Patricia A. “Pat” (Dittmer) Carroll
Of Penn Hills, age 86, passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Daughter of the late Joseph and Julia Dittmer; dear sister of Dorothy Greek; loving wife of the late Harry C. Carroll; devoted mother of David (Patricia), Thomas (Charlette), Gary Mego, and Diane Mego; cherished grandmother of Brian (Kristin), Michelle (Taisuke), Rachel (Matthew), and the late Kristen; proud great- grandmother of Alexandra; caring stepmother of Vicky (Les) Andrews and Mike (Cheryl) Carroll; step grandmother of Zach (Elizabeth), Ben, and Caleb (Kieran) Andrews, Sam (Madison), and Jacob (Harvest) Carroll; step great-grandmother of Kellan, Quinn, Ezra, Amelia, Ryker, and Bristol.
Patricia will be remembered and missed by many for her warm smile and sense of humor. A devoted mother and caregiver, Patricia was recognized and honored by the Greater Pittsburgh Commission for Women and WPTT-TV as one of six Outstanding Women of 1991 for her noteworthy personal accomplishments and strength of character.
As a single mother, Patricia worked diligently to build a career she cherished, serving as a sommelier at Pietro’s in the Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh while also working as a server.
Her children were deeply proud of all she accomplished and of the strength and dedication she showed throughout her life.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Patricia’s memory may be made to Animal Friends, where she found her beloved companions Elvis, Pedro and Tucker, at https://thinkingoutsidethecage.org/donate/#tribute or Animal Friends, c/o Development, 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.
Friends and family received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral Prayers will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 10:20 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish, St. Bernadette Church, 245 Azalea Dr., Monroeville, PA 15146 at 11 a.m.
Katherine (Persichetti) Cerniglia
Age 95, of Monroeville, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 16, 2026. Beloved wife of the late Salvatore Cerniglia; mother of Lorraine (Tony) Amendola and the late Louis Raucci; grandmother of Nicole (Shane) Rubbe, A.J., and Louis (Samantha) Amendola; great-grandmother of Isabella, Gabi, Nico, Gigi, Tino, Anthony, and Frankie; sister of Anthony (Shirley) Persichetti and JoAnn (the late Joe) Zappala. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
A blessing service will be held in Allegheny Cemetery Temple of Memories Mausoleum, 4743 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201 on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 12 p.m. There will be no visitation. Everyone please meet at the cemetery.
Richard D. “Dick” Freeman
Age 87, of Johnstown, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Beloved husband of the late Bonnie; father of Susan (John) Burkett and Doug (Miriam) Freeman; step-father of three; Pappy of three; great-grandfather of Anna Niznik. Also survived by step-grandchildren. Dick was a proud army veteran and US Steel Worker. He enjoyed woodworking, bike riding, and volunteering with his Masonic lodge.
Service and interment private.
Gregory James Ambrose
Age 78, of Murrysville, originally from Penn Hills, passed away Friday, April 3, 2026. Greg was preceded in death by his parents Daniel Ambrose and Alice (McGrath) Ambrose; his brothers Daniel, Theodore, and Roy; and his son Gregory Daniel.
Greg started his career as a draftsman at D’Appolonia Engineering. In the late 70’s, he worked for a local flooring company and realized he had a passion for wood floors. In 1979, at the age of 31, he started Wood Floor Specialists, Inc. Greg was a hard worker and built a successful company. After 46 wonderful years, Greg turned his company over to his son Josh.
Greg enjoyed collecting 1950’s memorabilia and a few classic cars over the years. Greg really enjoyed cutting his grass and working in his garden. To him, this was enjoyable and relaxing.
Greg is survived by his daughter Michelle Kontos of Plum, his sons Daniel of Miami, and Joshua of Murrysville; his grandchildren Marissa Bosh and Konstantinos Kontos; and his half-brother Daniel Ambrose of Amherst, OH.
Friends and family received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A Blessing Service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 10 a.m.
Angelo Pampena
Age 91, of Washington Twp, formerly of Penn Hills, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, March 24, 2026.
Angelo, the beloved patriarch of his family, made the courageous journey from Ausonia, Italy to America in September of 1968, driven by a deep commitment to provide a better life and greater opportunities for those he loved. Through his strength and sacrifice he built a lasting legacy that will continue to grow for generations.
He cherished above all else his family, took great pride in tending to his garden, and was known for crafting his own homemade wine—simple joys that brought him immense happiness and were a reflection of his heritage and love of life.
Angelo was a longtime member of the Spigno Saturnia Italo American Society of Pittsburgh, Men’s Lodge. Through the years of being a member of the club, he was able to reconnect with previous friends that migrated from Italy and make new friends that he enjoyed spending time with. Above all he treasured his children, grandchildren and most of all his great-grandchildren. He was happiest when surrounded by his family.
In the final two years of his life, a time when he needed help the most, Angelo resided with his son, Alex; where he was surrounded by comfort and care. He thoroughly enjoyed living in a home where he could see his grandchildren and great-grandchildren daily.
Proceeded in death by his wife, Filomena (Cardillo) Pampena, his grandson Alessandro -Michael Pampena and his great grandson Mason Kuhlman.
He is survived by his son, Alessandro Pampena (Lisa) of Washington Twp. His grandchildren Gabriella Kuhlman (Brian), Angelo Pampena (Jenna), Antoinette Drew (Dakota) and Alessia Peppler. Great grandchildren- Johnny, Nico, Alivia, Alessandro, Lorenzo, Ava, Leia, Luke, and Dean.
His daughter Josephine Scatena (Frank) of Washington Twp. Grandchildren- Frank Scatena (Angela), Angela Krebs (Adam) and Andrew Scatena. Great grandchildren- Franky, Adelyn, Maria and Giovanni.
Along with his daughter Maria Pampena of Allegheny Twp.
Friends and family received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 2-7 p.m. A Blessing Service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.