William F. Gross

Nicholas A. Theofilis

Age 23, of Penn Hills, passed away tragically Sunday, November 27, 2022. Beloved son of Peter and Lori (Patrizi) Theofilis; brother of Max Theofilis; grandson of Angela “Yia Yia” Theofilis and Delores Patrizi; preceded in death by his grandfathers Anthony Theofilis and James Patrizi. Also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Nick earned the rank of Eagle Scout where he developed his love for first aid. He was a 2017 graduate of Penn Hills High School. He started his EMT training in high school and finished with the rank of Paramedic. While in high school, Nick was a member of the Naval ROTC and a volunteer firefighter for Rosedale Fire Department #222 in Penn Hills. He was a Certified Lifeguard and CPR Instructor. He was in the process of becoming a Master Mason. Nick worked in various restaurants over his years and made himself at home anywhere he went. He always made himself available to anybody that needed his help. To know Nick was to love Nick. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Rosedale Volunteer Fire Department #222, 5806 Verona Rd., Verona, PA 15147.

Friends will be received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, LTD., 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.) Penn Hills, on Friday, December 2, 2022 from 2-8 p.m. Funeral Prayers will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 10 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish St. Susanna Church, 200 Stotler Rd., Penn Hills, PA 15235 at 11 a.m.

Derek A. Proden

Age 52, of Plum Borough, passed away peacefully surrounded by his entire family Friday, November 25, 2022. Beloved husband of Jami (Ziegler); father of Savana, Sydney, and Jace Proden; son of Marlene and the late Dennis A. Proden; bother of Jason A. (Sharon) Proden; nephew of Mary Ann Yanish; uncle of Lucas, Brayden, Shane, and several others. He was a Foreman Master Plumber for Ryco Inc. he was an avid fisherman that shared his enjoyment and knowledge with his son and brother. He was a devoted and thoughtful father that played a very active role in his children’s lives.

Friends will be received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, LTD., 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.) Penn Hills, on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 from 2-8 p.m. Funeral Prayers will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family Parish, St. John the Baptist Church, 444 St. John Street, Plum, PA 15239 at 10 a.m.

Paul F. Mercurio

Age 96, of Murrysville, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Saturday, November 26, 2022. Beloved husband of Nilda, for 75 years; father of Frank (Alyson) Mercurio, Mary (Tim) Emanuele, Dorine (Len) Tucci, and Paula (Andy) Spochacz; grandfather of Frank (Michele) Mercurio, Joseph Mercurio, Larissa Emanuele, A.J. (Rachel) Emanuele, and Paul Emanuele; great-grandfather of Max Mercurio, Bella Mercurio, Frances Rae and Athena Jo Emanuele; brother of Frank (Ginger) Mercurio and the late Donata (Nick) Lodovico, Felix (Virginia) Mercurio, Victoria (Rocco) Rizzo, and Glorian (Bob) Miele. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Paul was a proud US Navy Veteran, serving in WWII. He was a retired US Postal Transmission Mechanic. Paul enjoyed traveling, trips to the casino, hunting, and his vegetable garden. Those who knew him best, were lucky enough to get to enjoy his famous hot peppers. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284.

Friends will be received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, LTD., 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.) Penn Hills, on Monday, November 28, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral Prayers will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 9 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Mother of Sorrows Church, 4202 Old William Penn Hwy., Murrysville, PA 15668 at 10 a.m.

Stacey Lynn Ward

Age 48, of Vandergrift, formerly of Penn Hills, passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2022 peacefully in her home. Beloved wife of Carl Ward; loving mother of Caitlin and Alexa; daughter of Kathleen Hennigan; sister of Sean (Kimberly) Hennigan and the late Michael Hennigan; niece of Beverly Gabrielli and Gary (Teri) Rockar; cousin of Rebecca (Kevin) Pawlos and the late Joseph Gabrielli; granddaughter of the late William and Shirley Rockar. She was highly loved and cherished by her family, friends, and neighbors. She enjoyed being silly and having fun. Our “Duda”, “Macaroni”, “Bubblies” will be greatly missed.

There will be no public visitation. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.