and Interment Private.
Robert J. “Turfer” Korff
Age 71, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 29, 2023. Son of the late Patrick and Emilie Korff; husband of Nelmarie; father of Rob (Kelley) Korff, Patrick (Stacylynn) Korff, Lisa Korff, and Cody Korff; step-father of Jimmy Moore; grandfather of Robert III, Doryian, Caleb, Britney, Layla, Addie, and Rocky; great-grandfather of Bre’Lyn; brother of Patricia (Mike) McClafferty; uncle of Michael McClafferty, Jr. and Shawn McClafferty. He is predeceased by his best friend Joseph “Pizon” Caltagirone. Also survived by his canine companion Rosie. He is a retired route manager for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the family’s Go Fund Me page, https://www.gofundme.com/f/robert-bob-korff-sr?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet-first-launch&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer.
Friends received at William F. Gross Funeral Home 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Sunday, December 17, 2023 from 2-4 p.m. A celebration of life ceremony will take place at Penn Hills Alliance Church, 7605 Saltsburg Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15239 at 4:45 p.m.
Robert D. Ariondo
Age 60, of Penn Hills, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, October 31, 2023. Beloved son of Mary (Sullivan) and the late Salvatore “Sam” Ariondo; brother of Sam Ariondo, Terry (Todd Daly) Giordano, Cassie (Frank) Sciulli and the late JoAnn Ariondo; loving uncle of Nicole Ariondo, Frank, Anthony, and the late Ashley Giordano, Angela Catullo, Michael, and Amanda Sciulli; great uncle of William Monroe, Santino Ariondo, Albert Clark, and the special Kennedy Delgado. Bob loved the outdoors and caring for the wildlife. He will be dearly missed by those that knew him. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Humane Animal Rescue Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, 6000 Verona Rd., Verona, PA 15147.
Friends received at William F. Gross Funeral Home 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills Friday, November 3, 2023 from 4- 8 p.m. Funeral prayers will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish St. Susanna Church 200 Stotler Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15235 at 10 a.m.
Nellie Ireland Phillips
April 10, 1923 – October 27, 2023
Nellie Ireland Phillips was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend. She went to be with the Lord Friday, October 27, 2023 at age 100, in Oakmont, PA.
Nellie was born to Emerson and Rachel Ireland on April 10, 1923 In Penn Hills, PA; the oldest of six children, she grew up on the banks of the Allegheny River. After high school, she entered Pennsylvania College for Women, and graduated with a nursing degree. During those years, she met Vic Phillips, and they married in 1944, in the middle of a war that almost immediately separated them. Once reunited, they built a life together that spanned 60 years.
Nellie loved the Lord, her family, gardening, and her dogs. Her life revolved around her relationship with Christ, and doing His will. But she also took great pleasure in nurturing and serving others. And she energetically and beautifully maintained plants and shrubs, particularly on their property on Nadine Road in Penn Hills, where she and Vic built a home after the war and raised four children.
In addition to her nursing career, Nellie became a key partner with Vic in the family business. For a time, she also held a leadership position at their denomination’s college, which was emblematic of her lifelong concern for foreign missions. It was a privilege and joy for her and Vic to travel to numerous foreign countries – often visiting mission fields and ministries that they supported. In her later years, she shared life with her daughter Nancy and 3 wonderful dogs, Jake II, Daisy and Goldie; the family is grateful for the sacrificial care that Nancy provided in so many ways.
Nellie is survived by: children Nancy, David (Nancy), Janice (Daniel), and Richard (Maureen); and brothers Robert and Roger (Annette). She loved and treasured her eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Please no flowers. Consider a memorial donation to the charity of your choice.
Friends received at William F. Gross Funeral Home 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral Services will take place at 6 p.m. A private burial will take place a Mt. Hope Cemetery.