Michael James Rice
Affectionately known as BIG MIKE and BIG PAPPY, age 90, of Monroeville, formerly of Penn Hills, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 3, 2022. Son of the late James and Margaret (Cavanaugh) Rice; beloved husband of 40 years and widowed for 28 years of the late Marie (Reutter) Rice; loving father of Keith (Wendy) Stack, Michele (Dean) Hoover, JB (Karen McGee) Rice, Denis (Sharon) Rice, Joe (Pam) Rousso, and the late Richard Stack; proud grandfather of Justin Stack, Jennifer (Eric) Tusick, Michael Dean (Jenny-Lee) Hoover, Jessica (Michael Lawthers) Hoover, Jarrett Rice, Jennah (Nathan) Barthlow, Juliana (Omar Aboukelila) Rice, Tiffany (Angel) Rice-Perez, Denis (Tara) Rice, Shauna (Gino) Rometo, and Joe, Jr. (Alissa Adams) Rousso; great-grandfather of Logan and Zoey Stack, Luke Ropon, Anthony Tusick, Michelina, Nevaeh, Khloe, Dean, and Sophia Hoover, Jayda Lawthers, Gianina Barthlow, Emilia and Zachary Rice, Avianna and Giavanna Rometo; great-great-grandfather of Anilah Ropon; brother of the late Jane (Ed) Henry, Helen (Earl) Kible, and Margaret (Bob) Hollinger; also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Mike was the steward of the BSNI club in East Liberty for 12 years and was a senior computer analyst for 44 years on the P&LE Railroad. Dad had an infectious laugh and was a kind and thoughtful family man. Mike was an avid Pirates and Steelers fan. One of our families loving memories is getting a singing telegram from dad (pappy) on your birthday. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and all their accomplishments in life. Our family would like to give a special thank you to Tricia Schneider, dad’s caretaker and dear friend. She brought Big Mike joy and love, and he was never alone especially in the last several weeks. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, 225 N. Michigan Ave., FL. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
Friends will be received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, LTD., 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.) Penn Hills, on Friday, September 9, 2022 from 2-7 p.m. Funeral Prayers will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 9:20 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 10 a.m.
Joanne (Nemec) Frey
Age 83, of Penn Hills, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, August 31, 2022. Daughter of Vencil Nemec and Mary Mastropier; beloved wife of the late Robert N. Frey, Sr.; mother of Robert N. (Kelly) Frey, Jr. and Sally Frey; grandmother of Robert Boyd Frey and Rebecca A. Frey. Joanne was a quilter, lace maker, doll collector and an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast.
Friends will be received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, LTD., 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.) Penn Hills, on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at 10 a.m.
Paul R. Ross, Jr.
Of Penn Hills, passed away Tuesday, August 16, 2022. Beloved husband of Anita Shirley Ross; father of Robert T. Ross and the late Charles D. Ross. Paul graduated from Wilkinsburg High School, where he was a letterman football player, before going to the United States Army. After the Army, he went to school at the University of Pittsburgh, where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Paul worked for PPG as a Mechanical Design Engineer for 38 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and many outdoor activities. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Hebron United Presbyterian Church at 10460 Frankstown Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235.
Friends received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, LTD., 11735 Frankstown Rd, (at Rodi Road) Penn Hills, Thursday, August 18, 2022 from 2 – 4 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday, August 19, 2022 at 12 p.m.
Pearl Lynn (McCullough) Shearer
Age 55, of Penn Hills, passed away Monday, August 15, 2022. Daughter of Leona V. and the late Richard P. “Tiny” McCullough, Sr.; sister of Bruce (Maggie) Mastay, Michele (Mark) Baker, Scott (Michelle) Mastay, and Richard (Tiffany) McCullough. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends, especially her dear friend Susan McGinnis. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to ASPCA at 424 E. 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128.
Friends received in the William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. 11735 Frankstown Road (at Rodi Road), Penn Hills, for visitation with the family on Thursday, August 25, 2022 from 5 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 7 p.m.
Michele M. Abijanac
At age 79, Michele left this world too early on Friday, June 24, 2022. While devoting time as the successful owner of the salon, Hairdresser II in Shadyside, she also enjoyed many years of extensive traveling, walking at North Park and spending time with family and friends. Daughter of the late Michael and Dorothy Abijanac; survived by brothers Michael (Martine) and David (Marlene Haley); and sister of deceased sisters Carol (late Joseph) Zugec and Jackie (Robert) Cernick and deceased nephew. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, a great-niece and great-nephews, and a great-great niece. Family and friends will be received for a Blessing Service held on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Cemetery, 204 Cemetery Ln., Pittsburgh, PA. 15237, in the Mausoleum Chapel, upper level. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association local chapter or to your preferred charity.